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

Scotiabank office building

In Our Operations

Promoting social, environmental and economic progress must start in our workplace, in our supply chain and in our real estate operations.

People in bank branch

With Our Customers

We enable progress by providing customers with financial services, products and advice that help advance opportunities for positive impact.

People walking on city street

On the World Around Us

We use knowledge and partnerships to help address the challenges that face individuals, communities and the environment.

Our approach to ESG

We focus on impact in four key areas – Environmental Action, Economic Resilience, Inclusive Society and Leadership & Governance.

Addressing Climate Change 

Scotiabank’s Climate Report outlines how the Bank is progressing on its ambitions to address climate change, considering the risks and challenges we expect to face along the way. The 2023 Report articulates our goals for financing climate solutions, advancing towards net-zero and reducing our own emissions.

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.

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Community investments

Scotiabank provides funding for community investment initiatives that focus on advancing economic resilience, removing barriers to advancement and increasing access to opportunities.

Children playing soccer

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 Goals

Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, and urgent action is needed to mitigate and adapt to its impacts.  Scotiabank focuses on three goals:

  • Financing climate solutions by providing climate-related financing to clients in all sectors, including certain carbon intensive sectors.
  • Advancing to net-zero by working with clients to achieve net-zero financed emissions by 2050.
  • And reducing our own emissions.
Climate Action and Net-ZeroRead moe about Scotiabank's climate commitments

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.

Learn moreLearn more about ScotiaRISE

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.

Read moreRead more about Diversity and Inclusion at Scotiabank

Impact stories

Rhino drinking water

Scotiabank joins forces with Prince William to help combat illegal wildlife trade

Meigan Terry

Meigan Terry believes in purpose-led work — here’s how she’s leading Scotiabank’s major social impact programs

Friendlier container opened

How Friendlier takeout containers can help cut down on plastic waste

Greenery in nature

Sustainable finance takes note of biodiversity risks and opportunities

Download our ESG Report

Learn how Scotiabank is working to build a more sustainable future for our stakeholders and our business.

Stay informed

Sign up for updates on the ways we are using our size, scale and influence to advance progress in the places we operate.