27. Finance: tailored ecological products and services

• Green mortgages The bank re-entered the mortgage market in 2000 after an absence of 9 years. The flexible mortgages combine value for money with clear environmental benefits. Each year, throughout the lifetime of the mortgage, the bank makes a payment to Climate Care. In November 2001, the bank added a five year, capped rate, flexible mortgage product to its range. Borrowers pay the bank's standard rate of interest, but with a guarantee that until 31 January 2007 it will not exceed 5.74 per cent, regardless of any increases in interest rates during that time. In February 2002, the bank launched three highly competitive fixed rate mortgage products as a limited offer. Initially, the bank's two year and five year products will only be available through intermediary brokers, Savills Personal Finance and Chase de Vere. The three year product is available through the bank and the two intermediaries. Once again, the bank is committed to offsetting all emissions arising from the use of electricity by each mortgage customer. Further product launches are anticipated during 2002.

• Affinity credit cards Fixed and variable rate RSPB Platinum Visa credit cards were launched in January 2002.
• The National Centre for Business and Sustainability (NCBS) vi Last year it was reported that The National Centre for Business and Sustainability (NCBS) would be relaunched with a range of social and ethical advisory services to complement its existing range of environmental services. In 2001, the NCBS's capabilities were further enhanced via its 'merger' with the charity Sustainability North West (SNW). SNW, which is chaired by the bank's Chief Executive, Mervyn Pedelty, was established in 1995, in response to an initiative led by the North West Business Leadership Team, to address the region's need for an organisation to promote and support sustainable environmental development. The merger will enable both organisations to continue to offer services to their client and community bases via their distinct approaches and brands, whilst benefiting from combining their core skills and joint experience. SNW will continue to act as a leading charitable sustainable development policy advocate, with the NCBS as its trading arm. The merger will enable both organisations to reach a wider range of business sectors, public policy-makers and regional opinion-formers.

Paul Monaghan, Partnership Development Manager
Jon Lee, Ecological Business Development Manager