HSBC INDIA

CORPORATE SUSTAINABILIT Y IMPACT REPORT 2021

Increasing digital Creating sustainable Nature and community-based

transactions and ecosystem across the freshwater management and
overcoming gender barriers cotton value chain, conservation solutions
with a focus on
production

Page 20 Page 24 Page 29

Cover image credits: World Wide Fund for Nature India (WWF India)

Field training session with farmers to learn about package of practices being implemented in a demonstration plot at Tirzada village, Yavatmal
district, Maharashtra
Contents
Leadership messages 02

Impact at a glance 05

Overview of Corporate Sustainability 06

Scope of this report 07

Research methods to capture outcomes

and impact of Community Investment 08

Building future skills 10

Commitment to environmental sustainability 27

Disaster relief, rehabilitation & COVID-19 support 38

Employee volunteering 40

Sustainable operations 42

Corporate Social Responsibility spends 43

Building sustainable futures 44

01
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Leadership messages

Hitendra Dave
Chief Executive Officer, HSBC India

Our non-profit partner ecosystem rose to the challenge

I am delighted to share the first edition of HSBC’s India by innovating and adapting new grass-root level solutions
Corporate Sustainability Impact Report. Our purpose and implementation methods to overcome challenges that
of ‘opening a world of opportunity’ have shaped our emerged due to COVID-19.
Community Investments in India. We have been strategic
and focused, with a long-term outlook that has translated This report also comes at a time when government,
into deep impact in the lives of 5 million individuals. industry, not-for-profits, and philanthropists are expressing
their commitment to addressing the global shift towards
As a purpose-driven organisation, our Community sustainability. We recognise the immediate need to
Investment is spread across building Future Skills, enabling safeguard our planet and aim to establish long-term
Sustainable Entrepreneurs, furthering Environmental sustainable practices that protect our communities,
Sustainability, supporting the local development agenda businesses, and natural environment from the rapid effects
as well as aiding the most vulnerable during the ongoing of climate change.
pandemic through COVID–19 relief and recovery measures.
HSBC’s interventions have impacted the lives of the most With our commitment to accelerating a net zero carbon
marginalised and underprivileged sections of the population economy in the communities we serve; HSBC is helping its
through a range of empowering programmes customised to customers towards transition financing to become more
their developmental needs. environmentally sustainable in a conscious manner. Globally,
we have pledged to reduce financed emissions from our
The pandemic-related disruption and multiple environmental portfolio of customers to achieve a net zero economy by
calamities have impacted all sections of the community, 2050 or sooner. We also aspire to lead by example and
specifically the socio-economically disadvantaged. HSBC’s achieve net zero operations by 2030 through championing
targeted relief measures aim to improve resilience and sustainable supply chains and operations.
invest in long-term rehabilitation of affected communities.

02
 HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Paul Raddon Pradeep Menon

General Manager & Head of Operations, Managing Director & Head
Global Service Centres of Technology, India

Our Community Investments over the years have made HSBC’s global commitment to enable people around
societal impact through shifting the economic and the world to build skills to meet the Future of Work
social prosperity of youth and giving them a second resonates well with our skill development initiatives in
chance through building future ready skillsets. In a India. Leveraging the demographic dividend and shifting
changing global economy, with the emergence of the labour force participation of youth can positively
disruptive business models and the fourth industrial impact employability and income generation capabilities.
revolution, it has become increasingly critical to equip Our alignment with local partners that have a strong
our youth to succeed in rapidly evolving local contexts. industry connect has resulted in skilling youth in the
Our partnerships with local not-for-profit organisations right sectors, situating them for sustainable livelihood
in India meets this intent, placing communities generating options. In addition, our initiatives on
first, through a set of skill development, enterprise improved access to water and building entrepreneurial
development and water and environmental sustainability abilities of communities have resulted in increased farm-
initiatives. This has resulted in shifting educational levels, based livelihoods and the effective functioning of women
employment, economic empowerment, and improved led self-help groups (SHGs) with improved savings and
quality of life. Working in collaboration and celebrating access to credit. Our level of commitment across a range
social innovation forms a key part of the local approach of Community Investment interlinked with a patient
in our journey towards creating impact. impact outlook will shape stakeholder outcomes in the
coming years.

CEO's message continues...

While revolutionary ideas need to be deployed to outline As a part of HSBC’s priority to develop as one of the
commercially viable progressive solutions, investment and strongest human-centric organisations in the industry,
governance are key to achieving global sustainability. To meeting our societal obligations emerges as a cornerstone
advance our global shift towards net zero, we are unlocking to reaching this ambition. We believe our journey towards
climate solutions through clean-tech innovation, sustainable creating social and economic impact was made possible
infrastructure, and nature-based solutions that address through collaboration and partnerships, encouraging
climate change. innovation, and recognising local contexts.

I welcome you to read the report and share your views with us.

03
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

universal and will be at the centre of most sustainability

initiatives, there are various components which make up this
huge canvas. HSBC, therefore, realised it was imperative
for it to pick what it felt were areas where its contribution
could be more meaningful and decided to concentrate on
those. These are the areas of Future Skills; Environmental
Sustainability; and Disaster Relief & COVID-19 support.

The three major ways HSBC conveys Corporate

Sustainability (CS) are:
• Its business practices
• The proactive Community Investment initiatives or
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programmes
Aloka Majumdar • Managing its own footprint
Head of Corporate Sustainability,
HSBC India When it comes to Community Investment, the focus is not
charitable, but developmental. Community Investment is
much more than mere funding of social sector projects.
We present this report in what is arguably one of the most Alongside funding of projects, imparting of technical
unusual times of our lives. A time when pandemic-related expertise and knowledge are equally critical in the journey
disruptions and multiple environmental calamities over the towards sustainability.
past two years have impacted all sections of the community,
specifically the socio-economically disadvantaged. Given the spread of the country and the seriousness and
complexity of the problems being confronted, we believe
This social impact report covers the impact of projects partnerships with organisations which have a strong connect
supported by the Bank and HSBC Group companies in India with the community, knowledge and expertise to deal with
across grant years 2018-2019 to 2020-2021. It captures issues are critical to creating impact at scale. The Bank and
the challenges, solutions, best practices and, above all, is HSBC Group companies in India currently work with over
testimony to the resilience of our non-profit partners. 160 grassroots non-profit partner organisations. These are
organisations with proven track records and have been an
This challenging period has also underscored like never indispensable part of our social impact initiatives.
before how non-profits, together with the government
and the private sector, can play a critical role in delivering With an increasing project and partner portfolio, together
services which are essential during the pandemic – from with feedback from our partners, we have been investing
medical supplies to food and vaccination. We have seen that in capacity-building of partner not-for-profits. This apart,
non-profits can even pivot rapidly to provide cost-effective an important part of our Community Investment strategy
solutions. They are leveraging technology traditionally not is integrated third party monitoring and evaluation for all
considered their forte. Above all, they have led from the front projects, though this is implemented through a collaborative
showing admirable public spirit as well as courage, empathy, approach.
and boldness to be in the frontline at great risk. From HSBC’s
end, our priority has been to reach the funding at the earliest As we transcend to more technology-driven, integrated
possible to our non-profit partners. Working with over 90 models with a keen eye on the ecosystem, our ambition is to
non-profit partners on COVID-19 relief and rehabilitation, we leverage data to make informed decisions, harness strategic
were able to reach over 16 lakh people. partnerships to achieve scale and develop innovative and
sustainable solutions as key focal points to achieve greater
The pandemic, in fact, has served as an important reminder impact.
of the urgent need to focus on sustainability as an integral
part of business. As we bring you this report, we hope it provides you a bird’s-
eye view of the scope, scale, and impact of HSBC India’s
Why sustainability? sustainability initiatives. The report also seeks to bring you
We believe for businesses to sustain and grow in the HSBC’s various initiatives towards making its own operations
long term; it cannot see itself as being isolated from the more sustainable in line with our global net zero ambition. I
community around it. Hence, for an institution like HSBC, hope you enjoy reading this report as we continue working
the community must mean people and the environment in with our partners—private and public—in our journey to
which we live. While these two components are, in a sense, make an even more widespread impact.

04
 HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Impact at a glance
Coverage

25 States
Presence across
11,190,958
141 People reached
03 Union
territories
districts (of which
12 are aspirational
districts)
2018-2019 to
431+ Project
locations 2020-2021
160
232 Projects Unique non-profit partners
Grant years

• Projects across socio-economically distinct regions

• Focus on youth, women, transgenders and the differently abled
• Enhancing capacities for employability, entrepreneurship, livelihood and
sustainable value chain
• Emphasis on financial and digital literacy
• Supporting cities to achieve ODF, ODF+, ODF++ status
• Accelerating water security
• Instilling safe health and hygiene practices through clean sanitation
• Restoring environmental flows and conservation of water bodies including
Ganga and Ramganga
• Habitat and biodiversity conservation
• Pan India COVID-19 relief support
• Emergency relief and rehabilitation support to disaster affected areas

05
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Overview of Corporate
Sustainability
HSBC’s sustainability strategy to support sustainable economic growth, focuses on Community Investment (CSR interventions),
Sustainable Operations, Sustainable Finance and Sustainability Risk. The strategy is delivered through a combination of social
programmes, collaborations, commercial activity and risk management.

Community Investment
The Community Investment design principles have been contoured by recognising varied ideas, local cultures, innovations, and
diverse perspectives. The Corporate Sustainability impact narrative emerges from HSBC India’s connected and collaborative
approach with the not-for-profit sector, equally invested corporate partners, the government and most importantly communities.
Through partnerships with grassroots not-for-profit organisations having a proven track record, the Community Investment
projects are focused in the areas of Future Skills, Environmental Sustainability, Disaster Relief and Rehabilitation including
COVID-19 relief and recovery support.

