ProCredit Bank has developed the first Net Zero Calculator for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Serbian market. This tool enables businesses to easily measure their carbon footprint, understand where their emissions come from, and plan their next steps in the energy transition. We spoke with Marina Mijić, Head of the Sustainable Department, about the development of the Net Zero Calculator, while Miloš Stepandić, Head of Business Department, shared his perspective on the importance of supporting businesses at the start of their ESG journey.
How did the idea of creating a Net Zero Calculator for SMEs come about?
Marina Mijić: The idea arose from a real market need. Through daily interactions with our clients, we noticed that many small and medium-sized companies want to operate more responsibly but lack the tools and knowledge to understand their environmental impact. As a bank committed to sustainable development, we wanted to offer them a simple yet precise tool that helps them take the first step—measuring greenhouse gas emissions from their activities. At the ProCredit Group level, and in cooperation with external experts, we developed the Net Zero Calculator tailored to the business needs of SMEs in the region.
What exactly does the Net Zero Calculator offer and how does it work?
Marina Mijić: The Calculator was designed so that companies can independently calculate their direct and indirect CO₂ emissions by entering data on electricity and fuel consumption, transport, and even raw materials. The results provide a clear breakdown of emissions by sector, enabling companies to identify the key areas where they can reduce emissions and optimize costs. In the future, the Calculator will also offer guidance on where the biggest savings can be achieved—whether through switching to renewable energy sources, improving energy efficiency, or planning investments. Importantly, the Calculator is free of charge and represents the first step towards sustainable operations that also generate savings.
When will the Net Zero Calculator be available and how can SMEs prepare to use it?
Marina Mijić: The Calculator will officially be available on the ProCredit Bank website in September this year. Before calculating their emissions, we recommend that companies download our Net Zero Guide, which explains in simple terms which data they need to collect. This way, they’ll be ready to immediately obtain relevant results and identify areas for reducing emissions. The Calculator was designed so that no prior expertise in sustainable business practices is required—we want every company, regardless of size or sector, to be able to take the first step towards sustainability.
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What role does the bank play in supporting companies that want to reduce emissions?
Miloš Stepandić: Our role is not just to provide a tool, but to be a partner throughout the transformation process. Many SMEs are only just beginning their ESG transition and often lack the internal resources or expertise to deal with complex requirements such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM). That’s why, in addition to the Calculator, ProCredit Bank offers tailored advice and financial products designed for investments in energy efficiency and renewable energy. Our goal is to help businesses improve their operations and achieve savings, not to see ESG as an additional cost or burden.
How important is this for companies that export or work with EU partners?
Miloš Stepandić: Extremely important. The CBAM requires companies exporting goods to the EU to report the emissions embedded in their products. Those that fail to do so will face additional costs and barriers. While the Omnibus package has introduced some temporary relief, it won’t last long. Companies that already measure their footprint and take steps to reduce it will be at a significant advantage—both from a regulatory and a market perspective. That’s why we say the Calculator is not only a tool for environmental protection but also for competitiveness.
What are ProCredit Bank’s next steps in ESG support?
Miloš Stepandić: We are continuing to develop tools, educate clients, and finance sustainable projects. At the same time, we are strengthening our internal capacities—our vision is for every advisor to also be an ESG advisor. Ultimately, our goal is to make sustainable business the new standard, not the exception.
Interview by Milena Maglovski
The interview was published in Energy portal Magazine CLIMATE CHANGE.
