Sustainability in the middle class: successful tips from experts in Fulda!

Sustainability in the middle class: successful tips from experts in Fulda!

On February 5, 2025, VR Bank Fulda organized an important event on the subject of sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) as part of their initiatives to support companies in the implementation of sustainability requirements. Around 50 participants, including tax consultants, auditors and entrepreneurs from the region, came together to exchange ideas about the latest developments and challenges in this area. The event began with a greeting by Tobias Abel, the Head of the company Bank Fulda, which emphasized the relevance of sustainability for medium -sized companies.

Experts such as Lukas Geiger and Julia Reus from Muth & Partner gave lectures and informed about the obligation for companies, to disclose sustainability information. Geiger pointed out that companies are increasingly required to present this information transparently. In addition, Katharina Liesen from the Genoverband e.V. spoke about the effects of sustainability factors on lending, which illustrated the growing complexity and future challenges for companies. Last but not least, increasing regulatory requirements are pointed out.

sustainability & lending

In the context of lending, companies are now increasingly evaluated according to ESG criteria. A report by Ecovis emphasizes that the Federal Financial Service Supervisory Authority (BAFIN) stimulates banks to observe sustainability risks when lending. The ESG scoring is integrated more intensively into the evaluation process. The evaluation scale ranges from A (very low sustainability risks) to E (high sustainability risks).

The risk dimensions within the ESG-BangsamtCores are weighted differently: Geno banks and savings banks place 60 percent on the environment (e-score), while social and governance criteria are less weighted here. Industry -specific differences in the evaluation are particularly interesting - while, for example, automotive retailers achieve risk class C, health service providers typically have evaluation A.

practical tips for companies

It is becoming increasingly important for companies to actively prepare for discussions with banks. This includes checking the industry assignment at the bank and systematic documentation of sustainability activities. A convincing representation of the sustainability strategy with concrete measures and measurable success is essential to maximize the opportunities in lending.

The LBBW Sustainability Advisory team emphasizes that ESG-Linked Finance is part of a comprehensive sustainability strategy. Martin Amann, Head of Financial & Rating Advisory at LBBW, sees ESG criteria in financing as an approach for every company. The examination of public funding offers is also recommended because the federal government, the federal states and the EU offer numerous programs for financing sustainable projects.

The discussions and practical demonstrations presented by the speakers during the event led to valuable findings for those present. Sebastian Emmert, general representative of VR Bank Fulda, emphasized the importance of networking in the region. The event made it clear how important it is to face the challenges of sustainability and to take advantage of the opportunities that arise for medium -sized companies.