At the Hemp Building Directory, sustainability isn’t just a buzzword; it’s at the core of everything we do. From advocating for environmentally friendly building practices to collaborating with companies committed to creating a greener future, we carefully choose partners who align with our values. One such partnership is with Bendigo Bank, a financial institution that shares our commitment to environmental, social, and governance (ESG) standards.
In this article, we’ll explore why we bank with Bendigo and how their ESG principles contribute to a more sustainable and ethical world.
What Are ESG Standards?
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards refer to a set of criteria used to measure a company’s ethical impact and sustainability practices. This framework considers how organisations approach environmental responsibility, their treatment of employees and communities, and their governance processes.
For the Hemp Building Directory, choosing a bank with strong ESG standards reflects our mission to promote sustainable building practices, as these criteria guide businesses in making ethical and forward-thinking decisions that benefit both people and the planet.
Why We bank with Bendigo Bank?
Bendigo Bank has long been recognised as a pioneer in responsible banking. Unlike some traditional banks that prioritise profits over people and the environment, Bendigo has embedded ESG principles into its core operations.
Bendigo Bank: Why is ESG important for your business?
Here’s why this matters:
1. Environmental Responsibility
Bendigo Bank is proactive in addressing climate change and reducing its environmental footprint. They have committed to sustainable business practices, such as:
- Reducing carbon emissions: The bank has introduced policies to minimise its own environmental impact, including reducing energy consumption in its operations and supporting renewable energy projects.
- Ethical investments: Bendigo Bank does not invest in industries that contribute to environmental degradation, such as fossil fuels, which sets it apart from many larger institutions. This aligns perfectly with the hemp building industry’s focus on sustainability and reducing the construction sector’s carbon footprint.
For the Hemp Building Directory, working with a bank that avoids investing in environmentally harmful industries reinforces our commitment to sustainability. It ensures that every aspect of our business—from the products we promote to the financial institutions we partner with—contributes to a healthier planet.
2. Social Impact
Bendigo Bank is known for its deep commitment to supporting local communities. Through its Community Bank model, Bendigo shares a portion of its profits with local communities, funding projects that directly benefit people and create lasting social change.
- Local impact: With over $272 million reinvested in local communities, Bendigo Bank’s community-focused approach aligns with the Hemp Building Directory’s mission to support local builders, architects, and suppliers who are committed to sustainable construction practices.
- Inclusive and ethical culture: The bank promotes inclusivity and ethical treatment within its workforce and the communities it serves. This extends to their commitment to gender equality, indigenous rights, and supporting businesses that share these values.
By banking with Bendigo, we are part of a system that actively reinvests in local economies and supports ethical social policies. This is crucial for the hemp industry, where collaboration with local businesses and promoting socially responsible building practices is key to fostering growth and innovation.
3. Governance and Ethical Practices
Good governance is essential for any organisation to operate transparently and ethically. Bendigo Bank’s governance model ensures that all its actions align with its ESG commitments:
- Ethical decision-making: Bendigo maintains high standards of accountability and transparency in its operations, ensuring that its corporate governance aligns with the interests of its stakeholders, employees, customers, and the environment.
- ESG integration: Bendigo Bank’s governance includes robust ESG criteria that guide its decision-making processes at every level. This means that the bank is continuously evaluating how its actions impact the environment, society, and its overall business governance.
For the Hemp Building Directory, partnering with a bank that prioritises ethical governance ensures that we are supported by an institution that shares our long-term vision of building a sustainable future.
Aligning with Hemp’s Sustainable Values
The hemp building industry is centered around sustainable materials, reducing waste, and minimising environmental impact. Hemp products, such as hempcrete and hemp wood, are revolutionising the construction industry by offering carbon-negative solutions that promote energy efficiency and healthier living environments.
By choosing Bendigo Bank, we ensure that the financial aspect of our business aligns with the same sustainability goals we promote through hemp construction. This means that we’re not just supporting the hemp industry through our directory and partnerships; we’re also promoting sustainable practices through every layer of our operations.
Why This Matters for You
For builders, architects, and anyone involved in the hemp construction industry, the choice of financial partners matters. When you work with businesses and institutions committed to ESG standards, you contribute to a system that supports ethical practices, sustainability, and community development.
By banking with Bendigo, we encourage you to consider how your financial decisions can impact the broader environment and society. Whether you’re sourcing sustainable materials or investing in eco-friendly projects, every choice you make contributes to shaping a more responsible and greener future.
Conclusion
At the Hemp Building Directory, we are proud to bank with Bendigo Bank, a financial institution that shares our dedication to environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and ethical governance. By aligning with a bank that prioritises ESG standards, we ensure that every aspect of our operations—from the products we promote to the way we manage our finances—supports a greener, more ethical future.
Together with partners like Bendigo, we can continue to build a more sustainable world, one hemp product at a time.
