Photovoltaic energy released by the Bank of Ceylon (BOC) to the national grid hit the 1 MWT mark when the Nugegoda branch began generating solar energy. The branch was the 27th to generate solar energy.
This is probably the first time a State institution has gone beyond its core business to generate value of this scale for the country as an act of social responsibility. The initiative was launched to reduce the energy consumption of the Bank and a gesture of commitment and concern towards environmental sustainability.
A pilot project was first carried out at the Tissamaharama branch. The initiative will be taken to another 15 BOC branches under the first phase of the project.
The program is expected to lead to the generation of 1.387 million units or 1,387,000 kWh annually, to offset CO2 gas emission by 1,205.3 tons, save 13,854 trees and Rs. 27.74 million annually.
A Bank spokesman said, “Our mission is to stay on the course as a responsible corporate citizen by operating the business in an environment responsible, socially equitable and economically sound manner. Improving the social and economic well-being is an integral part of BOCs core operations.”
Solar power generation at the Nugegoda branch was launched under the patronage of CEO and General Manager Senarath Bandara. Deputy General Manager Finance and Planning Vipula Jayabahu, Deputy General Manager Sales and Channel Management C. Amarasinghe, Deputy General Manager Support Services W.I. Hettihewa, Deputy General Manager Retail Banking Range one and Range two D.M.L.B. Dassanayake, members of corporate and executive management and Assistant General Manager Western Province South, Sampath Perera and the staff of the branch were also present.