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7. ”la Caixa” and the Environment Social Responsibility Report 2006 ”la Caixa” 120 ”la Caixa” and the Environment

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Page 1: ”la Caixa”and the Environment · Environmental requirements for suppliers 131 7.8. Direct environmental impact of the activities of ”la Caixa” 132 ... the legal framework

7. ”la Caixa” and the Environment

Social Responsibility Report 2006 ”la Caixa” 120

”la Caixa” and the Environment

Page 2: ”la Caixa”and the Environment · Environmental requirements for suppliers 131 7.8. Direct environmental impact of the activities of ”la Caixa” 132 ... the legal framework

7. ”la Caixa” and the Environment

Social Responsibility Report 2006 ”la Caixa” 121

Index

7.1. Introduction 1237.2. Key aspects of the relationship between ”la Caixa” and the environment 123

TRUST7.3. Trust based on Respect and Protection 126

7.3.1. The environmental committee of ”la Caixa” 1267.3.2. Institutional participation 126

SOCIAL COMMITMENT7.4. Indirect environmental impact of activities of ”la Caixa” 128

7.4.1. Funding for renewable energy projects 128

QUALITY7.5. Rules and Certifications 1307.6. Analysis of environmental risks in the concession of credits 1317.7. Environmental requirements for suppliers 1317.8. Direct environmental impact of the activities of ”la Caixa” 132

7.8.1. Internal consumption: indicators and improvement initiatives 1327.8.2. Waste management and recycling 1357.8.3. Atmospheric emissions 135

7.9. Environmental education and awareness 136

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CLIENTES9,6 millones de

TRUST

QUALITY

SOCIA

LC

OM

MITM

ENT

7. ”la Caixa” and the Environment

Social Responsibility Report 2006 ”la Caixa” 122

Respect for theENVIRONMENT

”Trust is about helping clients realise that there is alwayssomeone at branches they can speak to. I am convinced thatin order to work efficiently and offer quality products it isnecessary to be acquainted with clients and to attend totheir needs on a one-to-one basis. Social commitment meanstreating clients as people and adopting an attitude of respecttowards the local environment”

Pilar Duque GarcíaFinancial service advisor

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7. ”la Caixa” and the Environment

Social Responsibility Report 2006 ”la Caixa” 123

7.1. Introduction”la Caixa” is committed to its surroundingsociety, for which care for the environment hasbecome an increasing concern. In order toaddress this issue, ”la Caixa” not only conformsto specific environmental regulations, but alsoproactively seeks the involvement of all ”laCaixa” workers and aims to improve theorganisation's processes and consumption.Consequently, environmental responsibilityencompasses all its employees and participatingcompanies.

”la Caixa” formalises its commitment tosustainability by way of: 1) a certifiedenvironmental management system with whichit regularly conducts audits and reviews in itscentral services, corresponding to internal andexternal audits and EMAS, as well as in theterritorial network of branches in Catalonia; 2)signing up to the UN environmentalprogramme for the financial sector; 3)supporting and funding companies related to

the protection of the environment; 4) carryingout awareness activities with its interest groups;and 5) various actions for dissemination andprotection of nature carried out by its ObraSocial, among other initiatives. Thisenvironmental policy was last reviewed inJanuary 2006.

7.2. Key aspects of the relationship between ”la Caixa” andthe environment”la Caixa” is sensitive to the aspects of its activitythat are related to sustainability and theenvironment. Therefore, it provides its clientsand society with a wide range of channels andmechanisms so they can overcome theirconcerns regarding these issues.

The institution's answers on these issues arematerialised in a host of actions that arechannelled and integrated in its business andwhich go far beyond what is set forth inthe legal framework.

”la Caixa” and the Environment

”la Caixa” ensures that its actions arecompletely environmentally friendly by way of a certified environment management system; signing up to theUN environment programme for the financial sector; supporting and fundingcompanies related to the protection of the environment; involving all the institution's employees in its improvement; and carrying out actions for dissemination and protection of nature through its Obra Social

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7. ”la Caixa” and the Environment

Social Responsibility Report 2006 ”la Caixa” 124

· Office network. ¿Hablamos? (slogan meaning ”Let's do business”).

