Can accelerating your company’s transition make your business more resilient?
That is a good question! Discover the first episode of our new series which highlights specialists and clients of the Bank adressing sustainable development challenges. This is a real concern for many European companies who have a strong interest in identifying solutions that can strengthen the resilience and sustainability of their business activities. To learn more, watch this video featuring: Eric Clipet, CEO in the public works sector and BNP Paribas client; Laurence Pessez, Global Chief Sustainable Officer of BNP Paribas; and Frédéric Bonifazio, Sustainable Finance Advisor at BNP Paribas Entreprises for Commercial & Personal Banking in France (CPBF).
The ecological transition is already underway in the face of climate change, but companies need more support from banks
The third edition of the BNP Paribas × Potloc study on the ecological transition of European SMEs and mid-caps surveyed 1,500 companies in Belgium, France, Italy, Luxembourg and Poland. This study revealed the priorities of European SMEs and mid-caps on this subject, as well as the expectations they have of their bank to help accompany their company’s ecological transition.
96% of the companies surveyed have started assessing their carbon footprint
While nearly all companies surveyed (96%) have initiated an assessment of their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, only a minority of SMEs (30%) have carried out a complete assessment (including scopes 1, 2 and 3), compared to 58% of Mid-Caps. Of the European companies surveyed, there’s also an increase in awareness to the challenges related to climate change: 83% of executives consider emissions reduction as a challenge (including 28% who describe it as "serious", up 4 points compared to 2025).
70% of companies hit by adverse weather means that adaption to climate change is becoming a key business priority
7 out of 10 companies surveyed say they have experienced disruptions related to climate change (heat waves, floods, droughts) in the last three years. The consequence? 53% of these companies have revised their business continuity plans, and 45% have developed adaptation strategies or even relocated their supply chain (27%).
87% of companies surveyed report some dependence on biodiversity, particularly in the agri-food and agriculture, cosmetic and manufacturing industries. In particular, water represents an operational risk for a large number of these companies. The high percentage of companies whose operations are at risk for floods and droughts is a clear example of the physical risks linked to climate change today.
"We need support and advice to integrate climate adaptation into our long-term strategy." Survey respondant, BNP Paribas × Potloc Study · SMEs & Mid-Caps, 2026
These new risks also imply new expectations from companies. For example, the SMEs and Mid-Caps surveyed want greater support from their bank to help them assess climate risks, build a real adaptation strategy for their business, finance adaptation projects, and insure their businesses to be protected against natural disasters and climate risks.
Securing company supply chains is another emerging. This creates an opportunity for banks to strengthen their support of European SMEs and Mid-Caps through a combination of financing, sector advisory and support for suppliers.
business leaders expect their bank to support them (45% in 2025)
46% of companies that still rely on fossil fuels for their processes plan to transition to renewable energy by 2028.
Four out of five companies surveyed have invested in renewable energies and technologies to optimise their energy efficiency. While electrification and renewables are on the rise, 59% of companies surveyed still rely on gas and 46% on oil for their operations.
The European companies surveyed are clear in what they want from banks: innovative financing solutions (including loans at preferential rates for electrification, leasing solutions for electric vehicles and funding for charging infrastructure), support in securing public grants, and advice on how to be in line with regulatory obligations.
The transition is not limited to the environment, and European SMEs and Mid-Caps are well aware of this reality: 52% of companies surveyed have made social and ecological commitments, including engagements with associations, corporate philanthropy, and the payment of social dividends. However, it is once again important to note the disparity of engagement between European SMEs and Mid-Caps, with the latter being more advanced on the subject.
"This study confirms that SMEs and mid-caps are on the front line of climate change. They are already committed to the transition and concerned by the challenges of adaptation, but they need a solid ecosystem to support and accelerate them. Our mission is to offer them financial and operational solutions that are accessible and easy to implement, adapted to their size, their sector and their challenges."
