Bristol-headquartered ethical bank Triodos is to go head-to-head against the parent company of city-based electric vehicle charge point mapping app Zap-Map in the battle for a prestigious Which? Award.
Triodos UK, which employs around 200 staff in Bristol, London and Edinburgh, and Good Energy, the renewable power firm that owns a controlling 50.1% stake in Zap-Map, will line up in the Sustainability Champion of the Year category of the awards. 
They are pitched against Surbiton-based adventure holiday firm Exodus Travels, German domestic appliance giant Miele and Silver Cross, the Yorkshire-headquartered iconic pram manufacturer.
Since they were launched in 2007 by the consumer champion magazine of the same name, the Which? Awards have gone to more than 150 companies from a range of different sectors.
The Sustainability Champion Award makes its debut this year to recognise a specific project or initiative to improve sustainability by a brand.
The winners of the 11 categories will be announced at an in-person ceremony on 19 May where some of the country’s largest household names will come face to face with independent brands in a bid to clinch one of the awards. 
This year’s judges have put value for money high on the list of considerations alongside traditional considerations such as great customer service or product reliability as consumers struggle in the face of the cost-of-living crisis.
Triodos Bank UK CEO Bevis Watts, pictured, said: “It’s great to see Which? introducing this new category in its prestigious awards and we are delighted to be recognised for our unique approach to sustainability and transparency in finance.
“Sustainability is absolutely at the heart of Triodos Bank as we enable people’s money to be used as a force for good through our savings accounts, as well as current accounts and investments.
“Last year, Which? Money magazine turned its front cover green and launched a sustainable savings guide putting Triodos at the top of the ratings.
“For genuinely sustainable alternatives to grow we do need price comparison websites and consumer magazines to factor in sustainability or ethical criteria.
“If you only compare banks on interest rates and terms then you might find the value of an interest rate or cash bonus is masking the fact it is being paid for by financing deforestation, fossil fuels, arms or tobacco – all of which undermine a fair and sustainable future for that account holder.”
Nigel Pocklington, chief executive of Chippenham-based Good Energy, which buys electricity from 1,700 independent generators across the UK, providing wind, biogeneration, solar and hydroelectric power, added: “Which? Awards recognise brands who are championing consumers, so just being shortlisted is a fantastic achievement. 
“We help people to play their own part in tackling the climate crisis by providing 100 per cent renewable energy for their homes and businesses, sourced from British generators.
“Our staff are committed to protecting the planet and this nomination is a tribute to their success.”
Good Energy, which was founded in 1999, topped last year’s Which? Eco Providers table comparing the sustainability of energy suppliers. Zap-Map is the UK’s top app of its kind with 660,000 downloads and hundreds of thousands of actively engaged users a month.
Which? Is well known for its independent expert advice and reviews, using rigorous standards to assess thousands of products and services, and calling out practices that prevent consumer harm.