23,229 employees and 5179 branches of ”la Caixa”distributed across Spain at large

· Permanent contact and relations with publicadministrations, private institutions and non-profitorganisations.

Dialogue mechanisms Relevant issues for ”la Caixa”

Environmental management of ”la Caixa”

Application of principles and best environmental practices

in all its actions

Management of the direct or indirect environmental impact

of its activities

Envi

ron

men

t

Page 6: ”la Caixa”and the Environment · Environmental requirements for suppliers 131 7.8. Direct environmental impact of the activities of ”la Caixa” 132 ... the legal framework

7. ”la Caixa” and the Environment

Social Responsibility Report 2006 ”la Caixa” 125

Response actions

· ”la Caixa”has a multi-disciplinary Environmental Committee which wasset up five years ago. Its functions are to establish, approve and update a

management programme that enables the institution to reach theobjectives defined in the institution's environmental policy.

· ”la Caixa” has taken its voluntary commitment to the environment far beyondthe framework established by the legislation. Additionally, ”la Caixa” hasbeen part of the UN Financial Institutions Programme (UNEP-FI) since2003.

· ”la Caixa” applies environmentally responsible purchase criteria. Since2005, the institution has used the Guía Compra Verde para Oficinas, a

document that provides guidance on the sustainable purchase of officematerial. This affects companies that take part in purchase processesthrough public auctions.

· In October 2006, ”la Caixa” was awarded the Environmental QualityAssurance distinction for its network of 1789 branches in Catalonia. Itwas the first financial institution to receive this distinction.

· ”la Caixa” makes use of environmental criteria when it comes to theconcession of credits in ”project finance” operations and largeoperations.

· The most relevant consumptions of ”la Caixa” are those of electric energyand paper. The institution carries out regular monitoring of both theseresources in order to implement measures with the aim of reducing andoptimising their consumption.

· ”la Caixa” has cooperated, in conjunction with other institutions, in17 operations for funding environmental improvement projects for avalue of 1580 million euros, 900 milons euros of which have alreadybeen secured by this institution.

· 25,440 training hours given to nigh on 1700 employees on the”Environmental Management System ISO 14001” course.

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7. ”la Caixa” and the Environment

Social Responsibility Report 2006 ”la Caixa” 126

7.3. Trust based on respect and protection7.3.1. The environmental committee of ”la Caixa” ”la Caixa” has part-time employees workingon environmental issues. The environmentalcommittee, created five years ago, is formedby various departments of ”la Caixa”: audit,efficiency, general services and staff. Thiscommittee meets at least twice a year and itsfunctions are establishing, approving andupdating a management programme thatenables the institution to reach the objectivesdefined in its environmental policy.

7.3.2. Institutional participationUN environment ProgrammeThe institution has undertaken various voluntarycommitments including signing up to the UNFinancial Institutions Programme (UNEP-FI) sinceSeptember 2003. By signing the Declaration of

Financial Institutions on the Environment andSustainable Development ”la Caixa” has takenon a commitment in favour of sustainabledevelopment, the integration of environmentalaspects in operations and services carried out bythe financial sector and in favour of awarenessand communication.

Environmental Quality Assurance distinctionThe institution's calling for cooperating withother institutions can also be seen in theenvironmental sphere. Since 2004, ”la Caixa”has institutionally cooperated with theMinistry of the Environment and Housing ofthe Generalitat Government. Theagreement came to a conclusion with thecreation of an environmental qualitydistinction for the network of customerservice offices, published in resolutionMAH/1389/2006.

Since 2003, ”la Caixa” has been part of the UN Financial Institutions

Programme (UNEP-FI)

Voluntary commitments of ”la Caixa” with regard to the environment:

TOTAL NO. OF ENVIRONMENTAL COMMITTEE MEETINGS HELD BY ”LA CAIXA”

3

5

2

04 05 06

SEPTEMBER 2003Signing up to the UN Financial Institutions Programme (UNEP-FI).

