Each individual and the respect of human values are the absolute priority for Alpha Bank. Together with the efficient management of the financial resources and the modernisation of technology, they constitute the guide for every transaction or communication with staff, customers and shareholders. These three factors are the basis of our success.

Alpha Bank, always aware of the importance of social issues, has developed a number of initiatives aiming at the protection of environmental conditions. These initiatives are compatible with international rules and practices. The Bank has identified a set of measurable objectives whose implementation is systematically monitored and reviewed.

Visit the new website of Alpha Bank for cultural issues at: www.alphapolitismos.gr.

ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM

Alpha Bank, in the course of its everyday activities, systematically pursues policies for the protection of the environment in accordance with our stated environmental policy. The main areas affected are, inter alia, building construction and renovation, use of water, heating oil and electricity, recycling of materials, disposal of hazardous materials.

The environment management system we apply,and the fields in which we undertake concrete actions include:

• Energy Conservation

We aim at efficient use of the materials available, regular monitoring and reduction of electricity, water, and petrol consumption, gradual substitution of natural gas for heating oil, conservation of fuel, and correct waste management (recycling or elimination) in accordance with applicable legislation and the targets set. In all new buildings, and when renovating existing buildings, particular care is taken to utilise natural light and conserve energy. Some Bank buildings are equipped with water-softening systems to pump and process available underground water. In addition, an alternative electronic layout panel is being pilot-tested in one of the Bank’s buildings, to conserve electricity. Depending on the results, we will decide whether to apply this system to the entire Network of the Bank.

It is the Bank’s standard policy to invest in computer systems and modify procedures so as to utilise electronic communication, both within and outside the Bank, with the aim of restricting to the minimum possible paper files. Measures are applied to ensure that paper consumption per employee does not exceed minimum requirements and annual budgets for purchasing each Unit’s paper supplies are applied. Employees use non-bleached paper handtowels, a 100% recyclable product. Waste paper is collected for recycling.

Plastic materials are avoided in warehouse packaging and deliveries. Specialist certified firms were employed to remove power transformers using the insulating oil Clofen (PCBs) that some buildings used to deploy, and the Bank has received the certificates of their elimination, after they were safely thermo-destructed abroad. The removal of power accumulators (batterytype appliances such as UPS, Η/Ζ, alarm systems, etc.) is also undertaken by certified companies, in the context of an effort to recycle such appliances in accordance with community and national legislation on the protection of the environment. The Bank buys air-conditioning units using the refrigerant R407 and fire extinguishers using FM200; both materials have been judged environmentfriendly and harmless to humans.

• Suppliers

The companies from which the Bank buys cleaning materials and the firms assigned with cleaning work are contractually bound to supply and/or use materials approved by the National Chemical Laboratory. We focus on developing environment-friendly policies in other fields too, and on advancing environmental awareness among our associates, suppliers, and society in general.

Workplaces are designed so as to obtain the best possible conditions for personnel and customers, and are built and maintained using environment-friendly materials. Every 15-20 years the Branches undergo full renovation, which provides with the opportunity to use the latest systems and infrastructure. The Bank respects the architectural heritage of each locale, attaches particular significance to retaining the local character upon building or renovating its Branches, and always uses modern, environment-friendly materials. In fields in which specific targets have been set, the results attained year by year indicate the effectiveness of the system: Braille system to facilitate use by persons with poor sight, and with telephone appliances enabling inter-communication in the event of malfunctions.

Finally, it is worth mentioning that the new building at 103 Athinon Ave., with a total area of 20,000 sq.m., has been designated as bioclimatic according to a study conducted by the Physics Department of the University of Athens. The architectural design seeks to optimize the use of sunlight and incident wind, taking into account the building’ s orientation. Suitable apertures and fans regulate the penetration of sunlight and the inflow of air in order to warm or cool, respectively, the building’s indoor areas. Environment-friendly energy systems in buildings refer mainly to the use of heart exchangers to take advantage of the energy which otherwise would be released to the environment, and to the use of automated Building Management Systems for monitoring and regulating the building’s climatic parameters.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAMMES AND ACTIVITIES

Alpha Bank, always aware of the importance of environmental issues, has developed a number of initiatives and activities aiming at the protection of the environment. Additionally, Alpha Bank develops and supports programs in collaboration with special associations. Some of these programs are presented indicatively below. Together, environment is part of us!

