Barko Loans - ESG | Environmental, Social & Governance

Environmental Stewardship

Reducing Plastic Waste

As part of Barko Financial Services' commitment to environmental sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint, we have distributed 115,596 reusable shopping bags to our valued customers, affectionately referred to as our "kings and queens", from 2021 to date. This initiative is a key component of our broader Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategy, aimed at promoting eco-conscious practices within the communities we serve. By providing durable, reusable shopping bags, we are not only reducing the reliance on single-use plastic bags but also encouraging more sustainable consumer habits. This simple yet impactful step helps to minimise the environmental harm caused by plastic waste, contributing to cleaner communities and a healthier planet. Our ongoing effort to distribute these bags underscores our dedication to protecting the environment and promoting responsible, sustainable choices for all.

Digital Transformation and Paper Reduction

Paper Usage: 2021 vs 2023

Barko Loans has made significant strides towards environmental sustainability by reducing paper usage. In 2021 we printed 12,835,513 pages and in 2023 we printed 4,831,010 pages, this represents a total reduction of 8,004,503 pages printed within just two years.

Summary of Our Environmental Savings

Pages: 8,004,503 fewer pages printed.
Trees saved: Approximately 960 trees. One tree typically produces around 8,333 sheets of paper.
CO2 emissions avoided: Roughly 40,022 kg (40 metric tons).
It is estimated that producing one releases around five grams of CO2.

Sustainability in Operations

We are committed to long-term operational efficiency and minimising environmental impact. Our approach combines financial health with social responsibility and ethical governance, creating positive outcomes for all stakeholders.

Responsible Governance

We follow key principles that define our governance:

Integrity: Acting with honesty and upholding ethical standards

Professionalism: Deliver good service with competence, integrity, and a commitment to excellence

Confidentiality: Safeguarding sensitive data in compliance with laws

Conflict of Interest: Avoiding situations that may compromise transparency

Fair Competition:Adhering to ethical competition practices

Client-Centred Focus

We prioritise transparency, confidentiality, and fair treatment for all clients, ensuring they receive clear information and equal service.

Compliance and Security

Barko Loans adheres to South African laws, Anti-Money Laundering (AML), and Counter-Terrorism Financing (CTF) practices. We ensure data privacy and security, protecting against cyber threats and unauthorised access. At Barko Loans, responsible governance is our commitment, making us a trusted financial partner.

Looking Ahead

These efforts not only support global sustainability goals but also enhance operational efficiency. By lowering resource consumption, we are contributing to forest preservation, and climate change mitigation. As Barko Loans continues to move towards a more paperless future, it remains committed to fostering environmentally responsible practices that benefit both the business and the planet.

Reducing Carbon Footprint for Clients

Barko Loans' digital services have helped clients reduce their need to travel, thus cutting their carbon footprint. By enabling online loan applications, repayments, and support, clients can manage their finances from home, eliminating the need to visit physical branches. This reduces travel emissions, supports paperless transactions, and lowers energy consumption. Overall, Barko Loans' digital approach promotes environmental sustainability, making it easier for clients to adopt eco-friendly financial practices.

Innovative Cleaning Systems

Barko Loans Takes Steps to Save Water with Innovative Cleaning Systems

In the world of business, small changes often have a significant impact. At Barko Loans, the second small change we have made in our focused effort to reduce our environmental impact, is reducing our water usage at our larger branches. We are transitioning from traditional mop cleaning to the advanced Numatic 244NX I-mop Auto Scrubber Drier machines. These innovative machines not only clean more efficiently but also use significantly less water, helping us contribute to global water conservation efforts. Water scarcity is a pressing global issue, with 2.7 billion people facing water shortages and 780 million experiencing it daily. Tragically, 3.5 million people lose their lives each year due to the lack of safe drinking water. At Barko Loans, we recognise the importance of preserving this vital resource. By investing in water-saving technologies like the I-mop system, we are taking meaningful steps to reduce our water footprint and support efforts to secure a sustainable future for our planet.

Environmental, Social and Governance