Climate change initiative wins financial services sector support

A NEW initiative aimed at helping financial services firms reduce their carbon footprint has been launched by Leeds Financial Services Initiative (LFSI) in conjunction with Carbon Action Yorkshire.

Members of the Financial Services Carbon Forum include Yorkshire Bank, Lloyds Banking Group, Yorkshire Building Society, Leeds Building Society, Home Loan Management and Carillion Facilities Management.

The group, together with other firms in the sector who have expressed their commitment, have agreed to deliver a regional carbon reduction strategy in line with forthcoming legislation and to ensure Leeds is ahead of the game on climate change.

Matt Blakeley, business development manager for LFSI, said: “This is one of several special interest forums LFSI is establishing to assist firms in the financial and professional services sector.

“The sector employs over 240,000 people, many in large organisations. It is important that we encourage the service sector to help meet the carbon reductions targets for the whole of the region.”

Pete Stevens, partner account manager for CAY, said: “Collaborative action and sharing of best practice is an obvious solution tackling climate change. It makes good commercial sense and shows strong leadership. We look forward to developing this approach within the financial services sector.”

CAY is Yorkshire Forward’s programme aimed at accelerating the development of lower carbon emissions in the Yorkshire and Humber regions. The target is to cut greenhouse gas emissions by up to 25% by 2016.

Any firm interested in joining the forum or wanting more information should contact Matt Blakeley at LFSI on 0113 394 9345.