Responsibility & Impact
Investing in the future of everyone
We are guided by our purpose: for every future. A better tomorrow – where our customers, employees and communities all thrive – benefits everyone, including our Bank. Our approach to managing environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues focuses on areas where Scotiabank can make the biggest impact – enabling stakeholders to reach their fullest potential, mobilizing finance to address important social and environmental challenges and building trust by acting with integrity in everything we do.
Understanding our impact
In Our Operations
Promoting social, environmental and economic progress must start in our workplace, in our supply chain and in our real estate operations.
With Our Customers
We enable progress by providing customers with financial services, products and advice that help advance opportunities for positive impact.
On the World Around Us
We use knowledge and partnerships to help address the challenges that face individuals, communities and the environment.
Becoming a Net-Zero Bank
In support of the Government of Canada’s net-zero commitments, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and as a signatory to the Net-Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), Scotiabank made a commitment to become a net-zero bank in our financed and operational emissions, outlined in our inaugural Net-Zero Pathways Report.
So what does ‘net-zero’ mean? Net-zero emissions are achieved when man-made emissions of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere are balanced by man-made removals over a specified period.1 Achieving net-zero emissions means emitting no greenhouse gas emissions or offsetting emissions through actions such as tree planting or employing technologies that can capture carbon before it is released into the air.2
Looking for funding?
Scotiabank supports community investments that align with our goals. To see if your organization fits Scotiabank’s funding guidelines and to get started with an application, select the option that most closely describes your organization.
Community investments
Scotiabank provides funding for community investment initiatives that focus on advancing economic resilience, removing barriers to advancement and increasing access to opportunities.
Sponsorships
We help Canadians across the country bring their passions to life by supporting hockey, the arts, running events and other community initiatives that celebrate our goals and embrace our diversity.
Signature programs
Scotiabank’s Climate Commitments
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and urgent environmental action is needed to mitigate and adapt to its impacts. Scotiabank is committed to being a net-zero bank by 2050, achieving net-zero emissions from our operations and net-zero financed emissions by 2050. Building on our Climate Commitments and as part of our net-zero strategy, we are mobilizing $350 billion in climate-related finance by 2030.
ScotiaRISE
ScotiaRISE is Scotiabank’s 10-year $500 million community investment initiative designed to promote economic resilience among disadvantaged groups. Through targeted community investments, we can remove barriers to advancement, increase access to opportunities and create a more inclusive world.
Diversity and Inclusion
Our most important investment is the one we make in our people. By building an environment to thrive and developing and attracting the very best, we empower every future by creating a workplace where every employee can perform at their very best.
Impact stories
Scotiabank joins forces with Prince William to help combat illegal wildlife trade
Meigan Terry believes in purpose-led work — here’s how she’s leading Scotiabank’s major social impact programs
How Friendlier takeout containers can help cut down on plastic waste
Sustainable finance takes note of biodiversity risks and opportunities
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