DECEMBER 2004Signing up to the Excellencein Sustainability Club

TRUST

QUALITY

SOCIA

LC

OM

MITM

ENT

Respect for theENVIRONMENT

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7. ”la Caixa” and the EnvironmentTrust

Social Responsibility Report 2006 ”la Caixa” 127

It is worth highlighting that ”la Caixa”acquired the Environmental Quality Assurancedistinction in October 2006 for its network ofbranches in Catalonia. It is the first financialinstitution to have acquired this distinction.

This Ecolabel officially establishes that thenetwork of branches of ”la Caixa” inCatalonia conforms to ecological criteriamainly focused on reducing energy andwater consumption as well as wastegeneration. Likewise, it focuses onincreasing the use of environmentallyfriendly products.

This certification is in addition to ISO 14001 andthe EMAS register, which the institution hasalready acquired. Compliance with resolutionMAH/1389/2006 and the creation of theenvironmental quality assurance distinction fornetworks of customer service offices has beenverified by AENOR, the Spanish Association forStandardisation and Certification.

This Ecolabel constitutes a step forward in thecommitment of the institution to thecontinuous improvement of environmentalpractices and it is also seen as an answer to theconcerns of environmentally aware clients.

”la Caixa” has acquired the Environmental Quality Assurance distinction for its network of branchesin Catalonia. It was the first financialinstitution to achieve this

SEPTEMBER 2005Signing up to the UN Global Compact

OCTOBER 2006Acquisition of the EnvironmentalQuality Assurance distinction for its network of branches in Catalonia.

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7. ”la Caixa” and the Environment

Social Responsibility Report 2006 ”la Caixa” 128

7.4. Indirect environmental impact of activities of ”la Caixa”7.4.1. Funding for renewable energy projectsA financial institution plays a key rolewhen it comes to generating a positiveenvironmental impact as it can contribute

with capital and fund environmentallyfriendly or renewable energy-based projects.In this respect, during 2006, ”la Caixa” tookpart in 17 syndicate operations with otherinstitutions for a total value of 1580 milionsof euros, 900 milions of euros of which havealready been secured by the institution.

INVESTMENTS IN PROJECTS OF RENEWABLE ENERGIES IN 2006 (millions of euros)

NORTH DTTotal: 680

Secured: 344

DT: TERRITORIAL AREATotal amount 1580

Total secured 900

CENTRE DTTotal: 830

Secured: 517

SOUTH DTTotal: 15

Secured: 15

VALENCIA DTTotal: 55

Secured: 24

TRUST

QUALITY

SOCIA

LC

OM

MITM

ENT

Respect for theENVIRONMENT

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7. ”la Caixa” and the EnvironmentSocial Commitment

Social Responsibility Report 2006 ”la Caixa” 129

Ecological gift from the star points catalogue present is made withecological material derived from corn dyed with non-toxic foodpigments and is certified by European safety certificates for children.In addition, it is 100% biodegradable (product and package). It is atoy consisting of various coloured pieces with which children cancreate all kinds of figures. Its peculiarity lies in the fact that it is made

of Mater-Bi, a bioplastic produced from biodegradable andcompostable cornstarch. All colourings used are non-toxic foodcolourings. With the purchase of each unit of this ethical toy,Ecotoys® makes a donation to the non-profit organisationFondo per la Terra (the Earth Fund Association) that allows themaintenance of 50 square metres of the Amazon Rainforest.

ECOLOGICAL GIFT FROM THE STAR POINTS CATALOGUE

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7. ”la Caixa” and the Environment

Social Responsibility Report 2006 ”la Caixa” 130

7.5. Rules and CertificationsThe central services of ”la Caixa” are certified inaccordance to the ISO 14001 standard and theEMAS system as regards the management ofall applicable environmental aspects. These aretwo certificates that lay the foundations of theEnvironmental Management System of theinstitution.

This system, documented according to theISO 14001 standard and EuropeanRegulation 761/2001 (EMAS), was firstapplied in the central services located inBarcelona in 2003. Its most significant pointsare covered in the environmental declaration,an internally disseminated document that is

accessible to the public over the institution'scorporate website and in the PropertyRegister.

