Banks provide growing sustainable-minded businesses with much needed capital, but what other forms of capital do banks work to provide? A new “green” bank, e3bank, plans to deliver triple bottom line results, emphasizing profits not solely in monetary terms, but relative to three guiding principles: develop sustainable enterprise through investments, protect the environment and work to increase social equity.

The bank announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Banking (PDoB) gave it conditional approval and announced a unique online initiative to bring small investors into the ownership. This campaign invites businesses and individuals to participate and set the minimum investment at $5,000, which is significantly lower than the bank industry norm.

Headed by Chairman Sandy Wiggins, and President/CEO Frank Baldassarre, the bank plans to build the sustainable market share, enabling even private individuals to invest and encouraging not only business ownership, but also individual participation. According to Wiggins, “The bank was created for everyone who cares about a sustainable world and we want those people to be its owners and stewards.”

In a challenging market, e3bank’s work may foster interests from the financial service sector in the growing green trend.

U.S. Green Building Council LEED certified building experts will serve as loan officers and advisors for e3bank. Loan evaluations will factor in a project’s long-term savings from lower energy consumption and also offer greater flexibility for loans for clean technologies such as solar installations and geothermal heating.

Pending final PDoB and FDIC approval, the bank plans to have retail locations in Philadelphia and Pennsylvania but will primarily conduct business online and personal visits by bank officers.

Instead of offering coffee mugs or toasters to investors, e3bank instead has opened its doors to the reward of contributing to the future of sustainable energy and enterprise.

See also: New Bank Gears Up to Give Green Loans