PhilodassikI Enossi Athinon
Alpha Bank, always consistent to its Corporate Social Responsibility strategy, cooperated with the NGO Philodasiki Enwsi Athinon. As part of this synergy, the Bank sponsors the Kaisariani Aesthetic Park.

In this context, for 2010 the following events have been organised:

• Tree Planting in the area Koutalades of Ymittos in March 2010.
• Cleaning of paths in the forest of Ymittos, on May 30-Volunteer Day, Alpha Bank.
• Tree Panting in Ymittos Aesthetic Park, in November 2010.
• Organised visits of the Bank’s employees at the Aesthetic Park of Kaisariani, during  2010.

Tree Planting Initiative

• On March 16, 2009, the Bank’s Employees and members of their families, voluntarily took part in Ymittos tree planting.
• On November 22, 2009, Alpha Bank’s Employees along with members of their families participated successfully in Ymittos Tree Planting and precisely at the area of Koutalades.
• On March 8, 2009, Alpha Bank’s Employees along with members of their families participated in a Tree Planting event at the area of Pendeli.
• On March 16, 2008, the Bank’s Εmployees and members of their families were volunteered to take part in Kallitehnoupoli’s tree planting.

RECYCLING

Paper Recycling
In accordance with the Corporate Social Responsibility policy of the Bank on the protection of the environment and following the effort to sensitise its Employees on recycling issues, Alpha Bank collaborated with the European Recycling Centre in order to place paper recycling bins in its buildings. These bins are made of recycled paper and on the inside there is a linen bag which can be replaced when full; they have a capacity of 240 liters each and display the logo of the Bank and a relevant environmental message on the outside.

Batteries’ Recycling
According to the Bank’s policy on the protection of the environment and following its high respect and sensitivity on environmental issues, Alpha Bank has started to collaborate for the first time with AFIS AE -a company certified to select batteries in Greece. Thus, all the Branch and Dividion Network in Greece has been provided with special battery bins as of February 2008.

Devices’ Recycling
Alpha Bank following its high respect and sensitivity on environmental issues, has started to collaborate with the first and only system for the selection of electrical devices in Greece, a company called “Devices Recycling S.A.” . From now on, the Bank sends to the above mentioned company, its old or ruined electromechanical equipment, personal computers, e.tc., which will be recycled and further be used.

Recycling Centers
Alpha Bank considers its interest in enviromental issues as a primary act of culture. Therefore, the Bank has sponsored the Recycling Centers of the Municipality of Athens. In order for the above system to operate, Recycling Centers have been placed to specific central spots of the city of Athens, where the consumers can return their empty metallic, plastic and glass packages, as well as their mobile phones, batteries and paper. For their participation in this action, they get discount coupons which can be used in specific retail stores. Another option given to the consumers, is to donate the value of their discount in favor of a specific social-worthy cause.

Considering the interest in the environment to be primarily an act of culture, the Bank was the first to sponsor the Recycling Centres of the Municipality of Athens, with the installation of four Recycling Centres in central locations of the City of Athens, where consumers can return their empty metal, plastic and glass packages, as well as their mobile phones, batteries and paper. In return for their participation in this recycling activity they receive discount coupons which they can use in purchases from various associated stores. Consumers are also offered the option to donate the value of their discount to a charitable cause.

