Our Environment
Giving back to the earth
Investec recognises that a clean, resource-rich natural environment supports the growth of business and the economy and is vital for healthy communities.
Investec’s environmental policy takes into account the challenges that climate change presents to the global economy. We will consider any meaningful activity that either reduces the negative impact, or prolongs life, on our planet. We believe that as a financial services organisation, and given our positioning in the developed and emerging worlds, we can make a meaningful impact in addressing climate change. The carbon impact of our daily operations is limited. Investec’s strategy therefore is focused on creating awareness and encouraging behavioural change in recognition of our environmental responsibilities.
We have successfully organised a series of workshops, webinars and events focusing on various sustainability topics such as the circular economy, biodiversity, and sustainable food systems. We invited experts, activists and stakeholders to share their valuable insights and experiences during these sessions.
Investec recognises that we cannot fulfil our environmental responsibilities as an organisation if we do not have an effective environmental management system.
Our environmental management system allows us to reliably calculate our carbon footprint, and set targets for future emissions. Each year we strive to improve our data collection and increase our coverage of Scope 3 emissions. In the past year we implemented a focused project to understand our Scope 3 financed emissions and established a baseline, strategy and targets to reach net zero.
We continue to drive awareness about our direct operational impacts by influencing internal behaviour. We do this through programmes communicated to staff by Investec's Group Sustainability team.
Our key focus areas to reduce our operational carbon footprint include:
- Enhance energy efficiency
- Optimise water stewardship
- Minimise waste generation
- Maximise recycling and circular practices
- Promote sustainable procurement
- Promote sustainable travel
- Promote sustainable consumption
Driven by our legacy and purpose, Investec is committed to protecting critically endangered species and the ecosystems they depend on. Through Investec Rhino Lifeline and strategic partnerships, we focus on:
- Empowering communities living alongside national parks and reserves, supporting education, livelihoods, and long-term stewardship of natural resources
- Enhancing ecosystem integrity through the removal of alien invasive species and habitat restoration
- Promoting a cleaner environment by supporting carbon-reduction and climate resilience initiatives
- Combating illegal wildlife trafficking by leveraging our financial systems, regulatory partnerships, and investigative tools
- Collaborating with NGOs, financial institutions, regulators, and law enforcement to deliver scalable, sustainable conservation solutions
Our approach recognises the vital connection between environmental protection and social upliftment, working toward a more sustainable future for both people and wildlife.
CDP B-list
1.06%
Environmental sustainability at Investec
Changing behaviour at work and at home
We strive to promote awareness of environmental issues amongst our staff. By doing this, we believe we can change our people's behaviour and contribute to a healthy environment at work and at home.
- Raising staff awareness around various environmental issues and encouraging behavioural change to contribute to a greener working environment
- Inspiring and engaging staff to create meaningful change within Investec and in their personal capacity
- Identifying opportunities that support Investec's purpose of reducing the group’s operational impact
- Producing measurable results that contribute to Investec's company-wide environmental goals
- Investec Mauritius office at The Strand is EDGE-certified for significant energy, water, and material efficiency.
- Cape Town office is 5-star Green Building certified with solar water heating and greywater recycling.
- Sandton office is 5-star Green Building certified and uses gas-based cooling to reduce water use amid local shortages.
- Nine locations across the UK, Ireland, and Channel Islands continued to meet ISO 50001 standards, demonstrating Investec’s ongoing commitment to energy management since 2018
To find out more about Investec's sustainability initiatives, get in touch
Or leave your details and we'll contact you