Znaczenie banków w finansowaniu ochrony środowiska w Polsce na przykładzie Banku Ochrony Środowiska S.A.

Abstract

The provision of funds to finance environmental projects in Poland by banks is a relatively new, although fast developing, activity in the financial markets. This system is based on (national, provincial, county and municipal) institutional environment protection and water management funds completed with international aid resources. Banks cooperate with such funds by treating environmental actions as a market where they may expand their lending business.The participation of commercial banks in the finance of environmental projects is a global trend constituting a challenge for banks in Poland, as well, which mostly determines their strategic economic decisions. Performing a function as a middleman banks guarantee themselves notable benefits with relatively small level of risk so they readily create offers which attract investors. The purpose of this article is to describe the role of commercial banks in financing investments concerning environmental protection in Poland. We argue that the banking sector in Poland still plays a small role in the finance of environmental protection and there is necessity to stimulate banks into action in this economic issue in 2007-2013.