Sustainable Operations
The Bank is committed towards reduction in carbon footprint through concentrated efforts in areas of sustainable operations,
supply chain and financing portfolio. Leveraging the Paris Agreement Capital Transition Assessment (PACTA) tool and Task Force
for Climate Related Disclosures (TCFD), HSBC is developing clear and measurable ways to achieve the organisation wide target
set to attain net zero by 2030 or sooner. Owing to HSBC India’s own operations, the organisation wide REDUCE programme has
substantially cut out carbon while lessening the wider environmental impact through efforts of using less energy, paper, and
water, and consciously generating less waste.

Sustainable Finance
Globally HSBC has embarked on a journey to support customers’ transition to lower carbon economy through transition
financing. The ambition is to provide between US$ 750 billion and US$ 1 trillion in financing and investment over the next 10
years for clients in all sectors to support them to progressively decarbonise.

Sustainable Risk
HSBC defines sustainability risk in two categories – Environmental risks and Social risks. The organisation has robust
sustainability risk policies covering Agricultural Commodities, Forestry, Freshwater Infrastructure, Energy, Defense, Chemicals,
Metals and Mining, World Heritage and Ramsar Wetlands and Equator Principles.

06
 HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Scope of this report

This report captures projects conducted under HSBC India’s Community Investment / Corporate Social Responsibility initiatives.
The narrative showcases programmes and change stories that have been supported by the Bank and 7 India Group Companies
(listed below) across three grant cycles (2018-2019 to 2020-2021) through multi-year collaborative efforts. The report also
highlights the impact of REDUCE, an eight-year internal programme to significantly cut annual CO2 emissions per employee.

1. The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, India (Bank)

2. HSBC Electronic Data Processing India Private Limited (HDPI)
3. HSBC Software Development India Private Limited (HSDI)
4. HSBC InvestDirect Financial Services (India) Limited (HIFSL)
5. HSBC InvestDirect (India) Limited (HIDL)
6. HSBC Securities and Capital Markets (India) Private Limited (HSCI)
7. HSBC Professional Services (India) Private Limited (HPSI)
8. HSBC Asset Management (INDIA) Private Limited (AMIN)

Future Environmental Disaster relief, rehabilitation

skills sustainability & COVID-19 support

94 15 90+
Partners Partners Partners

24 States &
15+ Pan India
03 Union
territories States

121 21 90+
Projects Projects Projects

07
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Research methods to capture

outcomes and impact of
Community Investment
This report adopted a mixed research and outcome-based approach for evaluating the impact of Community Investment
projects across the Bank and 7 Group Companies in India. This chapter explains the characteristics of results-based monitoring
(RBM) framework, customised common result frameworks, customised monitoring templates, management information
systems (MIS) databases and primary project visits. The approach was customised basis the maturity levels of various non-profit
partner organisations with a core emphasis on early course correction and capacity building of frontline and monitoring and
evaluation (M&E) of staff.

Methodology
Multiple frameworks were adopted across thematic areas to assess portfolio level impact and outcomes. Implementation of
customised common result frameworks helped develop better understanding of outreach of the programmes, socio-economic
status of the beneficiary, cost per beneficiary, gender outcomes, amongst more.

A list of the frameworks adopted for assessing project outputs and outcomes is as follows:

Mapping of stakeholders

Portfolio level common results framework (CRF)

Skills and employability Environmental sustainability

Customised frameworks based on UNDP's UNICEF post 2015-WASH indicators3
RBM framework1 and USAID methodology4

Entrepreneurship, financial and digital capability Upskilling of teachers and trainers

OECD Core Competencies framework2 CRF based on UNDP's RBM framework

Disaster relief & COVID-19 support

Customised framework based on UNDP’s RBM framework

1.
UNDP RBM framework: http://web.undp.org/evaluation/documents/RBMConceptsMethodgyjuly2002.pdf
2.
OECD core competencies: https://www.oecd.org/careers/competency_framework_en.pdf
3.
UNICEF post 2015 WASH indicators: https://data.unicef.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/JMP_Fact_Sheets_4_FINAL_154.pdf
4.
USAID methodology: https://usaidlearninglab.org/learning-approaches/methodology

08
 HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Identification and mapping of key stakeholders enabled the team to structure relevant tools for primary and secondary data
collection. A snapshot of stakeholders included in this report formulation is presented below:

HSBC India Corporate Sustainability Impact Report

HSBC India HSBC Group companies in India

The HSBC Group in India drives Community Investment with a vision and A key aspect of the report is the
mission to build upon HSBC's global strategic priorities1 and country priorities Community Investment portfolios of
as defined under Schedule VII, Section 135 of the Companies Act 2013 7 Group Companies in India

Partnerships Primary beneficiaries

Not-for-profit organisations, institutions, industry partners are key stakeholders Direct and indirect beneficiaries of
responsible for execution of Community Investment programmes the interventions

Research methodology - study tools and data collection

The monitoring and evaluation (M&E) partner developed and customised various tools and templates to assess progress of
the Community Investment projects. Data for projects supported by the Bank and HSBC Electronic Data Processing India
Private Limited (HDPI), were collected through multiple stakeholder interactions, primary field visits, monthly progress reports,
quarterly monitoring reports, management information systems (MIS) databases, annual monitoring reports amongst many
more. Project data for other Group companies has been collected through secondary mode and subsequently been validated
through multi stakeholder lens perspectives for portfolio level findings and analysis.

Timelines:
All interventions and projects supported by the Bank and 7 Group Companies in India across three grant years (2018-2019 to
2020-2021) have been considered as part of the report.

Focus group discussions (FGD) and key informant interviews (KII) with stakeholders

Management Information Systems (MIS) databases

Mid-term project monitoring reviews

Data collection tools
Primary and secondary Annual project monitoring reviews
data collected
Secondary data collection and desk reviews
leveraging diverse tools
and templates Programmatic and financial quarterly monitoring reviews

1.
https://www.hsbc.com/who-we-are/purpose-values-and-strategy

09
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Building future skills

Setting the context
The future skills strategic pillar aims to address complex education leveraging technology and improving student
challenges prevelant in the skilling ecosystem pertaining to teacher ratios. Whereas, the third sub-pillar aims to
to low female participation in the workforce, lack of quality empower communities by helping them establish self-
training, scarcity of infrastructure and faculty, limited public sustaining businesses, and equip them with knowledge
– private partnerships and disconnect between training and expertise. The fourth sub-pillar supports job creation
and industry requirements. The thematic focus equips and economic growth through entrepreneurship and a shift
young people and especially women with industry relevant towards sustainability in local and global supply chains.
workplace readiness skills, financial and enthrepreneurship While there are multiple organisations that are reinventing
skills and most importantly life skills. The portfolio targets ways of delivering community impact, the report showcases
the skilling ecosystem by bridging the gap between demand case studies of select organisations leveraging innovative
and supply, ensuring training of quality candidates as well as solutions. These have been highlighted owing to the impact
training of quality trainers. Through long-term investments, created and their ability to cater to specially abled, reach
sustainable and scalable models, encouraging formation remote locations and deploy digital approaches.
of unique implementing models and replicating pilot
interventions across geographies, the aim is to impact the The future skills pillar aims to contribute towards Schedule
lives of women and youth enabling better livelihoods and VII, Section 135 of the Companies Act 2013 by eradicating
employment opportunities. poverty, promoting education including special education
and employment, enhancing vocational skills especially
The future skills portfolio has four sub-pillars with amongst children, women and differently abled and
dedicated programmes designed to address the specific livelihood enhancement projects, driving gender equality
needs of diverse communities. These include, employability and women empowerment, and lastly supporting rural
linked skilling, upskilling of teachers and trainers, livelihood development projects.
enhancement of women through entrepreneurship and
building financial and digital capability as well as enterprise The targeted interventions aim to contribute towards the
development and sustainable supply chains. United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
agenda, through the following goals:
The first three sub-pillars cater to HSBC India's flagship
initiative i.e., HSBC Skills for Life.1 This five-year INR
100 crore programme focuses on enhancing capabilities
of marginalised youth through provision of specific soft
and techinical skills to create employment opportunities.
The second sub-pillar, addresses the need for building
capacities of teachers and trainers, improving quality of

94 121 24 03 289+ 6,306,864 558,071 7,578

Unique Projects States Union Project People Direct People
non-profit territories locations reached beneficiaries with Disabilities
partners (61.4% female (1.3% PwDs)
inclusion)

1
https://www.swadesfoundation.org/hsbcskillsforlife/skill.html

10
 HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Future skills and HSBC Skills for Life sub pillars

Livelihood Enterprise
Upskilling of enhancement development
Employability
teachers of women by and
linked skilling
and trainers building financial sustainable
and digital capability supply chain

78 04 07 08
Non-profit Non-profit Non-profit Non-profit
partners partners partners partners

102 04 07 08
projects Projects Projects Projects

20 States 09 States 12 States 14 States

03 Union
territories 01 Union
territorory 01 Union
territorory 01 Union
territorory

54,873 164,498 83,337 255,363

Direct Direct Direct Direct
beneficiaries beneficiaries beneficiaries beneficiaries

