London, 29 September 2022 – BNP Paribas UK has announced a three-year sustainability education partnership with Teach First, the charity fighting to make the education system work for every child.
The ‘Leaders for a Changing World’ Teach First programme will run from 2022 to 2025, enabling Teach First to support 14,000 young people through the recruitment, training and placement of 110 teachers across Teach First’s partner schools, which specifically serve disadvantaged communities across England.
The programme also centres on delivering a series of four sustainability lessons, strategically aligned with the school curriculum lessons across a range of subjects and age groups, produced in partnership with Gemserv, a B Corp certified environmental consultancy. The resources will be freely available to all teachers in the UK, accessible via the online teaching platform Times Education Supplement (TES) and includes:
- Sustainable Financing for a Net Zero Future
- Powering a Net Zero Future
- Sustainable City Design
- Sustainable Lifestyles for Climate Action
Currently over a third of children in the UK are living in poverty, with only 46% of these children reaching the expected levels of English and Maths by the time that they leave primary school. Through the ‘Leaders for a Changing World’ Teach First partnership, BNP Paribas UK, Gemserv and Teach First are investing in the education of children and driving the sustainability curriculum in schools to inspire and equip the next generation towards a net zero future.
Russell Hobby, CEO Teach First explained, “The burdens of the future, particularly those relating to climate change and the environment, will be disproportionately felt by today’s young people, and especially those in low-income communities. This collaboration with BNP Paribas and Gemserv will work to widen access to education about sustainability and equip young people with skills and knowledge to combat these challenges”.
Anne Marie Verstraeten, UK Country Head, BNP Paribas highlighted “Our commitment over the next 3 years will enable Teach First to continue training and recruiting great teachers for schools serving disadvantaged communities, whilst working to inspire future generations with the skills and knowledge they need to help tackle sustainability challenges as part of the future workforce.”
Clare Jackson, Head of Innovation, Low Carbon, Gemserv emphasised, “Tackling climate change is arguably the challenge of our lifetimes. The Gemserv Low Carbon Business Unit are proud to bring our knowledge to the partnership to help educate the future generations who will be crucial in continuing efforts to reduce our emissions and providing high-quality content for teachers that ties in with the existing curricula.”
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Notes to editors
Press Contacts:
BNP Paribas UK:
Lucinda Kemeny
0207 595 1253
Lucinda.Kemeny@uk.bnpparibas.com
Teach First Press and Media team
0203 841 8483
Gemserv:
Jordan Shuttleworth
+44 203 934 3565
jordan.shuttlewood@gemserv.com
About BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas is the European Union’s leading bank and key player in international banking. It operates in 68 countries and has more than 193,000 employees, including nearly 148,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main fields of activity: Retail Banking for the Group’s retail-banking networks and several specialised businesses including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval ; Investment & Protection Services for savings, investment and protection solutions ; and Corporate & Institutional Banking, focused on corporate and institutional clients. Based on its strong diversified and integrated model, the Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance.
In Europe, BNP Paribas has four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg. The Group is rolling out its integrated retail-banking model across several Mediterranean countries, Turkey, Eastern Europe as well as via a large network in the western part of the United States. As a key player in international banking, the Group has leading platforms and business lines in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. BNP Paribas has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility approach in all its activities, enabling it to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future, while ensuring the Group’s performance and stability.
About Teach First
Teach First is an education charity which is fighting to make our education system work for every child. Backing the schools facing the toughest challenges, the charity finds and trains teachers, develops their leadership teams and plugs them into networks of diverse expertise and opportunities to create real change. The charity has now placed over 15,000 teachers and leaders, has over 100 head teachers in their Training Programme alumni and has supported over two million pupils. Those on the Training Programme commit to a minimum of two years at their partner school – gaining a fully funded Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Leadership (PGDE) and earning a salary whilst they train. More than half then stay on for a third year, where they have the option to top up their qualification to a master’s. Over 60% of all the teachers who’ve completed training since 2003 are currently teaching. As well as recruiting new teachers into the profession, the charity provides a range of support for schools, including programmes to help develop teachers at every stage of their career. Teach First currently operates in all regions across England: London, West Midlands, East Midlands, Yorkshire the Humber, North West, North East, South East, South Coast, South West and the East of England.Gemserv Consulting LLP (Gemserv) are at the forefront of developments in the energy and environmental sectors, focusing on delivering meaningful impact on the journey to reducing emissions and reaching Net Zero in the UK. This comes through a range of projects, from running government schemes to education about the environmental benefits of technologies.
