NatWest has announced a collaboration with the University of Edinburgh to establish a climate education and training program for over 16,000 of its staff.
This three-year initiative, valued at £1.5 million, will involve a partnership with the university’s Centre for Business, Climate Change, and Sustainability. Experts from the university will work closely with NatWest’s business banking specialists to create 12-week online courses tailored for relationship managers and other key roles.
These educational programs aim to equip employees with the knowledge necessary to assist business clients in recognizing the opportunities presented by a net-zero economy while also promoting more sustainable practices.
James Close, Head of Climate Change at NatWest, stated, “This specialized training will empower colleagues to engage in climate discussions both within the bank and with our clients. Enhanced knowledge will enable our team to support businesses across various sectors in developing effective and credible transition plans as the UK moves toward a low-carbon economy.”
Earlier this year, NatWest launched an online Climate Hub filled with resources to assist small and medium-sized enterprises in their sustainability efforts.