NatWest Leads the Charge in Climate Commitment with Government Partnership
NatWest has distinguished itself by becoming the first banking institution to collaborate with the UK Government’s Together for Our Planet initiative. This program, launched by Prime Minister Boris Johnson and Business & Energy Secretary The Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, aims to motivate business leaders to pledge commitments toward achieving net zero.
Alongside major players such as Google, Scottish Power, and BT, NatWest Group will encourage its small business clients to join this campaign, aiming to reduce emissions by 50% before 2030 and to reach net zero by 2050 or earlier. Participants in the initiative will gain recognition as ‘climate leaders’ through the United Nations Race to Zero campaign and serve as role models for others seeking to make a positive environmental impact.
Alison Rose, CEO of NatWest Group, emphasized the bank’s commitment to spearheading the transition of small businesses toward a net zero carbon economy. "According to our recent SME Recovery Report, SMEs can significantly contribute to the UK’s net zero objectives by reducing their carbon footprint by 80 million tons of CO2 equivalent by 2030 through the adoption of more sustainable operating practices," she stated.
As a Principal Banking Partner for COP26, NatWest is proud to support the small business climate leaders’ campaign, especially in anticipation of the upcoming UN Climate Summit in November, and aims to rally as many clients as possible to participate.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson remarked, “Every action a small business takes on their journey to net zero is vital—not only for the planet’s health but also for securing their future, attracting new investments, and fostering growth opportunities. We are committed to providing the guidance and resources that small businesses need to become leaders in the climate change battle.”
This initiative marks a significant advancement in NatWest’s purpose-driven strategy to support the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy. The bank’s Entrepreneur Accelerator program has allocated at least 25% of the spots in its 12 accelerator hubs specifically to climate-focused businesses, offering mentorship, a supportive community, event access, and office space.
Earlier this year, NatWest also partnered with Octopus Energy to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles (EVs), enabling customers to purchase EV chargers at a discounted rate and access Octopus Energy’s public charging network.
Additionally, NatWest is collaborating with Microsoft to develop a platform that will assist business clients in reducing their carbon footprints by providing tailored carbon action plans—a groundbreaking tool set to pilot later this year.