Sub pillar 1: Employability linked skilling

Employability linked skilling in partnership with Swades Foundation of HSBC India’s efforts. The approach focused on bringing together
focuses on providing support to organisations that build partner organisations with diversified expertise in capacity building
capacities and specific skillsets of disadvantaged youth with the and skill training. The goal is to aid the entry and participation
aim to integrate them into the job market. India’s disadvantaged of marginalised communities in mainstream socio-economic
youth face numerous challenges today. Most of them belong to activities. The portfolio consists of credible organisations doing
unorganised neighbourhoods with limited access to mainstream ground breaking work in the skill development domain, and the
facilities and often do not have college degrees or are school report showcases the work of two select organisations, that have
dropouts. been set apart due to the implementation of innovative digital
driven models and ability to cater to the specially abled, while
Providing access to livelihood and addressing the socio-economic reaching remote locations in India.
gap through a portfolio of targeted interventions is the core focus

11
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Target
Aim Focus Gender parity
Disadvantaged communities
Employability linked
skilling
9 Sectors Unemployed youth
School/college dropouts
Person with Disability (PwDs)

Automotive Solution
Partnership
BFSI (Banking, Financial Mobilisation and selection

78 Services and Insurance)

Unique non-profit Counselling and pre-training
Electronic and
partners
IT hardware
Comprehensive curriculum
20 Healthcare
States Assessments
Hospitality

Infrastructure procurement
319 IT and ITES (Information
technology and
Training Centres
Information technology Pre-placement counselling
enabled services)

Logistics Placement

Retail Post-placement support

Telecom

Key partnerships
01 HSBC Skills for Life in partnership with Swades Foundation (implemented through 57 not-for-profit organisations)

02 Employability linked skilling (25 not-for-profit partners)

12
 HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Sub pillar 1: Case study 1

Equipping youth
with future ready
skills
Candidates during their practical training classroom session in Andhra Pradesh

Despite the national lockdowns, India’s IT sector has grown to The organisation demonstrated both resilience and innovation
US$ 194 billion in 2020-2021 with the demand for skilled talent in the skilling space by adopting innovative technology driven
in the IT/ITES increasing by 30% annually. NASSCOM’s recent skill training programmes that have the potential to revolutionise
skill gap study has highlighted the supply-demand gap for niche skill training and placement of unemployed youth. Some of key
technologies, digital skills with employers seeking candidates advancements includes building awareness of skill training for
with expertise in data analytics, AI, blockchain, virtual 5000+ youth, creating a database of candidates, digitisation of
reality etc. applications and enrolment, adopting ‘Live Online’ classrooms and
identifying work from home opportunities for placements.
To address this need, Anudip Foundation for Social Welfare
has established itself as a credible partner in the IT/ITES skilling Some of key differentiators of the initiatives, includes leveraging
domain by offering courses in progressive technologies such digital spaces to recreate virtual classrooms, transitioning from
as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Internet of Things in-person teaching to ‘Live Online’ classes. While the entire skilling
and Cyber Security enabling students to become future ready. ecosystem was struggling with placing newly trained candidates
The Foundation's progressive thinking has redefined the skill with consecutive COVID waves, Anudip Foundation leveraged its
training models leveraging technology and have best adapted existing network and partnerships to identify current and potential
to significant shift towards online learning in response to the employers with online modes of hiring and facilitated virtual
COVID -19 crisis. interviews and explored work from home opportunities.

Key outcomes:

1,784 80% 57% 90%

Candidates trained Women candidates Candidates placed at an average Retention rate at
annual income of 6 months
INR 106,610/-

13
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Sub pillar 1: Case study 2

Economic
and social
empowerment
of Persons with
Disabilities Persons with disability candidates undergoing an IT practical demo session at
Warangal centre, Telangana

The last census revealed that there are 26.8 million people with job. They also work with employers to organise sensitisation
disabilities (PwDs) in India. Of the 13 million PwDs who are workshops and explore placement opportunities to create an
employable, only 3.4 million are employed across the organised, inclusive workplace. The programme has created a positive impact
unorganised and Government schemes. Youth 4 Jobs (Y4J) in the income levels of the PwDs and their household.
focuses on equipping PwDs with employable skills and has
established placement linked skilling centres across 27 states and 6 Despite the COVID – 19 imposed challenges, Y4J switched to a
Union Territories in India. virtual training model and commenced training PwD via online
platforms, enabling them to enroll candidates from distant
Y4J has been successful in mobilising PWD candidates from locations.
remote parts of the country, training them with the requisite job
readiness skills and supporting these candidates in achieving their The economic slowdown in the tourism and hospitality sector
dreams and ambitions in the workplace and society. Y4J is one severely affected placement prospects for trained candidates but
of the few skill development organisations that is sector agnostic Y4J’s strong relationships with organisations both from the public
with respect to placements and believes in training and equipping and private sphere, ensured that candidates receive placements
candidates with the fundamental skills required to excel at any with good job offers during this tumultuous time.

Key outcomes:

1,216 61% Average increase in

contribution to household INR
Candidates trained Candidates placed in the job income by
118,964
270%
market across major sectors
including e-commerce, retail, average annual
hospitality, manufacturing and salary earned
IT & ITES sectors

14
 HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Outputs and outcomes

Aggregate reach through the Future skills - Employability linked skilling portfolio (2018-2019 to 2020-2021)

Employability linked skilling - outputs

Outreach

319 56,320 53,316

Skill training centres delivering Marginalised Candidates received skill
skill training across 9+ youth impacted training (35.6% female
market relevant skill sectors inclusion and 19.3% of
including BFSI, retail, IT & ITES, PwD inclusion)
hospitality and healthcare

Employability linked skilling - outcomes

Skilling ecosystem

20,894 (40%) INR 36,000 - Highest employment

opportunities
Trained candidates
employed (25.6% PwD
560,000 sourced from BFSI,
average annual income ITES and Retail
inclusion)
range for placed candidates.

15
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Sub pillar 2: Upskilling of teachers and trainers

The upskilling of teachers and trainers strategy is designed and provide quality education in government schools
to combat the supply side challenges of the skilling and institutions, customised teaching pedagogy, learning
ecosystem. The portfolio focuses on training of trainers content, enhanced teacher-student ratio, and increasing
(ToT) to impart skills of the future and upskill them towards students’ engagement leveraging technology and innovative
jobs of tomorrow. This pillar also focuses on upskilling of activities were actively executed by HSBC India’s non-profit
teachers to enhance the quality of teaching and improve partners.
learner experiences. In order to improve learning outcomes

Solution
Aim Target
Upskilling of teachers Training of trainers and teachers
population
and trainers
School
Upskilling
teachers
Partnership
Supplementing
4 Trainers
teacher-student ratio
Non-profit partners
Partnership with
government institutions
29
States Use of innovative technology

Customised teaching learning

materials and content

Key partnerships
01 Kaivalya Education Foundation

02 Pratham Education Foundation

03 Teach to Lead

04 Udyogini in partnership with EduBridge Learning Pvt. Ltd.

16
 HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Sub pillar 2: Case study 1

Stakeholder driven
sustainable school
excellence programme
Joint practical session conducted by Gandhi fellow and school teacher
in Thane Municipal Corporation school, Maharashtra

Kaivalya Education Foundation (KEF) launched a five-year programme. Under this, the fellows serve as a strong link between
flagship district level School Excellence Programme (SEP) in the community, parents and schools and are responsible for all
partnership with the Thane Municipal Corporation, Maharashtra to activities pertaining to training of teachers and capacity building of
strengthen school and stakeholder capacities. government level officials.

KEP model was anchored on the principle that an inclusive The on-going support to education institutions and its leaders
and sustainable education system can become a reality if we resulted in a significant shift in mindset of educators towards
can adopt a system strengthening approach. The SEP was adapting to new age pedagogical techniques. In addition to
hence designed to enable leadership and management skills in the fellowship activities, the fellows often raised crowdfunding
principals as well as government level education officers. The campaigns at an individual level to improve school resources
programme ensured concentrated efforts to develop advanced and outcomes. Through partnerships with external non-profits
conceptual knowledge and teaching skills in school staff. KEF’s and community contributions, fellows across schools set up
model consistently focused on encouraging active participation libraries, bought unique gaming and sports equipment, improved
of parents, community members and youth in school school infrastructure amongst many similar activities during the
development processes through capacity building workshops, programme.
handholding field support, School Management Committees
(SMCs) and community participation. The programme strongly focused on connect across all
stakeholders invested in the local education value chain. The
Another key instrument in driving change on ground level for KEF is programme continued to create powerful impact on ground even
the Gandhi Fellowship, a structured 2-year leadership development during the pandemic with schools operating remotely.

Key outcomes:

700 300 300 100 30,000

Teachers upskilled Education institutions Headmasters’ Fellows trained Community members
reached capacities built engaged

17
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Outputs and outcomes

Aggregate reach through the Future skills - Upskilling of teachers and trainers portfolio (2018-2019 to 2020-2021)

Upskilling of teachers and trainers - outputs

Ecosystem

37,633 58,391 424 1,454,586

Schools, Teachers, cluster Training Students
Anaganwadi, skill cadres, Anganwadi of trainers impacted
training centres workers and (ToT)
impacted headmasters trained conducted

Upskilling of teachers and trainers - outcomes

Skilling ecosystem Teacher learning methodology

79% INR 254,184 Direct implementation of Teaching

at Right Level (TaRL) programme
Trained candidates Average annual
successfully salary earned by in 46,273 schools of Andhra
placed trainers
Pradesh and Karnataka

Women empowerment Learning outcome

42% Improvement in 1,063,279

Female candidates coaching ability Students tracked for improved
received skill training of Principals learning outcomes of which

36% students showed

Improvement in Usage of reading apps and improved student learning
teacher's classroom website-based resource outcomes
transactional ability among 30% students

18
 HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Sub pillar 3: Livelihood enhancement of women through

entrepreneurship, and building financial and digital capability

Owing to the increased prioritisation of the government on Promoting entrepreneurship among women was
financial literacy and digital penetration, 7 organisations operationalised through financial and business management
supported under HSBC India's financial capabilities portfolio training, support for business plan development,
implemented targeted interventions to achieve a common development of mobile-based applications and creation
goal of financial inclusion, digital literacy, and economic of local cadre of master trainers to ensure programme
empowerment. Financial inclusion was achieved by sustainability. Partnerships with Micro Finance Institutions
enabling access to finance, encouraging identification and (MFIs) and government stakeholders as well as leveraging
documentation of marginalised sections, financial and digital technology to empower women to become financially
literacy sessions and linkages with banks, insurance, and independent were among the key priorities.
government schemes.

