In a move to bolster green community municipal investments, the Green Finance Institute (GFI) has unveiled its Local Climate Bonds (LCB) Toolkit, offering UK local authorities a roadmap to tap into a potential £3 billion (US$3.64 billion) of green investment opportunities. These investments will play a “pivotal role” in driving local authorities’ mission towards achieving net-zero carbon emissions. LCBs, a category of community municipal investments, provide local authorities with the means to secure capital for decarbonisation projects within their regions. These projects encompass a broad spectrum, including wind farms, solar panels, rewilding initiatives, school retrofits, and electric vehicle charging points. With nearly 2,000 investors already participating in LCBs, according to GFI, they not only receive a return on their investments but also contribute to climate action support, fostering a strong bond between the local authorities and their communities in their journey towards net zero. Miles Ashton, Local Green Investment Lead at GFI, said: “Local authorities will be vital to the UK reaching its net-zero target. Local climate bonds have enabled eight pioneering councils to raise millions for green projects, while engaging with and empowering local residents. This toolkit aims to make the issuance process easier to understand for councils exploring a local climate bond.” The GFI’s newly released toolkit serves as a comprehensive resource for local authorities, offering guidance on the optimal issuance process and debunking common misconceptions. It also includes case studies from West Berkshire and Westminster, along with a technical FAQ to facilitate a smoother process for local authorities.
