Nedbank achieves carbon neutrality

The Nedbank Group is Africa’s first financial services organisation to achieve effective zero carbon status, proving that they are one of the country’s, and continent’s environmental sustainability leaders.
Group Chief Executive, Mike Brown, said their achievement of carbon neutrality not only represents the next chapter in the 'green' bank's climate change journey, but also epitomises the groups' commitment to playing a leading role in sustainability through an approach that balances environmental, social, cultural and economic sustainability issues.
“When we first indicated our intention to aim for carbon neutrality, we committed that we would strive to achieve it, as far as possible, by means of behaviour change, reduction targets (including paper, water, electricity, travel and waste), as well as operational efficiencies,” explained Brown. “We have managed to deliver on that commitment with thanks, in large part, to the commitment of our staff.”
WWF also works with Nedbank as a Conservation Partner. Over five years, WWF’s local and international expertise has contributed to driving the bank’s internal environmental sustainability activities and assisted them in achieving carbon neutrality.
 “What is particularly encouraging is the support from the bank’s leadership. They are actively behind the intensity reduction targets, which makes a huge difference to the success of Nedbank’s green endeavours,” said WWF’s Climate Change Programme Manager, Richard Worthington. “We look forward to the next five years where we will continue to engage with them in driving ever more innovative practices towards a low carbon economy.” 
Despite this being a major achievement, Brown said there is still plenty to do. “We are determined to continue leading the charge, particularly within corporate South Africa, and intend using our influence wherever possible to ensure that businesses in this country become more aware of the vital role they have to play in mitigating climate change through positive action”.