Solution
Aim Target
Financial and digital
Financial capacity population awareness
building via targeted
interventions Women Financial behaviour

Partnership Entrepreneurship
Youth
7
Non-profit partners Use of financial
instruments

12
States Use of innovative
technology

Key partnerships
01 ACCESS Development Services

02 Friends of Women’s World Banking India

03 Mann Deshi Foundation

04 Parinaam Foundation

05 Sa-Dhan

06 Society for Development Alternatives

07 Swadhaar FinAccess

19
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Sub pillar 3: Case study 1

Increasing digital
transactions and
overcoming gender
barriers Beneficiary undertaking digital transaction towards repayment

The various barriers to women’s use of mobile financial services Content: Comprehensive training modules; Manuals available on
include gender norms, low levels of digital financial literacy, lack of technologies such as NPCI, BHIM, mobile wallets etc. Games were
awareness of financial products and their benefits, and distrust of also introduced to ensure ideal outcome
mobile financial services. Another major obstacle is the limitations Training: Workshop for clients and last mile agents with test on
of some mobile financial products on various devices. Digital workshop day to capture digital awareness levels
inclusion helps communities, specifically women to access to
Collaborations: Partner MFIs such as Society for Model Gram
finance through various channels, mitigate cash carrying risks,
Bikas Kendra, Satya MicroCapital, SMILE Microfinance. Apart
customer centric offerings, availing benefits of flagship projects of
from this, other institutions such as IFMR LEAD, Busara Center
Government of India and State Governments.
for Behavioral Economics. Institutions such as NPCI2, Payments
Banks3 were also roped in for specific activity.
Following the launch of the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)1 in
2016, HSBC India had partnered with Sa-Dhan and Microfinance
The project provided on ground support that bridges the prevalent
Institutions Network (MFIN):
gaps and enables the beneficiaries to avail host of benefits and
• To provide training on digital literacy to microfinance
further ameliorate their socio economic development. It also
institutions (MFIs) and their customers, in order to strengthen
leveraged technology to reduce loan repayments in cash at MFIs.
the digital ecosystem for underserved sections of the
It had a direct gendered impact, as majority borrowers from these
population
small MFIs are women (Economic Survey 2019-20 mentions that
• To promote gender equality and empowering women by the
97% of loan borrowers are women). Assessing the effectiveness
virtue of promoting education including special education
of the trainings helped in understanding any spillover effects,
• Providing cost-effective and scalable options to MFIs for
and pivots. The norm of bringing cash to monthly meetings was
making loan disbursements and repayments from their
replaced using various digital payment options, ensuring better
customers through digital methods
safety and security while enhancing the financial capabilities of the
women and last-mile agents.
Sa-Dhan is the largest and oldest association of Community
Development Finance Institutions in India and recognized by the
The project was piloted across four states, West Bengal, Punjab,
banking regulator Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as a Self-Regulatory
Tamil Nadu and Gujarat using different intervention models – like
Organisation (SRO) for Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFCs)
payments bank, debit card, and mobile payment application.
and micro finance institutions (MFIs).

Microfinance Institutions Network (MFIN), as an industry Key outcomes:

association and SRO, works towards the robust development of the
micro-finance sector.

What followed was a multi-year partnership with HSBC India and

Sa-Dhan (2018-2021) for a project focusing on improving digital
4 35 1,994
Microfinance Village Women linked
awareness of MFI customers (primarily women) and last mile field
Institutions (MFIs), communities to financial
agents to reduce cash-based transactions.
and reached products started
non-profit using digital
The project was designed to include:
partnerships and cashless
Consultation: To understand the scope, opportunities and
fostered transactions
challenges of digitisation of MFIs

1
 nified Payments Interface is a system that powers multiple bank accounts into a single mobile application (of any participating bank), merging several banking
U
features, seamless fund routing and merchant payments into one hood
National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), an umbrella organisation for operating retail payments and settlement systems in India, is an initiative of Reserve
2

Bank of India (RBI) and Indian Banks' Association (IBA) under the provisions of the Payment and Settlements Systems Act, 2007, for creating a robust payment and
settlement infrastructure in India
Payments Banks are new model of banks, set up to operate with minimal credit risk. The main objective is to advance financial inclusion by offering banking and
3

financial services to the unbanked and under-banked

20
 HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Sub pillar 3: Case study 2

Nurturing the
entrepreneurial
aspirations of rural
women through
skill building and
seeding ideas Mann Deshi Foundation's business school on wheels, Satara district, Maharashtra

Financial inclusion is a priority for the Government of India and peer-learning platform for rural women. To reach women and
and the banking regulator, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) adolescent girls with limited mobility, the organisation started
to ensure knowledge, financial services and instruments the 'Business School on Wheels' to provide them with livelihood
skills and financial and digital literacy. Mann Deshi also created an
reach the under-served and under-banked communities
e-commerce platform to facilitate market linkages for its women
across India. Mann Deshi Foundation, a partner of HSBC
beneficiaries.
India over the past 15 years, is a pioneer in empowering
women across the country. Mann Deshi has been providing These business management skills have created entrepreneurial
the women with financial and digital education, support opportunities for women, and helped young girls capture rural
to start their own businesses and has effectively used its job markets, thereby strengthened their communities. The
partnerships with public and private players to ensure the programme also helps women start their own business with
women have increased income, become more progressive mentoring for developing detailed business plans and inputs on
financing that they can avail through different types of loans.
and enterprising as well as become self reliant.
Since the beginning of the partnership, Mann Deshi has continued
HSBC partnered with Mann Deshi in 2008 to set-up the first
to demonstrate its strong impact via increases in income,
Business School for rural women - Mann Deshi Udyogini. The
participation, access and control over financial resources for rural
organisation since has provided over 113,150 underprivileged
women. The organisation's strength lies in adjusting to dynamic
women with requisite businesses and vocational trainings, and
changes, innovating and adapting implementation models to
access to seed loans. Mann Deshi also set up the Chamber of
deliver impact at scale.
Commerce (in specific geographies), the only of its kind networking

Key outcomes:

20,084 134 8,950 8,051

Women supported through Villages covered Beneficiaries improved an Unique number of women who
Business School and existing business (45%) have set up businesses (40%)
Chamber of Commerce

17,001 15,299 6,795 9,865

Women with increased Increase in Assets Increase in average monthly People employed with
income levels (85%) (76%) income levels (per woman) women entrepreneurs

21
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Outputs and outcomes

Aggregate reach through the Future skills - Livelihood enhancement of women through entrepreneurship, and
building financial and digital capability portfolio (2018-2019 to 2020-2021)

Livelihood enhancement of women through entrepreneurship, and building

financial and digital capability - outputs
Outreach

427 162 25
Village and slum Education institutes MFIs/Small Finance Banks (SFB) and
communities reached and training centres local non-profit organisations covered

Livelihood enhancement of women through entrepreneurship, and

building financial and digital capability - outcomes

Financial behaviour Entrepreneurship development Use of financial instruments

15,677 11,970 12,601

Women provided Women received Savings bank
support and livelihood, market linkages accounts opened
linked to financial and hand holding support and used
products

4,639 3,699
Women started own Received access to
business and involved in credit and finance
income generating activities

Sub-pillar 4: Enterprise development and sustainable supply chain

The enterprise development and sustainable supply chain the incubation stage. The final goal is to provide beneficiaries
portfolio focuses on linking grassroots producers with with ancillary support in forms of increased access to financial
mainstream value chain. The aim is to drive inclusive services including affordable credit and their integration into
employment and entrepreneurship that promotes diversity value chains and markets.
and establishes sustainable businesses.
The overall aim is to ensure adequate market linkages for
The primary goal of the portfolio entails knowledge beneficiaries to establish self-sustaining businesses which can
dissemination to vulnerable sections of society empowering run independently without any external support. The portfolio
and encouraging them to be aware of entrepreneurship has a strong focus on women empowerment and most
processes. This is followed with an effort towards supporting programmes are centred around equipping women with skills
communities with required inputs and guiding them along to become active change agents within their communities.

