Banks are increasingly adopting sustainable practices to reduce their environmental impact, with many institutions upgrading their facilities to meet green building standards.
One notable example is Kasikornbank (KBank), Thailand’s third-largest lender by total assets, which has integrated green technologies into its operations.
LEED Certification
- KBank has six buildings certified by the US-based Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) programme:
- The Kasikorn Business Technology Group Building, Chaeng Wattana Building, Phahon Yothin Building, Building 3 of the Kasikornthai Learning Center, Kloud by KBank Building, and the KBank (China) head office in Shenzhen.
KBank’s commitment to environmental responsibility is evident in its prioritization of energy efficiency, clean energy systems, advanced air conditioning, water conservation, waste management, and biodiversity enhancement.
“We prioritize energy efficiency, clean energy systems, advanced air conditioning, water conservation, waste management, and biodiversity enhancement,” said Pipit Aneaknithi, Global Sustainability Chairman at KBank.
The Real Estate Sector’s Contribution to CO2 Emissions
The real estate sector is a significant contributor to global CO2 emissions, accounting for about 40% of the total.
In response, regulatory bodies worldwide have introduced stricter environmental standards, such as the European Union’s requirement for new buildings to achieve zero emissions by 2028.
Supporting Clients in Sustainability Efforts
KBank is prepared to comply with evolving standards and supports clients in their sustainability efforts through green financial solutions such as financing for solar photovoltaic systems and energy efficiency upgrades.
“We are ready to help clients transition to green building standards by promoting the use of low-carbon construction materials such as green cement and green steel,” said Mr. Pipit.
Engineered Wood Products: A Natural Solution for Sustainable Construction
Looking to the future, Mr. Pipit highlighted the potential of engineered wood products, which offer long-term carbon-negative emissions and are a natural solution for sustainable construction.
UOB Thailand’s Green Transformation
UOB Thailand is also making strides in sustainability beyond green finance.
In 2024, UOB Thailand rolled out 13 rooftop solar projects across the country, 12 of which are installed at its branch offices and one at UOB’s Phetkasem site.
UOB’s wholly-owned buildings — its headquarters at UOB Plaza Bangkok, UOB Phetkasem, and the newly acquired UOB Sathon (formerly the Robot Building) — were all designed and constructed with energy efficiency as a core principle.
Energy Efficiency and Sustainability Certification
UOB Plaza Bangkok earned the prestigious Green Mark Platinum certification from Singapore’s Building and Construction Authority for excellence in environmental standards.
All three UOB-owned buildings have achieved an energy use intensity of less than 145 kilowatt-hour per square metre, well below Thailand’s commercial building average of 200-210 kWh/sq m and even outperforming the global average of 160-170 kWh/sq m.
A Sustainability Flagship Branch
The newly renovated branch in Rayong is targeting LEED certification this year, reaffirming the bank’s commitment to environmental responsibility and operational carbon neutrality.
The branch transformation was guided by sustainable principles throughout its renovation, from low-impact deconstruction and material reuse to energy-efficient technologies and improved indoor air quality.
Operational Carbon Neutrality
UOB Thailand reported operational carbon neutrality across Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 (business air travel) emissions since 2021.
“Since 2021, we have reported operational carbon neutrality across Scope 1, Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions,” said Wasinee Sivakua, country function head of finance and corporate real estate services at UOB Thailand.
Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group’s Green Operations
Kiatnakin Phatra Financial Group (KKP), a smaller bank active in sustainable finance, also prioritises green operations.
KKP Tower, the group’s headquarters, received LEED Gold certification in May 2023.
KKP Tower meets a range of environmental criteria, including the use of energy-efficient electrical systems and water-saving technologies.
Achieving Net-Zero Emissions
KKP is committed to achieving net-zero emissions from its operations by 2035.
“We are committed to achieving net-zero emissions from our operations by 2035,” said Worrakrit Jaruwongpak, first executive vice-president at KKP.
As part of this commitment, solar rooftops were installed at KKP Tower and 25 branches nationwide since the first quarter of 2024.
These installations generate up to 400 kilowatts of electricity, helping to reduce conventional energy use by around 241,000 kWh a year and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 120 tonnes of CO2 equivalent a year.
“These installations generate up to 400 kilowatts of electricity, helping us reduce conventional energy use by around 241,000 kWh a year and cut greenhouse gas emissions by 120 tonnes of CO2 equivalent a year,” said Mr.