Our Sustainability Impact

From climate action to ensuring financial inclusion, we are creating environmental, economic and social impact for a sustainable future.

Impact in 2022

SGD 61 billion
Committed in sustainable financing loans from 2018 to 2022, in addition to SGD 24 billion in ESG bonds raised in 2022 where DBS was involved as an active bookrunner.

Achieved Carbon Neutrality
At the end of 2022 in our own operations.
SGD 900 million
In unsecured loans approved to SMEs across the region to address their unmet working capital needs, with more than 98% going to micro and small businesses.
LiveBetter
Engaged 1 million customers in Singapore, who invested SGD 8 million in green funds and donated SGD 700,000 towards environmental and social causes.

>140,000
Employee volunteering hours to serve the community.
SGD 100 million
Additional funding committed to further improve lives in Asia.

Sustainable Operations

Where we work, how we work, and who we work with matter.

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Managing our Environmental Footprint

DBS has achieved carbon neutrality at the end of 2022 in our own operations.

We officially opened DBS Newton Green in 2022, Singapore’s first net zero building by a bank, minimising its energy by as much as 580,000kWh from 845,000kWh annually and deploying over 1,000 square metres of solar panels on its rooftop.

Sustainable Procurement

We ensure that our partners and wider ecosystem are on the same journey as DBS. We are mindful of who we choose to work. In 2022, 100% of our new suppliers have committed to DBS’ Sustainable Sourcing Principles.

Democratising Banking Services Access to All

As the former Development Bank of Singapore, we have an ingrained purpose to enable financial and social mobility and security for every segment of the community, regardless of their background.

Creating an Enabling Environment for the Underbanked

We expand our reach to low-income individuals or groups who are typically excluded from traditional banking. POSB is currently the only bank that works with the Ministry of Manpower to avail bank accounts as part of Work Pass Issuance process for Work Permit Holders, which comprise Migrant Domestic Workers and Migrant Workers.

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Addressing the Financing Gap for Small Businesses

We improve financing for underserved local small-and-medium enterprises (SMEs) and social enterprises (SEs) to build capabilities and capacities and scale businesses.

In 2022, we have approved over 5,000 loans totalling SGD 900 million to SMEs in Singapore, with over 98% of the loans going to micro and small businesses. In support of SEs, we have disbursed over SGD 13.4 million in loans at preferential rates.

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Impact beyond banking

We seek to be a force for good by championing social enterprises - businesses for impact with a triple bottom line - and giving back to the communities we are a part of.

DBS Foundation

DBS Foundation is focused on creating impact and improving lives through championing social entrepreneurship and preparing communities for the future.

Since the inception of DBS Foundation in 2014, we have helped support over 800 SEs across the region and awarded over SGD 10 million in grants to 93 SEs.

In 2022, the DBS Foundation expanded the scope and scale of its operations with the formation of the new “Community Impact” chapter. The new chapter looks to supporting communities by equipping them with essential skills for a better future, specifically financial and digital literacy skills. It also aims to tackle climate change with a focus on food waste reduction.

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People of Purpose

People of Purpose (PoP) is DBS’ employee volunteer movement that brings our values to life. Our commitment is instituted in having two official volunteer-leave days for each employee. Amidst the pandemic, our employees contributed more than 140,000 volunteering hours in 2022, a 40% increase from the previous year, demonstrating our commitment to serve the community through challenging times.

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Helping change mindsets

Providing information on how to live sustainably is important for us to be effective enablers of change. With “Live more”, our sustainable lifestyle content portal, we hope to inspire an eco-friendly community and create a collective movement towards more conscious choices.

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