Ulster Bank, as part of the wider NatWest Group strategy, are setting out a bold new ambition to be a leading bank in the UK & Republic of Ireland helping to address the climate challenge; by making our own operations net carbon zero in 2020 and climate positive by 2025, and by driving material reductions in the climate impact of our financing activity.
Becoming climate positive will require UK and international industry, regulators and experts to come together and find solutions. By embedding climate into our culture and into our decision making, we are determined to not just play our part, but to lead on the collaboration that is so critical to influencing the transition to a low carbon economy.
What are we doing?
We have been supporting Sustainable Energy projects for over 25 years and this year we announced the ambition to be a leading bank in the UK and Republic of Ireland in addressing the climate challenge.
Our current focus
1. Championing solutions that help to reduce climate change and help our customers to reduce their carbon impact
2. Stop lending and underwriting to companies unless they have plans aligned to the 2015 Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement is the first-ever universal, legally binding global climate change agreement, adopted at the Paris Climate Conference in December 2015.
3. Make sure that we’re carbon neutral by the end of 2020 and climate positive ourselves by 2025
The past decade
2019
We became a founding signatory of the UN Principles of Responsible Banking
Additionally, we surpassed our £10bn commitment to the Sustainable Energy sector a full year ahead of schedule and were recognised as a leading lender to the UK renewables sector over the past 10 years
2018
We strengthened energy financing policies covering coal, oil and gas sectors to support low carbon transition
2017
We publicly pledged support to the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosure
Before 2010
2003
We formed a Sustainable Banking team to address climate issues both internal to the bank and for customers
1991
We financed the first commercial onshore wind farm built in the UK
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.
Taking action
We Are Possible provide practical tips on how to take action on climate change.
Energy Saving Trust helps you cut your bills and reduce your carbon emissions.
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.
Industry insights
RenewableUK is the trade association for wind power, wave power and tidal power industries in the United Kingdom.
The Association for Renewable Energy and Clean Technology (REA) is a trade association for the renewables industry in the UK, covering renewable power, heat, and transport.
There are a range of Ted Talks which offer bold new perspectives on climate change by industry experts.
The Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP) is a public-private partnership accelerating a sustainable shift to lower carbon and cleaner vehicles.