Credit Unions Claim Top Spot For Sustainability

Credit Unions have claimed top spot in the Ireland Sustainability Reputation Index 2025. The Index, carried out by The Reputations Agency and now in its fourteenth year, tracks the perceptions of 5,500 members of the informed public on the sustainability measures undertaken by 100 prominent organisations in Ireland.

The Index measures four pillars - Conduct, Environmental Impact, Social Performance, and Workplace. These pillars are underpinned by 16 sustainability factors, which reflect the European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) under the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD). The study took place between 3rd January and 17th March 2025, and only those who were familiar with an organisation were invited to rate that organisation.

Credit Unions have topped the Ireland Sustainability Reputation Index 2025 with a Strong score of 78.0, having achieved first place in seven of the 16 Sustainability factors, achieving an Excellent score across factors such as ‘Supports good causes’, ‘Fair in the way it does business’, ‘Improves the lives of people and their communities’ and has a ‘Positive influence on society’.
Commenting on the success, Catherine O'Reilly from North West Credit Union stated:

“We are delighted to receive this accolade alongside credit unions nationwide. It reflects not only our commitment to sustainability, but also our dedication to strengthening our community and delivering long-term value for our members.”

According to David Malone, CEO of the Irish League of Credit Unions:

“Taking the top spot in the Ireland Sustainability Reputation Index highlights the vital contribution that local credit unions make in communities across the country. From their inception, credit unions have been rooted in a mission to strengthen communities and advance financial inclusion by offering fair, ethical lending and a comprehensive range of financial services to their members.
That purpose remains at the heart of the movement today, with credit unions supporting 3.6 million members in more than 400 communities nationwide. As accessible, affordable, not-for-profit organisations, they reinvest directly in their members, through dividends, community programmes, and sustained social impact.”