Britain's leading Green building society - the Ecology, near Keighley - has had a record year.

The society, which has its headquarters in Cross Hills, saw new mortgage business touch almost £6 million - nearly 40 per cent over the previous year.

"As we continue to get bigger, our satisfaction comes from the fact that more and more people are making a conscious effort to reduce the impact their housing has on the environment," said Ecology chief executive Paul Ellis.

"Every derelict building recovered, every home renovated to save energy, every new energy-efficient home constructed contributes directly to reducing environmental degradation," he added.

The money to fund these mortgages comes from the Ecology's savers, and the Society saw its retail funds double last year compared to 1998.

"More people are voting with their wallets and putting their money to work for the environment by saving with the Ecology," added Mr Ellis.

"Our savers know that their money is earning a double dividend - a decent rate of interest plus an environmental return that cannot be measured in financial terms."

He said the Ecology planned to continue to blossom and was determined to increase its contribution to protecting the environment.

Formed in 1981, the Ecology specialises in lending for derelict properties needing renovation - a form of recycling; back-to-back properties; housing co-operatives and ecological enterprises; organic farms and small-holdings; Green self-build homes using sustainable materials and energy saving technologies; and buy-to-let properties needing renovation before letting.

For further information contact the society on 0845 674 5566.

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