Bank of Ireland has launched the Sustainable Business Coach online platform, which has been developed to support SME business customers with sustainability planning, and to help them identify their ESG priorities.
The platform, which the bank describes as ‘unique’ in the Irish market, encompasses a multiple-choice questionnaire, from which a tailored summary and action plan is generated, focusing on areas such as greenhouse gas emissions, energy use, procurement, waste and water management, and employee engagement.
Sustainable strategies
The launch of the platform follows recent research conducted by Bank of Ireland that found that more than 70% of SMEs are concerned about ESG requirements and are unsure how to begin implementing sustainable growth strategies.
The new online platform, which is easily accessible and free to use, is underpinned by a globally recognised framework based on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
‘Resource challenges’
“Bank of Ireland is delighted to launch a new, free digital sustainability tool focused on Irish SMEs,” commented John Feeney, CEO, Corporate and Commercial, Bank of Ireland. “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.”
Bank of Ireland added that the new platform forms part of its broader ESG ambitions and supports its goal to reach its €15 billion sustainability-related lending target by the end of 2025 earlier than anticipated.
Pictured are Colette Shirley, Director of Sustainability, Corporate and Commercial, Bank of Ireland, John Feeney, CEO, Corporate and Commercial, Bank of Ireland and Louise Cluskey, Director, Customer Products & Solutions, Corporate and Commercial, Bank of Ireland. Read more here.
