Speeding up the green transition is a top priority for businesses in the Valencian Community. Just a month ago, the European Central Bank urged the business sector to accelerate this transformation. The climate’s risks to the economy are clear. To reach emissions targets, companies in the euro area are expected to invest about 2 trillion euros by 2025.
What does the transition involve exactly? What challenges does the business environment face? Are companies ready to change? These questions and more were explored on Monday at a session organized by INFORMACIÓN and Caixabank, with participation from Lourdes Moreno Alonsó, head of Global Business Finance Solutions and Sustainability at CaixaBank; Silvino Navarro, chairman of the Environmental Commission of the Valencian Community Business Confederation; and Javier Cervera, director of Energy Transformation at Baleària.
Moderated by Carmen Lizán, head of the INFORMATION section, the event titled “Green transition in companies” examined the state of the business sector in the Valencian Community. All speakers underscored the urgency of adopting sustainability plans and keeping pace with the transition.
Navarro began by noting that the challenges vary by company type, with the Valencian business landscape dominated by small and medium-sized enterprises. This reality shapes how sustainable challenges are addressed.
“Short-term planning and investment must adapt as management creates new demands, and these changes require corresponding investments,” explained the chair of CEV’s Environment Commission. He stressed that meaningful deadlines are essential for implementing these plans. Regarding government role, Navarro called for better infrastructure to help firms pursue more sustainable practices, especially in the industrial sector for sustainable energy and to start the decarbonization process.
CaixaBank supports business sustainability
To boost the green transition, CaixaBank launched a leading sustainable financing line. The bank provides personalized guidance and support to companies pursuing decarbonization and environmental improvement. Moreno outlined key elements of the initiative: CaixaBank’s approach combines financing with value creation through tailored support. He emphasized the bank’s responsibility to meet European sustainability standards and be a trustworthy partner in a transition to greener practices.
Speakers reviewed the situation of Valencian Community companies, with emphasis on practical steps and guidance tailored to each firm.
CaixaBank’s sustainable financing line aims to help companies decarbonize and improve environmental performance. Managers in Global Business Finance Solutions, who understand each firm’s characteristics, provide guidance tailored to individual needs. The bank has trained expert managers to articulate the opportunities sustainability offers as a driver for business growth.
Towards decarbonization
Baleària has taken the lead in the decarbonization effort. Javier Cervera shared concrete actions taken by the shipping company and its outlook for the future. He noted that the maritime sector carries more than 90% of all global cargo capacity but consumes only 2% of global energy and generates less than 3% of emissions. The decarbonization challenge in shipping is clear. Baleària has advanced since 2013 with more sustainable technologies and operates a fleet of 10 ships powered by natural gas, a fuel that reduces emissions by 25% to 30% despite being a fossil fuel.
Significant investments in this technology have positioned Baleària ahead of likely future regulations. Cervera stressed that more work lies ahead to cut emissions further and to invest in lower-emission fuels for cleaner navigation. Initiatives include an electric ferry between Ibiza and Formentera, showcasing Baleària’s commitment to innovation. The vessel uses internal batteries and efficient motors to minimize energy use in port operations.
Sustainable balance
All three speakers agreed on the need to balance progress along the green transition. There is a gap between Europe’s expectations and the pace of adoption by businesses. Moreno noted that the EU requires climate stress tests from banks, and that about 95% of the credit risk banks face relates to client profiles. Banks must stay close to customers, offering services that identify and address sustainability needs, while avoiding situations where regulation becomes overwhelming. The goal is to balance Europe’s demands with the realities faced by companies.
Navarro echoed the sentiment: sustainability is not optional; it requires ongoing investment. Those who fail to act risk falling behind in the market and in reputation. He highlighted the importance of embedding good environmental practices as a core business strategy.
The year 2025 is seen as a pivotal period for achieving 2030 climate targets. Moreno emphasized that the Valencian Community already has a diverse and capable business fabric ready to meet sustainability demands. He likened the shift to digital transformation in its strategic importance and speed.
Navarro stressed the crucial role of universities and the network of technological institutes in developing and applying sustainable practices within local companies. He argued for a stable framework that enables continued investment in new sustainability challenges and suggested adding tax incentives to support long-term, sustainable growth while maintaining competitiveness in the global market.
Cervera pointed to the short-term action plans expected to be implemented in 2024–2025, including emission-reduction targets for land transport. Ambitious goals for 2030 and 2040 were outlined, illustrating a commitment to meaningful change across sectors and geographies.