Southwark launches UK's largest council community investment scheme for green projects

27 February 2024

Southwark Council is inviting residents and businesses to invest in green projects while earning a low-risk, fixed return in the first round of what will be the UK's largest council community investment scheme for green projects.

Southwark Green Investment, also known as a Community Municipal Investment, launched this week today to raise £6 million by 2030 across several raises. The first raise will look to raise £1 million, and offers an attractive low-risk, fixed 4.6% return for investors.

The first round of funding will go towards various climate friendly projects including the installation of cycle hangars, new LED street lighting, and green upgrades at schools and leisure centres.

From as little as £5, anyone can take part in Southwark Green Investment, regardless of residency. The investment offers fixed returns of 4.6% a year, over a five-year term, ensuring stability and predictability throughout the investment period.

Deputy Cabinet Member for Green Finance, Councillor Emily Hickson, said: "We’re taking urgent action in Southwark to tackle the climate emergency – but we know the scale of the challenge means we can’t do it alone. Southwark Green Investment presents an unprecedented opportunity for our community to contribute to a sustainable future while reaping financial benefits. By investing as little as £5, residents can help us hit our ambitious net-zero target and foster a greener, fairer, and safer Southwark."

The process will be managed by Abundance Investment on behalf of Southwark Council, a leading platform facilitating ethical and sustainable investments.

Returns on investments will be distributed biannually into investors' Abundance accounts, offering flexibility to withdraw or reinvest funds as desired.

To invest in Southwark Green Investment, interested residents and businesses should head to https://www.abundanceinvestment.com/our-investments/councils/southwark-green-investment-1    

For more information and support, please visit the Abundance help centre, email support@abundanceinvestment.com, or call 0203 475 8666.

Notes to editors

Capital at risk. Investments are long term and may not be readily realisable. This content has been approved as a financial promotion by Abundance who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (525432).

Holding investments in an IFISA does not reduce the risk of the investment or protect you from losses. You can still lose all your money. It only means that any potential gains from your investment will be tax free. The tax treatment of your investment will depend on your individual circumstances and may change in the future.

Southwark Green Investment, which is a loan, is Green Loan Principles compliant and is being issued under a Green Finance Framework. This is a voluntary standard which sets out how Southwark Council intends to manage its green local authority securities in the future, and outlines how they will meet the Green Loan Principles. This assures investors that funds raised can only be used to help them deliver on eligible green projects from within this framework, and Abundance will monitor the use of funds across the investment term to ensure the principles are being adhered to.

Page last updated: 01 March 2024