The regular review of the environmentalmanagement system improves itsperformance. In this respect, various internaland external audits are carried out every yearwith the aim of verifying the continualimprovement of the system and renewingthe respective environmental certifications.

Additionally, as stated previously, ”la Caixa”has acquired the Ecolabel certificate fromthe Generalitat Government for itsnetwork of branches.

Certifications acquired by ”la Caixa” 2004 2005 2006

No. of ISO 14001 certificates that ”la Caixa” has acquired

No. of employees affected by the ISO 14001 standard

No. of branches affected by the Ecolabel distinction

No. of employees affected by the Ecolabel distinction

1

1481

-

-

1

1430

-

-

1

1404

1789

9965

TRUST

QUALITY

SOCIA

LC

OM

MITM

ENT

Respect for theENVIRONMENT

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7. ”la Caixa” and the EnvironmentQuality

Social Responsibility Report 2006 ”la Caixa” 131

7.6. Analysis of environmental risks inthe concession of credits”la Caixa”, is aware of the significance of anadequate study and the correct formalisationof credit transactions, with regard to both thereliability of transactions and the level ofenvironmental friendliness of the economicactivity. Thus, it has a risk criteria protocolwhich all branches can have access to. Thisprotocol describes the main requirements tobe considered when analysing a transaction.

When it comes to studying a transaction,various qualitative aspects should be taken intoconsideration in the sphere of client analysis.One of these aspects is environmental riskanalysis, since the institution believes thatenvironmental protection is of greatsignificance when it comes to assessing therisks. During the assessment process for theconcession of a credit, it is important to verifythat current regulations are complied with andthat no potential problems result from a lack ofrespect to environmental rules which, in turn,could affect the stability of the business.Likewise, it should be verified that measuresare adopted for minimising environmental riskto the greatest extent possible. This process isparticularly relevant in ”project finance”operations, as it is important to not overlookthe potential environmental impact from theoutset of the operation.

”la Caixa” takes environmental risks intoconsideration in its credit concession processes.In this respect, special attention is paid to certainissues, such as whether the service providercomplies with applicable regulations in eachcase or whether it has acquired certificates ofadhesion to environmental managementsystems (EMAS, ISO 14001, etc.).

Therefore, it is of utmost importance to takeinto account the assessment of the technicalcharacteristics of the production centres ofthese companies in order to ensure that theyconform to environmental regulations, thestudy of preventive investments carried out orthe taking out of specific insurance policies inorder to cover for accidents.

7.7. Environmental requirements forsuppliersEnvironmental impact must be analysed froman internal and direct perspective of theorganisation. Likewise, the whole value chainand its responsible action must be taken intoconsideration. The institution incorporates aclause of commitment to environmentallegislation, especially as regards wastemanagement, in its contracts with suppliers.This clause is present in all the contractsundertaken with suppliers to ”la Caixa”.

In addition, ”la Caixa” applies environmentallyresponsible purchase criteria. Throughout2006, the ”Environmentally FriendlyPurchase Guide for Branches”, which wascreated in 2005, was implemented. Thisdocument offers advice when it comes topurchasing environmentally sustainableoffice material and affects the companiestaking part in purchase processes throughpublic auctions. This guide seeks tocouple quality and minimal environmentalimpact. It provides recommendations forpurchasing material as well as aquestionnaire for the supplier. Thesupplier must fill in this questionnaire bygiving a mark to various considerationsrelating to the treatment that theircompany gives to differing environmentalaspects.

”la Caixa” applies environmentally responsible purchase criteria. Since2005, the institution has used the ”Environmentally Friendly PurchaseGuide for Branches”, a document that offers advice when it comes to purchasing environmentally sustainable office material and affects the companies taking part in purchase processes through public auctions

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7. ”la Caixa” and the Environment

Social Responsibility Report 2006 ”la Caixa” 132

7.8. Direct environmental impactof the activities of ”la Caixa”Despite the fact that the activities carried outby ”la Caixa” do not have significant impactson the environment, the institution is willingto provide a comprehensive answer to allaspects derived from its activities. This needis the result of everyday work, whicheventually produced small indirect impacts,such as the consumption of resources or thegeneration of waste and emissions.

