Bank DBS Indonesia teams up with NAFAS to install 50 air sensors to support good air quality
Indonesia, 20 Aug 2024 - Bank DBS Indonesia has entered into a strategic partnership with NAFAS, a startup that provides real-time, localised and accurate air quality measurement tools, to install 50 air quality sensors. The initiative was part of the utilisation of the grant received by NAFAS through DBS Foundation Business for Impact Grant Award 2023. The collaboration highlighted Bank DBS Indonesia's commitment to preserving the planet by supporting research and improving air quality in Indonesia.
Minister of Health
Budi Gunadi Sadikin
said that air pollution is the main cause of six respiratory diseases in Indonesia, namely pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs), upper respiratory tract infection (ISPA), asthma, tuberculosis, lung cancer, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Jakarta air quality data collected by
NAFAS
during the period January-June 2024 showed an average particulate concentration or PM2.5 of 34 µg/m3, which is seven times higher than the World Health Organisation (WHO) 5 µg/m3 annual guideline. The air quality was calculated using the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) scale that categorises air quality into the following: Good (Green), Moderate (Yellow), Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (Orange), Unhealthy (Red), Very Unhealthy (Purple), and Hazardous (Brown). The data was collected from more than 100 air quality sensors installed by NAFAS across Greater Jakarta.
Co-founder & CEO at NAFAS Indonesia
Nathan Roestandy
stated that one way of addressing concerns about air quality is to provide more comprehensive and real-time data by installing more sensors in various locations. “Air pollution is not a new issue for the capital city, and it requires contributions from all parties to deal with it. We have a ‘spark’ to raise public awareness about the air they breathe and its impact on life. With this ‘spark,’ NAFAS collaborates with Bank DBS Indonesia to take concrete steps so that the public understands the importance of healthy and clean air, not only for today but also for the future. Thanks to these air measurement tools, we are optimistic about providing a more complete picture of air conditions in various locations, enabling the government or relevant institutions to create better policies or strategies to address this issue.”
The outdoor air quality sensors installed by NAFAS work in the following ways:
NAFAS Outdoor Air Sensors capture small particles, gases, temperature, and humidity.
Samples can be collected up to 20 times per minute, then processed and calibrated.
The data is then displayed on the NAFAS application and updated every 10-20 minutes.
This partnership highlighted Bank DBS Indonesia’s active role in facilitating and supporting NAFAS’s mission to gather and process air quality data in several locations. Bank DBS Indonesia, together with NAFAS, plans to install 50 air sensors, including in locations where Bank DBS Indonesia operates.
Head of Group Strategic Marketing & Communications at PT Bank DBS Indonesia
Mona Monika
said, "This collaboration with NAFAS is in line with Bank DBS Indonesia's 'spark' to have a significant positive impact on society. This collaboration is also in line with our sustainability efforts under the third pillar, Impact Beyond Banking. By combining NAFAS' innovative technology and our sustainability commitment, we believe we can bring real change in the daily lives of our customers and communities. Recently, Bank DBS Indonesia launched the 'Trust Your Spark' campaign aimed at igniting and empowering the 'spark' within everyone so that they can pursue their dreams and aspirations without hesitation, including in championing sustainability with NAFAS. Through this campaign, we hope to ignite the 'spark' in more social entrepreneurs, SMEs and startups to realise a more sustainable Indonesia."
Under the second pillar of sustainability, Responsible Business Practice, Bank DBS Indonesia maintains the commitment to implementing environmentally friendly operational policies. Since 2023, Bank DBS Indonesia has been replacing the light bulbs in all its branch offices in Jakarta with more energy-efficient LED light bulbs. Additionally, Bank DBS Indonesia has also tapped into renewable energy by installing solar panels at several branch offices. To reduce paper usage, Bank DBS Indonesia encourages customers to switch to e-statements. As of July 2024, 91 percent of retail customers have embraced the concept. Thanks to these measures, Bank DBS Indonesia has successfully reduced carbon emissions by 322 metric tons in one year, as well as cutting energy consumption by up to 62 percent throughout 2023, said Consumer Banking Director at PT Bank DBS Indonesia
Melfrida Gultom
.
DBS Foundation is once again offering opportunities for impact-driven businesses to apply for DBS Foundation Grant 2024 to receive up to SGD250,000 in grant funding. In addition to the grant funds, DBS Foundation will also assist grant recipients through capacity building, mentoring, preferential banking solutions, and other forms of support. Selected social entrepreneurs will also be able to connect with the growing DBS Foundation Impact Makers community to exchange ideas and explore synergies.
The deadline for applications is 31 August 2024 at 23:59 SGT. The application guidance may be accessed through the
dbs.com/foundation/grants/
page. For more information about the ‘Trust Your Spark’ campaign by Bank DBS Indonesia, visit Instagram @
dbsbankid
.
About DBS
DBS is a leading financial services group in Asia with a presence in 19 markets. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, DBS is in the three key Asian axes of growth: Greater China, Southeast Asia and South Asia. The bank’s “AA-” and “Aa1” credit ratings are among the highest in the world.
Recognised for its global leadership, DBS has been named
“World’s Best Bank”
by Global Finance,
“World’s Best Bank”
by Euromoney and
“Global Bank of the Year”
by The Banker. The bank is at the forefront of leveraging digital technology to shape the future of banking, having been named
“World’s Best Digital Bank
” by Euromoney and the world’s “
Most Innovative in Digital Banking”
by The Banker. In addition, DBS has been accorded the
“Safest Bank in Asia
“ award by Global Finance for 15 consecutive years from 2009 to 2023. DBS Indonesia is ranked second in the top as
World’s Best Bank in Indonesia
for three consecutive years from 2020 to 2022.
Established in 1989 as part of the Singapore-based DBS Group, PT Bank DBS Indonesia (Bank DBS Indonesia) is one of the banks with the longest history in Asia. Currently operating 1 Head Office, 13 Branch Offices, 16 Assistant Offices and 4 Functional Offices and 3,011 active employees in 15 Major Cities in Indonesia, Bank DBS Indonesia provides comprehensive banking services in the corporate, SME and consumer banking segments that focuses on the customer experience to 'Live more, Bank less'. We also see a purpose beyond banking and are committed to supporting our customers, employees and the community towards a sustainable future.
PT Bank DBS Indonesia
is licensed and supervised by The Indonesian Financial Services Authority (OJK), and an insured member of Indonesia Deposit Insurance Corporation (LPS).
DBS is committed to building lasting relationships with customers, as it banks the Asian way. Through the DBS Foundation, the bank creates impact beyond banking by supporting businesses for impact: enterprises with a double bottom-line of profit and social and/or environmental impact. DBS Foundation also gives back to society in various ways, including equipping underserved communities with future-ready skills and helping them to build food resilience.
With its extensive network of operations in Asia and emphasis on engaging and empowering its staff, DBS presents exciting career opportunities. For more information, please visit
www.dbs.com
.
DBS Bank Ltd | 12 Marina Boulevard, DBS Asia Central @ Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3,
Singapore 018982 | Co. Reg. No. 196800306E
Tel: 65.6878 8888 | www.dbs.com