22
 HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Solution
Aim Target
Building sustainable population Entrepreneurship
enterprises via
targeted interventions Small and
marginalised farmers Livelihood support
Partnership Women from tribal

8 communities
Creating producer companies
Non-profit partners
Weavers and
artisans
14 Market linkages
States Primary producers

Social entrepreneurs Connect to supply chains

Key partnerships
01 ACCESS Development Services

02 ChildFund India

03 Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII)

04 Goonj

Impact Foundation (DASRA) in partnership with Indus Tree Crafts Foundation & United Nations
05 Development Programme (UNDP) India

06 Indian Academy for Self Employed Women

07 Kherwadi Social Welfare Association

08 World Wide Fund for Nature India (WWF India)

23
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Sub pillar 4: Case study 1

Creating sustainable
ecosystem across the
cotton value chain, with
a focus on production
WWF India's cotton intervention - demo plot, Maharashtra

Often referred to as ‘white gold’, cotton is a principal commercial and improved decisions on appropriate cotton production practices.
crop cultivated globally by approximately 100 million farmers and Around 33,000 cotton farmers received 1.3 million advisories and
supports the livelihoods of 250 million people engaged in cotton alerts over a period of almost two years. Along with this, the project
processing and trade activities. India is the largest producer of cotton has successfully established setting up of automated irrigation
in the world. It is an important crop for the country’s economy with system to provide real time actionable solution in addressing the
5.8 million farmers cultivating the crop and approximately 40 to 50 water issue in the Jalna district of Maharashtra.
million people involved in processing allied activities.
The end impact of these initiatives has been a reduction in
Cotton production contributes to climate change, with emissions greenhouse gas emissions (measured as a function of reduced
from fertilizers being the major contributor. Cotton production nitrogenous fertiliser application) between 20.5% and 40%, a
contributes 0.3%-1% of the total global GHG emissions, which is reduction in water footprint between 15% and 20.5%, an increase
quite significant in absolute terms in India, given the country is the in yield between 15% and 53%, and an increase in income between
largest producer. While cotton production contributes to climate INR 10,144 and INR 19,500 per acre in Jalna and Yavatmal districts.
change, climate change itself is likely to cause increased pests and Collaboration with the District Agriculture Department, the State
disease attack, increase stress and shocks in the crop as a result of Rural Livelihood Mission, and the Gram Panchayat has resulted in
inadequate/high/uncertain rainfall and temperature. the leveraging of resources worth INR 2.13 lakh in the form of inputs
to farmers, catchment protection measures, and support to women
Therefore, there is a need to better understand the impacts of the self-help groups.
changing climate on cultivation of cotton and resulting vulnerabilities
on cotton farmers. This will help in designing approaches that will A cotton tracking tool (http://cottontrail.in/) has been introduced to
help build resilience of farmers to better address the climate risks map and depict the journey of cotton production. The tool helps
and improve cotton cultivation addressing the impacts of changing ascertain the cultivation details (input use, time of operations,
climate (particularly rainfall and temperature). information on adoption of practices, yield, cost of cultivation and
other information) for a group of farmers and is envisaged as a
It is with this objective that HSBC and WWF India joined hands for prototype to trace the origin and cultivation practices of cotton from
a project to accelerate sustainable cotton production, with technical the field.
support from Sustainable Communities India (SCI), in Jalna and
Yavatmal districts of Maharashtra State (the largest cotton producing As part of the project, research was undertaken that mapped the
state of India). climate risks and vulnerability of major cotton growing areas in
Maharashtra and that of the farmers. The research is a first attempt
The project has directly engaged with 94,000 farmers to promote of its kind to develop a cotton specific vulnerability index based on
sustainable cultivation practices that lower the environmental current responses and adaptation measures at the farm level. Based
footprint of cotton cultivation. In addition, the project mapped out on the findings, few recommendations have been listed to address
the state of water resources, identified water consumption patterns, the vulnerability of stakeholders along the cotton value chain from
calculated sectoral water demand for agriculture, domestic and the primary producers i.e., farmers themselves all the way to the
livestock, estimated water supply through surface and groundwater stakeholders such as the textile industry for whom cotton is one of
sources. Through the Better Management Practices (BMPs) their primary raw materials.
identified in the beginning of the project, farmers were made
aware of the negative impacts of the overuse of water, fertilizer and
pesticides. This initiative has engaged farmers to promote sustainable
production practices in cotton, enhancing the sustainability of
The project has seen the application of AgriTech based Decision water sources and improving the economic conditions of women
Support tool namely, Cotton Doctor App which has ensured rational though strengthening women self-help groups (SHGs). At an

24
 HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

outcome level, the project has mapped out the climate risks of production. The outcomes and approaches have long ranging
India’s largest cotton producing state, demonstrated sustainable application for building a climate resilient and secure cotton supply
production practices and piloted the traceability in cotton chain in the times to come.

Key outcomes:

Engaged with 245,000 Impacted 302 villages jointly in 21% to 40%

farmers (94,000 direct Jalna block of Jalna district & Kalamb reduction in greenhouse
and 150,000 indirect) block of Yavatmal district gas emission

11% to 15% 15% to 53% Increase in income by

INR 10,144 per acre to 182
INR 19,500
reduction in water footprint increase in yield million litres of water harvested
per
acre

Sub pillar 4: Case study 2

Women leading the

circular economy
narrative on urban waste Women beneficiaries from rural communities in 3 states
employed at Goonj centres for upcycling of waste products

Currently, only 8.6% of the world is aligned to circular Goonj leverages the power of people and partnerships to
economy1. Promoting recycling and upcycling of waste and other collaborate and deliver impact at scale. The HSBC - Goonj
natural resources can results in US$ 4.5 trillion in economic benefits partnership has resulted in the utilisation of more than 2,000
globally by 20302. Particularly in India, transitioning to a circular tonnes of underutilised material into recycled products like
economy path can yield benefits of US$ 624 billion by 20503. Goonj reusable sanitary napkins (MyPads), mats, bags, winter clothing.
envisions leveraging urban waste as a tool to alleviate poverty and These material are put together as kits such as family kits, school
enhance the dignity of underprivileged people. The circular economy kits and disaster relief kits to be distributed within vulnerable
concept pioneered by Goonj aims to collect environmental waste, sections of the community. Most importantly, the initiative has
reuse, repair, upcycle and recycle waste to use resources frugally generated employment for women who are at the forefront of
and create sustainable livelihoods. The programme has multiple recycling and upcycling waste, creating a sustained and dignified
facets that addresses not only waste recycling but problems of source of livelihood for them. The organisation has been at
education, health and hygiene, rural development disaster relief and the forefront of covid & disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts
rehabilitation for disadvantaged communities. through a systematic approach using a hub and spoke model.

Key outcomes:

354 279,591 2,150 Tons 166,436

Women earning a livelihood Families reached of waste cloth Women reached directly
after being involved in the material recycled through MyPads
recycling and upcycling process

1
 circular economy is a model of production and consumption, which involves sharing, leasing, reusing, repairing, refurbishing and recycling existing materials and
A
products as long as possible
2
World Economic Forum. https://www.weforum.org/projects/circular-economy
3
Ellen Macarthur Foundation. Circular economy in India: Rethinking growth for long-term prosperity
25
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Outputs and outcomes

Aggregate reach through the Future skills - Enterprise development and sustainable supply chain portfolio (2018-2019 to 2020-2021)

Enterprise development and sustainable supply chain - outputs

Upskilling of artisans and weavers Circular economy Sustainable livelihoods

5,587 2,540 50,000

Weavers and artisans Tonnes of waste recycled Cotton farmers
empowered into new products supported

3,485 3,817
Weavers and artisans Jobs created in the
received upskilling process of recycling
training waste

2,323 985,000
Weavers received Products made from
inputs and market waste
linkage support

Enterprise development and sustainable supply chain - outcomes

Upskilling of artisans and weavers Circular economy Sustainable livelihoods

INR 78,460 245,000 51,000

Increased average annual Families benefitted Lives directly impacted
income of weavers and through distribution of kits through agriculture and
artisans created livelihood support

62% INR 273,000 20%

Artisans and weavers Additional yearly Reduction in CO2
benefitted from trainings income earned by 500 emissions against
and other capacity building waste entrepreneurs baseline
activities

41% 115,000 INR 34,300

Weavers and artisans Women with increased Additional average
connected with buyers menstrual hygiene annual income created
of products through ‘my pads’ for poultry entrepreneurs

26
 HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Commitment to
environmental sustainability
Setting the context
The environmental sustainability vertical focuses on projects organisations (CBOs), self-help groups (SHGs), urban local
being undertaken in regions challenged with water scarcity, body (ULBs), building capacities of these stakeholders
droughts, open defecation, solid waste management and and ensuring community ownership of projects. The
environmental degradation. Fostering partnerships with programmes implement safe health and hygiene practices
credible grassroots organisations, the programmes uplift through toilet construction, awareness generation,
disadvantaged communities through rural, semi-urban and training of masons, enabling water security, faecal sludge
urban development interventions. management.

The projects focusing specifically on environmental As per Schedule VII, Section 135, Companies Act 2013, the
conservation aim to promote nature restoration and portfolio contributes towards environmental sustainability,
preservation. Addressing today’s significant climate ecological balance, protection of flora and fauna,
changes, the interventions have a common goal of deriving conservation of natural resources and maintaining quality of
solutions that safeguard the planet and its natural resources soil and air. The projects are aligned to the following United
through research, innovation, advocacy, and climate resilient Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
practices.

