Monday, May 12, 2025

Green Banks - A much needed push for suastinability


In the wake of increased Global-warming and environmental crises there is need of the hour and investments required in establishing financial institutions which will fund the environmental conservation, preservation and help in optimal utilization of resources.

So, fulfill this all around the world we can see increasing mobilization of resources.

What is Green Banks: The OECD (2016) defines a green investment bank as “a publicly capitalized entity established specifically to facilitate and attract private investment into domestic LCR [low-carbon and resilient] infrastructure and other green sectors such as water and waste management through different activities and interventions.”

Capitalisation sources of these banks: As of now these banks are funded by 70% from Government and 19% from Private capital.

Goals of Green Banks:

1.      Mobilize Private Capital

2.      Support Clean Energy

3.      Drive Down Costs

4.      Climate Impact

5.      Equity and Access


Focus areas of Green Banks

Green banks focus on accelerating the transition to a low-carbon economy by targeting sectors where clean technologies are commercially viable but underfunded due to market barriers. These includes,

1.      Renewable Energy

2.      Energy Efficiency

3.      Clean Transportation

4.      Green Buildings and Housing

5.      Climate Resilience and Adaptation

6.      Water and Waste Management

 

Which are the major Banks:

1.    United States: The New York Green Bank has mobilized over $1 billion in clean energy investments. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency awarded $20 billion in green bank grants to support clean energy projects nationwide.

2.  Australia: The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has utilized over a third of a $1 billion Household Energy Upgrades Fund to provide green loans for energy-efficient home upgrades.

3.      United Kingdom: The UK Green Investment Bank, established in 2012, has played a significant role in financing renewable energy projects.

 

Green Banking in India

India is exploring the establishment of a dedicated national green bank to bridge the financing gap in the renewable energy sector. The NITI Aayog is examining possible structures for such an institution, considering models like the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development.

All Green Banks have the mission to address climate change, though many also have additional objectives such as improving resiliency or serving low-income communities.

Green Banks make it easier to finance projects in new markets, geographies and technologies that otherwise couldn’t be built. This mean cheaper and cleaner energy for customers and more investment for private capital providers.

The world’s first green bank is widely recognized as the Connecticut Green Bank, established in 2011 in the United States.

There is a need for rapid expansion and establishment of new Green Banks across the world to finance the green initiatives, what you say?


For further reading:

What is a Green Bank - Coalition for Green Capital

Green Banks | US EPA

 


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