Blog

When people think about banks and banking, they don’t often think of creativity,

culture, or community wellbeing. But at Triodos Bank, these are exactly the things we

believe finance should serve.

Since we opened in the UK in 1995, we’ve been leading the way in sustainable

banking, enabling individuals and organisations to use their money in ways that

benefit people and the planet.

As we mark our 30 th  anniversary this year, we can reveal that Triodos Bank UK has

delivered a total of £2.5 billion in lending to projects generating transformative social

and environmental impact across the country.

Whether that’s through renewable energy, sustainable food and farming, inclusive

social housing, or community arts initiatives, we put people and the planet at the

heart of every decision we make.

A mission built on positive impact

At the core of our mission is a belief that finance should support a thriving society.

That means more than just economic growth - it means access to culture, equity, and

wellbeing for all.

Culture is how communities make sense of themselves. It builds belonging, pride,

and identity. That’s why Triodos Bank has always been committed to supporting the

cultural life of the communities we serve. From arts spaces and creative studios to

festivals and grassroots social enterprises, we finance and partner with organisations

that use culture as a tool for empowerment and connection.

Supporting St Pauls Carnival

Our support of St Pauls Carnival in Bristol is a natural extension of our values. More

than just a celebration, the Carnival is a vital platform for African-Caribbean culture,

history, and expression. It’s a place where music, food, and art come together to

honour the past, celebrate the present, and inspire future generations.

Triodos Bank UK’s HQ is located in Bristol, and so we understand the deep

significance of this event in our local community. It reflects a legacy of resilience,

creativity, and resistance - and amplifies voices that too often go unheard in

mainstream narratives.

Supporting St Pauls Carnival is not a gesture; it’s a commitment. A commitment to

racial justice, cultural heritage, and the right of every community to be seen, heard,

and celebrated.

Building inclusive communities

Beyond our support for St Pauls Carnival, we also work with other organisations that

are building stronger, fairer communities across the UK.

One example is Arawak Walton Housing Association, which provides affordable,

culturally sensitive housing for people from diverse backgrounds in the North West.

Their work is rooted in addressing systemic inequality - something Triodos was

proud to support by offering a loan.

Another is SPACE, a leading visual arts organisation that provides affordable studios

for over 800 artists in London. With rising rents pushing creatives out of the city,

SPACE offers room to create, grow, and share work that enriches public life.

Closer to home, we also are proud that a Bristol-based charity, Heart of BS13, aligns

their money with their values. This social enterprise puts their savings into a Triodos

business savings account, a vital reserve that can help their work in tackling the

climate and health inequalities that disproportionately affect their community.

We also work with Babbasa, a Bristol-based social enterprise that helps young

people from diverse and low-income backgrounds to pursue their professional

ambitions. Our partnership includes funding, but also collaboration - offering Triodos

staff the chance to support Babbasa’s mission through volunteering and shared

learning.

Change starts from within

We know that being a values-based bank also means looking inward. Over the last

few years, Triodos has taken steps to improve how we support ethnic minorities

within our own organisation. This includes launching employee-led networks focused

on racial equity, reviewing our recruitment processes, and creating spaces for honest

dialogue and long-term change.

We’re committed to listening, learning, and acting in line with our values.

Reimagining the role of money

At Triodos, we believe money can be a tool to support a better world. That means a

world where people live with dignity, creativity is valued, and communities thrive - not

just survive.

That’s why we support organisations like St Pauls Carnival. It’s why we finance

social housing and cultural venues. And it’s why we invite our customers to see

money not as something separate from their values - but as a powerful way to live

them out.