In Denmark, consumers are used to looking for the 'Nordic Swan Ecolabel' when shopping for laundry detergent, paint or furniture. The widely trusted label is now being introduced onto investment options and Triodos Investment Management's socially responsible investing (SRI) funds have been confirmed as some of the first investment funds to receive the label.

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel evaluates investment options based on several different factors, such as environmental footprint, social responsibility and proper guidance in the companies and countries that are the subject of an investment by a labelled investment fund.

Karen Dahl Jensen, Product Development Manager at Nordic Ecolabelling, which is responsible for the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, said: "The aim of the Nordic Swan Ecolabel is to reduce the overall environmental impact from production and consumption - and last year it became possible to label investment funds as there is an enormous environmental potential in motivating banks, pension funds and investment funds to do sustainable investments. Investment funds must meet 25 mandatory requirements that govern the various ways a fund can impact companies. This will include, among other things, inclusion or exclusion of companies as well as transparency about the fund's investments."

Triodos Investment Management aims to actively contribute to accelerating the transition towards a more sustainable and inclusive economy, while at the same time realising competitive investment returns.

Erik Breen, Director of SRI at Triodos Investment Management, said: "In order to address the challenges our world faces today, such as climate change and the continuing growth in social equality, we need a shift in thinking and acting by investors. Fortunately, this is recognised by an increasing number of people looking to realise positive change though their investments. We are very pleased that our efforts to facilitate these investors through our SRI funds are acknowledged with the Nordic Swan Ecolabel."

The Swan-labelled Triodos SRI funds available in the UK include:

• Triodos Sustainable Equity Fund: A thematic impact fund offering investors access to a diversified portfolio of large-cap listed companies which demonstrate strict ESG standards and a strong financial outlook.
• Triodos Sustainable Pioneer Fund: Investing globally in equities of innovative small and medium-sized listed companies that specifically contribute to climate protection, healthy people and clean planet.

Adam Robbins, Senior Investor Relationship Manager, Triodos Bank UK said: "Nordic Swan is arguably the most rigorous independent sustainability assessments in the market. Therefore we are extremely proud to have some of the first global, diversified funds to be awarded the label. In a quickly expanding sustainable investment sector it is becoming even more urgent to offer comfort for the everyday investor, ensuring that their investments are truly making a positive impact towards the sustainable transition that is occurring globally."

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For further information please contact:
Ed Grattan
T : 0117 311 0229
[email protected]

About Triodos Investment Management

Triodos Investment Management connects a broad range of investors who want to make their money work for lasting, positive change with innovative entrepreneurs and sustainable businesses doing just that. In doing so, Triodos IM serve as a catalyst in sectors that are key in the transition to a world that is fairer, more sustainable and humane.

With Triodos IM's highly professional investment teams, they have built up in-depth knowledge throughout their 25 years of impact investing in sectors such as Energy & Climate, Inclusive Finance, Sustainable Food & Agriculture, Arts & Culture, and Sustainable Real Estate. Besides the direct impact investments in these sectors, they also invest in listed companies with an above-average environmental, social and governance (ESG) performance. Assets under management as per end of 2017: EUR 3.5 billion.

Triodos Investment Management is a globally active impact investor and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Triodos Bank NV.

About Nordic Swan Ecolabel

The Nordic Swan Ecolabel makes it easy to choose among the environmentally best products and services. It looks at the entire product's journey and the environmental problems that arise along the way - for the benefit of people, the environment and the earth's resources. 9 out of 10 Danes know the Nordic Swan Ecolabel, which currently exists on more than 12,500 products and services in Denmark.