Once more HSBC comes forward with a moving Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project. This time, it is about saving water. Through this campaign ? launched along with the Central Water Authority yesterday, at the HSBC Head Office ? the bank aims at creating awareness on the scarcity of water in order to change the mindset of the people. The campaign, which is taking place during the month of June, will also give advice to people on simple ways to save water. And in order to raise public awareness, mass media such as billboards, radio adverts, tips to be published in newspapers daily, educational leaflet will be distributed. Posters will also be used.

HSBC today extends its concern to the environment and to the community and no more restricts itself to financial activities. The bank wants to contribute to a healthy environment and to economic prosperity, whilst taking into consideration the climate change, which is becoming the most significant social and environment issue in our times. ?HSBC recognizes the increasing demand and expectation from its stakeholders, internal and external, to manage and measure success not just on the basis of profit but also across the ?triple bottom line? of economic, social and environmental performance?, says Sandeep Uppal, CEO of HSBC.

Whilst aiming at raising public awareness through the mass media, the HSBC has also started its internal campaign and is getting its staff involved in saving our scare resources. One-month activities programme has been launched under the motto ?Be part of the solution!? To mark World Environment Day 2008, they have launched a ?We care for our planet? booklet. Economic light bulbs will be distributed to the employees and lots of sensitizations activities are also being carried out.

Dr Abu Kasenally who launched the campaign, appreciated the initiative taken by the HSBC. The latter seized the opportunity to highlight the fact that all reservoirs are full and ?that there is no water leakage from any reservoirs?. ?Water is considered to be a vital commodity and there have been various factors which have contributed to water shortage. Mauritius is a small country and it is more exposed?? says Dr Abu Kasenally.

Besides the water issue, Dr Abu Kasenally also pointed out the importance of making wise use of energy and saving it too.

An awareness campaign will soon be launched and will aim school children in order to change their mindset at an early age as well as to be able to reach a wider public. There will also be 1 million energy saving bulbs (CFL) which will soon be sold on a discounted price.