3.27.2007 - 08:00am ET

(CSRwire) Standard Chartered has published its first Sustainability Review, which builds on the Environment and Corporate Responsibility reports that the Company has published over the last six years.

The report is now available via www.reportalert.info/ra/StandChart270307.htm

Using the Bank's core skills, services and talent Standard Chartered wants to make a positive contribution to society. The Bank's 'building a sustainable business' strategy is its response to a rapidly changing world, multiple stakeholder needs and global challenges such as climate change and poverty.

Highlights in the report include:

• US$ 800m invested in renewable energy projects, including a US$ 25m wind power project financed in South Korea;
  
  
• Progress in ensuring customers are treated fairly through responsible selling and marketing;
  
  
• US$ 2m raised for Seeing is Believing and US$ 1m donated by the Group in 2006. Through fundraising and voluntary work employees have raised enough money since 2003 to contribute to one million sight restorations by World Sight Day 2007. Phase 3 of the programme will make a difference to 10 million people by 2010.
  
  
• Standard Chartered's pledges to support the Clinton Global Initiative by:
  a) Mobilising and distributing US$ 500m through identified microfinance institutions to impact 4 million people in Asia and Africa over the next five years. US$70m was distributed in 2006.
  
  b) Educating an additional 1 million people on living with HIV / AIDS over the next 3 years.
  
  c) Supporting Vital Voices Global Partnership, to equip emerging women leaders with professional skills and networks they need to achieve their full potential.

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