The Co-operative Bank has seen its lending for renewable energy projects in the UK reach £500m, and today it announced plans to double its commitment to the sector. The Manchester-based bank's renewable team has backed 108 new renewable energy projects over the past four years, but it aims to hit its next major milestone in half that time, reaching £1bn of lending by 2013. The bank specialises in projects with a capital value of up to £25m which are typically taken on by smaller developers, ...

THE Co-operative Insurance Society is challenging companies in which it holds shares to make a step change in tackling their impact on climate change and save money at the same time. CIS, a leading exponent of responsible shareholding, whereby it seeks to influence companies in which it invests on a range of social, ethical and environmental matters, is urging British businesses to support electricity generation from renewable sources such as wind turbines.