Bank of Ireland, a leading financial services group in Ireland with a strong presence across personal, business and corporate banking, has launched its new Sustainable Business Coach platform to help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) improve their sustainability efforts.
The launch comes in response to growing concern among SMEs around the complexities of implementing environmental, social and governance (ESG) strategies. Research from Bank of Ireland found that over 70% of SMEs feel unsure about how to embed sustainability into their business operations. The new platform aims to address this gap by offering practical support tailored to their specific needs.
Bank of Ireland provides a wide range of financial services including lending, deposits, and treasury solutions. It has a strong commitment to sustainability and innovation, with a strategic focus on empowering businesses to transition towards greener practices.
The Sustainable Business Coach is a free, digital platform that uses a structured ESG questionnaire format. SMEs can complete a series of multiple-choice questions at their own pace to receive a personalised summary of their sustainability status. Key areas covered include greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, procurement, employee engagement, and water and waste management.
Designed specifically for the Irish market, the platform provides a roadmap for SMEs to progress towards ESG goals, supported by a framework aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. The platform offers a simple and actionable way for businesses to navigate their ESG responsibilities without the need for deep technical expertise or large budgets.
Bank of Ireland’s new offering underscores its commitment to sustainability. The bank remains on track to exceed its €15bn sustainability-related lending target ahead of its original 2025 deadline, further demonstrating its strategic alignment with ESG-focused initiatives.
Bank of Ireland corporate and commercial CEO John Feeney said: “Bank of Ireland is delighted to launch a new, free digital sustainability tool focused on Irish SMEs. Many of our business customers face time and resource challenges. Our goal is to deliver an easy-to-use online tool that can provide businesses with a practical and quick plan to support sustainability decision making.”
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