Mini-Finance for local Home Energy projects

We propose a community Development Finance Initiative (CDFI) lending money

• from local investors
• to local households and businesses
• for home energy improvements (insulation, other efficiency projects and micro generation)

Lenders will get

• dividends
• knowledge that their money is being used to reduce the carbon footprint of the area

Borrowers will vet

• a fair interest rate (depends on credit rating) for a loan typically £1000-£5000 to help reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint

This project would complement initiatives from other organisations such as Cambridge Carbon Footprint

• giving advice to home owners
• training builders in energy saving construction techniques

Community Development Finance Institutions (CDFIs) are a new financial tool for social, economic and physical renewal in under-invested communities. They lend and invest in deprived areas and underserved markets that cannot access mainstream finance. They are sustainable, independent organisations that provide financial services with two aims: to generate social and financial returns. http://www.cdfa.org.uk/cmframe.php?prmid=1200

If you are interested in this idea please let us know