Climate and environmental impact

Our actions are focused on reducing our environmental footprint and encouraging positive change that benefits people and future generations.

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Climate change

We all have a role to play to address climate change, and we hold ourselves accountable to doing the right thing. People First Bank is committed to taking meaningful climate action by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions through a targeted approach.

Emissions reduction

Our 2030 science-based emission reduction targets reinforce our dedication to aligning with climate science and contributing to a more sustainable future.
We are actively working to achieve these targets by taking action across a range of initiatives including:

  • improving energy efficiency across our branch and head office sites
  • securing renewable energy for all sites
  • transitioning our fleet from hybrid to fully electric vehicles
  • expanding our range of green loans for energy-efficient home upgrades such as solar panels and battery storage.

Validation through SBTi

Our emissions targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), a corporate climate action organisation that enables companies and financial institutions worldwide to play their part in combating the climate crisis.

 

SBTi standards and guidance ensure our emission reduction goals align with the latest climate science and support the Paris Agreement's temperature limits of well below 2°C, and ideally 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. In line with this science, we are committed to:

Reducing direct and indirect emissions

95% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030 (FY2023 base year)

Financed emissions reduction

38% reduction in Scope 3 financed emissions (mortgage portfolio) per square metre by 2030 (FY2024 base year)

Renewable energy transition

Source 100% renewable electricity for our sites by 2030—an increase from 56% in FY2023

Learn more

Find out more about how we are working towards a sustainable future for people, communities and the environment.

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Our progress

Our annual Customer Report provides more detail on the actions we’re taking to reduce our environmental footprint, and the progress we’ve made towards meeting our commitments.

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Our B Corp certification

As a certified B Corp, we’ve committed to meeting high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. Find out more about what this means, and why it’s important.

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Partnering for climate action

Through the Business Council of Cooperatives and Mutuals (BCCM)’s Declaration of Climate Action, we have committed to a just transition toward net‑zero carbon emissions, ensuring our efforts protect the planet, people, and economy, alongside other customer-owned organisations.

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