Climate Change Data

Skipton Building Society

Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2023)

Reporting Period: 2023

Environmental Metrics

Total Carbon Emissions:10,132 tCO2e
Scope 1 Emissions:4,395 tCO2e
Scope 2 Emissions:5,737 tCO2e
Scope 3 Emissions:47,646 tCO2e (operational) + 288,033 tCO2e (financed)
Renewable Energy Share:Not disclosed
Total Energy Consumption:46,114,596 kWh
Water Consumption:6,361 m3
Waste Generated:235,693 kg
Carbon Intensity:Not disclosed

ESG Focus Areas

  • Climate and Energy Efficiency
  • Social Impact
  • Governance

Environmental Achievements

  • Reduced combined scope 1 and 2 emissions slightly in 2023.
  • Completed a full carbon footprint assessment across the Group and its whole value chain (scope 1, 2 and 3).
  • Society’s single use plastics reduced by over 80% since 2019.
  • Connells Group switched their entire fleet of more than 50 cars to electric.

Social Achievements

  • Helped 19,000 first-time buyers buy a home in 2023.
  • Launched Track Record mortgage – a deposit-free mortgage.
  • Launched My Money Review service in 17 branches, with 92% customer satisfaction.
  • Pledged over £2.9 million to charitable causes.
  • Donated £600,000 to Mental Health UK.

Governance Achievements

  • Jade Software became a certified B Corporation.
  • Society achieved 89% net customer satisfaction.
  • Society's change in outcome rate for complaints was 21% (compared to industry average of 37%).
  • Society board updated on sustainability matters three times in 2023.
  • Connells Group established three new diversity and inclusion networks.

Climate Goals & Targets

Long-term Goals:
  • Society target to achieve net zero scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2045.
Medium-term Goals:
  • Society target to halve scope 1, 2 and operational scope 3 carbon emissions by 2030.
  • Connells Group aim to become net zero by 2045.
Short-term Goals:
  • Not disclosed

Environmental Challenges

  • Higher energy costs putting financial strain on households.
  • Poorly insulated housing stock in the UK.
  • Difficulty in collecting data on scope 3 emissions.
  • Growth in mortgage book value leading to increased financed emissions.
  • Inability to directly require customers to improve energy efficiency of mortgaged properties.
Mitigation Strategies
  • Launched a retrofit project to understand and share costs and processes with members.
  • Extended free EPC Plus offer to buy-to-let landlord customers.
  • Working with EcoVadis and using a Supplier Assessment Matrix to assess sustainability practices in the supply chain.
  • Installed EV chargers in head office car park and offered a salary sacrifice scheme for electric/hybrid car leasing.
  • Developing a strategy to influence decarbonisation of residential housing.

Supply Chain Management

Supplier Audits: Society working with EcoVadis; Connells Group using Supplier Assessment Matrix.

Responsible Procurement
  • Supplier Code of Conduct
  • Supplier Assessment Matrix

Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities

Physical Risks
  • Flooding
  • Coastal erosion
Transition Risks
  • Regulatory changes
  • Market shifts
Opportunities
  • Helping members retrofit their homes
  • Providing products and support for home retrofits

Reporting Standards

Frameworks Used: GHG Protocol, PCAF, TCFD

Certifications: B Corp (Jade Software)

Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed

UN Sustainable Development Goals

  • Goal 8
  • Goal 10
  • Goal 11
  • Goal 13
  • Goal 16

The Skipton Group's activities and sustainability agenda support these SDGs through initiatives related to economic growth, reducing inequalities, sustainable cities, climate action, and responsible governance.

Sustainable Products & Innovation

  • Track Record mortgage
  • EPC Plus report
  • My Money Review service
  • Income Booster scheme

Awards & Recognition

  • Feefo Platinum Service Provider award (SIL)