At Triodos Bank, we advocate for improving inclusion in the housing market as part of a shift towards a fairer society where every person can thrive. Addressing the growing demand for affordable, energy efficient housing is a large focus for our team of Relationship Managers who are dedicated to providing funding for organisations making a positive difference in the world.

“Social housing makes up a large proportion of the work our societal transition theme team is involved in here at Triodos. Within this team, we work to drive a fundamental change of values, cultures and practices in order to achieve an inclusive society where each person can develop with freedom and dignity.”

Paul Nicoll, Head of Society at Triodos Bank UK.

What do we mean by ‘societal transition theme’?

Our mission as a bank is to use money to accelerate transitions across five different themes: energy, society, food, resource and wellbeing. Our societal transition theme team has the view that a sustainable economy is an economy that works for all, leaving no one behind at the margins of society. A thriving community is one which values collaboration and fosters cohesion among groups and individuals. In this sense, we work with a variety of customers, from housing associations to educational institutions, in order to have an impact.

What is social housing?

Social housing exists to help people who can’t afford to rent or buy a home on the open housing market, and it is often built with the support of government funding in the form of subsidised rental payments or rent calculated by a formula tied to local income amounts.

Did you know that over 60% of social housing in the UK is owned by housing associations? Housing associations are independent, not-for-profit organisations which aim to provide low-cost housing for those who need it most. With the cost of new mortgages and private rental prices increasing in the UK, there is a greater need than ever for social housing initiatives.

At Triodos, we believe that sustainable and affordable housing should be available to everyone, and we exercise this belief through our support for an inclusive housing market. This includes providing loans to housing associations, but also to other social and community housing projects, including community land trusts. We have been an active lender to social housing in the UK since 2008, and approximately one third of all our UK lending supports this sector.

Arawak Walton Housing Association tenant gathering

Supporting social housing providers to go green

Through the developments completed by some of our loan customers, we have been able to help address the chronic shortage of affordable homes in the UK, whilst simultaneously supporting our nation’s path to net zero through energy efficient solutions.

One example is our work with Arawak Walton Housing Association, an organisation we have been working with for over 15 years. In 2024, we provided a loan which has helped to provide affordable homes and create vibrant, sustainable, multi-cultural neighbourhoods across Manchester, Trafford and Stockport. Arawak Walton is now the largest independent black and minority ethnic (BME) housing association in the northwest.

“Arawak Walton provides affordable homes and services in sustainable multi-cultural neighbourhoods. Meeting the needs of their tenants is at the heart of everything they do, as they tackle social deprivation and provide homes as a foundation for life” says Stephen MacGregor, Senior Relationship Manager at Triodos Bank UK

Our previous work with SHAL Housing speaks to our mission to help provide energy efficient solutions, as we provided a loan to SHAL which helped to construct over 50 energy efficient homes and retrofit existing properties, supporting the creation of affordable and sustainable housing for residents of Somerset.

For the UK to remain on track to reach net zero by 2050, all homes must meet an energy performance certificate (EPC) rating of ‘C’ or higher.  Working with housing associations like SHAL have been especially valuable for developing our understanding of the benefits of retrofitting with the climate emergency, fuel poverty and the local community in mind.

“This example shows the role housing associations can play in decarbonising the sector, offering an excellent demonstration of how environmental action and positive impact for society can go hand in hand”, Peter Borgers, Senior Relationship Manager at Triodos Bank UK.

More recently, we worked with Harrogate Housing Association to expand their portfolio with a £15m loan. This has gone towards adding a further 200 affordable homes to its existing collection of 300 houses in and around Harrogate. The new homes will all have EPC ratings of B or above, with some properties generating renewable energy through air source heat pumps and solar panels.

New property development by Harrogate Housing Association
“We’re very pleased to support Harrogate Housing Association in its plans for growth; its ambitious development programme will help provide a significant number of much needed affordable homes in the area.”

Peter Borgers, Senior Relationship Manager at Triodos Bank UK.

Helping each other to help ourselves

Affordable, stable housing is essential for building thriving communities. The resulting benefits of reduced unemployment, improved health and overall increased educational performance is not just beneficial for individuals, but society as a whole.

As individuals, we are much better able to support one another – and work for positive change across society - when we feel safe and secure ourselves. Ensuring that we all have an affordable home is a vital part of that.

Business lending that’s fair, flexible, and far-reaching

Whether you're a small, medium or large organisation, if you're committed to making a positive cultural, social or environmental impact, we can help. Our approach to lending and capital raising means you'll get the right support and funding you need.

Find out what we can offer