Green Savings: Banque Populaire Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes finances ecological projects

Green savings is the new project of the Banque Populaire Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. For the first time, a French banking organization is launching an “energy transition bank”. This branch of the Banque Populaire aims to allow savers to finance local ecological projects. The new structure will be steered by an advisory committee that includes Ademe, CNR, SMEs in the sector such as Femat and an eco-construction specialist.

This effort follows the growing interest of investors in the energy transition and sustainable economy. Daniel Karyotis, General Manager of BP AURA said for Tout Lyon:

“We give our clients the opportunity to actively participate in the development of environmentally friendly and responsible projects in their region by putting their savings to work.”

Green savings wanted by bank customers

This innovation was born from a simple observation made by Daniel Karyotis, General Manager of the Banque Populaire Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes and Pierre-Hubert Grenier, Executive Director of the Banque de Transition Energétique. 80% of our clients want to be part of the ecological transition through their savings and the financing of local projects. This behavior reflects a new ecological awareness. However, 75% of them expect transparency on the use of their savings. The funded projects will therefore be detailed on a dedicated site and limited to the regional perimeter, according to Les Echos.

“The movement occurred long before containment, and financial considerations were not the only reason for its development. Environmental awareness is well established. Today, it is necessary to massify investments by increasing dedicated equipment. If we want more decarbonization, we need to mobilize even more savings.”

Funding for local environmental projects

From methanization to hydroelectricity and hydrogen, this new structure will finance many renewable energy projects. In this context, the bank has set up a partnership with Ademe, the French agency for ecological transition, to enable it to draw on its regional network.

The use of green banking tools

The bank will use the “energy transition booklets” and “sustainable development booklets” to allow the realization of this project. It should guarantee the bank a green image that will boost its transactions. BP AURA could then become the leader of a movement that should be extended to other popular banks.