Building society partners with Climate Partner on their journey to net zero

Jo Barnes
·2-min read
MOnmouthshire Building Society
MOnmouthshire Building Society

Newport-based Monmouthshire Building Society is working with climate action organisation ClimatePartner to improve its carbon footprint and do more for the environment.

Over the past two years the regional building society has been working with ClimatePartner to establish their carbon emissions and begin to make changes towards becoming net zero by 2050, the requirement for companies in the UK.

The society is seeking to improve its environmental credentials as part of its Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) initiative and has selected ClimatePartner for its ability to embed sustainable climate action into corporate activity.

The society has recently been accredited with the ClimatePartner certification, acknowledging that the company has provided a transparent disclosure of its entire climate action strategy, including carbon footprints, emissions reduction targets, implemented reductions and financial contribution towards climate change projects worldwide.

Since 2022, the society has reduced its total emissions by 52 per cent for the period 2022-2023 and around a further 20 per cent in the last year.

Last year the society offset its total recorded emission of 644 tonnes CO2e via both UK and international projects. This included the planting of 250 trees in Neath, a project alongside "Dedicate a Tree" which supported the society’s communities approach.

Achievements and commitments have included:

• Using 100 per cent renewable energy across all offices and branches, making our premises more efficient than ever

• Ensuring 10 per cent of on sale products support green initiatives

• Supported members with £27.2m of mortgages for energy efficient homes (EPC A or B)

• Began to replace paper welcome packs with digital packs, using robotics process automation

• Making a substantial reduction in paper usage and printing and increasing use of recyclable materials.

Dawn Gunter, chief operating officer at Monmouthshire Building Society, said: “We’re delighted to have achieved ClimatePartner certification and will continue to take a proactive approach towards reducing our carbon emissions.

“The steps we have taken in reducing our energy use, using more recyclable materials and offsetting our carbon emissions have provided a great starting point and we’re proud of our commitment to the environment and supporting our members and local businesses to offset their carbon footprint.

“However, we understand that this is only the start of our journey and there is still much to be done to reach our goal of becoming net zero by 2050.”

Further information about the work Monmouthshire Building Society is doing to reduce their carbon footprint can be found at climate-id.com/en-gb/5ECIJ9

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