UOB Thailand advances sustainability through the ‘Green Branch’ clean energy initiative
As part of its commitment to sustainability, UOB Thailand has been driving environmental stewardship and efficient resource management through its ‘Green Branch’ initiative, launched in 2018. This initiative aligns with the Bank’s overarching sustainability strategy and spans all 140 branches nationwide.
UOB Thailand focuses on four key pillars in its pursuit of a more sustainable future:
1. Clean energy and energy conservation (Green energy)
UOB Thailand actively promotes the use of clean energy and energy efficiency across its branches. Solar panels have been installed in 24 branches across 13 provinces, helping reduce dependency on fossil fuels—the primary source of air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. This initiative is expected to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 16 per cent, or approximately 130,000 kilogrammes of CO₂ per year, equivalent to planting more than 8,700 trees annually.
The Bank has also upgraded essential electrical appliances—such as replacing traditional air conditioners with inverter systems, which reduce energy consumption by 20 per cent, and using LED lighting, which is 30–50 per cent more energy-efficient than fluorescent lights. These measures not only lower energy costs but also significantly reduce carbon emissions.
2. Transition to electric vehicles
Recognising the environmental impact of transportation, UOB Thailand has replaced 19 petrol-powered vehicles in its fleet with electric vehicles (EVs). This shift will reduce carbon emissions by around 38,000 kilogrammes of CO₂ per year, equivalent to planting over 2,500 trees annually, and save the Bank approximately THB 900,000 in fuel costs each year.
3. Waste management
With the rapid increase in waste generation, particularly single-use plastics and organic waste that releases methane, UOB Thailand is taking steps to reduce waste at the source.
The Bank has installed drinking water refill stations at 111 branches, significantly reducing the use of single-use plastic bottles—an estimated 440,000 bottles annually. This effort prevents the release of approximately 55,000 kilogrammes of CO₂ per year, equivalent to planting more than 3,700 trees annually.
4. Resource reduction
Reducing the consumption of finite resources such as paper and water is a key focus. UOB Thailand is transitioning from printed brochures to e-Leaflets, using specially designed digital-enabled leaflet stands with QR code scanning capabilities. These stands are also made from recycled materials.
As part of its roadmap, the Bank began phasing out paper brochures in 2024, with an expected reduction of 360,000 printed sheets per year, which in turn reduces approximately 3,700 kilogrammes of CO₂ emissions annually, equivalent to planting more than 250 trees per year.
Additionally, the Bank uses Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) – certified paper sourced from sustainably managed forests to minimise ecological impact and reduce emissions throughout the production cycle.
To promote water conservation, UOB Thailand educates its employees on efficient water use and has upgraded sanitation systems in branches to water-saving fixtures, leading to a measurable and continuous reduction in water usage.
A commitment to a sustainable future
UOB Thailand remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability, continuing to implement impactful initiatives that benefit both the community and the environment.
Because we believe that “Sustainability is not a choice, it is the path to the future.”
#SustainableFutureWithUOB
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