Meeting with Allied Irish Bank was truly a unique experience. Before hearing from John, Katie, and Paul, I thought of money and sustainability as separate conversations and never considered a bank with a mission centered around sustainability. AIB proved me wrong.
The bank aims to be net zero in its operations by 2030. It may not be easy, but their practices are fundamental. At its very core, AIB is a company that believes in everything they do; they aren’t just checking off boxes.
Katie explained how America’s reluctance to commit to sustainability has forced the EU to lighten certain regulations, but AIB has doubled down. “This is us”. It may not be easy, but their practices are fundamental. At its very core, AIB is a company that believes in everything they do; they aren’t just checking off boxes.
Paul works to show property managers that sustainability requirements enhance management, rather than impose on it. He put it perfectly, “If you’re not investing in the sustainability of the property, you’re always investing.”
John’s explanation of AIB’s carbon goals sparked a question: What happens if they fall short of their goals? The choice, as they put it, is simple. Invest in sustainability or pay the fine. If they pass their carbon budget, they plan to purchase energy credits from Spain.
I didn’t even know energy credits existed!
I have full faith in AIB as a leader in climate action and am grateful for their ability to transform my previous assumptions about banking’s relationship to sustainability.
I was lucky enough to document our day, check out @KleinGlobal on Instagram to see my takeover!
-Ila van Schaik