The list is compiled by research company Corporate Knights and the international financial magazine The Banker. Data of 87 banks participating in the Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) is used in the analysis. It is intended to provide insight into the extent to which the global banking sector contributes to the sustainable transition of the economy. According to the researchers, the pace of sustainable financing needs to be significantly increased in order to achieve the ambitious global climate goals.

Recognition of our business model
“Triodos Bank sees our high ranking as recognition of our business model to create positive impact through our loans and investments. We have always envisioned a world in which all people have the necessary tools and resources to live fulfilling lives, and in which the economy operates in harmony with nature rather than against it. This means we have a broad definition of sustainability. It’s about reducing CO2 emissions, and it’s also about increasing wellbeing and social equality. This requires a long-term vision benefiting society as a whole”, says Jacco Minnaar, Chief Commercial Officer at Triodos Bank.

Focus on transition themes
Triodos Bank has a clear roadmap to make the economy more sustainable and just. In 2022, Triodos Bank published its impact vision identifying five interlinked transition themes: food, resource, energy, society and well-being. Triodos Bank’s mission as a financial institution is to enable and accelerate these vital transitions in order to address key societal and environmental issues, including biodiversity loss, inequality and climate change, and improve life for all through continued financing of, for instance, culture and education.

Ambitious net-zero target
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. We aim to reach this target by reducing our own emissions and the absolute emissions of the activities we finance. We also invest directly in nature-based solutions that remove carbon from the atmosphere.

Balance impact – risk - return
Jacco Minnaar: “We believe that what we do starts with assessing impact. We then assess risk and high impact and lower risk tend to correlate. We strive for a sustainable return so we can continue to reinvest and provide our owners with a fair return. Through this approach the financial sector can really accelerate the transition towards a more sustainable and fair economy.”