Sustainability bonus: How companies benefit from carbon accounting and EurA expertise

Your company aims to be a pioneer in terms of CO₂ accounting and reducing greenhouse gas emissions? Are you planning an energy-efficient (re)construction or would you like to invest in sustainable innovations? With EurA AG as your partner, you can optimally position yourself for this and also obtain free benefits!

In this article, we show how targeted sustainability measures not only benefit the environment and climate, but also create added economic value. Using the example of the sustainability bonus from the Landesbank Baden-Württemberg (L-Bank), you will learn how subsidies facilitate investments in a climate-friendly future. And best of all: similar funding opportunities are also available outside Baden-Württemberg. 

Interest rate reduction thanks to sustainability bonus

In order to support companies in their sustainable transformation, L-Bank in Baden-Württemberg offers a special service: the so-called sustainability bonus. It is granted in the form of interest rate reductions for investment financing as well as start-up and growth financing if a company submits a CO₂ footprint and has developed a roadmap for reducing emissions.

EurA AG is your competent partner when it comes to the preparation of Scope 1-3 greenhouse gas balances and the development of transformation strategies. Scope 1, 2 and 3 categorise a company's GHG emissions in accordance with the Greenhouse Gas Protocol. They differentiate between direct and indirect emissions, with Scope 3 being more complex as external partners are involved.

The path to transformation: how EurA AG provides support

Stage 1 – Preparation of a greenhouse gas balance sheet

 Interest rate reduction: 5 basis points / 0.05% of the debit interest rate

The preparation of a greenhouse gas balance sheet – for Scope 1, Scope 2 and (optionally) Scope 3 – is the first step that companies must fulfil in order to receive a sustainability bonus. Scope 1 covers direct emissions from own facilities and processes, Scope 2 refers to indirect emissions caused by purchased electricity, heating and cooling, and Scope 3 covers emissions along the entire value chain, for example from suppliers and products.

EurA AG offers companies comprehensive advice and support in preparing these balances so that you can accurately and completely record your company's emissions. We recommend practical software tools and/or provide you with valid emission factors for your calculations.

Stage 2 – Catalogue of measures – Roadmap

 Interest rate reduction: 20 basis points/ 0.2% of the debit interest rate

In addition to the CO₂ footprint, it is important in stage 2 to develop a roadmap for reducing emissions. This is where our transformation strategies come into play. We not only help companies to record their current emissions, but also work with them to develop a reduction target and a plan to reach it in the coming years. Our experts analyse the current processes, identify potentials for increasing efficiency and support the implementation of specific measures – if desired, even beyond the application for the sustainability bonus. For this purpose, funding resources can be utilised in a targeted manner. For more information, take a look at the blog articles on the transformation plan and energy consulting.

Stage 3 – Repeated application

 Interest rate reduction: 20 basis points/ 0.2% of the debit interest rate

In order to ensure a sustainable corporate transformation, further bonuses are possible, provided that the scheduled implementation of the catalogue of measures from stage 2 can be confirmed. For initial funding in 2023, a new CO₂ footprint (for 2023) must be submitted.

The BW Expert Atlas and the sustainability bonus

As authorised specialists in the Expertenatlas BW, EurA AG employees support companies free of charge when applying for the sustainability bonus from the L-Bank. The Expertenatlas BW is a platform that offers companies access to qualified experts who can advise them on all sustainability issues.

Conclusion

EurA AG is your competent partner on the path to a sustainable future. With our support in preparing CO₂ footprints and developing transformation strategies, companies can not only benefit from the financial advantages of the sustainability bonus, but also reduce their emissions in the long term and thus make a valuable contribution to climate protection. Take advantage of our expertise and benefit from customised advice – for a greener and sustainable economy.

Contact our sustainability consultants at any time to find out more about the sustainability bonus and our services!

Text: Dr Denise Ott