Gatehouse Bank has maintained its carbon neutral status for 2021.

Carbon Neutral Britain has independently certified that Gatehouse has met all Carbon Neutral Britain Certification standards in measuring, calculating and carbon offsetting organisational carbon emissions for the period 1 January – 31 December 2021.

Its offset emissions totalled 75.04 tonnes CO2e via the Climate Fund Portfolio of verified carbon offsetting projects around the world.

This news comes as Carbon Neutral Britain calculates that businesses account for over 85% of the UK’s total greenhouse gas emissions, reinforcing the importance of corporate action in combatting climate change.

James Poynter, director at Carbon Neutral Britain, said: “We are delighted to continue our partnership with Gatehouse Bank PLC to help identify and offset their environmental impact for 2021 and beyond.”

Gatehouse first measured its operational carbon footprint for the year 2019. The Bank has since taken significant steps to reduce its carbon footprint through measures such as its sustainable procurement policy, and new travel policy aiming to reduce emissions from business travel by 20%.

As one of the founding signatories to the UN Principles for Responsible Banking, Gatehouse Bank is committed to aligning its business activity with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and Paris Climate Agreement. In line with these goals, the Bank set out future targets in 2021, including to reduce emissions of its home finance portfolio by 35% by the year 2030 and to capture and improve the average EPC rating of its home finance portfolio.

Charles Haresnape, CEO at Gatehouse Bank, added: “It is clear that business has an important role to play in ensuring a sustainable future for all and Gatehouse Bank is committed to playing its part. In 2022, we have extended our green offering for homebuyers and landlords, and are proud to have maintained our carbon-neutral status for another year.”