Adoption of this manual will be voluntary for a period of 3 years, allowing banks and DFIs adequate time to establish and integrate their environmental and social risk management systems with credit risk management procedures in a phased manner. The manual will help all the banks and DFIs in developing a roadmap for comprehensive implementation of the Green Banking Guidelines.
Although, the implementation of the Environmental and Social Risk Management manual will be piloted in two voluntary banks on a fast-track basis, I will encourage the entire banking industry to take full advantage and use this manual for establishing ESRM systems and procedures. State Bank, along with IFC, will continue to provide necessary support and guidance at every stage of ESRM implementation.