Green finance in Ireland has taken another step forward. Bank of Ireland has announced it will triple the borrowing limit on its Green Business Loan, raising the maximum from €300,000 to €1 million.
The aim is clear: to support more Irish companies and farmers in making sustainability investments that reduce operating costs and carbon emissions.
What Bank of Ireland’s Move Means
Loan size: Now available from €1,000 up to €1 million
Terms: Extended up to 7 years
Rates: Discounted variable interest rates ranging from 4.41% to 6.21%
Eligibility: Businesses must show sustainability improvements such as:
Installing solar technology or renewable energy systems
Switching to LED lighting
Introducing clean transport or rainwater harvesting
Implementing waste reduction measures
John Feeney, CEO of Corporate and Commercial at Bank of Ireland, explained that the bank wants to make sustainable finance “easier and faster to access, with greater flexibility and choice,” while helping businesses both lower costs and cut their environmental impact.
The Bigger Picture: Green Finance Is Growing
This announcement reflects a broader trend: sustainability finance is no longer niche. Banks and alternative lenders alike are introducing products designed to support energy efficiency, renewable adoption, and carbon reduction.
Across Ireland, businesses are finding multiple funding routes to finance green projects, including:
Specialist non-bank lenders who provide flexible loans for equipment upgrades or clean technology
Leasing and asset finance providers supporting investments in solar panels, EVs, or energy-efficient machinery
Revenue-based and working capital lenders helping companies fund green initiatives without waiting for lengthy bank approval processes
This diversification of funding options means more businesses can now access capital — whether they meet traditional bank criteria or not.
Why Green Finance Matters for SMEs
Rising energy costs and new regulatory pressures mean sustainability is moving quickly from “nice to have” to “must do.” Investments in renewable energy or efficiency upgrades not only reduce carbon footprints but also generate real cost savings over time.
With more institutions — banks and non-banks alike — stepping in to fund these transitions, Irish SMEs have greater choice than ever before.
Final Thought
Bank of Ireland’s decision to raise its green loan ceiling to €1 million is a welcome sign of confidence in Ireland’s sustainability journey. But it’s only part of a bigger story: green finance is becoming mainstream, with multiple lenders competing to support businesses in cutting costs and carbon.
For SMEs, the message is clear: there’s never been a better time to explore funding for sustainability projects, whether through a traditional bank or a more flexible alternative finance provider.
