Annual sustainability report 2024
Money can be a force for the good of the planet
Climate change is an existential threat to humanity. Most people don't realise that the way their money is used by banks is contributing to climate change.
People don't believe that their own actions can make a difference.
Founded in Cardiff in 2023, with a mission to reinvent banking for the generation putting the planet first, we’re bringing our 8000-strong and growing community of ‘Gen Zero’ customers a top user experience combined with a range of innovative features, such as our environmental impact index, GreenScore®, to help them effortlessly spend and live more sustainably.
Our vision at Zero is a world where money is a force for the good of the planet
Impact on climate change
We're aiming to achieve a significant impact on climate change through enabling a reduction in customers’ carbon footprint through engagement with GreenScore® and by diverting capital away from fossil-fuel financing mainstream banks.
Doing business right
Faced with a rapidly changing climate we must not forget the environmental and social impacts of doing business. That's why sustainability is built into everything we do.
Our approach to sustainability guides not just how we run our business, but why we do it in the first place. From day one, we've focused on growing Zero in a way that’s responsible and lasting—one that helps the environment, supports communities, and avoids harm wherever possible.
We are a Public Benefit Corporation
Becoming a certified B Corp in July 2024 was a big milestone for us. It’s part of our promise to run a business that’s not just about profit, but also about making a real difference for people and the planet.
As a B Corp, we’ve legally committed to running a business that creates social and environmental value. The Mission Lock principle ensures that our business model is intentionally designed to deliver positive outcomes for stakeholders, including workers, communities, the environment, and customers.
Zero sustainability pillars
Zero was founded with the express purpose of helping solve climate change based on three sustainability pillars.
Customer Impact
Using our proprietary GreenScore® Index and Zero Carbon Projects to empower customers to effortlessly measure and reduce their environmental footprints.
Zero Climate Promise
Ensuring that no money flowing through the platform supports environmentally harmful industries.
A low-carbon business
Actively working to minimise Zero’s operational carbon footprint (including product / app) and offset all emissions we can’t currently avoid.
The Zero Climate Promise
Research commissioned by Zero indicates that 64% of consumers want their bank to use their money in an environmentally responsible way. We promise that no funds held by Zero will support environmentally destructive industries or companies. We have partnered with ClearBank, which has a low environmental impact and deposits funds with the Bank of England rather than supporting carbon-intensive industries. We proudly display the Bank.Green Fossil-free banking badge to demonstrate our commitment.
Our app and website educate customers on how their money works to combat climate change and in time users will be able to take direct climate action through the Zero app, such as contributing to carbon sequestration projects.
Zero environmental impact
We have measured our emissions internally from day 1 and in 2025 partnered with carbon accounting provider Seedling to assess our baseline year (2024) emissions across Scopes 1, 2 and 3, and in line with the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) protocol and Streamlined Energy & Carbon Reporting (SECR) requirements.
At 98.96%, Scope 3 makes up the largest proportion of our emissions, which in turn comprises the top five main categories of:
64.49%
Purchased goods and services
11.42%
Employee commuting and remote working
2.34%
Waste generated through operations
14.21%
Capital goods
6.5%
Business travel
Other environmental initiatives
1% for the Planet
Committing 1% of our annual revenue to certified environmental organisations and projects.
Mastercard's Priceless Planet coalition
An annual financial commitment supporting 18 tree restoration projects across 6 continents coordinated by Conservation International and the World Resources Institute.
The Zero customer community
One of the most powerful tools for climate action is talking to others. We are building a community for customers to discuss climate action and mobilise others. After launching publicly in January 2025, we have more than 8000+ registered users at the time of writing, and ambitious future customer acquisition and engagement goals.
Additionally, we have created the Zero Community Share Option Scheme and set aside 20% of the future value of Zero for our community members. Customers will be able to earn further Options through referring a friend or taking part in focus groups.
GreenScore®
Our GreenScore® feature is designed to make it as simple as possible for Zero customers to understand the environmental impact of their spending and effortlessly take action.
Download our full report to find out more.