Thursday, 04 September 2025
AIB has launched a low-interest Business Sustainability Loan to help Irish SMEs, farmers, and community groups invest in green initiatives. Offering up to €100,000 at a 4.95% variable rate, the loan supports projects like renewable energy, zero-emission vehicles, and green buildings—backed by expert guidance through AIB’s Steps to Sustainability programme.
Allied Irish Banks (AIB) has introduced a new Green Loan designed to support Irish businesses—including farmers, clubs, trusts, and charities—as they transition and invest in sustainable, low‑carbon operations. The low-rate Business Sustainability loan initiative is firmly rooted in AIB’s ongoing commitment to help SMEs transition ecologically and efficiently.
Green loans are specifically designed to finance projects that have a positive environmental impact. AIB’s green loans provide businesses with access to funds for various eco-friendly initiatives, including:
– Energy efficiency upgrades: Investments in technologies that reduce energy consumption.
– Renewable energy projects: Financing solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable sources to power operations.
– Sustainable transport solutions: Funding for electric vehicles or cargo bikes to reduce carbon footprints.
– Waste reduction initiatives: Projects focused on recycling and minimising waste production.
Green loans help Ireland become more sustainable by providing the financial support needed for businesses, farms, and community groups to invest in environmentally friendly projects. Here’s how they make a tangible impact:
Green loans fund the installation of solar panels, wind turbines, and other renewable energy systems. This reduces Ireland’s reliance on fossil fuels, lowering national carbon emissions and supporting EU climate targets.
Businesses can use green loans to upgrade lighting, heating, insulation, and machinery to more energy-efficient alternatives. This decreases overall energy consumption, cuts utility costs, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
Irish farmers can access funding for practices like afforestation, biodiversity protection, and low-emission equipment. These initiatives promote healthier ecosystems and reduce the environmental impact of agriculture—a significant emissions source in Ireland.
Green loans help finance electric vehicles, EV chargers, and low-emission transport solutions. This supports cleaner logistics and commuting, particularly important in rural and semi-urban areas where public transport is limited.
By funding waste reduction, recycling systems, and circular business models, green loans encourage smarter resource use. This lowers landfill reliance and supports long-term environmental stewardship.
Investments made through green loans help businesses prepare for environmental risks like rising energy costs, regulatory pressures, and extreme weather. This builds economic and ecological resilience.
By offering affordable, accessible financing, green loans lower the barrier to entry for small and medium enterprises (SMEs)—which make up over 90% of Irish businesses. This grassroots approach ensures that sustainability is not just top-down, but community-driven.
In short, green loans act as a financial engine driving Ireland’s broader sustainability transformation—economically, environmentally, and socially.
Loan Amount & Term: Borrow between €2,000 and €100,000; repayable over 1 to 7 years.
Interest Rate: A competitive variable rate of 4.95%
Smart Repayment Options: Flexible repayment schedules available to suit diverse business cash flows.
Businesses can apply for funding to support a wide range of sustainability projects, including:
Renewable energy systems, such as solar panels and wind turbines
Green or renovated buildings meeting at least B3 BER / EPC B standards
Zero-emission vehicles and EV charging infrastructure
Circular economy & waste management initiatives
Forestry, biodiversity, pollution control, and green agricultural practices
Applicants must supply proof—like supplier quotes, invoices, or BER/EPC certificates—before accessing funds .
As Geraldine Casey, AIB’s Retail Banking Managing Director, points out:
“Greening your business can help reduce costs, drive efficiencies and competitiveness, attract new customers and staff, and, vitally, protect businesses against future climate risks.”
She emphasises that SMEs form the backbone of the Irish economy, and AIB is committed to helping them thrive in a low‑carbon future. The bank supports this through both financial products and advisory services.
AIB offers more than financing—it also provides a structured support programme for SMEs. The Steps to Sustainability Programme online guide aims to help businesses develop a tailored sustainability plan.
AIB’s combination of funding and know‑how aims to help businesses reduce costs, enhance brand value, engage staff and customers, and manage future environmental risks.
The loan is open to all AIB business customers in the Republic of Ireland—SMEs, agricultural enterprises, community groups, trusts, and charities who are interesting in making their operations more green. Applications are assessed based on:
Match between the investment and eligible sustainability purposes
Availability of support documentation (quotes, invoices, BER/EPC certificates)
Reach out via your AIB Relationship Manager, call the number on their website, or visit one of AIB’s 170+ branches across Ireland.
Prepare documentation showing the eco‑investment purpose—e.g. quotes or valid BER/EPC certifications.
Discuss suitable repayment terms and loan structure with a business advisor.
AIB’s Green Loan offers Irish businesses a practical, financially viable route to invest in low‑carbon projects—covering solar power, energy-efficient buildings, EV fleets, waste systems, forestry, and more. Backed by a sub‑5% variable rate, flexible terms, and comprehensive advisory tools, it positions SMEs to capture cost savings, enhance competitiveness, and build resilience in the face of climate challenges.
At All-Ireland Sustainability, we’re committed to building a greener, fairer island—together. Stay informed on the latest environmental initiatives, community action, and policy developments shaping sustainability across Ireland, North and South.
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