The sanitation efforts focus on supporting Government

of India’s “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” to make India open
defecation free (ODF). HSBC India’s water, sanitation and
hygiene (WASH) focus adopts a need-based participatory
approach through setting up community-based

15 21 15+ 72+ 2,849,813

Unique Projects States Project Direct
non-profit partners locations beneficiaries

27
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Environmental sustainability: sub pillars

HSBC Water Environmental

WASH
Programme conservation

03 11 02
Non-profit Non-profit Non-profit
partners partners partners

05 12 04
Projects Projects Projects

09+ 06+ 02+

States States States

2,568,336 257,243 24,234

Direct Direct Direct
beneficiaries beneficiaries beneficiaries

Sub pillar 1: HSBC Water Programme – India

Access to clean water is critical for basic needs serving as a • Access to safe water
pre-requisite for education and economic growth. Identifying • Support livelihoods by improving health of communities
‘water’ as a key focus of its sustainability strategy, HSBC and reducing time spent in collecting water
globally launched the HSBC Water Programme (HWP) in 2012 • Delivery of water, sanitation and hygiene to
to invest US$ 150 million across 8 years to implement large- communities in greatest need (provide water and
scale projects in partnership with three international non- sanitation facilities in schools, and institutionalise
profits – WWF, WaterAid and Earthwatch Institute. The India hygiene education including menstrual hygiene
arm of all three organisations have significant presence across management for girls)
the country and implemented large-scale interventions across • Protecting key river basins vital to communities and
9 states of – Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, businesses
Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, West Bengal, Delhi • Undertake safe water research projects
and Maharashtra. The programme focused on an integrated • Engage with national and local governments to prioritise
approach to water through provision, protection, education water and sanitation services
and scientific research. • Promoting the value of water to HSBC employees
through learning and volunteering
Given the vast nature of the challenges related to water, the
non-profit partners worked with the government and private
sector to deliver and ensure:

Key partnerships
01 Earthwatch Institute India Trust 03 World Wide Fund for Nature India (WWF India)

02 Jal Seva Charitable Foundation (WaterAid India)

28
 HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Sub pillar 1: Case study 1

Nature and community-based freshwater management and

conservation solutions

World Wide Fund

for Nature India
(WWF India)
90 kilometers of Karula received 70 million litres of water

World Wide Fund for Nature India - Covering nearly 30% of mid-June and mid-November to mid-January) in the Ramganga. This
India’s land, the river Ganga is home to 500 million people and corresponds to 30-60% of the flows recommended by WWF-India
thousands of aquatic species. The river Ramganga, a 600-kilometer- during these months. Over 165 days, 57 billion litres of water was
long river is amongst the most polluted tributaries of the Ganga. released in the Ramganga.
WWF-India’s Rivers for Life, Life for Rivers initiative, was
conceptualized around sustainable water management, habitat and In an attempt to re-establish the breeding population of Gharials in
biodiversity conservation, water stewardship and basin governance. the main stem of River Ganga, Uttar Pradesh Forest Department
(UPFD) initiated the Gharial re-introduction programme jointly with
Since 2008, supported by HSBC, WWF-India and partners have WWF-India in 2009. From 2012 -2021, over 494 juvenile gharials
been working on the restoration of freshwater flows in the Ganga have been released in the Ganga. Since 2018, through sustained
and Ramganga Rivers through Environmental Flows (E-Flows) engagement and behaviour change campaigns, turtle nesting
assessments and developing proof of concepts. The interventions and basking sites along 45 kilometre stretch of the Ganga in
were further strengthened through the HSBC Water Programme. Hastinapur Wildlife Sanctuary was secured in collaboration with
local communities and Uttar Pradesh Forest Department. Working
During 2017-2021, the 90 kilometre long River Karula, a sub-tributary towards conservation and protection of freshwater habitats,
of Ramganga was revived adopting an approach combining demand WWF-India supported the initiative of the UPFD and the Ministry
and supply side management with institutional strengthening of Environment Forest and Climate Change, Government of India
in agriculture. Jointly with the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation & Water to designate 6,908 hectares of Haiderpur Wetland as India’s 47th
Resources Department (UPI & WRD) and 300 sugarcane farmers, Ramsar Site1 on December 8, 2021.
over 70 million liters of water (saved through sustainable agriculture
and better water management practices) was released into the river A network of grassroots multi-stakeholder groups, ‘Ganga Mitra’, for
till December 2021. This model is now being scaled up with 40,000 managing the Ganga and Ramganga was established in Moradabad
farmers with the support of HSBC to enhance flows in Kali River, and Bareilly. Nearly 4000 active Mitras are engaging in various
another tributary of the Ganga. actions in 6 districts of Uttar Pradesh. This concept, is now being
implemented in wetlands across the country through an initiative of
Ramganga, a key tributary of the National River Ganga is impacted the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change through
by diversion of freshwater flows and pollution. WWF-India and State Wetland Authorities.
knowledge partners developed recommendations for Environmental
Flows in Ramganga. In compliance to an order by the National Green Through focused campaigns in Upper Ganga, Ramganga and during
Tribunal, the UPI & WRD issued an order in March 2021, to release Kumbh 2013 and 2019, the programme has engaged over 250,000
freshwater (as E-Flows) throughout the lean season (mid-March to people directly.

1
 Ramsar site is a wetland site designated to be of international importance under the Ramsar Convention, also known as "The Convention on Wetlands", an
A
intergovernmental environmental treaty established in 1971 by UNESCO, which came into force in 1975.

29
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Jal Seva
Charitable Trust
(WaterAid India)
Sushama, 50, a member of the community led Solid and Liquid Waste
Management Centre, collects dry and wet waste separately in a cycle cart,
Durg district, Chhattisgarh (Photo credit: Prashanth Vishwanathan)

Jal Seva Charitable Trust (WaterAid India) worked with the local level. At the national and state level, Jal Seva conducted
most marginalised communities in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, research on toilet technologies across various terrains in India and
Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. In the first phase of HSBC Water shared the findings with government stakeholders. To strengthen
Programme (HWP – 2012-2016), the focus was to provide access water security and improve water quality, Jal Seva worked with
to essential services, lower open defecation rates, and strengthen district and town authorities on small piped water supply schemes
water, sanitation and hygiene accountability and planning. Phase and community-based rainwater harvesting systems, providing
two (2017-2021) built on these themes focusing on research technical support and establishing community-based monitoring
and innovation to address challenges in specific contexts, schemes. Research on fluoride mitigation technologies in
demonstrating model services, and building local government and collaboration with academic and research institutions, resulting in
community capacity. The project was implemented over a critical several low cost filters that are now being used in districts affected
period when the Swachh Bharat Mission was being rolled out. To by fluoride contamination.
ensure the scale and ambition of the campaign produced equitable
services on the ground, Jal Seva provided targeted support in six The project worked with communities and central and state
districts across the four states. At the same time, a holistic, district- government to find long-term solutions that built on local systems
wide approach addressed pervasive threats to drinking water, and resources; built local capacity and economic potential through
such as fluoride contamination, and emphasized the importance of training women and young people; and mobilised effective
hygiene behaviour change alongside sanitation for community engagement for greater accountability. The focus on
healthier communities. connecting grassroots groups to central administration unlocked
government funds, helped departments work together and ensured
A diverse range of challenges were identified across the six districts, water, sanitation and hygiene solutions addressed the real needs
that required innovative and context-specific solutions. The project of communities.
piloted sanitation technologies that were durable, cost-effective and
low-maintenance, such as composting toilets and water-efficient Over 10 years the project provided 350,000 people with safe
ecosan toilets, which are now being taken up more widely at the water and 550,000 with improved sanitation.

Earthwatch
Institute India
HSBC India employees volunteering as citizen scientists

Earthwatch Institute India (EWI) facilitated citizens’ action As volunteers, 2500 HSBC India employees across 8 years
towards conserving urban water bodies through the citizen science assisted scientists in collecting data that would support
model. The project promoted the concept of Scientific Social water resource management plans by creating a robust
Responsibility by connecting citizens and scientists to increase citizen science database. The programme spanned 42 water
science-based understanding for conserving lakes and water bodies and lakes across 6 cities, including a Ramsar site in East
bodies, promoting environmental technologies such as constructed Kolkata Wetland, known as a model of multiple-use wetland. As
wetland technology; use of remote sensing and Geographic part of the project, EWI partnered with renowned scientists, water
Information System (GIS); and floating floriculture techniques. The experts and seven research organisations, including IIT Bombay,
programme engaged HSBC India employees (referred to as ‘Citizen Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Bengaluru, Centre for Water
Science Leaders’ and ‘Fresh Water Watchers’) and their wider Resources, Institute of Science and Technology, JNTU Hyderabad,
local communities in actively monitoring water quality regularly. C.P.R. Environmental Education Centre and INTACH Delhi.

30
 HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Outputs and outcomes

Aggregate reach through the HSBC Water Programme

HSBC Water Programme - outputs

4,272,064+ People 450km 2,045+
belonging to disadvantage of Ramganga river Educational institutions
communities reached benefitted from enhanced equipped with gender
flows specific WASH facilities
reaching
540,375+ 1,711,682+ 231,814 students
People reached with People reached through
clean water awareness generation

790,409+ 12,000
People provided with Adolescent girls trained in
access to toilets menstrual hygiene management

HSBC Water Programme – outcomes

406+ Strategy for integrating

wetland conservation in Ganga
Karula river started to
re-flow after 15 years,
Districts and village
communities reached
basin management developed
in conjunction with National
62.5 million litres of
water released into the
Mission for Clean Ganga
river

Promotion of eco-friendly Adoption of cleaner technology Wealth out of waste

livelihood opportunities metalware units in Moradabad created through eco-
including nature based
sustainable tourism,
saving 5 million + litres friendly products made
water hyacinth and
eco-friendly goods and of water with 700 units natural fibres to beat
combating plastic pollution on clean technologies plastic pollution

31
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Sub pillar 2: Water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)

The focus of the WASH portfolio is two-fold. One is to harvest and conserve clean water. And second is to create Open
Defecation Free (ODF)1 zones through an integrated approach. The interventions go beyond providing toilets and function all
along the WASH value chain. The programmes include components of infrastructure building, access to water, fecal sludge
management and behaviour change communication.

