Media releases

Westpac ranked world’s most sustainable bank for the ninth time in 2016 Dow Jones Sustainability Index

 

8 September 2016

 

Westpac Group has retained its position as the most sustainable bank globally in the 2016 Dow Jones Sustainability Indices (DJSI) Review published today.

 

This marks the ninth time Westpac has achieved the global banking sector leadership position, and the 15th year in a row where Westpac has consistently stood out as a global banking leader.

 

Westpac Group CEO Brian Hartzer said it’s an honour to see the Group’s sustainable business practices once again ranked number one on such a leading global benchmark.

 

“Retaining global sector leadership in such a prominent sustainability benchmark reflects our genuine commitment to advancing the community with sustainable practices that are deeply embedded in our business processes, our culture and our operational strategy.

 

“It is also a true reflection of the outstanding efforts of our 40,000 employees who are working to deliver long term value and a better future for the people who bank with us, work with us, invest in us, or are part of our wider community.

 

“At a time when there are a lot of questions being raised about banks, it’s nice to see Australian banks dominated the leadership position, and Westpac receive external validation for the strength of its sustainable practices.”

 

This year, Westpac achieved its strongest ever DJSI score of 95%. In assessing Westpac's performance, S&P Dow Jones Indices and RobecoSAM rated Westpac's performance strongest in the following areas: codes of business conduct, climate strategy, environmental and social reporting, financial inclusion, business risks and opportunities, materiality and OH&S.

 

The DJSI RobecoSAM Corporate Sustainability Assessment is the most widely accepted global evaluation of how companies manage and perform across social, economic and environmental dimensions and has become the reference point in sustainability investing.

 

The assessment covers business management practices such as corporate governance, risk management, customer relations, human resources, corporate community investment, climate change mitigation and environmental performance.

 

More about the 2016 Dow Jones Sustainability Index Review

 

For Further Information

Dianne Edwards

Group Media Relations, Westpac

M. 0421 623 014