Ecology blossoms
Ecology blossoms as savers and borrowers go green Ecology Building Society, the country's leading specialist in green savings and mortgages, had an exceptional year in 2000, as savers and borrowers increasingly recognised the environmental impact of our homes and took positive action in response.
Ecology's new mortgage business touched almost £7 million in the year, up by 16% on the previous year. "As we grow, our satisfaction comes from the fact that more and more people are making the effort to reduce the impact their housing has on the environment", says Ecology chief executive Paul Ellis, "We invented the green mortgage, but for us it means more than just planting a few trees to offset carbon emissions. Every property financed with an Ecology mortgage results in a lower environmental impact than an ordinary house."
The money to fund these mortgages comes from the Ecology's savers, and the Society enjoyed an inflow of savings also up by 16%. "More people are voting with their wallets and putting their money to work for the environment by saving with the Ecology", continues Ellis, "Our savers know what their money is being used for and that it is actually doing some good."
The Ecology's growth means that, although the youngest building society in the UK, it is by no means the smallest. "We have grown faster than most other societies in recent years", says Ellis, "I am eagerly awaiting figures due out shortly to see how far up the table we have moved! Our growth has meant the need for a new, purpose built head office building, a model of which will be on display to members at our AGM in Leeds on 28 April."
The latest Summary Financial Report and Newsletter are available as PDF files to download from our website at www.ecology.co.uk Further details of Ecology's mortgages and savings are available by calling 0845 674 5566.
