- NatWest recently introduced a Carbon Footprint Tracker in its app that analyzes transactions to estimate users’ carbon footprint and provide reduction tips, but some customers feel it is intrusive.
- The opt-in tracker looks at spending in categories like food and clothing to estimate a carbon footprint score and suggest ways to reduce it based on tailored tips.
- Some customers argue the tracker goes too far by monitoring private spending data, but NatWest defends the opt-in feature as helping customers live sustainably and notes they can opt out anytime.
NatWest recently introduced a new Carbon Footprint Tracker feature in its mobile banking app. The feature analyzes customers’ transactions to estimate their carbon footprint and provide suggestions on how to reduce it. However, some customers are accusing the bank of intruding into their private financial data.
How the Carbon Footprint Tracker Works
The opt-in tracker looks at customers’ spending in categories like food, clothing, and transportation. It then estimates a carbon footprint based on those transactions. For example, it might show that spending $15 on a dress equates to 16kg of CO2 emissions.
Customers receive a personalized carbon footprint score in kgs of CO2. The app explains that scientists recommend reducing individual footprints to 180kgs by 2030.
The app provides tailored tips on lowering your footprint. It suggests steps like buying secondhand clothes, switching to plant-based milk, and sharing car journeys.
Customers Accuse Bank of Intrusion
Some customers argue the carbon tracker goes too far in monitoring private spending data.
Faith Scott said the calculator felt intrusive, stating “We don’t need all this preaching to us.”
NatWest defended the opt-in feature, saying it helps customers live sustainably and save money. Customers can opt out at any time.
