We have several inspiring business stories for you to share in their knowledge, experience and good practice. They may even inspire you to have a look at that idea that has been there for a long time, but you never seem to get around to actually make it happen. Give it a try. Big changes start with small steps - first there’s commitment, then a conscious action.
How to contribute to positive sustainable changes?
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused a general crisis, but on the other hand it has also brought some positive change. People are more aware of what is happening and what effect our actions have on the environment. NLB Group serves as a good example for that, because we have committed to gradually reducing our carbon footprint by restricting coal-related operations and increasing the financing of projects related to the low-carbon economy.
“Words are not enough. In addition to our commitment to the Global UN Principles for Responsible Banking, a regional #HelpFrame project was initiated already in 2020, which is yet another project in a series of initiatives strengthening our commitment to sustainable operations in a systematic, dedicated and continuous way, which proves that we really do care about the environment in which we work, says Blaž Brodnjak, NLB’s CEO.
In the NLB Group we pursue our sustainability strategy with everyday actions (for example, a gradual transition to paperless banking as much as possible, which is one of the measures of sustainable operations) and a range of products. Last October we introduced an NLB Green Housing Loan featuring special benefits for financing a purchase or construction of a passive house and we support green investment opportunities.
The #HelpFrame project has also proved to be great support to local communities. In the first year, we offered our own advertising space to 274 businesses, farmers, micro and small companies, which would for them be difficult to afford on their own in the times like these. We helped them reach potential clients and we materially contributed to the strengthening of domestic small and micro enterprises. We are well aware of the importance of this key foundation for the Slovenian economy and, after all, for all the Slovenian citizens and people from the region, so we decided to come to the rescue at the very onset of the crisis. In 2021 we have received even more applications than the year before, which proves that the incentive and help have been more than welcome.
Modern company is socially responsible or sustainable
Socially responsible companies strive to create a healthy and strong organizational culture based on shared values and co-creating desires. And all good stories start somewhere. Who are those people who choose to explore their ideas and meet their goals through business practice? Entrepreneurs. Active individuals who can serve as role models, since local communities often follow their lead. What they all have in common is passion, desire and perseverance to co-create the society and environment. If the commitment to social responsibility and sustainability becomes our lifestyle - and we as a community streamline our energy to inspire more people – a remarkable progress is possible. Below you can read more about our business success stories and the most important lessons of last year's #HelpFrame project finalists from various South Eastern European countries.