Climate risk and opportunity
We are committed to achieving net-zero emissions carbon emissions for our lending and investment portfolio by 2050. Our approach to managing climate-related risk and opportunity is grounded in our purpose: Africa is our home, we drive her growth. We support Africa’s just energy transition and prudently manage climate risk.
Mitigating risk and shaping a sustainable future
In line with the goals of the Paris Agreement, we are committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions in relation to:
- Our own operations, including office buildings, branches and data centres, for newly built facilities by 2030 and for existing facilities by 2040
- SBG's lending and investing portfolio by 2050
Driving Africa’s just energy transition
To achieve a just transition, we must balance environmental priorities with Africa’s social and economic needs, including the need for better access to modern energy services and the need for economic development to lift people out of poverty. We are committed to:
Increasing finance for renewable energy, distributed energy systems, green buildings, sustainable agriculture, reforestation and high-quality carbon offset programmes
Supporting households and businesses to shift to more energy efficient and renewable energy solutions
Working with clients across priority sectors to improve their climate resilience and reduce their carbon emissions.
Our group-led climate risk management programme integrates climate-related risks into the overall risk management framework as a transverse risk that impacts other risk types. Climate risk management is integrated into relevant business processes, including credit review processes and annual client and portfolio reviews.. This comprehensive approach allows us to effectively manage potential challenges and make informed decisions for the future.
Our climate journey and future commitments
To help African economies achieve a just energy transition, we prioritise improving access to affordable energy, supporting our clients to reduce harmful environmental impacts associated with their business activities, and supporting solutions to enable adaptation and resilience, including climate smart agriculture. . We have set targets to reduce our lending exposures to coal and oil over time, and to reduce the emissions intensity of financed emissions in relation to upstream oil and gas. Our group sustainable finance target includes a sub-target to mobilise R100 billion for green finance by 2028.
2019
- Implemented restrictions on financing thermal coal mining and coal-fired power generation
- Joined UNEPFI’s TCFD pilot programme for banks
- Established sustainable finance team to leverage climate-related opportunities
2019
2019
- Implemented restrictions on financing thermal coal mining and coal-fired power generation
- Joined UNEPFI’s TCFD pilot programme for banks
- Established sustainable finance team to leverage climate-related opportunities
Download our climate policy documents
More on sustainability
Sustainability risk management
Effective management of sustainability risk is embedded in our policies, processes, and governance structures.
Our approach to sustainability
Our comprehensive approach to sustainability aligns with our business strategy and value drivers.