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Rethinking technology to reduce our environmental impact
At Lombard Odier, we understand that whether technology is an enabler or a disabler of sustainability depends on how we use it. As such, technology has long been at the heart of our sustainability efforts. And, as a technology provider, we help our technology clients manage their operations responsibly and sustainably with our secure, efficient banking technology.
Watch the full interview with our experts Geoffroy de Ridder, Head of Technology & Operations, and Richard Denglos, Head of IT Infrastructure to learn more about how we rethink technology to reduce our environmental impact:
The Technology & Operations (T&O) unit also plays a crucial role in our sustainability journey through a number of initiatives.
For instance, with an estimated USD 60 billion of electronics discarded globally to date, e-waste is an important focus for T&O. To ensure that our devices are recycled and re-used as much as possible, Lombard Odier donates many used electronics to charities, including ASSAFI (Association d’Appui et de Formation aux Initiatives de Développement, mission en RDC), Uganda Connect, BUPP (Actions et Travail Social Hors Murs) and humanitarian projects arranged by local schools. Elsewhere, we arrange for the manufacturer to refurbish and re-use devices we no longer need. Together, these initiatives help reduce the need for mineral extraction and new manufacturing, and supports the transition to a CLIC™ economy.
T&O also works to optimise Lombard Odier’s energy use. For example, around 98% of our servers are now virtualised. This means we run multiple servers on the same piece of hardware, enabling us to use less hardware and energy. And we keep this hardware in special cabinets called ‘chalets’ that are designed for optimal airflow, so we can minimise the amount of energy we need to keep everything cool.
We also block around 90 million spam emails every year; which, apart from the more obvious benefits of avoiding spam, is also good for the environment: an email has roughly the same carbon footprint as a small plastic bag. Even so, each of our employees still receives an average of 127 emails a day, with total carbon emissions roughly equivalent to a 13 km car journey. That is why we’re also focusing heavily on messaging to encourage more intentionality around the use of email.
Our forthcoming Green IT programme will bring all of these measures and more together under a single initiative that represents our commitment to minimising the environmental impact of our technology.
Lombard Odier's new headquarters in Geneva is currently under construction, and has been designed with Green IT in mind. Once complete, this new building will showcase our commitment to sustainability through a range of innovative technologies that will improve energy efficiency, optimise air and light quality, minimise waste and much more.
Important information
This document is issued by Bank Lombard Odier & Co Ltd or an entity of the Group (hereinafter “Lombard Odier”). It is not intended for distribution, publication, or use in any jurisdiction where such distribution, publication, or use would be unlawful, nor is it aimed at any person or entity to whom it would be unlawful to address such a document. This document was not prepared by the Financial Research Department of Lombard Odier.
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