Solution
Target Focus
Water infrastructures
Drought prone areas Access to clean
drinking water
Toilet
Open defecation zones construction
in urban and rural areas Access to toilets

Open defecation free zones

Marginalised Water facilitates (ODF, ODF+, ODF++)
communities

Conversion of open Capacity

Partnership defecation spots building

11 Safe health and

hygiene practices
Awareness
generation
Non-profit partners

Behavioral change Mason

06+ training

States Community
awareness Community-Based
Organisation formation
12 Sustainability via
Targeted interventions community ownership Community
participation

Key partnerships

01 BAIF Development Research Foundation 07 Mann Deshi Foundation

02
Centre For Environmental Planning and Technology
(CEPT) University 08 South Asian Forum for Environment (SAFE)

03
Committee of Resource Organisation for Literacy 09 Swades Foundation
(CORO India)
10 United Way Mumbai
04 Gujarat Mahila Housing SEWA Trust

11 Watershed Support Services and Activities Network

05 Jal Bhagirathi Foundation (WASSAN)

06 Kherwadi Social Welfare Association

1
 DF (Open Defecation Free) is a term used to describe communities that have shifted to using toilets instead of open defecation.
O
ODF+ and ODF++ are aimed towards proper maintenance of toilet facilities and safe collection, conveyance, treatment/disposal of all faecal sludge and sewage.
While ODF+ focuses on toilets with water, maintenance and hygiene, ODF++ focuses on toilets with sludge and septage management.

32
 HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Sub pillar 2: Case study 1

Model sanitation
and Faecal Sludge
Management
project in Sinnar The faecal sludge treatment plant (FSTP) has helped Sinnar in
Maharashtra achieve ODF++ status

The Center for Water and Sanitation (CWAS) at CEPT University • Improved monitoring of Faecal Sludge and Septage
supports Sinnar Municipal Council (SMC) in improving their Management (FSSM) services
sanitation services. Sinnar is a city in Nashik district of Maharashtra. • Innovative financing mechanism for sanitation related activities
With support of CWAS, SMC achieved its ODF status in 2017. At • Sustaining ODF status in the city
this stage, CEPT and HSBC came together to work on an
innovative and scalable solution for Sinnar to achieve its aim The project introduced city-wide Faecal Sludge Management
of becoming ODF++. While capital investments required for the (FSM) with scheduled desludging. Individual household toilet
project came from SMC, the key objective of HSBC’s support was construction was amplified through the combined efforts of
to add value to enhance the quality of these investments. HSBC, the government grant and a city grant with access to credit
from banks and other financial institutions. School sanitation
An eight-point plan was developed in consultation with the local was also implemented through the programme leveraging an
government that included: innovative crowdfunding campaign with contributions from
• Setting up of the Sinnar Swachhata Kosh (cleanliness fund) local residents. Sanitation facilities at the public places were
Committee improved by developing a model procurement contract for one
• Committee for improvement of school sanitation of the Public Toilet (PT) in the market area of Sinnar on private-
• App-based tools for monitoring scheduled emptying sector-participation (PSP) mode. Technology was leveraged for the
• Improved access to toilets online tracking of desludging services through the Sanitrack mobile
• Greener and sustainable environment with effective use of application. The project also focused on building institutional
resources capacity through training of city government officials.

Key outcomes:

One-of-the-foremost Faecal
sludge and septage management INR 122,800 2,200+
(FSSM) models showcasing raised through crowdfunding Septic tanks desludging
Public-Private-Partnership responsibility of operations and monitored through online
maintenance of all district schools monitoring system
taken up by Urban Local Body

525 Increase in green coverage by Development of structure

8,000
for India’s first Sanitation
Individual household toilets developing sq mt of Impact bond
(IHHT) constructed landscape and urban forest at FSTP,
where used water is treated and reused
33
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Outputs and outcomes

Aggregate reach through the WASH portfolio (2018-2019 to 2020-2021)

Water, sanitation and hygiene - outputs

617,901+ 5,202+ 18,170+

Small and large water structures Toilets constructed
People reached
constructed / renovated / repaired at
household, school,
and community level
117,268 513,859
Information dissemination People reached through
and awareness generation awareness generation
activities conducted

Water, sanitation and hygiene - outcomes

797 INR 6,996,400 2,028

Districts, village and slum raised through crowd funding Hamlets and slums
communities reached and community contribution received ODF status

Access to clean drinking Significant improvement Improved security

water, reduced drudgery, in health status of and menstrual
increased availably of beneficiaries due to safe hygiene management
water at household level hygiene practices. Decline in practices due to
and irrigation facilities at morbidity indicators construction of toilets at
community level enabled household level

Sinnar city in Maharashtra

received ODF++ status

34
 HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Sub pillar 3: Environmental conservation

HSBC India fostered partnerships with leading grassroots therefore promoting nature restoration and environment
organisations having expertise in specific work areas sustainability. The key focus areas are as follows:
pertaining to environmental conservation and preservation

Campaigns Policy Sustainability

and events accelerators value chains

Promoting environmental Research leveraging integrated Positively impacting rural

sustainability, ecological studies on creating knowledge to micro-entrepreneurs, especially
balance, and protection of build drought resilience in changing women to maximise profits and
flora and fauna climates sustainability on farm and non-
farm-based microenterprises

Provide a platform for bird Evaluations pertaining to drought

watching enthusiasts, to observe management, groundwater Enhancing water security, promoting
the avifauna of Indian cities and management and climate sustainable Agri practices, value
the changing urban geography resilient agricultural practices chains, market linkages, skill
and ecosystem with recommendations to shape development and fostering an all-
enabling policies and practices round supportive ecosystem for
enterprises in villages

Capacity building on water

management and climate resilient
agriculture with view on drought
proofing

Key partnerships

01 United Way Mumbai

02 Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR)

35
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Sub pillar 3: Case study 1

Adopting climate
resilient agriculture
practices and building
water security
WOTR's efforts to empower rural women to set up farm-based
micro-enterprises

The HSBC - Watershed Organisation Trust (WOTR) partnership on the study findings Point Recharge Structures were planned
aimed at bringing about a positive change in the capabilities and executed in the project villages. Furthermore, numerous
of rural micro-entrepreneurs, especially women and farmers activities were carried out such as soil moisture conservation
across 20 villages of Maharashtra and Telangana. The project structures; afforestation activities including seed ball preparation
envisioned to efficiently manage both farm and non-farm based and broadcasting activity; green manure cultivation; promotion of
micro-enterprises with the focus to improve water security through SRI/ SCI method of cultivation; water budgeting and crop planning;
watershed treatments, enabling sustainable Agri-based practices, capacity building trainings and fodder cultivation.
value chains, market linkages, upskilling and most importantly
creating an inclusive enterprise supportive ecosystem at village The project developed the FarmPrecise app that generates dynamic
levels. Today, as a result the project has improved groundwater weather-based, crop management advisories that are tailored to
availability through recharging aquifers and maximising water use crop and farm-specific conditions. Despite the pandemic, in the
efficiency for irrigation purposes via water efficient technologies state of Maharashtra regular zoom trainings were conducted to
and sustainable cropping practices. upskill Mahila Pravartaks on how to use and train villagers on the
app. In addition the project also drove multiple interactive activities
In Telangana a Geo-hydrological study was conducted for aquifer including kitchen garden promotion, multilayer farming, enterprise
mapping, and mapping of hydrogeological characteristics were awareness programme, health and anemia detection camps,
identified basis which further planning of watershed interventions childcare and growth monitoring (CGM), value chain analysis, goat
was developed. Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) exercises and rearing training, FPO (Farmer Producer Organisation) formation,
social resource mapping were thereafter facilitated and based and seed capital distribution.

Key outcomes:

442 1,420 1,050 2,167 115 SHGs, 19

Hectares treated Farmers started Participants Farmers downloaded Farmer groups formed

1,495+
with various Point practicing climate benefited from and using farm precise
Recharge Activities resilient agriculture kitchen gardens application with
members

36
 HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Outputs and outcomes

Aggregate reach through the Environmental conservation portfolio (2018-2019 to 2020-2021)

Environmental conservation - outputs

30,263+ 1,495+ People collectivised

People reached into 134+ community-led organisations

2,288+ 3,497+ Individuals up-skilled through

Unique bird sighting
witnessed 60+ trainings campaigns / sessions

Environmental conservation - outcomes

30 Research study targeted outreach

to policy makers of relevant
Through
entrepreneurship
Villages and slum
departments at state and national enhancement
communities covered level to communicate findings efforts beneficiaries
derived from studies in Maharashtra and
Telangana reported

25% increase in
Upskilling and
awareness generated
90% Reduction in income
crop loss due to climate
on building drought
induce negative impacts and
reliance in changing
recognition and support from
climates.
Panchayat and government
bodies.

