Energy Consumption and Energy Efficiency

The Bank’s operations are not environmentally hazardous and are not associated with high environmental risks. The Bank adheres to the precautionary principle in addressing environmental issues and promotes the development and dissemination of environmentally friendly technologies.

Throughout the reporting year, there were no violations of environmental legislation, and no penalties were imposed.

As a financial institution with an extensive branch network, the Bank requires considerable amounts of electricity and thermal energy to maintain its operations. To minimize its environmental footprint and improve operational efficiency, the Bank implements energy-saving measures. In order to conserve financial resources and reduce electricity consumption, LED lighting systems with power ratings ranging from 12 to 60 watts have been installed in the buildings of the Bank’s Central Office and branches. The Bank’s energy consumption is presented in the following table:

In 2024, electricity consumption increased by 62 % compared to 2023, amounting to 2,961,216.43 kWh. This significant increase is attributed to the following factors:

• Change in the accounting methodology: During the reporting year, the Bank actively worked on calculating Scope 3 greenhouse gas emissions in collaboration with an external expert organization. As part of this project, the Bank revised its approach to measuring electricity consumption by implementing more accurate and efficient methodologies, as well as enhancing control over energy expenses. In previous years, data collection did not differentiate between owned and leased buildings, which led to the exclusion of electricity consumption for certain Bank premises. In addition, for certain leased buildings, utility services were included in the rental fee, and the lease agreements did not require the provision of data on the consumption of energy resources, water, or solid waste disposal. In 2024, the Bank introduced a provision in lease agreements requiring the submission of such data upon request. As a result, the electricity consumption figure for 2024 includes all Bank premises (both owned and leased).
• Business expansion and opening of additional branches: In the reporting year, the Bank launched its 20th branch in the Ulytau region.

At the same time, the Bank’s thermal energy consumption decreased by 35 % in 2024, totaling 5,581.79 Gcal. This reduction was primarily achieved through renovation efforts such as insulating buildings, installing energy-efficient windows, and improving thermal insulation in the Bank’s Central Office and its branches in Almaty, East Kazakhstan region, and Pavlodar region.

Electricity is supplied to the Bank via the municipal power grid from substation TS 21-44 under an agreement with Almaty Energo Sbyt LLP. Heating is provided through the central thermal network (CHN) by Almaty Heating Networks LLP under a service contract.

The Bank acknowledges its energy footprint and aims to reduce energy consumption and increase efficiency through the installation of LED lighting and automated lighting systems. To reduce its environmental footprint from operational processes and promote the sustainable use of natural resources, the Bank has set a goal to install automatic lighting control systems (motion sensors) in the halls at the Central Office in 2025, at 10 branches in 2026, and in all 20 branches by 2027.