Bank of Ireland has launched a new free online digital tool designed to support SME business customers with sustainability planning and to identify their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) priorities.
Bank of Ireland said its new "Sustainable Business Coach" is unique in the Irish market.
It is designed as an ESG questionnaire with businesses answering a series of multiple-choice questions.
The results of the online assessment provides a concise summary of an SME's current sustainability position and covers key action areas such as greenhouse gas emissions, employee engagement, energy usage, procurement and water and waste management.
Recent research conducted by the bank showed that a majority of SMEs are unclear on how to implement sustainable growth plans, with over 70% concerned about the impact ESG requirements could have on their business.
Bank of Ireland said the launch of the new tool further enhances its ESG ambitions, with the bank on track to deliver its end-2025 sustainability-related lending target of €15 billion earlier than anticipated.
John Feeney, CEO of Corporate and Commercial, Bank of Ireland, said the that many of its 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," he added
