It's the first bank to make such a move
Westpac NZ leads as the first New Zealand bank to provide all employees with a comprehensive sustainability learning program, demonstrating its dedication to integrating sustainability throughout its operations.
Sarah Hearn (pictured above), Westpac’s GM of product, sustainability, and marketing, stressed the importance of equipping employees with knowledge on sustainability to enhance the bank’s support for customers facing environmental and social challenges.
“Consumers are looking for ways to reduce their carbon footprint through purchasing decisions or lifestyle choices and businesses are keen to adjust their offering to lower their impact on the environment and meet consumer demand,” Hearn said.
“At the same time, many investors are aligning their portfolios to support Aotearoa’s transition to a net-zero emissions economy. Climate risk is increasingly an economic risk for banks and the broader financial industry, as well as many other sectors.”
Sustainability training: Development and content
Following a successful pilot of the EY Sustainability Academy learning program, feedback from Westpac employees has been overwhelmingly positive. Participants appreciated the program’s role in connecting global sustainability issues to their professional and personal lives, enabling them to offer deeper insights to customers.
The program, developed in partnership with EY and The Aotearoa Circle – Centre for Sustainable Finance: Toitū Tahua, is tailored for New Zealand organisations. It seeks to integrate sustainability practices into daily business and community operations, reflecting a growing recognition of climate risk as an economic concern for various sectors.
The EY Sustainability Academy’s curriculum comprises six online modules covering a broad spectrum of topics, from climate change and sustainability fundamentals to sustainable finance and future food systems.
Sustainability at Westpac’s core
“Sustainability is no longer a side-of-desk interest,” Hearn said. “Being aware of the impacts of climate change and how our lives and economies are changing as a result is important for everyone, no matter what your role or what industry you work in.”
Hearn detailed the bank’s ongoing efforts to engage employees in sustainability, from doubling volunteer leave for community support to offering financial products that encourage sustainable practices among customers. These initiatives include the Sustainable Farm Loan, Sustainable Business Loan, and Greater Choices home loan.
Read the Westpac NZ media release here.
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