Features of Business Sustainability Loan:
- Borrow between €2,000 and €100,000 for a single loan purpose.
- This loan is available to support businesses (including farmers, clubs, trusts and charities) to invest in green or transition to green activities.
- Loan terms up to 7 years.
- A variable interest rate of 4.95%.
- Choose from a range of flexible repayments options so that paying back your loan is as stress free as possible.
We will assess your application. If approved, before you can draw down the loan you will need to share documents that confirm your investment. This can be an invoice, purchase order (dated within 18 months prior to signing your Credit Agreement, and addressed to the borrower), valid Building Energy Rating (BER*) certificate or an energy audit.
Choose from a range of flexible repayments options so that paying back your loan is as stress free as possible.
Flexible repayment arrangements may affect the loan amount or term. Requesting a change to your repayment schedule during the term of your loan may require a new credit application to be completed.
*BER definition:
A Building Energy rating indicates how much energy a building is likely to use for heating, ventilation, lighting and hot water. It is expressed on a scale from A0 (most energy-efficient) to G (least energy-efficient).
At a glance
- Variable interest rate
- Loans up to €100,000 for a single loan purpose
- Loan terms up to 7 years
- For Green or Transition to Green Purposes
SME Steps to Sustainability
Find support and guidance on how to become more sustainable in your operations through this dedicated resource for SME businesses.
Renewable energy
Investment in renewable energy solutions including installation, supporting infrastructure and equipment.
Example: Solar panels, Anaerobic digesters.
Animal production efficiency
The improvement of animal living conditions that enhances animal efficiencies / production.
Example: Farm Technologies (e.g. sensors) Animal feed systems, Animal housing.
Pollution control
Investments in pollution control measures including covered collection yards, waste and effluent storage facilities and supporting infrastructure.
Example: storage of organic manures, slatted tanks.
Forestry
Investment in afforestation, reforestation, forest rehabilitation/restoration including related equipment.
Example: Afforestation, Reforestation, Climate resilient forestry.
Biodiversity and improvements
Investments in biodiversity improvements.
Example: Bog restoration, Fencing off rivers / waterways, Habitat restoration.
Machinery
Non-fuel-based machinery to improve the efficiency of farming practices.
Example: Low emission slurry spreader, Non-combustible farm machinery e.g. seeder.
All other sectors – Eligible Investment Purposes
Renewable energy
Investment in renewable energy solutions including installation, supporting infrastructure and equipment.
Example: Solar panels, Wind Energy.
Green buildings
Buy, build or do up a property with a minimum Building Energy Rating (BER) of B3, or B if your BER certificate is dated after 24 May 2026/ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) B. Work to improve the energy performance or carbon emissions of the building resulting in a minimum BER of B3, or B if your BER certificate is dated after 24 May 2026 / EPC B.
Example: Individual Measures – windows, doors, insulation, ventilation, LED lighting.
Building renovations
Property renovation that achieves at least 30% improvement in energy efficiency.
Example: Renovations to commercial and residential property.
Zero emission vehicles
Investments in electric vehicles or EV related infrastructure.
Example: Electric / Zero tailpipe emission vehicles, Electric personal mobility devices (e.g. electric bikes, scooters), Electric Vehicle charging equipment.
Circular economy and waste management
The management and/or remediation of non-hazardous waste.
Example: Collection/transport of segregated waste (such as trucks, re-turn machines), Material Recovery (such as plastics reprocessing).
There are some exclusions such as the financing of working capital, the purchase of land and the refinancing of existing AIB loans – talk to us today about our range of finance options.
How it works:
Before you can drawdown your loan, we need to confirm that the purpose of your loan request matches one of the eligible purposes. You will need to share documents to confirm this. The documents can be an invoice, purchase order (dated within 18 months prior to signing your Credit Agreement, and addressed to the borrower), valid BER certificate or an energy audit.
Agri businesses must provide proof of membership in one of the following schemes or programmes:
- Bord Bia Quality Assurance
- Irish Grain Assurance
- Organic Farmer
- Dairy co-operative / Beef Processor / Grain merchant sustainability programme
- Department of Agriculture environmental schemes
Proof of membership is provided to you directly by the scheme or programme. A copy can be obtained on request. Department of Agriculture environmental scheme membership can be downloaded from your account on agfood.ie.
A representative interest rate example for you:
A typical €50,000 five year loan with a variable interest rate of 4.95% and 5.14% APR (Annual Percentage Rate), where the APR does not vary during the term, would have monthly repayments of €944.14 and the total cost of credit (the total amount repayable less the amount of the loan) would be €6,648.40.
Frequently Asked Questions
Loan Purpose
Loan Evidence
Downloads
- Business loan application form - If you cant call us, please complete this form online and then print it (or print and complete it manually). Return the signed form to your branch or Relationship Manager.
- Guide to applying for business finance
Regulatory notice
| Warning: The cost of your repayments may increase. |
| Warning: The entire amount you have borrowed will still be outstanding at the end of the interest only period. |
Lending criteria, terms and conditions apply. Credit facilities are subject to repayment capacity and financial status and are not available to persons under 18 years of age. Security may be required.
