AIB has announced over €20m in sustainability focused education and research, including €10m for the AIB Trinity Climate Hub at Trinity College Dublin.
The new hub will see researchers address climate challenges, how to secure biodiversity and the ecosystem services, and reversing water degradation.
AIB will be the lead industry partner supporting research on solutions needed for climate and nature crises, and for developing capacity for addressing these challenges through the AIB Climate Leaders programme.
As a founding partner, AIB has also committed €10m to support PhD research through Innovate for Ireland.
"The scale and depth of our partnership with AIB will lead to truly meaningful impact in this critically important research area," said Dr Linda Doyle, Provost and President of Trinity College Dublin.
"It really is a strong investment in the future. Rigorous academic research, which is at the heart of the AIB Trinity Climate Hub, is central to addressing the challenge of climate change. Such research feeds innovation, informs public policy and deepens public engagement."
These new initiatives will build on the financial services group's support for education and research across all levels from primary to PhD.
Its current programmes include Junior Achievement Ireland, AIB's Future Sparks secondary level education programme, and the Chair of Sustainability in UCC.
AIB chief executive Colin Hunt said that education and knowledge play a critical role in creating strong and resilient economies and societies.
"The transition to a low-carbon future creates real opportunities for learning and innovation. That’s why AIB is committing over €20m to support quality education and research in this space," he said.
"The work undertaken by the AIB Trinity Climate Hub, alongside our partnership with Innovate for Ireland, will benefit society and shape a better future for us all," he added.
AIB has also launched its Steps to Sustainability on its new Green Living Hub, a set of simple and practical support tools designed to help SME businesses.
Today's announcements coincide with AIB’s 8th Annual Sustainability Conference and the start of Sustainable Finance Week in Ireland.
Environmentalist, entrepreneur and actor Edward Norton and Former President of Ireland, Chair of The Elders and Former UN Special Envoy on Climate Change Mary Robinson are headline speakers.
