Environmental standard first for first direct

FIRST Direct has become the first bank to receive the Carbon Trust Standard after reducing its carbon emissions by more than 14% – the equivalent of 1,500 tonnes of CO2 – since 2007.

Unlike other award schemes, organisations are rewarded for actions they’ve taken to cut carbon across their own operations.

first direct has been working with the Carbon Trust since 2006 and has introduced a range of low and no cost measures to significantly reduce CO2 emissions.

Initiatives include a programme, which shuts down any PC and monitor not logged-on after 7pm, a green travel plan featuring a Leeds station to office shuttle bus, a car pooling scheme, and recycling.

It has also installed solar panels to produce enough energy to heat the bank’s onsite creche.

Matt Colebrook, Chief Executive of first direct, commented: “We’re delighted to have received this award from the Carbon Trust Standard in recognition of all the work we have been doing to reduce our impact on the environment. 

“It makes good business sense to reduce our carbon emissions as we are achieving energy cost savings of around £200,000 each year. These saving have meant that we can become even more sustainable by reinvesting in further carbon reduction initiatives.”

Harry Morrison, general manager of the Carbon Trust Standard, said: “Being certified with the Carbon Trust Standard is proof an organisation has taken genuine action to reduce their direct impact on climate change by cutting carbon emissions. first direct’s achievement is testament to the level of cost savings possible through simple energy efficiency measures.

“In the current climate, every business should be asking how much cash their company can save, and looking at ways they can follow first direct’s lead
in getting employees on board in their carbon cutting initiatives.”