Summerland Sustainability
It’s a way of doing business.
Summerland Sustainability
It’s a way of doing business.
Our approach to sustainability
At Summerland Bank, we have led from our values since day one.
Actively pursuing environmental and socially sustainable business practices, we go beyond the traditional definition of sustainability to make sure we are growing ethically and responsibly, and always delivering value for our stakeholders.
Walking the walk
If we want ‘sustainability’ to mean something, it has to be backed by action.
Taking a sustainable and planet-friendly approach to our work has been the Summerland way since 1964. It’s about being able to provide a braver banking alternative long into the future, and taking care of the planet we all share. Here are six signs we mean business when it comes to walking the walk on sustainability.
Guided by ESG principles
Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) principles have been a part of the fabric of our business from the very beginning, guiding our practice, and keeping us focused on delivering the best possible service and support to our customers, communities and the planet.
B Corp Certified
We are proud to be part of a global movement of businesses meeting high global standards of transparency, accountability and positive impact. Learn more about B Corp Certification.
We are proud to be part of a global movement of businesses meeting high global standards of transparency, accountability and positive impact. This independent third-party verification shows that Summerland Bank is putting people, communities, and the planet first. Learn more about B Corp Certification.
Gold Partner accreditation
We are the first financial institution to achieve Gold Partner accreditation as part of the Sustainability Advantage Program and we are consistently recognised throughout our region for sustainable performance, winning a number of Business Chamber and Local Council Awards for Excellence in Sustainability.
We are the first financial institution to achieve Gold Partner accreditation as part of the Sustainability Advantage Program and we are consistently recognised throughout our region for sustainable performance, winning a number of Business Chamber and Local Council Awards for Excellence in Sustainability.
Minimising our footprint
As a 100% customer-owned organisation, Summerland Bank operates by the values that are important to our customers and the greater community.
Since 2009, we have minimised our footprint by a whopping 24% and cut our paper use by 36%. But we’re not done yet. Our branches are now run on 100% renewable energy, and we are making bold moves towards becoming a carbon positive as a business.
Whole of team approach
We have a dedicated Sustainability Committee who coordinates our green initiatives, and our team members contribute to the overall improvement of our environmental and social impact.
We have a dedicated Sustainability Committee who coordinates our green initiatives, and our team members contribute to the overall improvement of our environmental and social impact.
Transparency and accountability mechanisms
You should never just have to take our word for it. By providing regular and transparent reports on the ‘eco-friendly’ claims we make, and by measuring our footprint based on globally verified standards, we give you trust and confidence that we’re doing what we say we do.
You should never just have to take our word for it. By providing regular and transparent reports on the ‘eco-friendly’ claims we make, and by measuring our footprint based on globally verified standards, we give you trust and confidence that we’re doing what we say we do.
What we don’t invest in
Taking strong and principled positions on banking, investment and lending, we do not invest directly in the following industries as part of our commitment to developing a more sustainable world.
No fossil fuels
We do not directly invest in, or lend to, organisations involved in coal seam gas or fossil fuel exploration/export.
No tobacco
We do not directly invest in, or lend to, organisations whose primary business is the production, distribution and/or sale of tobacco products.
No gambling
We do not directly invest in, or lend to, casinos or organisations whose main business is gambling.
No live animal export
We do not directly invest in, or lend to, organisations who export live animals for meat by air or sea.
No weapons
We do not directly invest in, or lend to, organisations who manufacture or sell weapons as their primary business, including guns and military weapon technology.
What we do invest in
While we are proud of what we don’t invest in, we are also proud of all the things we do invest in, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Renewables and energy efficiency
We offer specialised loans at competitive low rates for businesses and individuals looking to invest in renewable energy projects or technologies, from solar panels to wind turbines.
Preserving natural heritage
We proactively invest in projects designed to protect and preserve our natural heritage, including funding for local conservation initiatives that protect and restore heritage sites.
Financial literacy in the community
We provide scholarships and also support workshops, seminars, and training programs that equip our community with the knowledge and confidence they need to fulfil their potential.
Supporting local initiatives
Prioritising investments in local, small-scale sustainable operations, strengthening community resilience and encouraging locally-sourced produce.
A bank who shares your values
Ready to build a greener future together?
Going beyond traditional definitions of sustainability, we prioritise growth that is ethical, responsible and doesn’t cost the earth, while delivering value for our customers.
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