KARACHI: The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has allowed banks to grant their employees to work from home in order to conserve energy including fuel and energy.
The SBP on Wednesday issue a circular stating that the Federal and Provincial Governments are taking a number of actions to address the prevailing energy situation in the country.
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In a similar bid, the SBP has taken a number of measures to conserve energy. It is expected that the banking industry will also play its role for energy and fuel conservation.
The SBP said that the banks may formulate a policy on “Work From Home (WFH)” whereby banks’ offices (other than branches) can observe, one/two days in every week, as WFH to achieve the intended objectives.
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The banks may close all of its premises including branches at 7:00 pm or earlier and switch-off their electric supply except for any emergency use, call centers, monitoring of Alternative Delivery Channels (ADCs), back-ups and maintaining necessary electrical/ IT equipment. Moreover, the air-conditioners at ATMs vestibules may be used economically.
The electrically illuminated sign-boards of branches and other offices shall remain switched-off, at all times.
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The banks are encouraged to hold their meetings (intra/inter-city etc.) virtually and also curtail their local as well as international travelling expenses.
The banks shall encourage their staff to pool their transportation for commuting to and from their respective offices and take any other measure(s) for reducing the commutation time of the bank staff.
The banks may adopt the use of alternate and cost effective sources of energy such as deployment of solar technologies and encourage use of energy efficient equipment, fixtures and appliances in their premises.
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The banks may take any other steps/ actions to curtail the consumption of electricity and fuel in their respective offices including branches.
The banks shall enhance awareness of their employees as well as customers about energy conservation initiatives and encourage them to take part in this energy conservation drive.
In order to achieve the intended objectives, the banks are advised to ensure adequate oversight and monitoring mechanism of energy conservation drive.
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In view of foregoing, banks are advised to take appropriate measures and share their energy conservation plan with SBP latest by June 24, 2022 (Friday). Such measures should be effective latest from July 01, 2022.