37
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Disaster relief, rehabilitation

& COVID-19 support
Setting the context
The disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts are focused on and rehabilitation support. Since the onset of the COVID-19
providing need-based support to communities impacted pandemic in March 2020, HSBC has partnered with over
during times of natural calamities and crisis. For immediate 90 not-for-profits across 18 states and 3 Union Territories
relief the approach is to identify and deliver support on to support - medical aid including testing, installing
priority where it is needed most. Implementation of long- hand-washing stations, food supplies, cash transfers and
term rehabilitation projects are through organisations having livelihood, vaccination and rehabilitation efforts.
specialised areas of expertise and a strong community
connect. The disaster relief and recovery efforts are aligned with
Schedule VII of the Companies Act 2013 - promotion of
Over the three years (2019 – 2021) the not-for-profit partner healthcare including preventive healthcare and sanitation
projects have aided communities affected during the and disaster management, including relief, rehabilitation, and
Kerala floods, cyclone Amphan in West Bengal and reconstruction activities.
Odisha, and cyclone FANI in Odisha via emergency relief

94 96 Pan-
Non-profit Projects India
partners

COVID-19 relief and recovery (financial Disaster relief and

years 2020-2021 to 2021-2022) rehabilitation

90 04
Non-profit partners Non-profit partners

90 06
Projects Projects

Pan India States 03

States

1,600,000 16,295
Direct beneficiaries Direct beneficiaries

560,000
People vaccinated

38
 HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

COVID-19 relief and recovery interventions

(financial years 2020-2021 to 2021-2022)
In response to the pandemic, HSBC India contributed INR 115 crore towards relief and recovery efforts, with an additional INR
20 crore supported from its global offices. Partnering with 90 non-profits across 18 states and 3 Union territories over the past
2 years (March 2020 to Feb 2022), the interventions have covered medical aid and equipment, hand-washing stations, food
supplies, cash transfers, vaccination and livelihood rehabilitation efforts.

A comprehensive initiative was put together to restore the livelihoods of a large section of people, from the Dabbawalas of
Mumbai to the migrants workers and the transgender community across states. Additionally, aligned social safety support (e.g.
insurance, access to government social security schemes) was introduced to enable their recovery from the economic shock.
The interventions till February 2022 have reached out to over 1,600,000 people.

Case study: Holistic disaster rehabilitation and long-term recovery

Mundar village, a low-lying area in Kerala, was completely ravaged by

the Kerala floods that occurred in 2018, causing loss to life, property,
and livelihoods. Habitat for Humanity India (Habitat India), a non-
profit partner of HSBC, assessed all the damaged households in 2019
and implemented the Pathways to permanence strategy tailored for
Disaster Risk Reduction and Response (DR3). Pathways to Permanence
is the process of reducing vulnerability and supporting disaster-affected
families and communities using - Holistic intervention, Empowerment
and support and Permanent solution.

This required long-term engagement and investment. HSBC partnered

with Habitat India with Swayam Shikshan Prayog (SSP) as the on
ground implementer, to rebuild the entire village with safe and
disaster-resilient homes along with better sanitation, access to water,
and provision of livelihoods with training in masonry, tailoring and Rebuilding of homes post the Kerala floods
agriculture. Through the project 26 new houses were constructed,
and 141 houses were repaired as per structural safety requirements.
Apart from this, every village household was supported with solar
electrification, livelihood intervention (provision of inputs for growing the tapioca plant or chicken/quail/cows/goats for eggs/
meat) and toilet construction/renovation. The community was further supported with RO (reverse osmosis) water plants, repair,
construction and repair of Anganwadis (day-care for children), community toilets, and 12 women self-help-groups (SHGs)1 with
101 members to start small scale businesses for better income.

By developing long lasting infrastructure and equipping 917 community members with the skills to overcome any challenges, the
programme has been successful in uplifting the lives of an entire village and building a much more self–reliant, progressive, and
enterprising community for the future.

Acknowledgment for the efforts:

Asian Banking and Finance Retail CSR Health Impact Awards 2020 – Zinnov Awards 2020 –
Banking Awards 2021 – Silver Award in CSR Mega Covid relief Impact Award –
Gold Award for the Corporate Social project category Sustainability and Covid Response
Responsibility programme of the year

SHGs are small informal group of 10-20 individuals, who are homogeneous with respect to social and economic background and come together voluntarily
1

for promoting savings habit among members and for a common cause to raise and manage resources for the benefit of group members.

39
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Employee
volunteering
Setting the context
HSBC India employees are among the most significant stakeholders. Their understanding and engagement are critical to the
success of the Corporate Sustainability strategy. As part of the HSBC India volunteering policy, the company provides two
days of leave annually to employees who commit towards volunteering for an initiative.

HSBC's three-pronged employee volunteering strategy entails:

1. Event/campaign based volunteering to engage large number of employees
2. Expertise-based volunteering where employees offer their specialised skills to build capacity of our non-profit partners
3. Sustainability training to build future leaders

Change stories

Technology enabled
water budgeting
application
The idea to evolve a water budgeting application emerged during HSBC’s
volunteering effort in the Kumbharwadi village in rural Maharashtra. The Water
budgeting application was designed to enable farmers in rural communities to plan
water usage based on predicted availability. It was also conceptualised as a tool for
the optimum and efficient use of water as well as deciding on seasonal crop patterns.

In 2019-2020, a strong team of 10 engineers contributed more than 3,000+

volunteering hours to develop this application using various technology
platforms like Amazon Cognito, AWS, RDS and Amazon cloud front. The water
budgeting application captures and calculates information such as: water availability,
existing needs and requirements of the village community, water-based crop
planning, optimizing irrigation possibilities, equitable sharing of excess water,
considered decisions on groundwater withdrawals.
Snapshot of the digital platform of the water
The application enables farmers in rural India plan better ensuring an equitable budgeting application
distribution of available water.

40
 HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Volunteering
Action Fortnight

HSBC employees join hands to facilitate rebuilding of flood hit houses in Kerala

Volunteering Action Fortnight, popularly known as VAF is a two-week annual initiative that engages employees from all
branches and offices to participate in various community initiatives. VAF annually contributes more than 20,000 volunteering
hours. It is designed to use the talent and expertise of employees to build capacity of the non-profit partners and support
communities and the environment.

Train Green
Programme

Young Sustainability Champions working towards building sustainable

futures and safeguarding the planet

Conceptualised in 2009 by a team of employees at HSBC’s Global Service Centre (HDPI) in Vizag, Andhra Pradesh, the Train Green
Programme (TGP) creates awareness on sustainability in the minds of young school children (6 -17 years) from various private and
government schools to become Young Sustainability Champions.

The programme is designed to reach 10 schools and 100 students (10 students per school) every year and is conducted parallely
during their academic year. Each school is assigned to a group of volunteers who teach the students about sustainability concepts,
based on which the students have to undertake projects that have tangible outcomes (e.g. reduction in energy consumption in
school, recycle and reuse of plastic etc.) at the end of the programme. The project and the outcomes are presented at an annual
event with the best projects being awarded. Over 1500 students across 240 schools have participated in this programme in the
last 11 years.

41
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Sustainable
operations
Setting the context
HSBC’s global strategy towards adopting sustainable operations aims to focus on three key thematic pillars i.e. carbon
reduction, natural resources, and impact through collaborations. With the goal to achieve net zero carbon emissions by
2030, HSBC is committed to practice responsible consumption of natural resources and foster an environment of learning
from peers and influencing industry partners, with a purpose of leading by example.

Initiatives to REDUCE emissions

The journey towards sustainable operations, however, is not new. In 2012, HSBC launched REDUCE, an initiative that
set out specific goals to reduce annual CO2 emission per full time employee (FTE) from 3.5 tonnes in 2012 to 2.0 tonnes
by 2020. The initiative has enforced sustainable practices through a holistic organisation lens. The targets included both
big projects and adopting smarter ways of working. Everyone at HSBC has contributed towards REDUCE especially for
energy, travel, water and waste reduction goals.

2020 utility consumption reductions compared to the 2011 baseline:

104,559 m 31
721 tonnes of 41,232 tonnes There are 6 Platinum
of water consumption waste generation of CO2 emissions
reduced = 42 Olympic size reduced reduced and 1 Gold Leed
pools (Olympic size pool certified buildings
capacity = 2500 m3 of
waters)

27,001 MWh of energy 2

A 10-year solar power purchase
agreement (PPA) provides 70%
A 7-year solar power purchase
agreement (PPA) provides 70%
consumption reduced. of power requirement in its of power requirements for its
That’s the same amount operations in Hyderabad (HSBC operations in Hyderabad (HSBC
of electricity used by Data Processing India Pvt. Ltd) and Software Development India
3,723 homes for one year 70% of power requirement in its Private Limited)
operations in Bengaluru

1
m3: Cubic metre
2
MWh: Megawatt hour

42
 HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Corporate Social
Responsibility spends
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, India (Bank) along with 7 HSBC Group companies, through its
Community Investment / Corporate Social Responsibility activities have been meeting their required 2% spends, based on the
prescribed norms to support developmental projects across India.

CSR expenditure for three financial years

INR in crore
Entity Name 2018-19 2019-20 2020-21

The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking

1 74.7 83.2 91.4
Corporation Limited, India (INM)

HSBC Electronic Data Processing India Private

2 12.4 13.9 15.1
Limited (HDPI, GSC)

HSBC Software Development India Private

3 11.5 14.6 17.2
Limited (HSDI, HTI, GLT)

HSBC InvestDirect Financial Services (India)

4 0.49 0.54 0.60
Limited (HIFSL)

5 HSBC InvestDirect (India) Limited (HIDL) 0.16 0.17 0.20

HSBC Securities and Capital Markets (India)

6 0.59 0.68 0.88
Private Limited (HSCI)

HSBC Professional Services (India) Private

7 - 0.08 0.10
Limited (HPSI)

HSBC Asset Management (INDIA) Private

8 0.48 0.34 0.31
Limited (AMIN)

100.4 crore 113.8 crore 126 crore

Total
(US$ 13.4 mn1) (US$ 15.2 mn) (US$ 16.9 mn)

1
mn: million

43
HSBC INDIA CORPORATE SUSTAINABILITY IMPACT REPORT 2021

Building sustainable futures

44
The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd., India
52/60 Mahatma Gandhi Road Fort, Mumbai - 400001
www.hsbc.co.in