Poland, heavily reliant on non-renewable energy sources, is simultaneously facing increasingly ambitious climate targets and renewable energy share goals (e.g., a 55% emissions reduction by 2030 and a 30% share of renewable energy). PKO Bank Polski recognizes the need to support the country’s energy transition and aims to be a leader in financing over 20% of the total investment required to achieve this goal. The bank finances investments, provides advisory services, training, and practical tools.
PKO Bank Polski has supported local governments in financing investments that improve residents’ quality of life for many years. The bank is a market leader in financing infrastructure projects, as evidenced by over PLN 2.4 billion in financing provided for investments in municipal rail transport.
Local governments at all levels—from provinces to municipalities—initiate and implement projects related to environmental protection. Projects concerning low-emission public transport, thermal modernization of public buildings, modernization of heating systems, and the expansion of circular economy infrastructure support the achievement of environmental goals for the entire country. At PKO Bank Polski, investments for which financing is provided are assessed for their compliance with the EU Taxonomy.
ESG—environmental, social, and governance—is not only a legal requirement but also a key element in building our value and energy security. Local governments are particularly interested in social protection, reducing inequalities, low-emission public transport, spatial planning that includes environmental protection, air quality, waste management, and the thermal modernization of public buildings.
At every stage of cooperation, PKO Bank Polski assists clients by providing them with knowledge and practical tools. As part of a pilot program, the bank’s clients can use a carbon footprint calculator that helps calculate and monitor carbon footprints across all three scopes and automate data collection. Measuring the carbon footprint contributes to raising awareness of one’s own emissions, reducing operating costs by decreasing energy consumption and optimizing costs.
Due to their tasks and competences, local governments are becoming an important entity in the transformation. Their role and responsibility for maintaining pro-environmental trends such as low emissions and a circular economy are growing. Therefore, they need a proven financial partner who can advise them on how to finance investments that have a direct impact on the quality of residents’ lives. We want to be a key financial partner for the sustainable development of the local government sector in the coming years. Our role is to provide support and strategic advice on assessing investments for compliance with ESG guidelines and selecting the optimal financing model. We also conduct information activities related to ESG, non-financial reporting, and the possibility of using external funds to implement investments. We invite you to contact PKO Bank Polski advisors throughout the country and visit our website – Anna Węgrzanowska, Director of the Public Sector Client Office at PKO Bank Polski.
PKO Bank Polski’s offer also includes products supporting the achievement of EU Taxonomy goals, such as Sustainability-Linked Loans. The loan can be used for general or investment purposes, and the loan margin is linked to the achievement of sustainable development goals in the environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) areas. The role of the bank as a financial partner is not only to provide financing but also to advise on how to combine ESG indicators included in the entity’s strategy with effective financing of operations. Effective implementation of individual indicators consistent with the EU Taxonomy allows for lower loan costs. The product will also gain popularity among companies whose owners are local governments.
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