Feds, banks lock horns
Major rural lenders are welcoming a call by farmers for the Commerce Commission to investigate their net-zero emissions target.
Trevelyan’s has taken on a SLL, which requires it to commit to key environmental, social and/or governance (ESG) targets, with borrowing costs adjusted based on its performance against these targets.
The company says it has committed to three key areas of focus – reductions in both waste and carbon emissions and improved wellness metrics for its workforce.
Managing director James Trevelyan says the focus on waste, carbon emissions and wellness feeds back to Trevelyan’s sustainability framework of three key pillars – to work smart, tread lightly and treat their people with respect. “We are fully aware that sustainable practices are a longterm investment and will drive ethical and financial value for our business, our people and the planet. We are delighted to partner with ASB with this shared vision.”
He says one of the company’s goals is to reduce its waste to landfill by 10% per year, with a further intention of sending zero waste to landfill by 2030.
ASB head of sustainable finance James Paterson says it’s encouraging to see businesses increasingly focused on sustainability.
“The work from Trevelyan’s with this new SLL is a credit to them and their desire to grow a better future and tread lightly as they do so. We are proud to help bring this to life.”
Patterson says ASB is progressing well on its mission to support industry transition. The bank has a cumulative sustainable lending target of $6.5 billion by 2030 for green, social and sustainability- linked lending across the rural, property, corporate and business sectors – with around $810 million committed to date.
