"Despite publicly committing to action on climate change, the Commonwealth Bank loaned $3.89 billion to fossil fuel projects in 2016 — the most of any of the big four banks." He said. "Today we are trying to send a message to the Commonwealth Bank that they can't have it both ways. They have to say no to lending to the coal and fossil fuel industries if they want to be a supporter of the renewable energy industry." Market Forces revealed in March that the Commonwealth Bank lent $3.89 billion to the fossil fuel industry in 2016, more than any other bank in Australia. Mr Casule said that the Commonwealth Bank must follow the lead of Westpac and rule out any further involvement in new coal projects.

"Greenpeace is calling on CommBank CEO, Ian Narev, and the members of the CommBank board to make good on their commitment to the environment and to follow the lead set by fellow big four bank Westpac by ruling out any involvement in new coal projects or the expansion of existing projects." Greenpeace argues that surveys they carried out found 73 per cent of Commonwealth Bank customers did not want their bank to invest in companies or projects that harm the environment. "Greenpeace is calling on Mr Narev to live up to his promise to support a transition to a low carbon economy not only in words but with action. The Commonwealth Bank needs to pledge to end its funding of new coal projects and commit to a credible plan to reduce its exposure to fossil fuels to zero." In response to the protest, the Commonwealth Bank pointed to its recent investment in renewable energies. "Commonwealth Bank continues to play a leading role in financing renewable energy, and in building a sustainable future in Australia and overseas. As a major financial institution, we believe we need to take a balanced, measured and responsible approach as we support the transition to a low-carbon economy," a statement from the bank said.

"We financed three new large-scale solar farms to be built in Australia, together with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and German bank NORD/LB. Once they're fully operational they have the potential to produce enough electricity for around 87,000 homes." "Along with other financiers, we funded the largest wind farm in NSW and one of the largest in Australia. The Sapphire Wind Farm will generate enough energy to keep the power flowing into 100,000 households. This power generation alone will offset more than 600,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year" The statement, however, did not directly respond to Greenpeace's demands for the bank to stop supporting the fossil fuel industry.