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. 

Supporting our customers with their sustainability goals

Warmer homes. Lower bills.

As one of the UK’s largest mortgage lenders, we must help improve the quality and efficiency of the UK’s housing stock. Our Tomorrow’s Homes research shows more than half of UK adults - 53% - believe improving their home would improve their life.

But costs and finding skilled tradespeople are major obstacles.

We’ve set out to provide practical support, and in 2025 this included:

  • Contacting 1.8 million customers with relevant information
  • Testing new offers to understand what works
  • Strengthening the Greener Homes Hub in partnership with the Energy Saving Trust
  • Exploring how energy performance can be reflected in affordability assessment


The aim is simple: clearer information, better choices, and better, more comfortable, more efficient homes

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.

In 2025:

  • £515 million supported new lending for social housing
  • £60 million was linked to sustainability performance targets


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.

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 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.

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.