The firm is a subsidiary of Autonomous Investments, which was founded in 2008 and has an ethos of creating positive societal change and operating sustainably.

As well as acquiring new commercial properties, the loan from Triodos will be used to refinance an entire street of industrial spaces owned by Autonomous Investment Properties at Bristol’s Skyline Park and enable investment in large-scale decarbonisation works at a number of its assets, aiding the move towards its net zero goals. The units already have eco-spec upgrades but part of the Triodos lending will be used to upgrade these further, while decarbonisation measures will involve installing insulation, solar power and intelligent building management.

Autonomous Investment Properties aims to attain a level A3 Energy Performance Certificate rating at these properties.

The financing also enabled the purchase of the Grade II listed Stable Block at Leigh Court, Bristol, where decarbonisation and modernisation work will be carried out in a way that ensures the building’s heritage is maintained and celebrated.

Johnny Palmer is owner and sole director of Autonomous Investments Properties. He said: “Autonomous Investments Properties focuses on creating an environment where people can thrive, ethical businesses can grow and to be a catalyst for sustainable innovation in property.

“The funding from Triodos will help us to demonstrate what can be done practically to improve standard commercial property and its impact on the net zero agenda.

“For example, at Skyline Park we’ve already built Bristol’s largest off-grid power station and completely removed the gas supply from the largest facility there by investing in renewables including solar and air source heat pumps.”

Phillip Bate, Business Banking Team Leader at Triodos Bank, added: “We’re proud to support a company that’s doing such great work to improve energy efficiency and tackle decarbonisation in the commercial property sector. By showing what’s possible to achieve within the constraints of a building’s original construction, while remaining commercially viable, we hope Autonomous Property Investments will provide a strong example for others to follow.”

-Ends-

Notes to editors: 

For further information please contact: 

Ellie James 

About Triodos Bank 

Founded in 1980, Triodos Bank has become a frontrunner in sustainable banking globally. As an independent bank that promotes responsible and transparent banking, it does not see any conflict between a focus on people and the planet and a good financial return. Instead it believes that they reinforce each other in the long-term.  

Triodos Bank has banking activities in the Netherlands, Belgium, the UK, Spain and Germany as well as Investment Management activities based in the Netherlands but active globally. Triodos Bank co-founded the Global Alliance for Banking on Values (GABV), a network of 67 sustainable banks. Together these banks want to grow sustainable banking and its impact on the real economy substantially. 

Triodos Bank UK Ltd is a wholly owned subsidiary of Triodos Bank NV. Registered Office: Deanery Road, Bristol, BS1 5AS. Registered in England and Wales Company No. 11379025. Authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority under registration number 817008. VAT reg no 793493383.