Business Details
45 Years
experience
Ethical Mortgages for Sustainable Living
Established in 1981, Ecology Building Society has pioneered ethical and sustainable finance for over four decades. Our mission focuses on supporting environmentally conscious property projects, from eco-homes to community-led housing, while ensuring every financial decision aligns with our core values. We specialise in unconventional mortgages that promote energy efficiency, renewable energy integration, and social impact, serving both individual and organisational clients. Our savings products empower customers to fund positive change, with 74% of UK savers choosing us for our commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority and Financial Conduct Authority, we maintain transparency in operations, ethical lending practices, and a clear focus on reducing carbon footprints through property financing.Our team combines technical expertise in sustainable construction with financial acumen, offering tailored solutions for self-build projects, renovations, and community housing initiatives. With deposits protected by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme up to 85,000, we balance financial security with purpose-driven banking. Our C-Change discount rewards energy-efficient homes, while our Affordable Local Homes Mortgage addresses housing affordability challenges. Through partnerships with charities, housing developers, and sustainability-focused businesses, we've funded over 5,000 projects nationwide, demonstrating our enduring commitment to building a greener society since our founding by pioneering environmentalists.
Services
Eco Home Mortgages
Self-build Mortgages
Renovation Mortgages
Community Housing Mortgages
Ethical Savings Accounts
Details
- Year established: 1981
Highlights and features
- We've specialised in sustainable mortgages since 1981 with expert knowledge of eco-construction
- Our C-Change discount rewards energy-efficient home improvements throughout the mortgage term
- Savings accounts fund verified environmental and community projects with full transparency
- We finance unconventional builds using materials like straw-bale and cob with specialist underwriting
- Regulated by the Prudential Regulation Authority and FCA with ethical lending principles since foundation
Associations and certifications
- Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS)
- Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA)
What people say
Positive environmental impact
Competitive interest rates
Ethical transparency
Expertise in eco-mortgages
Services
Eco Home Mortgages
Our Eco Home Mortgages finance energy-efficient properties with EPC ratings A-B, offering full-term discounts for sustainable purchases. Designed for first-time buyers, families, and retirees, these mortgages reward environmentally conscious decisions while maintaining affordability. We assess applications based on both financial viability and environmental impact, ensuring your home contributes positively to climate goals.
Self-build Mortgages
Specialist financing for self-build projects meeting energy standards, accepting non-standard materials like timber frame and straw-bale construction. We support innovative designs incorporating renewables, providing staged funding throughout the building process. Our team offers technical expertise to navigate planning requirements and sustainability certifications for your custom eco-home.
Renovation Mortgages
Funding for energy-saving renovations including insulation upgrades, heat pump installations, and solar panel integration. These mortgages cover extensive property improvements that enhance energy efficiency, with flexible terms for both residential and community projects. We prioritise applications demonstrating measurable carbon reduction outcomes from the renovation work.
Community Housing Mortgages
Tailored financing for community-led housing initiatives and charity projects promoting affordable, sustainable living. We support co-housing developments, community land trusts, and social enterprises with flexible lending criteria focused on societal benefits. Our expertise includes financing off-site builds and unconventional community property arrangements.
Ethical Savings Accounts
Competitive savings products funding environmental and community projects instead of fossil fuels or arms trade. Options include ISAs, regular savers, and notice accounts with guaranteed ethical investment. Your deposits directly support renewable energy developments, affordable housing, and conservation efforts while maintaining FSCS protection up to 85,000.
People
Gareth Griffiths
Chief Executive
Leading Ecology Building Society's strategic direction with over 20 years' experience in ethical finance and sustainable development. Championing innovative mortgage solutions that combine financial responsibility with environmental stewardship across the UK.
Louise Pryor
Chair
Overseeing governance and long-term vision with specialist knowledge of financial regulation and social enterprise. Ensuring continued alignment with founding principles while guiding the society's expansion into new sustainable finance areas.
Pauline Crawford
Savings Product Manager
Managing ethical savings portfolios with expertise in responsible investment strategies. Educating customers about sustainable finance options and ensuring transparency in how savings create environmental and social impact nationwide.
Questions
How do your mortgages support environmental sustainability?
We only fund properties and projects that demonstrate clear environmental benefits, such as energy-efficient homes, renewable energy installations, and low-carbon construction methods.
Can I get a mortgage for unconventional eco-friendly builds?
Yes, we specialise in non-standard construction including straw-bale, cob, and timber frame properties that meet our sustainability criteria and energy efficiency standards.
What happens to my savings with Ecology?
Your money funds verified environmental and community projects, with complete transparency about investments in renewable energy, affordable housing, and conservation initiatives.
Do you offer fixed interest rates on savings accounts?
We provide competitive variable rates with regular reviews, maintaining flexibility while ensuring fair returns for savers committed to ethical finance principles.
How do you assess mortgage applications differently?
Alongside financial criteria, we evaluate environmental impact, social benefit, and sustainability credentials for every application, supporting projects that create positive change.
