EDINBURGH GREEN INVESTMENT PROGRAMME
The city council has launched a new investment programme enabling residents and businesses to invest in projects that contribute to a healthier, inclusive and thriving city.
The new investment initiative will give residents and local businesses the opportunity to support projects that reduce climate damaging emissions, prepare for the impacts of climate change and help to protect nature.
The Council declared a climate emergency in 2019 and a nature emergency in 2023 reflecting the need for urgent and sustained action to reduce emissions and become a climate resilient and nature positive city.
Progress has already been made to make sure that Edinburgh is ready to cope with the challenges that a changing climate brings – the Climate Ready Edinburgh Plan and its associated Implementation Plan include the approach the Council is taking to adapt and respond at a local and regional level.
While open to anyone, the new investment programme will enable Edinburgh residents and businesses to be actively involved by investing in projects that contribute to a healthier, inclusive and thriving city to live, work and do business in.
Funds will be used to deliver nature-based projects across the capital to reduce emissions, improve access to nature, offer cooler spaces during heatwaves, reduce flood risk during heavy rainstorms, and boost biodiversity.
This investment phase will include tree planting and delivery of sustainable drainage systems such as rain gardens and rainwater planters in key parts of the city to prevent flooding.
The new investment programme, Edinburgh Green Investment, in partnership with Abundance Investment Ltd, encourages investment from a minimum of £5, with interest at a rate of 4.84%, paid every six months over the course of five years. The funding window will remain open until November 30 2026 or until the target of £1 million is reached.
Council Leader Jane Meagher said: “We’re already seeing the effects of a changing climate in Edinburgh with warmer and wetter weather causing damage to property, travel disruption, flooding and wildfires.
“When we declared a climate and nature emergency and set out our commitment to tackle the causes and consequences of a changing climate, we knew we couldn’t do it alone and would need the support of partner organisations, residents and businesses. It is encouraging that we are already making positive progress to make sure we’re prepared for the inevitable changes we face, but there’s more to do.
“I’m pleased that, alongside the projects and plans already in progress, our new investment initiative will enable our residents and businesses to play their part – helping to support the delivery of projects that will benefit the places where they live, work and visit. By working together, we can make a meaningful difference to ensure we’re ready to cope with a changing climate.”
