The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has permitted bank officers to work from home one to two days a week in an effort to preserve fuel and power despite the current energy crisis, according to a notification released by SBP today.
In order to accomplish the stated goals, “The banks may create a policy on “Work From Home (WFH)” whereby banks’ offices (other than branches) might observe one or two days each week as WFH,” according to the notification.
SBP has adopted a variety of energy-saving initiatives in addition to the federal and provincial governments.
In light of this, banks are permitted to shut down all of their locations, including their branches, at 7:00 p.m. or earlier and turn off their electricity, with the exception of any emergency use, call centers, monitoring of Alternative Delivery Channels (ADCs), backups, and maintenance of essential electrical and IT equipment.
Additionally, the air conditioners in the vestibules of ATMs can be utilized sparingly.
Additionally, the electrically lighted signboards of any branches or other offices must always be off.
Banks are urged to arrange meetings digitally rather than in-person to save money on domestic and international travel.
The banks must encourage their workers to combine transportation for traveling to and from their various offices in order to save the computation time of the bank staff.
The banks may decide to employ more affordable and alternative energy sources, such as solar technology, and promote the use of energy-efficient furniture, fixtures, and appliances on their property.
Additionally, SBP recommended banks increase staff and customer knowledge of energy-saving measures and encourage them to participate in this effort.
The banks are advised to provide proper management and monitoring methods for an energy conservation campaign in order to accomplish the desired objectives.
In light of the above, banks are urged to implement the necessary changes and submit their energy conservation plan to the SBP by no later than June 24, 2022. (Friday).
The statement further said that these actions should take effect no later than July 1, 2022.
The financial sector is anticipated to contribute to energy and fuel saving as well, it was said.
