The Impact Prism consists of 34 questions about the business activities of customers to assess the extent to which they affect society. A customer who has completed the questionnaire receives a report with information and scores related to the seventeen Sustainable Development Goals.
Improvements
Thanks to recommendations, for example in the field of social inclusion or nature-inclusive building, customers can then implement improvements. Triodos Bank's relationship managers can help with this, for example by bringing customers into contact with each other.
Almost all business customers with financing will soon be able to use the Impact Prism. The tool is now used in the Netherlands and Spain, and at a later date in Belgium and the United Kingdom.
Monitor progress
The results of the Impact Prism also help Triodos Bank monitor progress towards its own strategic objectives. Triodos Bank has identified five vital transitions (energy, food, society, well-being and resources) to help people live prosperous lives on a thriving planet. Our goal as a financial institution is to help make these transitions possible. In addition, Triodos Bank has set an ambitious target of being net-zero by 2035 with all its loans and investments, and in its own operations.
Jeroen Pels, Commercial Director at Triodos Bank: "The Impact Prism is intended to tackle the current societal challenges together with our business customers. The tool looks at impact in a holistic way. It is not only about CO2 emissions, but also, for example, about social equality, people's health, education and the use of resources. The online check shows our customers where they stand and offers them the opportunity to make progress. In addition, Triodos Bank itself gets a richer picture of the impact of our financing, with relevant and verifiable information."
As a sustainable bank, Triodos Bank integrates impact, risk and return when making financing decisions. Since Triodos Bank was founded in 1980, creating positive impact has been the starting point. All loans and investments are intended to improve the social and environmental sustainability and quality of life of communities. Triodos Bank does not finance harmful activities, such as the fossil fuel industry and large-scale, non-organic farming.