The most relevant consumption of ”la Caixa”corresponds to electric energy and paper.

The regular monitoring of the measuresimplemented by ”la Caixa” allow for theoptimisation of both consumptions.

The total direct costs of environmentalmanagement throughout 2006 rose to74,216.41 euros.

7.8.1. Internal consumption: indicators and improvement initiatives Branches”la Caixa” has carried out the Life CycleAnalysis (LCA) of its branches. The aim of

Indicators of the direct environmental impactCentral services of ”la Caixa”

2004 2005 2006

Consumption of natural resources

CONSUMPTION OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Electric energy (GJ) (*)Total consumption of electric energy

Total consumption of electric energy per employee

% of electric energy saving (consumption reduction)

Gasoil (GJ) (***)Total consumption of diesel oil

Total consumption of diesel oil per employee

% of diesel oil saving (consumption reduction)

CO2 (Tn) (****)Emissions CO2 for gasoil consumption (Tn)

Emissions CO2 for electric consumption (Tn)

Total tons of CO2

Water (m3)Total consumption of water

Total consumption of water per employee

% of water saving (consumption reduction)

81,483

54.57

- 2.2

24,557 (**)

16.44

+ 700.8

67,822

46

- 18.15

(*) Conversion factor: GJ per Kwh: 0.0036. Source:GRI Technical Protocols.(**) Consumption in 2004 was extraordinary due toa breakdown in the surge protection system for PCs.(***) Conversion factor: GJ per gallon of gasoil(3.78 litres): 0.138. Source: GRI Technical Protocols.(****) Conversion factor: gr of CO2 per Kwh produced in Spain in 2004: 390.49.

Conversion factor: gr of CO2 per Kwh produced inSpain in 2005: 420.47. Conversion factor: gr of CO2 per Kwh produced in Spain in 2006: 391.14. Source: GRI Technical Protocols and the latest report from Red Eléctrica de España.Conversion factor: kg of CO2 per litre of gasoil: 2.7.Source: Spanish motoring sector.

85,213

57.07

+ 4.5

1547

1.03

- 93.5

55,947

39

-17.5

90,535

60.63

+ 6.2

3023

2.02

+ 95.4

1816

8838

10,655

114

9953

10,067

224

9837

10,060

74,847

50

+ 33.7

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7. ”la Caixa” and the EnvironmentQuality

Social Responsibility Report 2006 ”la Caixa” 133

this study is to contribute to the reduction ofenvironmental impacts derived from thematerials and components used in theconstruction, the use and the deconstructionof a branch, as well as those related to itsmaintenance. This study enables ”la Caixa”to identify and upgrade options for reducingenvironmental impacts of branches.

Electric energyIn recent years ”la Caixa” has carried outvarious initiatives in order to adapt its centralservices and its network of branches tooptimum environmental requirements. Oneof these initiatives has been to installautomatic lighting systems in areas that areessentially unoccupied, such as toilets,archives and basements.

Additionally, all the institution's PCs and TFTmonitors have acquired FCC, Energy Starand GS mark (TUV) certificates, which assurelower, more efficient energy consumption.

Diesel oilThe consumption of diesel oil is exclusivelygenerated by emergency equipment.Consequently, its consumption is notsignificant.

WaterThe water consumption as well as thecentral buildings and network of branches isprovided by the municipal net.

The time for which water is released fromautomatic sanitary taps in the centralservices of ”la Caixa” has been reduced.This action is in addition to the change ofthe cooling towers last year.

In 2006 the consumption of water in saidbuilding increased with regard to theprevious year. This is due to the fact that in2005 the decorative fountains located at theentrance of the building were disconnectedfrom June to September out of respect for

12 million client signatures and identity documents and 12 million digitised contracts

Conversion factor: GJ per kwh: 0.0036. Source: GRI technical protocols.

