The “Renewable Energy Adoption Award-Bangladesh” has been claimed by Standard Chartered Bangladesh at the ESG Business Awards 2023.
According to a press release, the award committee acknowledged the Bank’s Solar Village project with Friendship for improving the standard of living and fostering a sense of community among all 750 residents of Kurigram’s Ghughumari Char.
The project has improved the infrastructure of the isolated island, adding 60 tube wells and a 54-kilowatt solar micro-grid. In an effort to increase climate resilience, the Bank and Friendship have also planted 1,350 seedlings throughout the island.
By providing access to essential resources, the Bank is lifting participation amongst marginalised individuals and is helping to build a sustainable community that lives in harmony with nature. Standard Chartered has had a meaningful impact in the Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) space in 2023, owing to the launch of a range of sustainability and community engagement initiatives.
The Bank remains committed to building on this momentum in the coming months.
Bitopi Das Chowdhury, Head of Corporate Affairs, Brand and Marketing, Standard Chartered Bangladesh, said, “Located 15 kilometres away from the mainland and disconnected from our national grid, Ghughumari is a shining example of how reliable renewable energy can have a transformative effect on hard-to-reach communities. When we visited in 2023, we heard incredible stories of strength and resilience. Soon we hope to hear stories of how transformative this has been for Ghughumari residents. We are happy to be recognised by international award bodies for the efforts we are making to support our communities.”
Runa Khan, Founder and Executive Director, Friendship, said, “The ‘Renewable Energy Adoption Award’; is a testament to Friendship SPO (Social Purpose Organisation) and Standard Chartered Bangladesh’s collaborative effort, illustrating responsible renewable energy opportunities.
Creating long-term, geography- sensitive, and context-specific solutions in business strategies, particularly in climate-challenged regions. Standard Chartered’s commitment to Friendship-Standard Chartered Bangladesh Solar Village, is a prime example of how corporations can seamlessly integrate sustainable practices into their core strategies.”
Some of Earth’s most climate-vulnerable areas are chars. In an effort to lessen suffering, Standard Chartered Bangladesh stepped in to assist the people of Char in overcoming the main obstacles they encounter: getting access to potable water, a sufficient amount of food, appropriate plant shade, assistance in stopping soil erosion, and—above all—having power.
The goal of the Bank’s comprehensive Solar Village project with Friendship is to offer the people of Ghughumari’s community long-term support.