About Gemserv
Gemserv is at the forefront of developments in the energy and environmental sectors, focusing on delivering meaningful impact and market transformation supporting the journey to a low carbon economy. We deliver impact working across a wide a range of projects, from implementation and policy delivery and management of trade associations through to education and communication about the environmental benefits of technologies.
Gemserv has a long track record of working with BNP Paribas to great effect, developing the hugely successful Fuel Cells Education Pack alongside Arval and BNP Paribas. This collaboration saw over 46,000 lesson downloads with a 5* rating from teachers. We are excited at the opportunity to build upon these previous successes as BNP Paribas looks to take its work in education to the next level alongside Teach First. Drawing on our industry knowledge, we are working with both organisations to develop learning materials to support teachers and students.
London 16th April 2020 – BNP Paribas’ UK arm today said it will direct a further £500,000 to supporting disadvantaged, vulnerable and isolated people impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic in the UK. This is in addition to £500, 000 committed last week to London’s Imperial Health Charity and brings the total amount of donations by the BNP Paribas group to over $55 million worldwide.
The bank will launch a number of initiatives across communities in the UK in which the bank operates. The initiatives which are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, include:
- SDG 1 No Poverty, SDG 2 Zero Hunger and SDG 17 Partnerships
Supporting foodbanks, community and homeless shelters as well as existing charity partners
- SDG 3 Good Health & Wellbeing
Supporting responses to vital mental health and well-being programs
- SDG 4 Quality Education and SDG 10 Reduced Inequalities
Supporting families, young children and adults with vital care and digital tools for home based learning
The bank is also matching employee donations to these relief efforts. Employees have an opportunity to contribute through the BNP Paribas Rescue and Recover Fund, supporting Care International.
BNP Paribas UK Country Head, Anne Marie Verstraeten said:
“In less than a month, daily life for so many people has changed significantly. Working together we are indeed stronger and our hope is that we can help contribute relief, support and comfort to some of those people who are most in need in our local communities.”
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Press Contacts:
BNP Paribas
Alexandra Umpleby +44 20 7595 2436 Alexandra.Umpleby@uk.bnpparibas.com
Sarisher Mann +44 20 7595 8150 Sarisher.Mann@uk.bnpparibas.com
About BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas is a leading bank in Europe with an international reach. It has a presence in 73 countries, with more than 196,000 employees, including around 149,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main activities: Domestic Markets, International Financial Services (whose retail-banking networks and financial services are covered by Retail Banking & Services) and Corporate & Institutional Banking, which serves two client franchises: corporate clients and institutional investors.
BNP Paribas employs more than 9,000 people across 10 business lines in the UK. These include Corporate & Institutional Banking, Exane BNP Paribas, Leasing Solutions, Arval, Real Estate (including Strutt & Parker acquired in September 2017), Asset Management, Cardif Pinnacle, Commercial Finance, Personal Finance and Vauxhall Finance. Around half of its employees are in Corporate & Institutional Banking, based in London, while the others are based in various offices across the country, including Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester.
https://www.bnpparibas.co.uk/en/
About the Imperial Health Charity
The best way to support the appeal is to donate online at: www.justgiving.com/campaign/help-our-nhs
You can also donate by text. Text HELPTHENHS followed by the amount you’d like to donate to 70085.
So, text HELPTHENHS 5 to give £5, HELPTHENHS 10 to give £10, HELPTHENHS 20 to give £20.
For further advice on supporting the appeal, please email fundraising@imperialcharity.org.uk
London 9 April 2020 – BNP Paribas’ UK arm has today pledged £500,000 in philanthropic support to the London-based NHS Imperial Health Charity’s COVID-19 Relief Fund. The money will help London hospitals handle the extraordinary pressures triggered by the coronavirus pandemic. The Imperial Health Charity is based in Marylebone, near to BNP Paribas’ UK head office.
The funds will benefit the following five hospitals:
• Charing Cross Hospital
• Hammersmith Hospital
• Queen Charlotte’s & Chelsea Hospital
• St Mary’s Hospital
• Western Eye Hospital.
BNP Paribas UK Country Head, Anne Marie Verstraeten said:
“The COVID-19 virus is putting the NHS under extreme pressure. At this unparalleled and challenging time, we want to thank and help our NHS Heroes for their truly exceptional dedication to saving lives. Stronger together, as a community supporting each other, we will get through this.”