Consumption 2004 2005 2006

PAPER (k)

20,7%

113,888

equivalent to

45,555 reams

of DINA4

94,663

equivalent to

37,865 reams

of DINA4

114,300

equivalent to

45,720 reams

of DINA4

Variation over the previous year

Indirect energy consumption broken down according to primary energy consumed (GJ) 2004 2005 2006

Coal

Natural Gas

Oil

Biomass

Wind

Hydraulic

Nuclear

105,599

3755

22,215

1882

1549

12,404

100,059

110,433

3927

23,232

1969

1620

12,972

104,640

117,330

4172

24,683

2092

1721

13,782

111,175

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7. ”la Caixa” and the Environment

Social Responsibility Report 2006 ”la Caixa” 134

the drought period at the time. This situation didnot take place in the following year. Moreover,three extra cleaning tasks were carried out onthese fountains in 2006 and, due to the workson the new lifts, the water of the airconditioning system was changed as well asthat from the sprinklers and from the sanitarywater system.

The possibility of reusing the water of thedecorative fountains for other uses is currentlybeing studied.

PaperPaper is the main waste of the activities of ”laCaixa”. Accordingly, the institution has a well-established treatment policy for this materialboth in the area that affects clients and theinternal area. As a result, in July 2006 a seriesof environmental awareness initiatives of”la Caixa” were implemented regarding theprinting of documents; namely, to avoid printingpaper as far as possible or to print only one copywith the printing of a second copy beingoptional.

The institution has also promoted the use ofrecycled paper. As a result, 42% of papercurrently used is recycled.

As far as clients are concerned, ”la Caixa” offersthem the Personalised Correspondence Service,which substitutes the physical mailing of letters

for electronic documents. Therefore, the use ofpaper for making extracts and envelopes ismuch lower. ”la Caixa” has reduced thenumber of printed notifications sent to its clientsby more than 31,641,420 throughout theprevious year. 832,229 accounts currently havethis service.

In addition to the ”CaixaMóvil” alert service,included in the services offered by Línea Abierta,the unification of documentation mailings toclients and the service Recibo Único, which areaimed at raising awareness about theconsumption of paper, two more initiativeswere implemented in 2006. These stem fromthe desire of ”la Caixa” to offer innovativeproducts and services that have a positiveenvironmental impact.

These two initiatives are the digitisation of morethan 12 million client signatures and identitydocuments, and 12 million contracts, on theone hand, which will allow a significantreduction of storage, consultation andtransmission of documentation on paperformat; and the elimination of remittances orthe incorporation of barcodes in remittances, onthe other hand, which has reduced the physicalcirculation of documents in the network andbrought about a considerable saving in paper.

Lastly, the institution is currently conducting astudy on the paper used for the extracts of the

PAPER CARDBOARD

WASTE GENERATED IN CENTRAL SERVICES FOR RECYCLING

The installation of Green Pointsconsisting of differentiated bins for

the selective collection of paper, ink, used batteries, plastic and ink cartridges was completed

at the beginning of 2006

The amount of waste generated in the central services building to be recycled has increased over

the previous year due to an improvement in the selective

collection of the materials

04

80,115

148,970

39,400

05 06

62,070

19,62018,240

PLASTIC

26,820

51,380

37,240

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7. ”la Caixa” and the EnvironmentQuality

Social Responsibility Report 2006 ”la Caixa” 135

bank books provided by the manufacturingsuppliers, specifically examining the type andsize of this paper with the aim of analysing itsimpact and studying its improvement.

7.8.2. Waste management and recyclingSome of the urban waste generated by”la Caixa” has a small impact on theenvironment. In spite of its barely discerniblerepercussion in comparison with othersectors, the institution makes sure thatwaste is treated via legally establishedchannels. ”la Caixa” has an internalregulation that assures suitable wastetreatment according to its characteristics.

Due to its significance, intense activity andsize, the central services building generatesvarious types of waste, such as rubble,remains of wood, plastic, glass, furniture,etc. Although they do not constitutedangerous waste, they are continuallycollected by the authorised managers.

The collection of other waste, such asbatteries, cells, fluorescents, chemicalproduct packages, etc. is also incumbent onauthorised managers. ”la Caixa” hasacquired the Green Points, as they arecalled, for waste management and recyclingby central services employees. These GreenPoints consist of differentiated bins for theselective collection of paper, ink, usedbatteries, plastic and ink cartridges. The

installation of these Green Points wascompleted at the beginning of 2006.

