Bangkok--24 Mar--Asian Banker Hong Kong will have its first “green” credit card in early April 2008. HSBC’s green credit card will enable customers to contribute to environmental protection as they spend, as well as donate to a unique programme to build green roofs at selected schools. The green credit card makes it easy to for consumers to participate in and promote environmental awareness. The card will be made of PET G, a chlorine-free material, and the welcome pack for new cardholders and monthly statements will be provided in electronic format to save paper. In addition, cardholders will be contributing to the setting up of green roofs at a number of schools in Hong Kong, as HSBC will donate an equivalent sum of 0.1% of cardholder spending to the HSBC Green Roof for Schools programme. Louisa Cheang, Head of Personal Financial Services for Hong Kong, remarked, “The green credit card is testament to HSBC’s commitment to tackling environmental problems and climate change. We are encouraging the people of Hong Kong to make their ‘green’ mark, by doing things that help the environment in a simple and practical way.” Hollywood celebrity Leonardo DiCaprio was a special guest at the card’s official launch ceremony today. An environmental advocate, he was impressed by the Bank’s green initiative. Leonardo said: “What if every time we used our credit cards we did something good for the environment? HSBC’s new green card allows people to do just that by leaving an environmentally-friendly, green mark every time they use the card. It is heartening to know that HSBC, as one of the leading banks in the world, is doing something for the future of our planet. I hope that more companies will follow HSBC’s good example to contribute towards a healthier and sustainable environment.” Applications for the green credit card will start from 7 April 2008. On top of the existing platinum card benefits, cardholders will also enjoy discounts when using the card at designated merchants that offer environmentally friendly products or services. The launch of the green credit card in Hong Kong is part of the HSBC Group’s continued endeavour to lead corporate responsibility on the environmental front. HSBC was the first major bank to achieve carbon neutrality in late 2005. In May 2007, the Group launched a five-year US$100 million HSBC Climate Partnership with four world-class environmental charities to reduce the impacts of climate change on people, forests, water and cities. -- www.theasianbanker.com (March 24 2008)--