Cooperative Bank of Thessaly highlights ESG integration at conference

The Cooperative Bank of Thessaly participated in the 4th ‘Effective Dialogue’ conference, focusing on the integration of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles into the banking sector.

Represented by Maria Agnatou, Director of Organization and ESG Manager, the bank highlighted its strategy to move beyond mere annual reporting by embedding ESG criteria into daily operations, corporate culture, and decision-making processes. Over the last three years, the institution has systematically incorporated environmental and social criteria into its credit policies and risk management. This includes evaluating the environmental profiles of businesses and the energy efficiency of properties used as collateral.

The bank also addressed the challenges regarding ESG data availability and the need to support Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), particularly in regional areas. Through tools such as the ‘Teiresia’ ESG platform, the bank aims to guide and educate clients on how sustainable transitions and energy upgrades can reduce operating costs and enhance competitiveness. Additionally, the bank is focusing on financing opportunities related to the energy transition and renewable energy sources.