The accelerated development of the global economy is leading to increasing consumption of natural resources. The exploitation of resources is moving at an accelerated pace, while their availability is decreasing. The biggest problem is the depletion of non-renewable and limited resources that are the carriers of the raw material base of energy and manufacturing industry, which calls into question the preservation of energy stability and efficiency at the global level. Uncontrolled industrial growth, accompanied by increasingly intensive depletion of non-renewable natural resources, especially fossil fuels, has caused enormous pollution of the environment and the entire planet. In the conditions of depletion of natural resources, negative climate changes accompanied by global warming and a serious threat to the survival of life, it is necessary to adopt and implement the concept of sustainable development. The concept of sustainable development explicitly aims to achieve optimal economic results, while preserving and improving the environment and the social component of development. Natural resources play an extremely important role in achieving economic growth and development. The aim of this paper is to point out the importance of renewable energy sources for achieving sustainable development. It is necessary to investigate the importance of renewable and non-renewable natural resources, as well as the factors that affect their exploitation, with the aim of successfully implementing the concept of sustainable development.

The strategic approach to socially responsible business is necessary for increasing competitiveness and achieving sustainable development goals. Banks as intermediate financial institutions play a significant role in respecting all principles and mechanisms of socially responsible business. In modern business conditions, sustainable banking has become a global phenomenon. The concept of sustainable development effects the banking reorientation towards provision of new banking services and creating new, green, banking operations. Green banking contributes to achieving both profit and expanding social and environmental goals. Therefore, the focus of this paper is on the analysis of the development level of green banking and finance in the Republic of Serbia, as part of the strategy of socially responsible business and sustainable development of banks in Serbia. The goal is to point out the current level of development of social responsibility and environmental awareness of banks and their clients, on the activities that banks conduct environmentally, but also on the development of green banking development in the domestic financial market.