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SUSTAINABLE FINANCE

As a major financial institution, we recognise we can help create and enable positive sustainability outcomes across climate, environmental and social objectives through our approach to sustainable finance. We have now published our approach in our Sustainable Finance Framework.

Sustainable Finance Framework

The aim of our Sustainable Finance Framework (PDF 4MB) (Framework) is to help us provide lending and bond facilitation activities that contribute to positive climate, environmental and social outcomes. The Framework aims to provide clarity on what is considered sustainable, to support our people and customers as they target sustainable finance. In so doing, we can better support customers in their transition to net-zero and be their transition partner of choice.
 

Our Framework:

  • Details how we consider sustainable finance transactions and classify them as Green, Transition, Social or Sustainability, using our Sustainable Finance Taxonomy or industry standards, principles and guidance to guide this classification
  • Is accompanied by Westpac’s Sustainable Finance Targets (Targets) – the amount of qualifying sustainable lending and bond facilitation we are seeking to achieve.
     

Our initial views, challenges and considerations in developing our approach, particularly in developing a sustainable finance taxonomy, is outlined in our 2022 discussion paper (PDF 285KB).

Sustainable Finance Targets

Our Sustainable Finance Targets are to provide by 2030 a set amount of:

  • Lending activities that qualify under our Sustainable Finance Framework for inclusion in our Targets
  • Bond facilitation activities that qualify for inclusion in our Targets.


These Target amounts are set out in our Climate Change Position Statement and Action Plan (PDF 1MB) and may be updated periodically. Progress against our Targets will be measured and reported with our financial year end disclosures¹.
 

We expect the Framework to be reviewed periodically and expanded with additional sectors and/or Sustainable Finance Taxonomy criteria as required over time. We will aim to monitor and assess relevant legal, policy, regulatory, economic, technological and stakeholder developments, and any other material changes to Westpac’s financing portfolio. We also aim to review the Framework Taxonomy for alignment with national taxonomies in Australia and New Zealand as they develop.

 

¹ A point in time approach to using total committed exposures (TCE) or balance for lending activities: The balance represents the balance outstanding at a point in time and is applicable for residential mortgages. A cumulative approach for qualifying bond facilitation activities: A cumulative approach to measure bond facilitation towards a 2030 Target best represents the flow nature of the bond facilitation activity, as well as the characteristics of the bond market and customer issuances dynamics, which can fluctuate year on year depending on market conditions.