Yorkshire Building Society has announced that it is now an official signatory of the UN Principles for Responsible Banking.

The society has committed to identify and measure environmental and social impacts of its business activities, set and implement targets where it has the most impact and regularly report publicly on its progress.

Developed through a partnership between banks worldwide and the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), the principles ensure that banks and building societies have a strategy and practice aligning with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Climate Agreement.

In signing the principles, Yorkshire Building Society will join many of the world’s largest global banking community focused on sustainable finance, sharing best practice and working together on practical guidance and pioneering tools of benefit to the entire industry.

The society said the move comes at a time when “action is urgently needed” to address the major planetary crises of climate change, nature loss, pollution and social issues.

“We’re committed to being a responsible business and playing our part in building a greener society,” said Yorkshire Building Society chief executive, Susan Allen. “We want to ensure a better future for our members – providing practical support for the local communities we serve.

“Becoming a signatory of the principles reaffirms this and underlines our drive to ensure a more positive tomorrow. Working with fellow responsible banks and building societies, we aim to accelerate the changes necessary to create a better future for all.”

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