[SUSTAINABILITY IN THE FINANCIAL SECTOR: AN INVESTIGATION ON WHAT SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES THE FINANCIAL SECTOR IN THE UK IS UNDERTAKING TO BECOME ECO-FRIENDLY]

[Supervisor's Name]



ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

No words can express my appreciation and gratitude to my research advisor _______ through the course of this research, Professor _____has taught me numerous values that extend well beyond the realm of _________ (Your Subject Name). His emphasis on dedication to work and his valuable and practical insights of life are some of the major highlights of my education at The University _________. To Professor _____, I say with great respect, thank you very much.



DECLARATION

I [type your full first names and surname here], declare that the contents of this dissertation/thesis represent my own unaided work, and that the dissertation/thesis has not previously been submitted for the academic examination towards any qualification. Furthermore, it represents my own opinions and not necessarily those of the University.

Signed __________________ Date _________________



Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the sustainable practices adopted by financial sector of UK in order to become eco-friendly. Furthermore the study also aims to examine consumers' expectations regarding eco-friendly practices of the financial sector. These aims have been achieved through the following objectives: a) to highlight the social sustainability practices adopted by UK's financial sector, b) to examine the factors that motivate the financial sector to adopt eco-friendly practises, c) to examine the social sustainability aspects of Islamic banking in order to ascertain the reasons of popularity of Islamic banking and Micro Finance.

In order to achieve these aims and objectives, a mixed research methodology has been used by the researcher. Both qualitative as well as quantitative data were collected through interview and survey technique respectively. Interviews were conducted from bank employees to gather information regarding the social sustainable and eco-friendly practises adopted by the banks and the reasons for adopting these practises. The researcher interviewed 8 participants working in various banks within UK. Out of these 8 participants, 3 belonged to Islamic banks. On the other hand, the survey was conducted from 50 consumers to examine their perception regarding the importance of eco-friendly practices in business, especially the financial sector. Informed consent was obtained from the participants before conducting interviews and surveys. Furthermore, the participants were also ensured that there identity will remain confidential.

Table of Contents

ABSTRACTIV

CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION1

Background1

Statement of Problem1

Purpose of the Research2

Rationale2

Aims and Objectives3

CHAPTER 2: LITERATURE REVIEW4

Corporations and the environment4

Climate Change and Global Warming4

Motivation of Eco-friendly Corporations9

CHAPTER 3: METHODOLOGY24

Validity and Reliability of Data25

Project Timetable26

CHAPTER 4: FINDINGS/RESULTS AND DISCUSSION28

CHAPTER 5: CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS30

REFERENCES31

APPENDICES37



Chapter 1: INTRODUCTION

Background

Much of 20th century's focus has been on economic progress in which mankind has taken huge steps forward. Gradually more, are the effects on the environment such climate change and various forms of environment pollution which are issues that do need attention. Therefore, the issue of sustainability has become more and more important. Sustainable development is about the welfare of human beings and a natural environment that does not decrease the possibilities for the future generations, without losing ...