Prishtinë, March 24, 2009 –ProCredit Bank launches a new loan product in Kosovo: the ‘Eko Loan’. The aim of the loan is to promote financing of energy-saving technologies.
To prepare the launch of Eko loans ProCredit Bank received technical assistance from KfW.
ProCredit Bank is the first partner bank of KFW in a lending programme to explicitly promote environmental protection in Kosovo through the banking sector.
Eko loans are provided to households to finance investments in energy saving measures such as the installation of new windows with better insulation, more efficient water heaters or better heating system. By investing in energy-saving technologies households can save money on energy bills while at the same time contribution to the protection of the environment.
“ProCredit Bank is the first Bank in Kosovo to launch Eko Loans. This new products fits perfectly with the mission of the bank which is to provide banking services which help for the long term sustainable development of Kosovo. Environmental protection is a very important topic worldwide and energy efficiency is particularly important in Kosovo as our country faces a big energy deficit. We believe that by providing Eko loans we can make a significant contribution to making Kosovo more energy independent. Eko loans will be given to households as well as to small and medium businesses. 60% of the energy used in a typical house is used for heating. If households invest in better insulation of the house and a better heating system, the households can greatly reduce their electricity and heating expenses“, said Mr. Philip Sigwart Chief Executive Officer of ProCredit Bank.
According to Mr. Sigwart the demand for energy efficiency financing will be high in Kosovo because of the rising costs of electricity bills.
“A responsible approach towards the environment it is an important part of our image, and our perceptions for the future. Efficient use of energy it’s becoming an important global issue deriving from rising costs of energy, heavy reliance on the import of energy, as well as environment related problems’ concluded Eriola Bibolli Deputy Chief Executive Officer of ProCredit Bank.
