Smaller businesses will be critical to the transformation into a low-carbon economy. This will depend on access to the right kind of finance.
Working with our network of more than 200 delivery partners, the Bank has an important role to play in both helping to finance sustainable technologies and their adoption by smaller businesses alongside developing a more sustainable financial ecosystem in the UK.
Business owners looking to make their business more sustainable can visit the Sustainability section of our Finance Hub.
The Finance Hub offers independent and impartial information on a variety of subjects for smaller businesses.
The British Business Bank also supports the SME Climate Commitment, which you can learn more about at the SME Climate Hub.
The Bank has also published several research reports related to its environmental and social objectives, most recently Smaller Businesses and the transition to net zero and What Works – Improving Diversity in Venture Capital Funding.
The rest of the Bank’s research can also be found in the Research library.
Our sustainability reporting and disclosures
This year, the Bank again included a Climate-related Financial Disclosures’ (CFD) in its Annual Report and Accounts (PDF, 16.16mb) - Opens in new window.
This includes reporting on emissions generated by our own operations, which the Bank is committed to reducing over time.
We are proud to be a member of the Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials (PCAF) and an active participant in the UK Chapter’s Business Loans and Unlisted Equity Working Group.
The Bank is particularly engaged with Bankers for Net Zero’s ‘Mobilising SMEs for Climate Action’ workstream.
We also co-chair Project Perseus.
In partnership with Venture ESG, the BVCA and InvestEurope, we work with other asset owners and managers to develop proportionate approaches to integrating ESG in venture capital that focus on driving value creation.
The Bank is a signatory of the Principles of Responsible Investment (PRI).
We commit to disclosing our activities related to these principles and progress made on an annual basis to the PRI.
The six Principles of Responsible Investment
Principle 1
We will incorporate ESG issues into investment analysis and decision-making processes.
Principle 2
We will be active owners and incorporate ESG issues into our ownership policies and practices.
Principle 3
We will seek appropriate disclosure on ESG issues by the entities in which we invest.
Principle 4
We will promote acceptance and implementation of the Principles within the investment industry.
Principle 5
We will work together to enhance our effectiveness in implementing the Principles.
Principle 6
We will each report on our activities and progress towards implementing the Principles.
