Member Article

Co-op Bank named Europe’s most sustainable

The Co-operative Banking Group has been named Europe’s most sustainable bank for the third year running.

The Financial Times’ Sustainable Banking and Finance Awards recognises leadership and innovation in social and environmental banking.

Backed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which is part of the World Bank, the awards are judged by a panel of the world’s leading financiers.

Judges praised the Bank’s Ethical Policy, which is now two decades old, along with its £1bn commitment to investment in green energy and its support for the financially excluded.

Barry Tootell, Acting Chief Executive of The Co-operative Banking Group, said: “Throughout the financial crisis we’ve shown that by being a member-owned, customer-led and ethically-guided business we can maintain a sustainable path for the benefit of all our key stakeholders.

“Our sustainable approach has underpinned our growth and at a time when consumers are rightly looking for a fresh banking alternative, our embedded approach to sustainability will continue to drive us forwards.”

Martin Dickson, Deputy Editor of the Financial Times and co-chair of the awards judging panel said: “The winners of this year’s awards should be congratulated as they stand out from a very strong group of financial institutions that are leading the way on making environmental and social considerations a major part of their business.”

The awards are now in their seventh year, and are the major platform for celebrating environmentally and socially responsible banking and investment.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Tom Keighley .