Our vision on animal testing, arms and human rights

23-06-2010 | In communicating what we do, we want to be as clear as possible regarding our choice of investments for Triodos investment funds and Triodos Bank Private Banking clients. To this end, we publish position papers on controversial sustainability topics. By being transparent we can assure our investors that their money is used exclusively to support socially and environmentally responsible businesses that serve as an example for others.

In addition to the Triodos position paper on nuclear power, we have now published position papers on animal testing, arms and human rights.

Animal testing

Triodos prefers not to invest in companies engaged in animal testing. However, it allows for some exceptions to this rule. We invest in companies that use carefully controlled and legally required animal testing for legitimate medical purposes. At the same time, we require these companies to reduce, refine and replace animal testing wherever possible. We actively support greater transparency on this topic so that stakeholders know what kind of animal testing has taken place, why, and what is being done to reduce or replace it in the future. Read more

Arms

The use of arms contradicts Triodos Bank’s mission and we do not invest in companies that make or sell them. We also are very critical of indirect involvement through minor shareholdings. And we do not accept any involvement in the production, sale, or transfer of anti-personnel mines or cluster bombs. Read more

Human rights

Human rights are universal, indivisible and interdependent and we will not tolerate investments in companies involved in the abuse of these rights. We expect the companies we invest in to respect and promote human rights in their own operations and to use their influence to protect and promote human rights in their supply chains. Read more  

Note: The issues explored in this article are specifically relevant to sustainable investments on the stock market. Triodos Bank believes that our Socially Responsible Investment funds are a powerful means of promoting our values and working for greater sustainability, while enabling us to offer a complete range of attractive investment options to clients that choose to invest on the stock market.