ESG Strategy

Scotiabank's ESG Approach

Scotiabank’s approach to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) focuses on four pillars — Environmental Action, Economic Resilience, Inclusive Society and Leadership & Governance. We develop, implement and invest in initiatives across these pillars in order to maximize our positive impact on the world.

Our impact in these areas is greatest when we take action at three different levels — In our Operations, With our Customers, and On the World Around Us. We have the most control and ability to drive positive change in our operations. We also support and enable positive ESG outcomes with our customers through our core business: delivering important financial products, services and advice that help them achieve their goals.

Our diversified geographic footprint, varied business lines, and large customer and employee base give us a responsibility and an opportunity: we can help address important social, environmental, and economic challenges while positioning our Bank for success. By working with stakeholders at all levels across our entire value chain, we are best positioned to build a better future.

Responsibility & impact

Our ESG Strategy: Environmental Action, Economic Resilience, Inclusive Society, Leadership and Governance. Impact On the World Around Us, With our Customers and In our operations.

Environmental action

Enabling sustainable development and the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Urgent environmental action is needed to protect the planet’s future. As a global financial institution, we believe that long-term economic growth must co-exist with strong environmental action. We demonstrate our commitment to sustainable development and the transition to a low-carbon economy by reducing our own environmental footprint, financing sustainable solutions, and sharing knowledge and helping drive the global conversation about climate change. By leveraging our influence to uphold the health of our planet, we lay strong foundations that will endure for decades to come.

In Our Operations

Examples of Environmental Action from inside our own operation:

Internal Carbon Price

 

GHG Emissions Reduction
 

LEED building Certification

 

Read our operations examples here

With Our Customers

Examples of Environmental Action in our business relationships with customers:
 

Mobilizing $350 Billion Climate Commitment

 

Sustainable Finance
 

ESG Equity Research

Environmental Risk Management in Lending

On the World Around Us

Example of how we are using our influence to advance Environmental Action on the World Around Us:
 

Climate Change Centre of Excellence

 

Scotiabank Environmental Policy

Participation in CSA Transition Taxonomy development

Consultation with IFRS on Sustainability Reporting (via CBA)

Memberships, commitments and agreements

As part of our commitment to sustainability initiatives, we are supporters, signatories or members of the following:

Carbon Pricing Leadership Coalition logo
Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures
Principles for Responsible Investment
Sustainable Development Goals
CDP Disclosure Insight Action
Equator Principles
Responsible Investment Association
UNEP Finance Initiative
Caring Company Certified Imagine Canada logo
Responsible Investment Association
Caring Company Certified Imagine Canada logo
Caring Company Certified Imagine Canada logo
Responsible Investment Association
Caring Company Certified Imagine Canada logo
Caring Company Certified Imagine Canada logo
Responsible Investment Association
Caring Company Certified Imagine Canada logo
Caring Company Certified Imagine Canada logo

ESG Recognition

See more recognitions for Scotiabank on Our Awards and Accolades for Sustainable Finance

Logo for Sustainalytics, a Morningstar company
Emblem for Sustainability Yearbook Member, S&P Global ESG Score 2022, 76/100, As of February 7, 2023
Bloomberg Gender-Equity Index 2021
Member of Dow Jones Sustainability Indices  Powered by the S&P Global CSA
Refinitiv Top 100 Company 2020
FTSE4Good
FTSE4Good
FTSE4Good

Impact stories

Friendlier container opened.

How Friendlier takeout containers can help cut down on plastic waste

With Canada’s new ban on some single-use plastics, Scotiabank is implementing a pilot project for reusable takeout containers at its downtown headquarters.

Greenery in nature

Sustainable finance takes note of biodiversity risks and opportunities

Directing much-needed capital to initiatives that put our planet’s biodiversity front and centre.

ScotiaRISE logo

Infographic: Year One of ScotiaRISE

A closer look at the impact in the first year of the Bank's initiative which aims to foster economic resilience in disadvantaged groups.

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.