For the third year running The Co-operative Banking Group’s sustainable approach has received international recognition at the Financial Times' Sustainable Banking and Finance Awards. At a prestigious ceremony at London’s Landmark Hotel, the bank was once again named as Europe’s Sustainable Bank of the Year. The highly contested award recognises leadership and innovation in social and environmental banking. 

The awards are backed by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank, and judged by a panel of the world's leading financiers. Now in their seventh year, The FT/IFC Sustainable Finance Awards are the major global awards for environmentally and socially responsible banking and investment. The 2012 Awards attracted 161 entries from 145 financial institutions and 36 non-financial groups in 67 countries.

Among many highlights, the judges reserved particular praise for the bank’s Ethical Policy, now two decades old, and its ?1bn commitment to investment in green energy.

Mark Beresford, Managing Director of Britannia International, commented: “As part of The Co-operative Banking Group, its world-leading approach to sustainable finance is at the heart of our business.  We are therefore extremely proud it has been recognised with this important accolade.”

Barry Tootell, Acting Chief Executive of The Co-operative Banking Group, said: "Throughout the financial crisis we've shown that by being a member-owned, customer-led and ethically-guided business we can maintain a sustainable path for the benefit of all our key stakeholders.”