Radicant and ClimatePartner Impact: Advancing climate action through the contribution approach with mangrove reforestation in Kenya
Radicant, Switzerland’s first digital, sustainable bank, is built on a commitment to climate action. Since 2023, they’ve teamed up with ClimatePartner Impact to contribute to the planting of over 20,000 mangrove seedlings as part of the Tudor Creek Mangrove Restoration Project in Kenya. In this interview, the radicant team shared their perspective on their sustainability strategy, the partnership with ClimatePartner Impact, and how they’re making a real difference with measurable environmental and social impact. Keep reading to hear their take on sustainable business and how a partnership with ClimatePartner Impact supports their mission.
Q: What is radicant’s perspective on sustainability? What sets radicant apart from other competitors in the industry?
A: radicant is Switzerland’s first sustainability bank, where we consider sustainability in all our products and services. We offer both sustainable banking and investing. Our sustainable investment is based on our own Impact Rating, driven by the 17 UN Sustainable Development Goals, with which we assess the impact of companies and only invest in companies with a positive impact. We include sustainability features in our banking product, for instance by using a portion of client deposits to finance labeled bonds. Our efforts are supported by our dedicated sustainability team.
Q: What do you offer your clients to contribute to climate action?
A: In our banking product, we provide clients with an estimate of the CO₂ footprint of their purchases. Additionally, every transaction made with our debit card supports a mangrove reforestation project in Kenya, in partnership with ClimatePartner Impact. We see both climate and nature as important topics.
Hence, our clients can invest in companies that positively contribute to the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 7 Clean Energy & 13 Climate Action as part of our sustainable investment theme Climate Stability or in SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production, SDG 14 Life Below Water and SDG 15 Life on Land as part of our sustainable investment theme Healthy Ecosystems. Our clients can follow the impact of their purchases and their investments with our MyImpact feature, where they learn more about the companies we invested in, the square meters of planted mangroves and the CO₂ footprint of their purchases.
Q: Why did you choose to work with ClimatePartner Impact to reach your sustainability goals?
A: For our sustainability feature, we conducted a thorough due diligence and decided to work with ClimatePartner Impact. They are an established company with many years of experience in climate action projects, they know the projects on the ground and have local partners.
Q: Why this mangrove restoration project?
A: With ClimatePartner Impact we were able to select a project in Tudor Creek coastal region, Kenya, with many environmental benefits, like positively impacting local biodiversity by providing a welcoming habitat for wildlife, absorbing significant amounts of CO₂. Mangroves also act as natural barriers against coastal flooding while contributing to the local value chain through jobs and food production – a very impactful project.
Q: What was the process like to set up and contribute to this project with ClimatePartner Impact?
A: We very much enjoyed working with their team, who were reliable and offered an easy and efficient process. The local partner of Brain Youth Group is embedded in the local community. Their mangrove planting is also locally audited and hence we receive reports on the effectiveness of the planted mangroves.
Q: What advice would you share to other companies looking to set up a similar program?
A: It is important to define what you want to achieve. Our collaboration across teams, from product development, technology and sustainability teams was key. In order for companies to find an effective project that matches their needs, it is crucial to select a suitable partner for collaboration that fosters transparency.
A big thank you to radicant for their dedication to sustainability and impactful contributions! By supporting the Tudor Creek Mangrove Restoration Project, radicant is leading by example, going beyond their value chain to drive meaningful change toward global net zero. This initiative highlights their commitment to Beyond Value Chain Mitigation (BVCM), where companies take proactive steps to make a positive environmental impact that extends beyond reducing their own footprint. It’s an inspiring, forward-looking approach that sets a powerful example for others ready to make a difference.
Want to learn more about contributions? Watch our recorded Deep Dive session on the topic on YouTube.
Download our Contribution claims whitepaper here.