As far as computer equipment is concerned,at the end of their working life they areremoved to a warehouse, transported andrecycled by an authorised manager.

7.8.3. Atmospheric emissionsThe impact of ”la Caixa” on the atmosphereis based on the emission of greenhousegases as a result of management activitiesand, in the event of an emergency, theoperation of turbines and generators, aswell as the air-conditioning of its premises.As far as indirect emissions are concerned,these are a result of electric consumptionand travel.

The institution makes improvements inaccordance with commitments undertakenin the Kyoto Protocol regarding CO2

emissions. As a result, ”la Caixa” hasinstalled capacitor banks to compensate forthe reactive electric energy of electriccontracts above 15 Kw. Illuminated signshave also been redesigned, therebyoptimising lighting efficiency byincorporating LEDs. As far as the internallighting of branches and offices isconcerned, working areas have beendifferentiated from the rest of the premiseswith general lighting. This represents areduction in the power installed and asubsequent improvement in the electric

Type of waste 2004 2005 2006

Waste with a special regulation treatment for collection

Fluorescents (Kg.)

Batteries (Kg.)

Cells (Kg.)

Ink cartridges (units)

Computer cartridges (kg)

Chemical products packages (Kg.)

410

352

0

4.004

5.670

495

150

80

3.780

3.649_

308

720

360

20.540

3.986

7.970

385

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7. ”la Caixa” and the Environment

Social Responsibility Report 2006 ”la Caixa” 136

consumption in the region of 30% withrespect to previous models.

On winter nights and weekends the heatgenerated by the cooling plants in the dataprocessing centre is used to achieve anadequate maintenance temperature in thecentral services building. This would also be thecase for lower or extreme temperatures duringthe day.

Throughout 2006 ”la Caixa” carried out a totalof 25,041,884 kilometres of corporate travel;thereby generating 3,176,663 kg of CO2

emissions. Distance data has been transformedinto CO2 emissions according to the WorldResources Institute (WRI).

7.9. Environmental education and awarenessAwareness is one of the key elements forimplementing any environmental policy.Consequently, ”la Caixa” includes subjectsrelated to environmental friendliness in itseducation programmes.

Virt@ula provides an environmental awarenesscourse aimed at all employees, especiallyrecommended for new recruits. Its objective isto introduce employees to basic terminologyon sustainable development and to assess theimpact of the institution's working andeveryday activities and its environment.This education revolves around two keypoints: how management affects eachemployee's day-to-day activities and howemployees can take part in theimprovement of this environmentalmanagement.

Throughout 2006, 1696 employees of ”laCaixa” took part in the ”ISO 14001Environmental Management System” course,through which a total of 25,440 hours' traininghave been given.

All staff of ”la Caixa” are responsible to actaccording to the environmental requirementsspecified either in the processes or in internalregulations. ”la Caixa” understands responsibilityas a concept which is intimately tied to pro-activity. Therefore, it offers its employees thechance of directly conveying theirenvironmental initiatives through a box createdfor that purpose.

In addition, new employees take part in amonthly competition in which they come upwith ideas for improving the environment in thebranches to which they are going to beassigned. The new initiatives to be implementedare published regularly in the internal journal. Asfar as the promotion of suggestions in this fieldis concerned, ”la Caixa” seeks to promote theuse of the suggestion box in order to compileideas regarding environmental improvement.The proposals received are then examined bythe Environmental Committee.

As regards awareness, the top priority of”la Caixa” is to strengthen the file onconsumption according to the centre. It entailsinformation that is used to promote bestpractices among employees. The institution alsowants to raise awareness among its employeesabout the need to make correct use of thespecific bins by means of Green Points, binsupplements and also by showing photosdepicting unsuitable actions.

”la Caixa” offers the ”ISO 14001 Environmental Management System”

course for training and awareness raising, through which a total of 25,440 hours' training were

given to 1700 employees in 2006

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7. ”la Caixa” and the EnvironmentQuality

Social Responsibility Report 2006 ”la Caixa” 137