11 April 2022
The £1.5m partnership will also support the delivery of the in-depth Climate Change Transformation training programme for those in priority roles who require a broader level of knowledge.
B-CCaS, an established research centre within the University of Edinburgh Business School, has long enjoyed fruitful collaboration with the NatWest Group. This new partnership will see our researchers deliver 12-week online education programmes to employees in priority roles, to best equip them with the tools and confidence to engage in climate conversations both within the bank and with business customers.
Dr Sarah Ivory, Director of B-CCaS, said: "This partnership signals an active and purposeful push from NWG to align with climate goals. The initiative focuses on integrating climate education and action firm-wide at NatWest, giving B-CCaS and the University an unprecedented opportunity to extend our collective reach and impact based on the extensive research and experience of our faculty."
Professor Wendy Loretto, Dean of The University of Edinburgh Business School, said: "The response we have had from across the business is inspiring and testament to the positive approach being adopted by the bank in pursuing its purpose-led mission. COP26 highlighted just how integral businesses are in this climate crisis, and collaborations such as this mark the great responsibility business schools have in ensuring their research translates to effective change. This partnership gives us the opportunity to ensure we are at the forefront of such change."
The University and NatWest will work with real estate expert Cushman and Wakefield to provide the commercial real estate specialist training, Circuthon Consulting, Helen Chambers Consulting and My Little Green Wardrobe to provide the retail and leisure specialist training, and Warwick Manufacturing Group at the University of Warwick to deliver the manufacturing specialist training.
James Close, Head of Climate Change, NatWest Group said: "This specialist training will provide the confidence for colleagues to step into climate conversations both within the bank and with customers. Increased knowledge will empower bank colleagues to help businesses across sectors roll out effective and credible transition plans as the UK heads towards a low carbon economy."
About B-CCaS and partnership opportunities
Picture shows Jenny Britton, Head of Executive Development at University of Edinburgh Business School and James Close, Head of Climate Change at NatWest Group. Copyright Stuart Nicol Photography, 2022.