AN INTERNATIONAL bank which describes itself as sustainable is working with a number of Brighton community projects.

Triodos Bank UK only funds businesses and organisations which have a positive impact on society and the environment.

These include independent supermarket HisBe in York Place. Komedia Brighton, Brighton Buddhist Centre, Community Base on Queens Road and Selby Housing Co-operative in Middleton Rise, Coldean.

Mother-of-two Marion Mackonochie, 37, lives in Hollingdean and banks with Triodos Bank UK.

She had the unusual experience of visiting an example of where her savings are actually being used by her bank.

She said: “I love to know that my money is making a positive difference.

“I try to make ethical decisions with money, from thinking about my daily shopping all the way to where I save.”

Ruth Anslow, co-founder of the social enterprise Hisbe said: “It’s important for us to bank with a bank which understands the value of delivering a social goal as well as the money.

“Triodos has supported us right from the beginning.

“They helped us develop the business plan, they gave us mentorship and ultimately lent us some of the money to help us open up the store.”

Huw Davies, head of retail banking at Triodos Bank UK, said it only lends to projects and organisations like HisBe which have a positive social or environmental impact.

He said: “We publish details of everyone we lend to so savers can see where their money is going and the big difference it is making.

“Many people feel they are being kept in the dark about how their money is used by banks and want greater transparency.

“They want to feel proud that, while their money is growing, they are helping organisations that are making a positive difference to people and the planet.”

New survey statistics from Triodos Bank UK show 59 per cent of people in Brighton would like their savings to have a positive impact on organisations and sectors that match their values.

Forty-eight per cent would switch providers to make a positive difference with their savings and 75 per cent currently have no idea where their bank or financial provider lends their money.

Savers are prepared to move their money to create change and have a more positive impact on society.

Nearly half said they would switch providers to make a positive difference with their savings.

Over half believe that if more people chose to save in socially responsible and sustainable savings products, it would have a positive impact on society.