La Trobe Financial achieves Climate Active certification

Climate Active — a government-backed program that aims to empower Australian businesses to drive voluntary climate action —  has granted certification to non-bank lender, La Trobe Financial.

Climate Active provides certification to businesses who have proven that they are measuring, reducing and offsetting their emissions, with a net result of zero emissions. 

La Trobe Financial, which achieved carbon neutrality in 2021 (after engaging independent advisers Carbon Neutral to measure and offset its carbon footprint), has now received the certification.

The non-bank lender said that the certification recognised its ongoing commitment to making a positive impact on the community.

La Trobe Financial’s new CEO, Chris Andrews, commented: “We are very proud to receive Climate Active certification for our Australian business operations and to be recognised as a climate leader to our customers and key stakeholders. 

“With a seven-decade corporate history, we recognise our responsibility as a generational business and the ongoing importance of ESG and carbon neutrality to our staff, our customers, our community and the ongoing health of the planet. 

“We chose to go carbon-neutral to show our commitment to improving the community, the environment, and building a better future.” 

Caterina Nesci, La Trobe Financial’s director of ESG and international partnerships, added that the company has made a commitment to reducing its carbon footprint every year moving forward, and had been working closely with Carbon Neutral across the last two years to achieve that goal.

“We have now  implemented our formal Carbon Reduction Plan with a view to being net zero by 2030, and are already seeing the fruits of the process already implemented: reduced travel, sustainable procurement practices, reduced waste and landfill, and a transition towards paperless offices. 

“Every aspect of the business and staff are truly committed to playing their part in this important work,” she said.

The company has a strong environmental, social, and governance program and is an active charitable giver.

Last year, the company established a $1-million Flood Disaster Relief Fund to assist its customers affected by the NSW and Queensland floods, and it has also donated millions of dollars to healthcare providers to help them continue providing care during the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2021 bushfires.

[Related: La Trobe CEO to exit after $1.5bn sale]