Yorkshire Building Society has become an official signatory of the UN Principles for Responsible Banking – a single framework for a sustainable banking industry.

The mutual has committed to identify and measure environmental and social impacts of its business activities, set and implement targets where it has the most impact and regularly report publicly on its progress.

Developed through a partnership between banks worldwide and the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), the Principles ensure banks and building societies’ strategy and practice align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement.

In signing the Principles, the Society joins the world’s largest global banking community focused on sustainable finance, sharing best-practice and working together on practical guidance and pioneering tools of benefit to the entire industry at a time when action is urgently needed to address the major planetary crises of climate change, nature loss, pollution and social issues.

Susan Allen, chief executive at Yorkshire Building Society, said: “We’re committed to being a responsible business and playing our part in building a greener society. We want to ensure a better future for our members - providing practical support for the local communities we serve. Becoming a signatory of the Principles reaffirms this and underlines our drive to ensure a more positive tomorrow.  

“Working with fellow responsible banks and building societies we aim to accelerate the changes necessary to create a better future for all.”

For more information on the Principles for Responsible Banking please visit www.unepfi.org/responsiblebanking