Help at hand

We are here to help by giving businesses practical support and guidance to become more sustainable, with grants from the government, stories from your sector and finance from us if you need it.

 

 

Benefits of becoming a greener business

Benefits for your business, your people and your reputation.

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Reduced costs

By adopting green solutions, you can save money by reducing waste, retaining employees, and cutting energy costs.

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Government funding

There are government supports and initiatives available to Irish businesses to help introduce practices and solutions that are environmentally friendly solutions.

Read on to find out more about some of these supports.

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Green reputation

As we all become more conscientious consumers and employees, businesses will do better with a green reputation.

As businesses, we can inspire actions that protect our world for future generations.

 

 

Supports from AIB

We all have a role to play in the fight against climate change. Read on to find out more about how your business can support and where to get help.

Green changes your business can make

 Implement green policies/goals - procurement, waste and energy reduction. 

 Remote working - reduce the number of commuters to lower greenhouse gas emissions.

 Packaging overhaul - is it all needed, is there a better kinder way to distribute products?

 Consider solar panels to supply own energy.

 Transport – consider investment in green transport for supply and delivery.

 Consider investment in higher rated / more energy efficient technology.

 Offset your carbon footprint.

 If you need to print a document, only use recycled or certified paper products.

 

SME Sustainability Webinar

Find out about getting started, including key stages and supports, and learn from business leaders.

CSRD guide

The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) has been implemented across Europe. The purpose of this guide is to explain how the CSRD may affect your business and give you practical steps as a way to start.

 

 

We’re with farmers

Our programme of initiatives specifically designed to help you grow and develop your business sustainably.

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Improve on-farm sustainability

 Signpost Programme: A multi-annual campaign to lead and support the transition of Irish farming towards more sustainable methods. Find more on Teagasc.

 Grass 10: Maximising grass growth and utilisation is key to improved on-farm efficiencies. AIB are proud sponsors of the Grass 10 Programme. Find more here on Teagasc

 Grass 10 Calculator: Calculate your potential net profit increase. Calculate.

 

 

Sponsorship of AgTechUCD

 AIB are a key sponsor of AgTechUCD - a new Ag Tech programme based at Lyons Estate, UCD involving NovaUCD and other industry partners.

 The initiative seeks to provide mentorship and a platform for early-stage food and agri starts-ups offering the potential to improve on farm efficiencies.
 

      Click to visit UCD for more

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father picking strawberries with children

Agri Matters - Autumn 2024 Edition

 We reflect on the year to date which has been characterised by poor weather, reduced grass growth but higher output prices. We also look ahead to the remained of the year. We feature an article from Minister of State and the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine Poppa Hackett on the forestry sector. Nicola Fetherstone, one of our Agri advisors interviews 2023 Young Grassland Farmer of the Year Evan Hunt and also reflects on her recent trip to the Netherlands. We continue our Signpost series with an article from Siobhan Kavanagh while Daneil Noonan provides our usual economic commentary.

Click here to read the full report.

Need finance for your farm business? Click below to find out more.

Learn from successful sustainable business pioneers

The series guides us through the experiences of the pioneers of sustainable businesses in Ireland. Join AIB Sustainability Conference host, Dearbhail McDonald, as she meets the Sustainability Changemakers. It’s Time to Act.

 

 

External Supports

Together we can work towards climate change. Read on to discover how your business can make a difference and where to find support.

Enterprise Ireland support

Enterprise Ireland Green Offer: With an aim to help companies incorporate sustainable practices into the day-to-day running of their business Enterprise Ireland are offering support your business may avail of. 

Examples of supports offered by Enterprise Ireland include:

 Climate Action Voucher: Two days technical advisory and support.

 GreenStart: Green consultant support in undertaking a green assignment.

 GreenPlus: Medium scale training project supported by external environmental expert.

(Source: Enterprise Ireland 2024)

 

SEAI support for SMEs

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has a range of supports available to help SMEs on their energy efficiency journey:

Examples of supports offered by SEAI include:

 SEAI Energy Academy: An e-learning platform designed specifically with small to medium business in mind.

 Business Briefings: To help your business stay up to date with what’s new from SEAI for small business in terms of training, advise and financial supports.

 Energy Management Workshop: An online workshop developed to help SMEs understand how much energy their business is spending as well as way to reduce consumptions and cut bills.

(Source: SEAI 2024)

 

Local Enterprise: green for business

A free initiative from the Local Enterprise office designed to help small businesses prepare for the low carbon energy efficient economy of the future, offering advice and technical support for businesses with up to ten employees.

Two stages to the programme:

 Lunch and Learn Green Webinar: Available to watch on demand and shares a case story of an Irish business that has already implemented the green initiatives.

 Mentoring with Green Consultant: Two days to include recommendations that are specific to your business.

To find out more and for how to apply, visit the local Enterprise Office website by clicking below.

(Source: Local Enterprise Office 2024)

 

 

 

Adopting energy-efficient solutions for your business

You can save money by investing a little in insulation, efficient lighting, and heating systems, which will save you money long term.

 

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Ways to save your business money

 Invest in energy-efficient solutions today to reduce energy bills and save money for your business. Sometimes, financing your project costs less than the savings it produces.

 We have ways to help finance your energy efficiency project. So why not keep cash in your business and finance your energy efficient project with us?

 

    

Business finance options

If you need financial support for implementing these changes, we can help.

Loans up to €60,000

Apply over the phone or in branch.

Loans over €60,000

Arrange a call back or make an appointment with us to get started.

Asset finance (leasing and hire purchase)

We will support you in getting the assets you need to take the next step with your business.

SBCI Growth and Sustainability Loan Scheme

A long-term, low-cost scheme for investment in the growth and resilience or climate action and environmental sustainability of your business.

    

AIB Sustainability Conference

man on bicycle looking into town with apartment block covered in green ivy

On Monday 25 November 2024, AIB Group will hold it's eighth Sustainability Conference.

As in previous years, the conference will feature exceptional internation and Irish trailblazers, each providing their unique perspective on the global transition to a more sustainable future.

Important/Regulatory Information

The above content is expressed in broad terms and is limited to general information purposes only. Readers should always seek professional advice to address issues arising in specific contexts and not seek to rely on the above information which does not constitute any form of advice or recommendation by AIB.
 
Some of the links above bring you to external websites. Your use of an external website is subject to the terms of that site.
 
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.
 
Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c., trading as AIB Finance & Leasing, provides Asset Finance by way of Hire Purchase.  AIB Leasing Limited, trading as AIB Finance & Leasing, provides Asset Finance by way of Leasing.  Allied Irish Banks, p.l.c. and AIB Leasing Limited, trading as AIB Finance & Leasing, are regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.