Summerland has a long history of integrating sustainability practices into our business. We exist for the benefit of our customers and the communities we service. Our ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) principles give guidance to ensure we maintain a focus on good practices, while delivering the best possible service and support to our customers and our communities.
2021
- Implemented the bin trim program to reduce our waste
- Planted 1475 native trees by partnering with Landcare groups and Bangalow Koalas
- Utilised sustainable building materials in our branch renovation and relocation
- Reduced our carbon footprint through energy, paper, air travel and car fuel
- Delivered a wellness program to provide support for staff particularly during the pandemic
- Provided flexible work practices including working from home and job sharing
- Developed a vulnerable persons program
- Delivered financial literacy and cyber security programs to community and business
- Implemented a priority partner program for employer groups
2020
- Business cards and customer information cards printed on recycled stock with vegetable based inks
- The Savlation Army Bush Fire Appeal partner
- Relay for Life fundraising event
- Community and Business grants
- Refurbishment of Grafton branch with environmentally sustainable products
- Financial literacy program with local community groups
- Sponsorship of staff awards at several local hospitals
- Dirty Laundry Day displays in all branches in conjunction with White Ribbon Day
- Mobile Muster
- Goal to plant 1,000 trees in our local region
- Sustainability month
2019
- Became a Gold Partner of the Sustainability Advantage Program in acknowledgement of our outstanding environmental achievements and leadership
- Tweed Shire Council Tweed Sustainability Award
- Refurbishment of Evans Head branch with environmentally sustainable products
- Risk Hazard mapping project to commence
- White Ribbon workplace accreditation
- Commencement of Business and Community Grants program
- Sponsorship of local community events
- Sustainability Month promoted online
- Australian Seabird Rescue
- Clarence Landcare
- Bangalow Koalas
2018
- No single use plastic bags for grocery deliveries
- Solar panels installed at head office
- Customer statement cycle changed from monthly to biannually
- eStatement focus with customers
- Plastic money boxes phased out
- Sustainability month promoted in-branch and online, focussing on Climate Action, Gender Equality, Decent Work and Economic Growth, Sustainable Cities and Communities
2017
- Power factoring
- Paper hand towels changed from virgin paper to sugar cane waste product (bagass), which is 100% biodegradable
- Recycled carpet tiles from head office building to Bangalow branch refurbishment
- Focus on paper usage
- Promotional items are more environmentally friendly
- No balloons used in promotions
- Move from paper-based to electronic newsletters
- Less paper posters and brochures
- Cyclone Debbie business grants
- Recycled credit and debit cards to guitar plectrums for local not-for-profit groups
2016
- Creation of Sustainability Committee – staff from head office and branches to drive changes
- Waste sorting and recycling in branches and head office
- Duplex printing standard
- Contractors educated on eco requirements
- Hybrid cars for field lending staff
- Participation in the Coast Adapt Project with National Climate Change Adaptation Research facility
2015
- 4.5 star NABERS rating for head office
- Sustainability approach links sustainability and strategy
- Branch upgrades incorporate sustainability features
- Promotional material printed on 100% recycled paper
- Paper reductions
- Climate Change RISK Assessment
Eco Donations:
- OzFish Unlimited
- Australian Seabird Rescue
- Thistles Soccer Club
- Alstonville Community Pre-School
2014
- Excellence in Sustainability Award from NSW Business Chamber Regional Awards
- Silver to Gold Action Plan
- Sustainability Position Statement released
- Divestment Day participation
- Integrate sustainability into new uniform purchases
- Goal 4 embeds sustainability in Summerland’s Strategic Plan
- Fuel efficiencies for corporate vehicle fleet
2013
- Became a Silver Partner of the Sustainability Advantage Program in acknowledgement of our significant environmental achievements
- Online systems for opening accounts, memberships and loans
- Update Summerland’s Environmental Sustainability Journey: vision and strategy
- Environmental Investment Position
- Board and Senior Managers using iPads and laptops rather than paper at meetings
- Paper usage reduced
2012
- Upgrades to head office energy efficient lighting, movement sensor fans and lighting
- Online Learning Management System for staff (less paper)
- Head office waste sorting and landfill reduction activities
2011
- Became a Bronze Partner of the Sustainability Advantage Program in acknowledgement of our environmental achievements
- Abacus Environmental Sustainability Award
- Upgrade programme commenced for energy efficient lighting in all sites
- Online applications introduced
- Convert to more fuel efficient vehicles
- Eco Month in spring each year
2010
- Eco Loans launched
- Staff and community leave allows community service for environmental organisations
- ‘Green’ criteria included in sponsorship applications
- Online electronic newsletters
- Energy and paper reduced
2009
- First Annual Sustainability Report
- Quarterly reporting to Board on resource use
- Establish baseline paper, toner, electricity and fuel use data
- Focus on energy and paper reduction
2008
- Start our environmental sustainability journey
- Sign up to NSW Government’s Sustainability Advantage program
- Develop Summerland Sustainability Journey: Vision and Strategy
Where does your bank invest?
We believe that no financial institution should have any direct investments or any loans to fossil fuel or CSG mining industries, nor investments in weapons, tobacco or gambling.
100% customer owned
Our profits don’t go to external shareholders, they go back to our customers through fairer fees, high quality products, services and investment in the local community.
Make a difference
Your money is being used for good by an organisation that cares as much about the environment, your community and an ethical banking industry as you do.
