Nine consecutive raises have exceeded their maximums, more than $3.0 million has been raised cumulatively from investors in Connecticut and across the country 

Hartford, CT (August 13, 2024) – CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, successfully closed their eleventh Green Liberty offering, surpassing its maximum raise amount for the ninth consecutive time. To allow for more investors to participate in this innovative and certified green investment opportunity, this was the fifth offering that featured an increased maximum raise limit of $350,000.  This is the ninth consecutive offering to exceed the maximum. In total, more than $3.0 million has been raised from Connecticut citizens and nationwide investors in support of small businesses improving their energy efficiency and reducing their energy costs. The campaign is made possible in partnership with Raise Green, an award-winning online marketplace for impact investing.  

Green Liberty Notes, which are offered quarterly, can be purchased through the Raise Green online platform without a broker, with a minimum investment of just $100. To date, more than 60% of original investments have been $1,000 or less, and more than half of the investors have been Connecticut residents. In total, individuals from 35 states have invested in Green Liberty Notes. 

Investments in the Green Liberty offering support Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, which enables small businesses in Connecticut to reduce their energy costs through efficiency upgrades and zero-interest loans. The Connecticut Green Bank and Amalgamated Bank (America’s largest B Corp bank) recently celebrated the purchase of more than $100M of SBEA loans, driving environmental benefits and economic growth in local restaurants, town halls, community organizations, and more. 

As a result of the climate benefits associated with the SBEA program, this Green Liberty offering has been reviewed and designated a Green Bond by Kestrel, a leading provider of external reviews for green, social and sustainability bond transactions and a Climate Bonds Initiative Approved Verifier. 

“We are proud of the success of the Green Liberty Notes which support small businesses all over Connecticut and give citizens across the country the opportunity to invest in the clean energy transition and to help in the fight against climate change. With only $100 required to participate, and with this program offered quarterly, the ability to invest in the green economy is now available to everyone!” said Bert Hunter, EVP and Chief Investment Officer of the Connecticut Green Bank. The next quarterly offering of Green Liberty Notes is being planned for October.    

For more information about this investment opportunity, please visit invest.ctgreenbank.com.

With investments starting at $100, the 11th offering makes energy efficiency upgrades more accessible for small businesses and organizations  

Hartford, CT (July 9, 2024)—CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, announced the launch of its award-winning 11th offering today. The crowdfunding campaign, now in its third year, is made possible by Raise Green, an online marketplace for impact investing.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to continue making much-needed energy efficiency upgrades more accessible to small businesses and organizations across Connecticut,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank. “Our 11th Green Liberty Notes offering will help bolster Connecticut’s clean energy transition and support the state’s local economy. By investing, you’re not just making a financial choice; you’re helping to build a more resilient future for our communities.”

Investments in the Green Liberty offering support Eversource’s SBEA program, which enables small businesses in Connecticut to lower their energy expenses through efficiency enhancements and interest-free loans. Due to the climate benefits associated with the SBEA program, Kestrel has reviewed and verified this Green Liberty offering for its environmental attributes. The Green Bank’s partnership with Amalgamated Bank has deployed over $100 million of private capital into the SBEA program.

Notes may be purchased through the Raise Green online platform  without a broker, starting with a $100 minimum. The previous Green Liberty offering was the eighth consecutive offer to surpass its maximum limit for a raised amount, so interested investors are encouraged to act quickly.

Featuring a low minimum investment, a short one-year term, and an easy online purchase process, Green Liberty offerings were created to be accessible to nearly anyone who wants to invest. In total, more than $2.7 million has been raised from Connecticut citizens and buyers from 35 states nationwide. Over 60% of original investments have been $1,000 or less, with more than half of the investors being Connecticut residents.

Investors from the seventh round of Green Liberty Notes (now reaching the end of its term) can reinvest their principal and interest in this latest offering. Anyone who invested in the seventh round and invests in this offering, either by reinvesting their principal and interest or by investing a different amount, will receive an interest rate “boost” as a thank-you for their early support of the Green Liberty Notes.

The Connecticut Green Bank was recognized by the Clean Energy States Alliance with the 2024 State Leadership in Clean Energy (SLICE) Award for its leadership, innovation, and effectiveness in advancing clean energy technologies through the Green Liberty Notes.

“We are deeply honored to receive CESA’s prestigious State Leadership in Clean Energy award for our Green Liberty Notes Program,” said David Beech, Senior Manager of Clean Energy Finance, who accepted the Award on behalf of the Green Bank at CESA’s annual meeting.  “This award is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team and partners who are committed to advancing clean energy solutions and making them more accessible.”

For more information about this investment opportunity, please visit invest.ctgreenbank.com.

June 26, 2024, Montpelier, VT – The Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), a national nonprofit coalition of public agencies working together to advance clean energy, is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2024 State Leadership in Clean Energy Awards. Since 2009, the biennial Leadership Awards have recognized outstanding state programs and projects that have accelerated the adoption of clean energy technologies. The four winners were chosen by an independent panel of distinguished judges and were evaluated based on leadership, innovation, cost-effectiveness, and replicability.