Following this action, the Bank was also the first to sponsor a Recycling Centre in Piraeus, in Korai Square (Town Hall). Finally, to inform the public and promote recycling to as many Municipalities and Communities as possible, the Bank created the “Alpha Bank Mobile Recycling Centre” which operated successfully for two years in Nea Makri (Attica), in Xilokastro (Peloponnese), in the summer camps of Agios Andreas and in Mytilini.

Alpha Bank was honoured with the Award of Environmental Project Sponsorship for the “Recycling Centers” of the Municipality of Athens, in the context of the Environmental Responsibility Awards ECOPOLIS 2007. The awards are organised, for third consecutive year, by the non-profit company Ecocity.

Watersave Programme

According to the Bank’s policy on actions developing environmental consciousness, mostly to young people, Alpha Bank has undertaken the support of an Educational School Programme, named Watersave, in assocation with the N.G.O. network Med-SOS, in order to promote active participation in the effort to save water, as an obligation to the environment and to future generations.

”Garbage – Free Nature” Programme
Clean nature is synonymous to quality of life. Alpha Bank considers it has an obligation to safeguard the rights of society for living in town or villages on a human scale, where citizens respect the environment and act having in mind the common interest.

This is why Alpha Bank supports the “Garbage-free” Programme of the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature, inviting all young people to take the initiative and participate in actions aimed at protecting the nature of Greece from garbage, so that it may continue to be a source of inspiration in the development of our culture. For this purpose, teams of volunteers are established in every Municipality or Community in the country, comprising young pupils, boy and girl Scouts, and sensitised adults.
The Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature and Alpha Bank, being always sensitive on environmental issues and aiming at a cleaner and more friendly world, continue their cooperation for the support of the program “Garbage-free Nature”, for the sixth consecutive year.

On Sunday 25, 2010 the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature organized a prize award event for the schools that have taken innovative and effective action during school years 2007-2008 and 2008-2009. On the same day Greek schools were connected with two schools in Namibia, in the framework of the program “Others throw away while others starve”.

• Alpha Bank sponsor of the 2nd Panhellenic Student Congress organised by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature – 2.12.2008
• Alpha Bank sponsors 1st Panhellenic Pupils’ Conference “Reduce garbage – Save Nature!” – 27.11.2006
• Alpha Bank sponsors 1st Panhellenic Pupils’ Conference “Reduce garbage – Save Nature!” – 21.11.2006

”Blue Flag” Programme
Greece is endowed with countless beaches of striking beauty, surrounded by deep blue seas. Our lives are intimately linked to them. Alpha Bank, demonstrating in practice its increased awareness also in this area, supports the preservation and exploitation of beaches and of the sea, making them safe havens to be enjoyed by all. This is why, for the sixth year running, Alpha Bank is a Sponsor of the international “Blue Flag” Programme, managed in Greece by the Hellenic Society for the Protection of Nature. “Blue Flag” is an environmental awareness and protection campaign carried out every year. On the international level, it is implemented by the Foundation for Environmental Education in more than 40 countries in Europe, as well as in other locations across the globe. The objective of the campaign is to promote the protection of the natural environment and improvements in the organisation of beaches which make them safer for swimmers. In order for a beach to be awarded the “Blue Flag”, it must meet 29 strict criteria which regard cleanliness, the organisation of beaches and seas, the safety of visitors, and the level of awareness of citizens regarding environmental issues. Press here to see the relevant Press Release.

Alpha Bank was honoured with the Award of Environmental Project Sponsorship for the “Blue Flags” Programme in the context of the Environmental Responsibility Awards ECOPOLIS 2006. The awards are organised, for second consecutive year, by the non-profit company Ecocity.

Ecomobility Programme
Αlpha Bank supported in 2007 the environmental programme named Ecomobility – Ecological Transfer organised by the N.G.O. Ecocity. The programme is based on Greek pupils’ personal initiative, having explored and acted voluntarily, as well as suggested solutions on ecological transportations in their own towns. Their suggestions are presented to various Municipalities, Scientists, Media, Local organisations as well as to parents and citizens of the towns visited by the programme.