Humans are taking a toll on the environment. That's why every industry must take steps to reverse the damage. At Santander, we're running many initiatives to help look after the planet.

The United Nations warns that Earth has lost 178 million hectares of forest in 30 years and warmer temperatures are causing sea levels to rise faster. 

At Santander, we feel it’s important not only to protect our ecosystems but also to restore them while striking a balance between economic growth and social wellbeing. That's why we’re promoting and cooperating on several projects that aim to save our planet. 

In North America (namely in Mexico), we’re working with the sustainable forests initiative, Reforestamos (“We reforest”), which has raised over 1,200,000 pesos in donations made at our ATMs. 

In South America, we’re promoting several environmental programmes. In Chile, we’re part of the Parque el Durazno project, which has just completed its first phase; it aims to restore run-down areas and protect the ecosystem of the Canela commune (in the Coquimbo Region) against erosion while creating corridors for native wildlife. In Argentina, we’re helping save ecosystems through beach clean-ups and other volunteering programmes with organizations like Fundación Vida Silvestre and the El CorreCamino social co-op, which collects rubbish and has given employment to numerous people experiencing social exclusion. Turning to Brazil, we signed a historic pact with Bradesco and Itaú Unibanco for sustainability and conservation in the Amazon Rainforest.

On the other side of the Atlantic in Europe (in particular, Spain), our Plan Natura initiative on environmental conservation consists of activities to reforest wooded areas; clean up beaches and riverbanks; instal bird houses; and others, with hundreds of Santander employees who volunteer. This allows us to follow through on our commitment to looking after ecosystems with the help of our professionals. 

Santander España has a long-standing track record with major, innovative initiatives, such as the Proyectos Cero for endangered species that it promoted for four years with The Spanish National Research Council (CSIC) and Fundación CSIC in response to one of society’s biggest challenges: preserving biodiversity.

This year in Spain, with the Banco Santander Foundation, we put together Santander for the Seas, which supports initiatives on conservation, habitat recovery and marine life. But that’s not all: In recent years, we’ve been working with several organizations to restore natural heritage sites.

Also, in Poland, for World Environment Day, we’ll be taking part in PNUMAGrid's Generacja (‘Regeneration’) project to preserve ecosystems. For six months, we’ll become conservationists for one of the country’s most protected ecosystems (16.35 hectares of meadows and pastures around the Mała Czantoria and Wielka Czantoria mountains in Lower Silesia). As in other parts of the world, Santander’s commitment in Poland is nothing new. In the past, we fought for the environment by getting involved in the viral, international #TrashChallenge to set an example with actions to save the planet.

Our initiative to conserve ecosystems in many countries is part of our strategy to be a responsible bank committed to aiding the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda. 

Our Corporate Centre: An example of our commitment towards the environment

Our work to help protect the environment starts at our Corporate Centre. Ecosystem conservation and CO₂ reduction at the Santander Group City, in Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, is a clear example of our commitment. 

We’ve managed to create the perfect reserve for over 60 species, improving the centre's natural setting. 

How have we done it? Our Corporate Centre covers 215 hectares, including 170 for green areas. Its design is both functional and environmentally friendly, with a minimal impact on nature. It is home to vast gardens with over 20,000 trees of more than 40 species, including olive trees (the city’s symbol), cork, red oak, poplar, ash and fruit trees.