AIB Sustainability Changemakers Content Series

The series takes us on a journey to learn from those leading the way for sustainable businesses in Ireland. Join AIB Sustainability Conference host, Dearbhail McDonald, as she meets the Sustainability Changemakers. It’s Time to Act.

        

Help at hand

Finance for a green initative, government grant support, stories of success, the retail handbook and much more.

Benefits of becoming a greener business

Benefits for your business, your people and your reputation.
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Reduced costs

It’s becoming more expensive to run businesses through traditional and out-dated heat sources and waste disposal.

Introducing more environmentally friendly solutions could show significant reduction in 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.

Read on to find out more about some of these supports and for direct links to their sites.

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Green reputation

As we all become more conscientious consumers and employees, businesses may benefit from the popularity of a green reputation.

As businesses, we can inspire and take actions that protect our world for generations to come.

 

 

Ways to become a greener business

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

 Packaging overhaul - is it all needed, is there a better kinder way to distribute products?
 
 Remote working - reduce the number of commuters to lower green gas emissions.
 
 Implement green policies - procurement, waste and energy reduction.
 
 Invest in solar panels to supply own energy.
 
 Transport - invest in green transport for supply and delivery.
 
 Invest 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 

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 three levels of support your business may avail of:
 
 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 2021)
 

SEAI support for SMEs

The Sustainable Energy Authority of Ireland has a range of supports available to help SMEs on their energy efficiency journey:
 
 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 2021)
 

Local Enterprise: green for micro

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 2021)
 

 

 

We’re with farmers to DO MORE

Our programme of initiatives specifically designed to help you grow and develop your business in a sustainable manner.

farmer working in field collecting cut grass

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.
 
male and female farmer in field at sunset inspecting the soil
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Agri matters: Summer 2023 edition

 As the saying goes ‘No two years are the same’ and this certainly applies to the Agri sector. In this edition of Agri Matters, Donal Whelton reflects on the year to date for each sector and how each is positioned going into the second half of the year. We have our regular feature from Siobhan Kavanagh of Teagasc, who profiles the New Signpost Advisory Programme. We have included an article from Diarmuid Donnellan, Head of Sustainability for Agriculture, Food & Fisheries, who gives his perspective as a judge for the Grass10 competition. 

Read Now.

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

 

 

Investing in energy efficient solutions for your business

Investing in insulation, efficient lighting and heating systems can save you money for years to come.

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

One of the easiest ways to save your business money

 Investing in energy efficient solutions today can reduce your energy bills and create savings for your business. In some cases, the cost of financing your project is less than the savings you will generate.
 
 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 support to finance some of these changes maybe 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.

 

 

We Pledge To DO MORE

Over the last number of years we have been working to build a more sustainable business. We've invested in wind energy projects, launch a €10 billion climate action fund and created a green mortgage.

And yet, it's still not enough. And we will keep telling ourselves that every day. AIB alone is not the solution to climate change, but we are doing everything we can to be a part of it.

Find out more

 

 

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.