Nationwide welcomes the government’s determination to tackle climate change

Following publication of the climate change bill earlier this week, Nationwide Building Society has welcomed the government’s determination to tackle the issue of climate change. By setting clear targets, the government is providing clarity to both businesses and homeowners about what they hope to achieve in the longterm.

In order for the UK to meet the new legal target of reducing CO2 emissions by 60%, by 2050, the government and businesses will need to work closely together to develop and implement best practice. Even though Nationwide has already beaten the government’s target – 43 years ahead of the deadline – the Society is looking to build on its progress. It will aim to do even more by working closely with other businesses, its members and local councils.

Nationwide launched its energy efficiency programme in 1992 and has achieved the following:

The installation of a range of improved controls for lighting, heating and air conditioning in its head office buildings and many branches.

Since October 2005 the Society has bought all of its electricity from renewable energy sources, such as wind, new hydroelectric and biomass. This move, when combined with the other energy efficiency measures, has reduced the Society’s CO2 emissions from energy use by over 85%.

The proportion of general waste the Society recycles rather than sends to landfill has increased from 73% to 76% over the last year. Nationwide also supports Green

Standards, a charity that re-distributes donated corporate furniture to local schools and charities, both within the UK and internationally.

The Society is piloting home energy advice leaflets within its branches in Hampshire to raise awareness amongst our customers of how they can help prevent climate change by making changes in and around their home.

Andrew Litchfield, head of community and environmental affairs, says: “Nationwide is committed to protecting the environment in which it operates. The Society will continue to reduce its environmental impact, and to encourage its members and other stakeholders to do the same.

“The government’s climate change bill should encourage more and more businesses to act in an environmentally responsible manner and we are delighted to see targets have been set to which companies will be legally bound.”