The Sustainability Report is the third to be issued by ADB. It details the broad range of measures taken to promote environmental sustainability, inclusive growth, and improved governance in Asia and the Pacific during 2009 and 2010. It notes that in 2010, lending for projects with environmental objectives reached $4.8 billion, with the number of projects up more than 50% from the year earlier--the highest number since 1995.

'The report highlights how ADB continues to make substantive progress in promoting environmental sustainability in the Asia and Pacific region and in reducing its own ecological footprint,' said Nessim Ahmad, ADB’s Director for Environment and Safeguards.

One key focus area has been climate change, with ADB increasing assistance for programs that help developing member countries adopt a less carbon intensive growth path and help them adapt to the impacts of climate change, such as the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events. It has also supported members to boost the sustainability of their agriculture and natural resource management systems, build new water supply and sanitation infrastructure, and respond more effectively to natural disasters.

The report documents ADB’s own efforts to reduce its environmental footprint and to conserve resources. These include expanded use of videoconferencing and electronic communications to lower greenhouse gas emissions and the reduced use of water, electricity, and paper. ADB is also tapping solar power as a supplementary energy source at its Manila headquarters and is harvesting rainwater.

The report highlights ADB’s progress in implementing its Safeguard Policy Statement which was introduced in early 2010 to promote sustainability of ADB projects through stronger safeguards for the environment, involuntary resettlement and indigenous peoples. The report follows an outline that is in keeping with international norms for sustainability reporting and is made available mainly online to reduce its environmental footprint.