Making finance work for climate

As the effects of climate change intensify and regulations tighten, companies across all sectors face growing pressure to demonstrate that their business models and investment projects are compatible with low-carbon and sustainability regulatory standards. Climate risks are now financial risks, affecting supply chains, asset value and access to financing. Investors, customers and governments expect companies to set credible plans towards decarbonisation and climate resilience.

Yet, many companies still struggle unable to translate climate ambitions into actionable strategies and attract financing. Defining credible KPIs, setting realistic performance targets and Identifying the right investments can be challenging and resource intensive. To bridge this gap, EIB Advisory has launched a dedicated programme that helps companies develop credible decarbonisation and climate resilience plans, strengthen sustainability reporting and identify related investment needs, laying the groundwork for sound and bankable sustainable investments.

At the heart of this effort is the PATH (Paris Alignment for Counterparties) framework — a pioneering EIB approach that looks at how an entire company aligns with the Paris Agreement, not just individual projects. PATH helps businesses identify concrete steps to cut emissions and strengthen climate resilience, while meeting the EU’s upcoming Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive requirements.

Practical, tailored support

Through the InvestEU Advisory Hub, EIB experts work hand in hand with companies, analysing reviewing emissions data, governance systems, and existing strategies. Together, they define meaningful KPIs, calibrate performance targets, and establish transparent reporting systems.

For companies like ULMA, a social enterprise group in which nine industrial businesses operate under a cooperative governance model, this guidance has been transformative. "The support by EIB Advisory helped us establish a solid sustainability framework aligned with market benchmarks, while respecting the unique characteristics of our cooperative model," explains Javier Orbea, ULMA's Chief Financial Officer.

Beyond one-to-one support, the programme also builds broader market capacity by producing guidance materials, toolkits, and case studies. This helps more companies — especially those in high-emitting sectors — prepare for growing investor scrutiny and regulatory demands.

Looking ahead

This advisory programme is part of the EIB’s Climate Bank Roadmap, contributing to the EU’s broader green transition agenda. By helping companies strengthen their climate strategies and improve the quality of their sustainability reporting, EIB Advisory facilitates better access to finance and supports more transparent, data-driven climate action.