ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) criteria have reshaped businesses globally, including in our country. Are you aware of how they influence companies' access to financing and investment decisions?
Banks
ESG criteria are becoming a key factor in how banks determine financing for businesses. As early as 2022, the EU introduced the EU Taxonomy, requiring banks to evaluate companies' ESG performance before providing financing.
Banks are now integrating ESG standards into their loan evaluation processes, as they are required to comply with broader European legislation.
Also, Greek banks are called upon to develop and implement strategies for sustainable development, which include setting clear, measurable goals for environmental responsibility.
Consequently, businesses that fail to meet these criteria will struggle to secure financing, as banks are becoming more cautious of the risks linked to unsustainable practices.
Investors
According to recent research by Bloomberg Intelligence, 85% of investors believe that investing in companies that meet ESG criteria leads to better financial performance.
Investors are increasingly drawn to companies that strike a balance between social and environmental factors while maintaining strong corporate governance. Why? Simply put, these companies tend to deliver better financial performance compared to those deemed high-risk.
Essentially, investors seek companies that meet ESG criteria to ensure both the sustainability and profitability of their investments.
As time goes on, this shift towards sustainable companies will only intensify.
The Consequences
The shift by banks and investors towards sustainable development places businesses in a critical position. This impact is felt by companies of all sizes, from large corporations to small and medium-sized enterprises.
Small and medium-sized businesses in Greece appear to be at a greater disadvantage, as non-compliance with ESG criteria could limit their access to financing, potentially leading to their closure.
For larger companies, the situation is somewhat better, as they appear to be more proactive in meeting ESG criteria. However, with all the new developments, they must carefully assess their ESG reporting and compliance systems to secure funding opportunities and stay competitive.
Achieve ESG Compliance with Ease
As you can see, proving that a company meets ESG criteria is essential.
The good news is that technology now makes this process easier, simpler, and more efficient. At Tekmon, that's exactly what we offer. Our innovative software ensures that the data you need for ESG reporting is collected quickly, organized accurately, and stored securely, with no room for error.
Specifically, you can have your ESG report ready in just three simple steps:
Create custom, code-free digital forms for collecting data aligned with your company's ESG standards.
Track data collection in real time, assign tasks to colleagues, set deadlines, and send notifications.
Export the report and customize its format to your preference. Share it seamlessly with BI tools, ERP systems, or document management platforms.