KBC Ireland signs up to Business In the Community Low Carbon Pledge

Dublin, 24th March, 2021

KBC Bank Ireland has today increased its environmental ambitions as one of over sixty signatories signing up to the Business In the Community (BITCI) new low carbon pledge. Originally launched in 2018, the BITCI low carbon pledge, a first of its kind initiative, sets industry standards on sustainability and brings companies together with the goal of lowering carbon emissions. The pledge has now increased in ambition to help businesses transition to a low carbon economy by setting science-based emission reduction targets by 2024 with a particular focus on Scope 3 emissions.

As a digital first bank, KBC has an important role to play in the transition to a low carbon society. In 2015, KBC set ambitious sustainability targets and implemented strict policies and sustainability guidelines to reduce their direct environmental footprint. 

To date, KBC Ireland has undertaken a number of initiatives in its drive to low carbon reduction including switching all of its sites to 100% green electricity, making energy efficient upgrades to its head offices and now all of the banks’ investment funds are 100% Socially Responsible Investment (SRI) Funds which excludes investment in fossil fuels. KBC continues to make strides in reducing paper usage including the launch of a new paperless pension proposition. 

Commenting, Peter Roebben, Chief Executive, KBC Bank Ireland PLC said: “At KBC we are delighted to reaffirm our commitment to the BITCI new low carbon pledge and in doing this we are committed to contributing to a sustainable society, both directly through our own operations and indirectly by helping our customers make more sustainable choices. As of the second half of 2020 we began using 100% green electricity across all our sites and we have now made the move to 100% Socially Responsible Investment funds . We will continue to enhance our efforts in addressing this societal challenge.”