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Sustainability

Accelerating the transition to a low carbon economy

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Our climate strategy

How can you get involved?

Our climate articles & resources

Go paperless

Our climate strategy

Ulster Bank, in line with our parent NatWest Group, are committed to helping to address the climate challenge.

We have made good progress reducing our green house gas emissions by 61% since 2014 and in 2020 we became net carbon zero by offsetting all Scope 1, 2 and 3 (business travel) emissions from our own operations through the purchase of internationally recognised carbon credits.

We will continue to seek ways to reduce our environmental impact and support NatWest Group’s Climate ambitions. These include becoming climate positive by 2025, at least halving the climate impact of the Group’s financing activity by 2030 and achieving alignment with the Paris Agreement.

What are we doing?

We have been supporting Sustainable Energy projects for over 20 years and this year we announced the ambition to be a leading bank in Ireland in addressing the climate challenge.

Our current focus Close

Developing solutions that help to reduce climate change and help our customers to reduce their carbon impact
Increase our funding of and financing for climate and sustainable finance
Make sure that we’re carbon neutral ourselves by the end of 2020 and climate positive by 2025

The past decade Close

2019

We became a founding signatory of the UN Principles of Responsible Banking, through our parent, NatWest Group.

Additionally, we also became the first bank in Ireland to achieve Zero Waste to Landfill accreditation.

2018

We signed up to the Business In The Community Ireland’s Low Carbon Pledge, committing to a 50% reduction in Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions by 2030.

2017

We publicly pledged support to the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure.

Before 2010 Close

2003

Adopted the Equator Principles – a voluntary set of standards adopted by banks for assessing and managing social and environmental responsibilities in project financing.

We will not provide project finance to clients who are not meeting EP standards.

2001

Specialist sustainable project finance team established, working to meet the needs of our clients in this sector and support government targets on renewable energy.

1997

We financed our first commercial wind farm in Co Donegal.

How can you get involved?

Going paperless

Switching to paperless is a quick and easy way to reduce your carbon footprint. Mail and statements can be viewed via online banking or in our mobile app, making it a safe and handy way to manage all your documents.

Specific mobile and online banking criteria applies.

I want to go paperless

Our latest climate articles

World Environment Day: change in the air

Has lockdown given us the opportunity to create lasting environmental change?

MoneySense: Save money, save the planet

Teaching your children how to be eco-friendly doesn’t just help the planet: it can also be good for your family’s bank balance.

Climate and sustainable finance news

Developments in the green energy sector and beyond.

Read our July 2020 update

Additional resources

Taking action

Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland (SEAI) has tips to save energy and reduce your energy consumption and bills.

From carbon calculators to carbon offsetting tips and climate community projects, carbonfootprint.com has it all.

Google’s Your Plan Your Planet tool offers simple, personalised recommendations for how you can reduce your carbon footprint.

Climate education

NASA’s Climate Kids website brings climate science to life with fun games, interactive features and exciting articles.

The United Nations website explains their global Sustainable Development Goals.

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) is the world's leading independent conservation organisation. Their website provides education, news articles and tools for taking action.

Environment Protection Agency website explains the impact climate change will have for Ireland.

Industry insights

Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland (SEAI) is Ireland's national sustainable energy authority.

Irish Wind Energy Association is the national association for the wind industry in Ireland.

There are a range of Ted Talks which offer bold new perspectives on climate change by industry experts.