Imperial Health Charity CEO, Ian Lush said:
“In recent weeks we have seen the entire country come together to fight the coronavirus – and at the heart of this battle are our remarkable NHS staff who continue to work tirelessly, night and day, to protect us all from this unprecedented threat. During this extremely challenging period, we’re determined to do everything we can to help our hospital heroes as well as stepping up to support the most vulnerable patients in this time of crisis. We know we can’t do this alone. The scale of the challenge is enormous and this contribution from BNP Paribas will transform our capacity to respond to the coronavirus crisis and ensure we can provide the best possible support to our hospitals over the coming months.”
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Press Contacts:
BNP Paribas
Alexandra Umpleby +44 20 7595 2436 Alexandra.Umpleby@uk.bnpparibas.com
Sarisher Mann +44 20 7595 8150 Sarisher.Mann@uk.bnpparibas.com
About BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas is a leading bank in Europe with an international reach. It has a presence in 73 countries, with more than 196,000 employees, including around 149,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main activities: Domestic Markets, International Financial Services (whose retail-banking networks and financial services are covered by Retail Banking & Services) and Corporate & Institutional Banking, which serves two client franchises: corporate clients and institutional investors.
BNP Paribas employs more than 9,000 people across 10 business lines in the UK. These include Corporate & Institutional Banking, Exane BNP Paribas, Leasing Solutions, Arval, Real Estate (including Strutt & Parker acquired in September 2017), Asset Management, Cardif Pinnacle, Commercial Finance, Personal Finance and Vauxhall Finance. Around half of its employees are in Corporate & Institutional Banking, based in London, while the others are based in various offices across the country, including Belfast, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester.
https://www.bnpparibas.co.uk/en/
About the Imperial Health Charity
The best way to support the appeal is to donate online at: www.justgiving.com/campaign/help-our-nhs
You can also donate by text. Text HELPTHENHS followed by the amount you’d like to donate to 70085.
So, text HELPTHENHS 5 to give £5, HELPTHENHS 10 to give £10, HELPTHENHS 20 to give £20.
For further advice on supporting the appeal, please email fundraising@imperialcharity.org.uk
BNP Paribas’ ClimateSeed is one of the six accepted carbon offsets programs in IFC’s Zero Carbon Green Buildings certificate under the IFC Edge program. To certify their buildings Zero Carbon, real estate developers first reduce their buildings’ emissions through green building practices and can then offset any remaining emissions through ClimateSeed. Building developers can choose from over 30 projects available on the ClimateSeed platform by project location, type or SDGs targeted.
Until human-induced net greenhouse gas emissions are eliminated altogether, the concentration of CO2 in our atmosphere will continue to rise, making it impossible to halt global warming. Buildings and construction are responsible for 39% of all carbon emissions in the world. Carbon neutrality is a prerequisite to stabilizing global temperatures and cities will have to accelerate their efforts to be able to meet their Paris targets and even exceed them to limit warming to 1.5°C.
Designing and managing urban areas has become one of the most important development challenges of the 21st century. Globally, about 60% of the area to be urban by 2030 remains to be built. According to the UN, Cities consume over 2/3 of the world’s energy and account for more than 70% of global CO2 emissions. IFC (World Bank Group) estimates a cumulative investment opportunity of $29.4 trillion by 2030 in emerging market cities.
IFC has expanded its Edge certification program to include Zero Carbon buildings, enhancing the positive impact on the climate, where building developers reduce building emissions as much as possible through energy efficiency and sourcing renewable energy, and then offset the remaining unavoidable emissions by contributing to sustainable projects. ClimateSeed provides building developers with a variety of carbon-reduction projects to offset their unavoidable emissions. These projects have gone through a three-step due diligence process to ensure high quality. The projects have been certified by international standards such as VCS or Gold Standard, the project developers have undergone a strict banking due diligence and lastly, the projects have been reviewed and validated by a sustainability committee, comprised of industry experts. All the projects on ClimateSeed avoid or capture CO2, and also contribute to the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Air filters cut PM2.5 by up to 85%, NO2 levels by up to 70%, in support of BreatheLife, the global campaign for clean air
London, 12 November 2019 – BNP Paribas today unveiled the next phase of its pioneering ‘clean air zones’ campaign at London Marylebone Station, working in partnership with JCDecaux UK, Airlabs and Chiltern Railways for a second year.
The positive impact advertising solution, which incorporates air-cleaning technology within advertising structures, is supporting the global ‘BreatheLife’ campaign for clean air. BreatheLife’s growing network includes more than 70 cities, regions and countries, reaching over 288 million people. The campaign’s goal is to mobilise communities to reduce the impact of air pollution on health and climate.
