In Our Operations

Responsibility & impact in our operations

Promoting social, environmental and economic progress must start in the places where we have the most direct impact – in our own operations. We promote progress by reducing our environmental footprint, managing our supply chain, attracting diverse talent to our Bank, providing all employees with opportunities to reach their fullest potential and upholding our values with every decision we make.

Our ESG Strategy: Environmental Action, Economic Resilience, Inclusive Society, Leadership and Governance. Impact On the World Around Us, With our Customers and In our operations.

What follows are a few examples of how we are creating impact in our operations.

Reducing our GHG Emissions

Scotiabank has committed to net-zero operations by 2030. Achieving net-zero status by 2030 will be enabled by continued investment in energy efficiency, while sourcing 100% of the Bank’s electricity from non-emitting sources by 2025 in Canada and by 2030 globally.

We strive to reduce both our direct and indirect emissions, while working toward powering our business with renewable energy. We assess climate-related risks and use these findings to build resilience and protect our assets, our business and the communities where we operate. We recognize our influence as a purchaser of goods and services, and we strive to incorporate climate change considerations into our procurement process.

Learn About Our Climate Commitments

Advancing Diversity and Inclusion at Scotiabank

We seek a more equitable future – and that naturally affects the way we think about our employees. With a team of diverse Scotiabankers serving customers throughout the world, our efforts to advance a diverse, inclusive culture have never been more important to the Bank’s long-term success.

We are building a Bank that is strengthened by our differences – not divided by them. Inclusion allows us to consider new perspectives and find new ways to understand and serve our customers. When employees from all backgrounds are given opportunities to achieve their fullest potential, all individuals are respected for who they are, and differences and similarities are embraced, we can have the most impact on the future of our business, our employees and our customers.

Learn More about Diversity and Inclusion

Employment Equity

We seek to build a Bank that is reflective of the communities we serve. Each year we report on workforce representation of Women, Visible Minorities, Indigenous Peoples and Persons with Disabilities. And to provide a more comprehensive picture of Employment Equity at the Bank, we also voluntarily report on representation of employees who identify as LGBT+ and Veterans.

Though these quantitative metrics are important, they only tell part of the story of Employment Equity at Scotiabank. We provide all employees with an environment that is safe, inclusive and reflective of all communities by prioritizing inclusion and removing discriminatory barriers by promoting fair and equitable recruitment, retention and promotion practices.

Learn More about Employment Equity

Upholding our Values

Scotiabank’s business and reputation is built on trust. The value of trust is earned. It’s up to all of us to safeguard and maintain that trust. Ensuring that all Scotiabankers live our core values and exemplify ethical behaviour is critical to our ongoing success. The Scotiabank Code of Conduct (the “Code”) is an extension of our shared values and our commitment to the belief that doing the right thing matters.

The Code is not just a document; it’s a promise that we make to each other, our customers, shareholders and the communities in which we operate. It underpins our actions and informs our decision making, and all Scotiabankers are required to acknowledge the Code annually. As the world changes, our commitment to the principles set out in the Code is unwavering. Scotiabankers will continue to do the right thing: for our customers, for one another and for our communities.

See our Code of Conduct

Our Approach to ESG

We focus on impact in four key areas – Environmental Action, Economic Resilience, Inclusive Society and Leadership & Governance.

Impact stories

Meigan Terry

Meigan Terry believes in purpose-led work — here’s how she’s leading Scotiabank’s major social impact programs

Meigan Terry, SVP and Chief Sustainability, Social Impact and Communications Officer, featured in Women of Influence.

Friendlier container opened

How Friendlier takeout containers can help cut down on plastic waste

With Canada's new ban on some single-use plastics, Scotiabank is implementing a pilot project for reusable takeout containers at its downtown headquarters

turtle and plastic bottle in the ocean

Planting seeds for change: prioritizing greenhouse gas emissions, plastic waste

Scotia Global Asset Management engages with companies on issues that matter to a growing set of investors.

Download our ESG Report

Learn how Scotiabank is working to build a more sustainable future for our stakeholders and our business.

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