Wednesday, 27 August 2025

Bank of Ireland Boosts Sustainability: Green Business Loan Limit Increased to €1 Million

Bank of Ireland Increases Green Business Loan Limit to €1 Million Bank of Ireland has announced a major update to its Green Business Loan, increasing the maximum loan amount from €300,000 to €1 million. The enhanced offering is aimed at supporting businesses and farmers who want to reduce their environmental impact while lowering operational costs. […]

Bank of Ireland Increases Green Business Loan Limit to €1 Million

Bank of Ireland has announced a major update to its Green Business Loan, increasing the maximum loan amount from €300,000 to €1 million. The enhanced offering is aimed at supporting businesses and farmers who want to reduce their environmental impact while lowering operational costs.

Expanded Access to Green Finance

The updated Green Business Loan now offers funding between €1,000 and €1 million, with loan terms of up to seven years. The loans come with discounted variable interest rates ranging from 4.41% to 6.21%, making it a more accessible option for those pursuing sustainable upgrades.

Eligible Sustainability Projects

To qualify, applicants must provide clear evidence of sustainability improvements, enhancement, or business retrofitting work which will be requested as part of the loan application. These can include projects such as:

  • Installing clean transportation solutions

  • Switching from fluorescent lighting to LED lighting

  • Implementing rainwater harvesting technologies

  • Investing in renewable energy systems

  • Installing solar panels

  • Taking action on waste reduction

This targeted support is designed to help businesses and farmers take measurable steps toward a lower-carbon future.

Typical examples of how you might utilise your loan may include:

  • Recycling/waste improvement & treatment efficiencies
  • Premises energy (retro)fit efficiency improvements
  • LED lighting, refrigeration, insulation etc.
  • Reduced community emissions
  • Wind/water/solar technologies
  • Rain water harvesting

Supporting Businesses Through Sustainable Transitions

John Feeney, CEO of Corporate and Commercial at Bank of Ireland, acknowledged that sustainability transitions can be complex.

“Our goal is to make it easier and faster to access sustainable finance, with greater flexibility and choice,” he said. “We are committed to helping businesses reduce their environmental impact while also lowering their operating costs.”

A Broader Commitment to Sustainability

The increased loan limit reflects Bank of Ireland’s commitment to helping Irish enterprises contribute to national climate goals. By making funding more accessible, the bank is encouraging practical steps toward decarbonisation at the community level, whether through cleaner energy, more efficient operations, or waste minimisation.

Green Loan Verification: What It Means for Applicants

Requiring applicants to demonstrate sustainability improvements adds credibility to the loan programme and ensures funding goes to genuinely impactful projects. It also encourages businesses to track and measure environmental outcomes, such as reduced emissions or energy use. This process fosters transparency and helps build a stronger culture of environmental accountability across sectors.

Aligning with Ireland’s Climate Goals

Ireland has committed to cutting greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030 and achieving net-zero by 2050. For this to happen, emissions reductions must take place across all sectors, including agriculture, transport, and business. By making sustainable finance more accessible, the Green Business Loan contributes directly to these national targets, especially by helping SMEs and farmers invest in energy efficiency and emissions reduction.

How to Apply

Businesses and farmers interested in applying can contact Bank of Ireland directly or visit the bank’s website for application details. Applicants should be prepared to show how their proposed project will lead to sustainability improvements and cost savings.

You can:

  • Apply Online for either amounts up to €120,000, or amounts greater than €120,000 up to €500,000
  • Call the Bank of Ireland Team
  • Visit your Local Branch

Conclusion

The expansion of Bank of Ireland’s Green Business Loan signals a strong commitment to supporting sustainable practices among Irish businesses and farmers. By offering increased funding, flexible terms, and targeted support for environmental improvements, the initiative empowers organisations to lower costs, reduce carbon footprints, and contribute meaningfully to a greener future.

The Financial Sector’s Role in Climate Action

As governments set ambitious climate targets, financial institutions are increasingly being recognised as key players in achieving them. Banks can drive meaningful change by directing capital toward sustainable initiatives. Programmes like Bank of Ireland’s Green Business Loan not only support environmental improvements but also reflect the broader trend of green finance, using financial tools to enable environmental progress.

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