Ecology Building Society achieves iiE Green
Ecology Building Society offers mortgages to support and promote ecological building practices, including new eco-builds, renovations and energy efficient refurbishment. Leading by example, it has offset the carbon emissions generated by its activities since the Society’s beginnings in 1981. The official ‘Green Award’ was granted to Ecology for its impressive environmental performance and commitment to ongoing improvement.
“Our business is built around helping people to live in a more sustainable way and this award shows we’re putting our principles into practice. We’re proud of achieving Green Award status so quickly, but we’re not resting on our laurels – iiE accreditation means pushing ourselves to go further and further to save energy and resources.”
Paul Ellis, Chief Executive of Ecology Building Society,
How did we help?
The Investors in the Environment (iiE) accreditation recognises how businesses improve their environmental performance year on year. Ecology has reduced its electricity use by 21% and its gas use by an impressive 54% over the last 12 months. The Society is also a beacon for renewable and energy saving technologies with solar PV, solar thermal and rainwater harvesting all in the place at its ecological premises based in Silsden, near Keighley.
The Investors in the Environment scheme has seen strong growth in members, including IKEA, Yorkshire Water and a wealth of green economy businesses, since its launch in 2012. It has been cited as the ‘fastest-growing environmental scheme in Yorkshire’ due to its combination of simple methods, recognised business accreditation and money-saving benefits. The scheme is managed by Yorkshire Energy Partnership – a leading local authority- owned sustainability company – and is open to all businesses in the Yorkshire and Humber region.
iiE said: “Investors in the Environment is the fastest-growing scheme of its kind in Yorkshire – offering a new green ‘stamp of approval’ which insists that actual environmental savings are made, rather than just having the right paperwork in place. Just by working towards accreditation, organisations will reduce costs, boost their green credentials and attract new customers. It’s a one-stop- shop to cutting carbon and businesses are quick to see the resulting financial benefits come rolling in.”
Key Achievements
- 12% reduction in electricity used over the past year.
- 54% reduction in gas use over the past year.
- Ecology premises have solar PV, solar thermal and rainwater harvesting.
- Achieving the Green award accreditation through iiE.