The BreatheLife campaign principles align closely with BNP Paribas’ own sustainability objectives, which have a clear community focus. London Marylebone Station was chosen for the filter installation due to its direct proximity to BNP Paribas’ UK headquarters, underpinning with practical action the bank’s commitment to making a positive impact within the local community.
The air cleaning technology from Airlabs was first unveiled in October 2018. The filters reduce up to 85% of PM2.5, 86% PM10 and up to 70% gases like NO2 and ozone from the area immediately surrounding the filters, which are housed within specially adapted advertising units from JCDecaux UK. In a twelve-month period, the air filters have produced 41.4 million cubic metres of clean air, enough to fill Wembley Stadium 36 times.
Anne Marie Verstraeten, UK Country Head, BNP Paribas Group, said: “BNP Paribas is committed to London and to helping provide immediate, positive impact for our local communities. The Clean Air Zone partnership enables us to continue to deliver cleaner air to more than 14 million station users every year, which include our employees, clients, commuters and the local community. As well as helping to reduce the impact of air pollution, we want to raise awareness of this silent killer, and that’s why we are supporting the BreatheLife campaign, which is so aligned to our own corporate values.”
Helena Molin Valdés, Head of the United Nations Environment Programme hosted Climate and Clean Air Coalition Secretariat said: “These types of initiatives are important to raise awareness that more needs to be done to improve air quality in order to protect human and health and our climate. Cleaning the air is one solution and should remind everyone – from individuals to businesses and local and national governments—that they have a role to play in stopping air pollution at its source.”
Helena Kavanagh, Chief Partnerships Officer at JCDecaux UK said: “We are very proud of the partnership with BNP Paribas, Chiltern Railways and Airlabs which led to this ground-breaking advertising solution, and it is excellent news that it will continue for another year. The air filters, incorporated within Out-of-Home advertising structures, are another example of how Out-of-Home media can provide a service to the community as well as a clear communication channel raising awareness of important issues – in this case, the BreatheLife campaign – in front of the millions of rail users who pass through London Marylebone Station every year.”
Marc Ottolini, CEO at Airlabs said: “We are delighted that our air filtration technology is being used in this impactful way. Millions of people are using public transport in London every day. Our mission is to provide all of these people with clean air during their journey. The Clean Air Zones at Marylebone Station show that this can be turned into reality. Our partnership with BNP Paribas, Chiltern Railways and JC Decaux is a great example of the difference like-minded businesses can make to the lives of millions of people affected by air pollution every day.”
Press Contacts:
BNP Paribas
Alexandra Umpleby (UK) +44 20 7595 2436 Alexandra.Umpleby@uk.bnpparibas.com
Sarisher Mann (UK) +44 20 7595 8150 Sarisher.Mann@uk.bnpparibas.com
Notes to Editors:
About BNP Paribas: BNP Paribas is a leading bank in Europe with an international reach. It has a presence in 72 countries, with more than 202,000 employees, including around 149,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its two main activities: Retail Banking & Services and Corporate & Institutional Banking, which serves two client franchises: corporate clients and institutional investors.
BNP Paribas has a well-established and growing UK platform. The bank has served the UK economy for more than 150 years and today employs more than 9,000 people, based in 21 core locations throughout the country, across 10 business lines. These include Corporate & Institutional Banking, Exane BNP Paribas, Leasing Solutions, Arval, Real Estate, Asset Management, Cardif Pinnacle, Commercial Finance, Personal Finance and Vauxhall Finance.
https://www.bnpparibas.co.uk/en/
BNP Paribas UK on Twitter – @BNPParibasUK
About BreatheLife: https://breathelife2030.org/
As part of its support for the solo exhibition of internationally-acclaimed British sculptor Antony Gormley opening this September at the Royal Academy of Arts, BNP Paribas announced today that it will offer 3,000 people, aged 17 to 25, free entry to the exhibition.
Entitled AccessArt25, the BNP Paribas initiative aims to offer young people what may be their first visit to the Royal Academy of Arts. The programme consists of three specially-curated evening events that will run from 6.30 to 10pm on 23 September, 21 October and 18 November 2019.
BNP Paribas AccessArt25
The AccessArt25 programme is the first of its kind in terms of a corporate supporter providing free access to exhibitions specifically for young people. The initiative was launched in 2018 as part of BNP Paribas’ three-year support for the Turner Prize, where it proved to be highly successful.
Antony Gormley, Royal Academician, said: “I am delighted that BNP Paribas is partnering with the Royal Academy for my exhibition so that young people can visit for free as part of the AccessArt25 programme. I’m grateful that this initiative will particularly target those who may not have ready access to art exhibitions. We are all of us artists, and I hope seeing my work will inspire young peoples’ own reflections on themselves and the world around them.”
