Say Slán to Traditional Banking, and Hello to Sustainable Finance with Donore Credit Union

From using paper straws to taking shorter showers and avoiding Shein like the plague, you’ve made all the changes to live sustainably, but have you considered the sustainability of your finances? Celebrating their 65th anniversary this year, Donore Credit Union can help you, as their motto says, “do more” for the environment, sustainability, AND your community in terms of your money. Here are just three ways your local credit union is making a difference

Small changes, huge impact

The little figures on the ATM machine are not the only thing that makes me sweat when I go to withdraw €20 to get my nails done at the local salon every 3 weeks. The heat that makes me feel as if I’ve just stepped off the plane at Malaga airport in mid-July combined with the excessive amount of overhead fluorescent lighting have beads of perspiration gathering at my brow as I question why this machine is trying to convince me not to print a receipt in order to save the planet. What’s the point!

But that’s not the case at Donore! The team at Donore have taken practical steps to show you, its members, that they understand the environmental impact their credit union has. Donore has become a leader in making changes to promote sustainability and reduce its environmental impact at its branch in The Liberties. Gone are the toxic fluorescent bulbs which have been replaced by energy efficient LED lighting. Looking at improving the energy score, the boiler at the branch has been switched out for a heat pump, better doors and windows for insulation are in the process of being installed, and finally the team are exploring the idea of solar panels. Furthermore, the courtyard at the branch is flourishing with beautiful flowers, creating a bee friendly place with the hopes of increasing the local bee population.

Donore also promotes similar initiatives in the homes of its members through the Greener Homes scheme. The scheme provides financial support to homeowners to make energy efficient enhancements. And if like me, you are sick of waiting for a bus that may never arrive, Donore can set you up with a low interest Green Vehicle loan to purchase some new wheels. This loan is not limited to electric and hybrid cars but also includes bicycles, e-bikes, and scooters (You may however have to double check if that Lambo you’ve been eyeing up qualifies for this scheme).

Investing Sustainably

Donore’s efforts don’t stop there. Donore is committed to demonstrating strong ESG performance through ethical investment. ESG and ethical investment? What is she harping on about you may be thinking. To put it simply, Donore prioritises investing its member’s funds into businesses and organisations that place the environment, sustainability, and human rights among their core values. The investment policy ensures that businesses that have a negative impact on the environment are actively avoided, as well as those conducting unethical behaviours such as abuse of labour rights, and involvement in the arms trade or in coal extraction.

By helping Dublin 8 since 1958, Donore credit union has learned about the needs of the local community and supports the local businesses and entrepreneurs financially. The institution continues to have a unique impact on the community by ensuring local money is retained locally and is recirculated through the local community.

Community over Profit

Since its establishment, Donore has been committed to serving its members and has done so not only by offering the member’s the best financial services possible, but also by supporting the local community and social initiatives.

Donore are an active body in local clubs and organisations, and when I say that I don’t mean that you would see the guy that helped you secure the loan for your holidays last week togged out in a pair of GAA shorts at Kevin’s hurling training on a Sunday morning. What I really mean is Donore Credit Union provides financial support to a range of local community organisations including schools, charities, and clubs through the Community Fund established after the Social Return on Investment report in 2020. As of just a few days ago, Donore have become proud sponsors of Transportive Iveagh Trust F.C, who now don the logo on their snazzy new training jackets. What’s more is if you mention that you are a member of these clubs you get €5-10 deposited into your account and an additional €10 goes towards your club. Score!

Donore Credit Union runs financial awareness workshops in all local primary and secondary schools which teach the youth of the local community essential financial management skills and prepare them for the future. In other words, Donore can help students learn to budget their finances, so they don’t have to live off beans on toast when the college nights out begin and tapping the contactless card when you bump into a friend at the bar counter becomes second nature. To finish up on the topic of education, Donore has also provided scholarships to help members of the local community reach their educational goals.

And if all that doesn’t convince you that Donore Credit Union values community over profit, then surely telling you that for every €1 invested, €10 of social value is generated back into the locality will. Effort like that is unmatched!

Donore Credit Union does more than just mind the communion money in the account your mother or father opened for you all those years ago, it is a trailblazer in terms of environmental, social and governance performance. It is an institution that is closely connected to its members, values their input, and places the community, the environment, and sustainability at the forefront of its operations. All in all, Donore Credit Union has proven to be a force for good and being a real nerd, I quote Obi-Wan Kenobi and encourage you to “Use the force”