Skipton Collaborates with Ambiental to Develop Climate Data
Skipton has partnered with Ambiental Risk Analytics (Ambiental), a company of Royal HaskoningDHV, in support of its work on climate change.
Skipton commissioned a unique aerial survey of the Channel Islands this summer to make a model that shows how flooding caused by climate change will affect each property.
Skipton will get the climate flood data, as well as the data on subsidence and coastal erosion, from Ambiental so that it can meet future regulatory compliance requirements.
Using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology, Bluesky International was asked to do a special aerial survey of its islands. It is the most up-to-date and detailed report on its islands in many years.
LiDAR is a light technology used to create high-resolution models of ground elevation with a vertical accuracy of 10cm. LiDAR equipment uses a laser scanner, a Global Positioning System (GPS), and Inertial Navigation System (INS), all of which are mounted on a small aircraft.
The laser sends short pulses of light to the ground's surface, which bounces off everything, including buildings and plants. The LiDAR data is used to make a Digital Terrain Model (DTM), which is the most important part of developing climate data for flooding.
From Skipton’s perspective, all of this forms part of its future risk assessment when lending money within the islands.
Simon White, Director of Credit at Skipton International, said:
“We’ve made big strides over the last few years in our sustainability and ESG activities, particularly in how we prepare for and respond to climate change. We were the first Channel Island business to sign up for the United Nations Environmental Programme Finance Initiative, so investing in this climate change data was a natural progression.
“This in-depth analysis of our mortgage portfolio is invaluable to help understand and manage the physical and transitional risks it presents to Channel Island properties.
” We are aware that this data will be beneficial to many other Channel Island businesses and will be pleased to share with them if they wish to contact us.”
Rob Carling, Channel Sales Manager at Ambiental, added:
“We are delighted to work with Skipton to develop the climate flood models for the Channel Islands. Like other parts of the UK, the islands will be impacted by climate change, and a recent report from the Jersey Government states that 400 homes and businesses are at risk of a major flooding incident. This is forecasted to rise to 3,000 properties in the future unless something is done.”
Source: Skipton
