Skipton partners with Ambiental to Create Climate Data

Skipton has partnered with Ambiental Risk Analytics (Ambiental), a company of Royal HaskoningDHV, in support of its work on climate change.

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 for the Channel Islands this summer to create a model to show the impact of flooding for each property because of climate change. Ambiental’s climate flood data along with subsidence and coastal erosion data will be supplied to Skipton to ensure it meets future regulatory compliance requirements.

This specially commissioned aerial survey from Bluesky International, using Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) technology, is the most up to date and in-depth report for our 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 to a small aircraft. The laser transmits brief pulses of light to the ground’s surface, and reflects everything, including structures and vegetation. The LiDAR data is used to create a Digital Terrain Model (DTM) which is the key component in the development of the flood climate data.

From Skipton’s perspective, this all-forms part of its future risk assessment when lending monies 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 to 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 at risk of a major flooding incident. This is forecasted to rise to 3,000 properties in the future unless something is done.”