Environment

We support our customers’ transition to a low-carbon economy. We help them manage climate-related risks and drive sustainable growth with tailored finance and practical advice.

The transition to a low-carbon economy will take time. It will require experimentation, partnership, and steady investment.

By connecting customers to the right ideas, expertise, and tools - and by taking responsibility for our own impact - today’s actions can create stronger homes, more resilient businesses, and a more secure energy future. 

Green finance

£23.6bn of green finance raised and facilitated since 2021

c.£587m Green finance lending to renewable energy and battery storage infrastructure projects in 2025

30% of cars financed were low-carbon emissions models in 2025 

Supporting our customers with their sustainability goals

Warmer homes. Lower bills.

Our Tomorrow's Homes Report found that more than half (52%) of UK adults believe improving their home would improve their life.

But we know it's not always easy. The cost of home improvements and finding trusted tradespeople are two of the biggest challenges.

That's why we're helping customers make their homes more energy efficient and cheaper to run. In 2025, we: 

  • Contacted 1.8 million customers with helpful information.
  • Tested new offers to see what works best. 

In 2026, we're taking the next step through our partnership with Octopus Energy.

We transformed a typical four-bedroom family home into an Octopus Zero Bills home. Our mortgage customers Clare and Gavin now have no monthly energy bills, guaranteed by Octopus Energy for at least five years. Their home's Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating improved from C to A. This project is helping us learn how we can make these solutions available to more customers. We offer eligible customers discounts on energy-saving home improvements. We're also supporting customers who want to buy more energy-efficient homes.

Selected Octopus Zero Bills new-build homes come with no energy bills for at least 10 years, guaranteed by Octopus Energy. Eligible customers buying one of these homes through a participating mortgage broker may be able to borrow more with a Santander mortgage. Visit our Tomorrow's Homes Hub to: 

  • Watch Clare and Gavin's story. 
  • Learn how Octopus Zero Bills works.  
  • Explore discounts available to eligible Santander customers.
  • Find practical ways to make your current or future home more energy efficient and cheaper to run. 

Helping businesses adapt and grow

Businesses face rising costs, changing regulation, and increasing climate risk. Some sectors adapt and grow quickly. Others face more complex transitions.

Our Corporate and Commercial Banking provides finance and expert insight to support that shift. In 2025, we delivered £1 billion in new green lending - £2.7 billion since 2021. Priority sectors include Commercial Real Estate and Social Housing, where transition benefits entire communities.

Supporting adaptation is not about forcing pace. It is about credible, investable progress.

More information about growth and support

Powering renewable energy and clean technology

Energy security and long-term growth depend on scaling renewable power and storage.

In 2025, we provided £587m in green finance lending to renewable energy and battery storage infrastructure projects.

Our specialist teams connect developers and investors with structured finance to move projects from ambition to operation.

In 2025, this included:

  • £35 million for a renewable portfolio
  • £194 million solar and battery project
  • £240 million to refinance a battery storage portfolio
  • £21 million to expand UK battery storage capacity


Each project strengthens the grid and supports more resilient economic growth.

More information on renewable energy and clean technology

Supporting cleaner transport

The move to lower-carbon transport is accelerating.

Through Santander Consumer Finance, access to electric and hybrid vehicles is expanding while helping customers understand total cost, reliability, and available grants.

In 2025, 30% of vehicles financed were low-carbon emissions models. Fourteen manufacturing partners have set net zero ambitions, representing 66% of auto lending.

Practical steps included:

  • Online EV training for dealers
  • An EV Hub designed to simplify common questions and reduce uncertainty


When complexity is reduced, adoption becomes easier.

More information on EVs

Managing climate-related risks and impacts

Reducing the impact of our own operations

In 2025, we reduced absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions, together with business travel emissions, from 5,577 tCO₂e in 2024 to 4,593 tCO₂e

70% reduction in market-based Scope 1 and 2 emissions since 2019

Understanding climate-related risks. Reducing impacts

Clear governance and defined standards guide how exposure is assessed and managed. Environmental and Social Onboarding Criteria identify higher-risk sectors early. The ESG Risk Policy sets expectations. Enhanced standards apply where needed.

The focus is on evidence, regulation, and balanced judgement - ensuring decisions support long-term resilience rather than short-term gain.

Strong risk management protects customers, communities, and the stability of the bank itself. 

Managing our own operational impact

Credibility in transition starts at home.

Our target is to reduce Scope 1 and 2 emissions - primarily buildings and energy use - by 2030, using 2019 as a baseline.

In 2025:

Scope 1 and 2 emissions, plus business travel, fell from 5,577 tCO₂e in 2024 to 4,593 tCO₂e in 2025.Market-based Scope 1 and 2 emissions are 70% lower than 2019

Business travel emissions reduced to from 3039 tCO2e to 2406 tCO2e

Lower energy use, improved buildings, greater rail travel and increased electric vehicle adoption contributed to these reductions. Measurement of supply chain, commuting and homeworking emissions continues to improve - because transparency and accuracy matter.