Anne Marie Verstraeten, UK Country Head, BNP Paribas, said: “As we approach our 20th year of support for the Royal Academy of Arts, we believe it is more important than ever that great contemporary art should be accessible for all. That is why we launched the BNP Paribas AccessArt25 programme. We look forward to welcoming thousands of young people through the doors of this incredible institution, free of charge, to experience an exhibition by one of Britain’s foremost contemporary artists.”
Young people aged 17 – 25 can register their interest at roy.ac/gormley-tickets.
London, UK – 22 June 2018 – BNP Paribas today announces it is supporting Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH Charity) with the ‘Aces From The Heart’ initiative at this year’s Fever-Tree Championships at The Queen’s Club.
Aces From The Heart is a BNP Paribas group led programme to support children in hospital. For every ace served on Centre Court throughout the tennis tournament, BNP Paribas in the UK is donating £50 to GOSH Charity to help fund specialist equipment for the hospital’s surgical theatres.
Anne Marie Verstraeten, UK Country Head, BNP Paribas said:
“‘Aces From The Heart’ is born from BNP Paribas’ passion for tennis as well as our commitment to make a positive impact on society. We are pleased to be supporting GOSH Charity this year and are looking forward to welcoming GOSH families to enjoy what we hope will be a fun and memorable day at the tennis on Saturday.”
Amit Aggarwal, Director of Corporate Partnerships at GOSH Charity added:
“We’re incredibly grateful for BNP Paribas’ support at the Fever-Tree Championships at The Queen’s Club. Aces From The Heart will make a real difference to the lives of young patients by funding new specialist surgical equipment at Great Ormond Street Hospital.”
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Press contacts
Alexandra Umpleby +44 20 75 95 2436 alexandra.umpleby@uk.bnpparibas.com
Sarisher Mann +44 20 75 95 8150 sarisher.mann@uk.bnpparibas.com
About Great Ormond Street Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity:
Great Ormond Street Hospital is one of the world’s leading children’s hospitals with the broadest range of dedicated, children’s healthcare specialists under one roof in the UK. The hospital’s pioneering research and treatment gives hope to children from across the UK with the rarest, most complex and often life-threatening conditions. Our patients and families are central to everything we do – from the moment they come through the door and for as long as they need us. Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity needs to raise money to support the hospital to give seriously ill children, the best chance for life. The charity funds research into pioneering new treatments for children, provides the most up to date medical equipment, funds support services for children and their families and supports the essential rebuilding and refurbishment of the hospital. You can help us to provide world class care for our patients and families. For more information visit www.gosh.org
About BNP Paribas
BNP Paribas (www.bnpparibas.com) is a leading bank in Europe with an international reach. It has a presence in 74 countries, with more than 192,000 employees, including more than 146,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main activities: Domestic Markets and International Financial Services (whose retail-banking networks and financial services are covered by Retail Banking & Services) and Corporate & Institutional Banking, which serves two client franchises: corporate clients and institutional investors. The Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, the Group has four domestic markets (Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg) and BNP Paribas Personal Finance is the European leader in consumer lending. BNP Paribas is rolling out its integrated retail-banking model in Mediterranean countries, in Turkey, in Eastern Europe and a large network in the western part of the United States. In its Corporate & Institutional Banking and International Financial Services activities, BNP Paribas also enjoys top positions in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific.
About BNP Paribas UK CSR
Launched in September 2015 by the UN, the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) aim to end poverty by 2030 while protecting our planet’s environment. As a global company and Bank, BNP Paribas has a key role to play in this collective effort. The bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) approach allows it to take part in building a sustainable future while promoting the Group’s performance and stability. BNP Paribas Group has committed to becoming carbon neutral by the end of 2017, and has also allocated €15 billion by 2020 to renewable energy financing.
BNP Paribas UK has launched a ‘What’s my Impact’ initiative. This is an engagement and awareness programme linked to the UN SDGs, and highlights how the bank, and its employees can help to achieve the SDGs.
About BNP Paribas Tennis
As one of the world’s leading banking and financial services groups, BNP Paribas is proud to be an Official Sponsor of British Tennis. Throughout the world, for over 40 years, the bank has come to support tennis at all levels. From Grand Slams and International team events through to wheelchair tennis and grass roots, BNP Paribas has built up an association with tennis that embodies its own values of commitment, ambition and responsiveness.
BNP Paribas provides support to tennis across the United Kingdom through sponsorship of the Lawn Tennis Association.