10% increase in NatWest customers using Cogo data to manage their carbon footprint

NatWest partnered with Cogo in 2021 to support customers wanting to know more about how their spending decisions impact the planet. The carbon footprint feature shows customers the carbon impact of their day-to-day spending decisions, and encourages them to choose the greener option, with tips and hints delivered through the app. They can also log their commitments and behaviour changes, to support motivation. 

Emma Kisby, EMEA CEO of Cogo says: "We're really heartened to see this growth in the number of customers accessing our carbon footprint data and taking control of managing their personal environmental impact. 

"Providing a touchpoint with so many customers, banks have an important strategic role to play in helping the wider public address their own climate impact. Today's new figures are a welcome confirmation of that opportunity.

“Every day, it’s clear that more and more consumers are taking an active interest in the climate debate and the crisis we undoubtedly face. Working in partnership is key to achieving both reach and flexibility in solving the problem, providing solutions which will support both businesses and consumers on their own journey.” 

Background to the partnership

Announcing the launch of the pilot in July 2021, David Lindberg, CEO, Retail Banking at NatWest previously said: 

“We know that many people in the UK want to reduce their impact on the climate, and that to be able to change something in a meaningful way, you need to be able to measure it. Our use of Cogo’s expertise in carbon tracking in the NatWest app is a really important first step in making it easy for everyone to live and spend in a greener way – using the power of their money to influence change.

“It’s aligned to our core purpose as a bank and it’s going to give people the information they need to make informed choices about how they spend, as well as realistic and achievable ways of cutting down on carbon.”

Insights from the pilot showed the average user saved approximately 11 kg of CO₂ emissions per month by committing to behavioural changes that used less carbon – such as composting, reducing meat consumption, or switching utilities providers.