Sustainability at Heritage
Heritage Bank is a leading customer-owned bank. We exist to serve our customers and their communities, not to maximise profit for shareholders.
Learn more about our approach to sustainability and how we are committed to helping people, communities and the environment.
About this Rate
Environmental Sustainability
We are committed to driving real, measurable environmental outcomes. Through clear targets, renewable initiatives, and credible offsets, we are working towards reducing our environment footprint to support a healthier planet for the benefit of all.
Science-based emissions reduction target
Our 2030 greenhouse gas emission reduction targets have been validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi). These targets cover our direct (scope 1), indirect (scope 2), and financed emissions, and reflect our ambition to align with a 1.5 °C pathway.
Learn more about our targets.
Transition to renewable energy
We are working toward sourcing 100% renewable energy for all our branches and head office premises by 2030 - a key step in lowering emissions at their source.
Carbon neutrality
While we continue to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions, we offset any residual emissions with Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). The offset projects we support are Australian-based, verified, and deliver local environmental and social benefits.
Social Sustainability
We believe that social sustainability means more than just doing good - it means building strong, inclusive communities, acknowledging First Nations peoples, and ensuring everyone has opportunities to thrive.
Ongoing community support
We are committed to making a meaningful difference in the places where we live and work, through our community programs, initiatives and sponsorships including:
Reconciliation Action Plan
As part of our ongoing commitment to reconciliation, we are implementing an
Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) across People First Bank and Heritage Bank.
Learn more about our reconciliation journey and Innovate RAP
Financial Inclusion & Wellbeing
We aim to ensure everyone has access to fair banking, tools, and support. This includes accessible products, transparent pricing, assistance for those experiencing hardship, and programs that improve financial literacy.
Sustainability through Governance
As a 100% customer-owned bank, we are committed to doing banking differently and embedding sustainability at every level, from decision-making to daily operations. We believe transparency and accountability are essential to delivering meaningful impact.
Certifications
Heritage Bank is proud to be a Certified B Corp and
Carbon Neutral organisation (via the Climate Active program). These third-party credentials help validate our commitments, and keep us accountable to continuous improvement.
Disclosures
We publish regular updates to share progress and future ambitions with our customers and stakeholders. Our annual Customer Report includes a comprehensive view of our sustainability actions, metrics and insight into our operations.
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