Committed to climate action
Great Southern Bank acknowledges the important role it must play in leading climate action, and that’s why it has pledged to reaching net zero by 2040, ten years earlier than the target date set by the United Nations. Changes it is making within its own business include a commitment to sourcing 100% renewable energy for all its offices and branches by 2030.
One of the first steps in Great Southern Bank’s sustainability journey was achieving carbon neutrality in 2021 with a strong commitment to reducing its environmental footprint and responding to the changing climate. In partnership with TEM, the bank achieved Climate Active certification through an offsetting program that includes Aboriginal traditional fire management in Northern Australia and renewable energy projects supporting rural communities in India.
The program has helped deliver important economic and social benefits to local communities, in line with Great Southern Bank’s adoption of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
“Climate change is accelerating, and the time for action is now. That is why Great Southern Bank has made responding to the issue a key priority within our sustainability strategy and our broader business. Our climate change strategy is evolving, and in the coming months and years we are committed to reducing our environmental impacts and cutting our carbon footprint.”
Paul Lewis, CEO and Managing Director
Key Highlights
- First mutual bank to publish a Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures
- First Australian bank to report financed emissions in loan and investment portfolio’s using the global Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials framework
- Climate Action Plan including science-based targets, adopting global reporting standards
- Committed to reaching net zero by 2040