Search
Close this search box.

Our environmental progress and commitments

As the operator of the UK’s interbank retail payment systems, we are very aware of our environmental impact, not only for our own operations but across our supply chain, as a whole.

We have made some progress since our organisation was established in 2019, and remain committed to the ongoing  development of policies and strategies that contribute to lower emissions, reduce energy consumption, and improve resource management.

As an organisation of fewer than 400 employees based in one office, our own environmental impact is relatively small, allowing us to be ambitious in our environmental targets.

We now need to place greater focus on the value chain and the impact of our partners and suppliers on the environment. We will achieve this through enhanced Scope 3 monitoring and reporting.

We are also committed to enhancing our reporting beyond compliance, including the voluntary adoption of industry based standards and codes.

Pay.UK progress to date:

  • We have assessed our own, and supplier, performance and targets, in order to determine a net-zero target, which is realistic and achievable.
  • We have developed a high-level roadmap, which will be underpinned by action plans with clear targets and milestones.
  • we have published our first report into defining what sustainability means and what role the payments ecosystem can play to support the transition to a low-carbon economy. Sustainability Report 2024

Pay.UK future ambitions:

  • We have stated a commitment to reach net zero by 2040 or sooner.
  • We expect our key suppliers to align their ambitions with our 2040 target.
  • We will set science based targets and develop clear milestones. between 2020 and 2025, and beyond, to reach our 2040 commitment.

Pay.UK progress to date: 

  • We utilise 100% renewable energy for electricity supply for our own operations.
  • Our office operates a zero waste to landfill policy – supported by pre-sorted office waste bins for recyclable waste.
  • We purchase 100% recyclable paper and make use of biodegradable Vegware to reduce single-use plastic.
  • We are fully compliant with Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) regulations, and we have contracted for all electronic waste to be recycled.

 

Pay.UK future ambitions:

  • We will develop and publish our Pay.UK Environmental Policy
  • We will set and monitor targets, which include:

– waste reduction (including single-use plastic)
– power usage reduction
– water reduction
– power usage effectiveness (PUE) for our data centres and our supplier data centres
– consumption of finite natural resources
– pollution of land, air, and water.

Pay.UK progress to date:

  • We currently assess greenhouse emissions using the ‘GHG Reporting Protocol – A Corporate Accounting and Reporting Standard’ and in accordance with Defra’s environmental reporting guidelines.
  • We currently report on Scope 2 and Scope 3 emissions (office electricity consumption and business travel in employee owned “vehicles”).
  • Our Scope 1 data for energy consumption has not been previously reported due to a nil return.

 

Pay.UK future ambitions:

  • We ensure our future reporting outlines Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions, including on all relevant Scope 3 categories.
  • We will require enhanced reporting from our supply chain and will enhance our supply chain management of ESG considerations through our Third Party Management Framework.
  • We will seek external third-party assurance on our environmental reporting through a recognised body by 2024.
  • We will implement an appropriate environmental management system by 2025.
  • We will incorporate environmental topics in our risk management framework.
  • We will train and educate our workforce in environmental impacts.

Environmental

  • A net-zero commitment for 2040 or sooner, delivery and tracking through science-based targets (e.g. SBTi).
  • Additional Scope 1 and Scope 3 reporting.
  • Implement a third-party assurance mechanism for reporting (e.g. Eco Vadis, CDP).
  • Develop and publish an Environmental Policy.
  • Implement an environmental management system (e.g. ISO 14001).
  • Include ESG in our supply chain policy, practice and procedures.
Skip to content