Since the 2021 financial year, People First Bank has maintained carbon neutral certification through Climate Active, the Australian Government's carbon neutral certification program. In July 2026, the Australian Government announced the planned closure of the program, with certification proposed to cease on 30 June 2027. After certification ends, organisations will no longer be able to make new Climate Active-certified carbon-neutral claims or use the Climate Active trademarks.
Following this announcement, People First Bank withdrew from the Climate Active program, that is effective from 30 June 2026. However, this does not mean we are stepping back from climate action.
Our commitment to climate action hasn't changed
Our approach is changing. Carbon neutral certification relied primarily on measuring emissions and buying carbon credits to offset emissions that could not yet be avoided. Going forward, we're placing greater emphasis on reducing emissions directly, including from our own operations and supporting our customers.
What we're doing today
We have published our Climate Transition Plan detailing our roadmap of specific actions we are taking to realise our climate ambitions.
- Science-based targets: We've set emissions reduction targets that have been independently validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). This means they're in line with what climate science says is needed. Our targets can be found here.
- Renewable electricity: We're moving to source 100% renewable electricity across our operations, through both GreenPower purchasing and matching our electricity use with Large-scale Generation Certificates.
- B Corp certification: We're a certified B Corp, which means we're independently assessed on our social and environmental performance, not just our emissions.
- Helping our customers make a difference: Our Green Car Loan provides freedom in choosing a greener vehicle, helping you make a difference to reduce the impact on the environment.
How you can track our progress
Transparency remains important to us. We'll continue to publish information about our emissions, targets and climate-related activities through our annual Climate Disclosure and Customer Report, so customers can see the progress we're making over time.
What this change means for you
There are no changes to your accounts, products or services as a result of this decision. Over the coming months, you may notice the Climate Active logo and ‘carbon neutral’ references being removed from our website, branches and communications.
