Sustainable financing solutions for SMEs, self-employed persons, and housing companies
For what kinds of projects can you get financing?
A sustainable financing solution, also known as a green loan or an EIF sustainability guarantee, may be suitable for a company or housing company that intends to invest in projects that are expected to promote environmental objectives while meeting the criteria of the financing solution. The criteria for projects eligible for a green loan are based on OP Corporate Bank's Green Bond Framework. An EIF guarantee, in turn, may be suitable as collateral depending on the purpose of the investment, the industry, the business model and other terms of the EIF guarantee programme. The examples below describe project types that may, in principle, be suitable for assessment. Suitability is always confirmed on a case-by-case basis.
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refurbishing and basic renovation projects that improve energy efficiency
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energy-efficient new construction
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use of renewable energy sources
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utilisation of waste heat, such as exhaust air heat pumps or industrial-scale investments
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energy storage
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investments that promote low emissions
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projects that promote the circular economy
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low-emission transport infrastructure, such as the installation of electric vehicle charging stations and related electrical installations
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organic farming or subsurface drainage of cultivated land
The information required depends on the project. For example, an energy renovation requires information on current and target energy efficiency, a renewable energy project requires information on the production method and purpose, whereas a charging infrastructure project must state the site and scope of the project.
Green loan
A green loan can be granted for a project whose purpose meets OP's criteria for green financing. The project may relate to improving energy efficiency, utilising renewable energy or be some other investment that reduces environmental impact. The assessment is based on the application and the information received about the project.
The pricing of a green loan may be more favourable than that of a standard corporate loan if the purpose of the project meets the green loan criteria and other conditions for granting financing. The final price is always determined based on a customer- and project-specific credit assessment.
Read more about green loans.
A green loan is based on OP Corporate Bank's Green Bond Framework, which is in line with the ICMA (International Capital Markets Association) Green Bond Principles. The set of criteria in the framework is based on the EU Taxonomy Regulation, which defines the criteria for economic activities that contribute substantially to environmental objectives, and criteria defined in-house by OP. Our green lending is in line with the LMA (Loan Market Association) Green Loan Principles. Detailed criteria and further information are available in the Green Bond Framework document on the OP Green Bonds page.
EIF guarantee
The EIF Sustainability Guarantee may be suitable as collateral for financing when the investment to be financed or the company's business model meets the sustainability criteria of the EIF guarantee. Suitability is assessed on a case-by-case basis based on the purpose of the investment, the industry, the business model and the terms and conditions of the programme.
The EIF guarantee serves as collateral for your loan, reducing your need for other collateral. The EIF guarantee can cover up to 70% of the loan, provided that the programme's terms and conditions and the criteria for granting financing are met.
You will receive financing at a more favourable price if the EIF guarantee reduces the bank's risk, and other conditions affecting pricing are met. The final terms and conditions depend on a customer- and project-specific assessment.