“The Clean Energy States Alliance was founded on the principle that states are the driving force behind this country’s clean energy transformation,” said CESA Executive Director Warren Leon. “CESA’s State Leadership in Clean Energy Awards recognize state innovation and accomplishments and share best practices so that creative programs in one state can spread to others.”

This year’s awards were presented in Chicago, IL on June 3 to the Connecticut Green Bank for its Green Liberty Notes Program. This program was developed following the Green Bank’s highly successful Green Liberty Bonds The Notes program provides small-dollar investors with the opportunity to support and benefit from clean energy development. It is the first one-year maturity designated green bond offered via a crowdfunding campaign, with an easy online process that doesn’t involve a broker. Investments start at $100 and are capped at $25,000, with priority given to smaller investments.

This innovation makes it possible for everyone, regardless of income, to invest in Connecticut’s clean energy transition. Like other savings instruments, such as certificates of deposit, a competitive market rate of interest is paid at maturity (the previous offering was between 5-5½ percent). To date, more than $2 million in investment has been raised through the notes to support energy efficiency retrofits for small businesses. According to the judges: “The Connecticut Green Bank’s Green Liberty Notes Program is innovative and opens the rewards of the clean energy economy to a new community, extending the benefits so everyone can participate. The threshold to entry is low and the return on investment is good. Other states could adopt this highly replicable and cost-effective program.”

The other three winners were the California Energy Commission (CEC), the Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), and Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC).

The five judges who donated their time to assess the programs nominated by state agencies across the country were Michael Brower, Clean Energy Venture Group; Greg Dierkers, U.S. Department of Energy; Deb Perry, International City/County Management Association (ICMA); Autumn Proudlove, North Carolina Clean Energy Technology Center; and Joan White, Solar Energy Industries Association. While CESA appreciates the time and expertise provided by the judges to this process, the judges’ participation in no way implies their respective organizations’ endorsements of these programs.

In July, CESA will release a report on the State Leadership in Clean Energy Award (SLICE) winners that will highlight each of these programs with a case study. The report will be posted on CESA’s website at https://www.cesa.org/projects/state-leadership-in-clean-energy/2024-awards. This webpage will also contain information and registration links for a webinar series featuring the program managers of these exemplary programs. The webinars, which will take place in the summer and fall of 2024, will be free to attend and open to the public.

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About the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) 
The Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA) is a leading US coalition of state energy agencies working together to advance the rapid expansion of clean energy technologies and bring the benefits of clean energy to all. Established in 2002, CESA is a national, member-supported nonprofit that works to develop and implement effective clean energy policies and programs. CESA’s members include many of the nation’s most innovative, successful, and influential implementers of clean energy policies. CESA facilitates the expansion of state clean energy policies by championing renewable energy, pioneering energy storage solutions, promoting energy equity, and enhancing resilience. For more than two decades, CESA has played a pivotal role in transitioning the US towards accessible, sustainable, clean energy solutions. Learn more at www.cesa.org.

10th offering supports energy efficiency upgrades for small businesses and organizations with investments starting at $100.

Hartford, CT (April 16, 2024) – CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, announced the opening of its 10th offering today. The crowdfunding campaign is in its third year and is made possible with Raise Green, an online marketplace for impact investing. In addition to the next round of Notes, the Connecticut Green Bank and Amalgamated Bank are celebrating the purchase of more than $100M of Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) loans, driving environmental benefits and economic growth in local restaurants, town halls, community organizations, and more.

“We’re thrilled to launch yet another round of Green Liberty Notes in time to celebrate Earth Day and empower local residents to support Connecticut’s clean energy transition,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank. “This is a significant milestone in our work to bolster small businesses and organizations across the state and improve the local economy. We encourage those looking to join our fight against climate change and make a difference in your community to consider investing.”

Investments made in the Green Liberty offering contribute to Eversource’s SBEA program, enabling small businesses in Connecticut to lower their energy expenses through efficiency enhancements and interest-free loans. Due to the climate benefits associated with the SBEA program, this Green Liberty offering has been reviewed and verified for its environmental attributes by Kestrel. The Green Bank’s partnership with Amalgamated Bank has deployed over $100 million of private capital into the SBEA program.

Notes may be purchased through the Raise Green online platform without a broker, starting with a $100 minimum. The previous Green Liberty offering was the seventh consecutive offer to surpass its maximum limit for raised amount, so interested investors are encouraged to act quickly.

Featuring a low minimum investment, a short one-year term and easy online purchase process, Green Liberty offerings were created to be accessible to nearly anyone who wants to invest. In total, more than $2 million has been raised from Connecticut citizens and buyers from 35 states nationwide. Over 60% of original investments have been $1,000 or less, with more than half of the investors being Connecticut residents.

Investors from the sixth round of Green Liberty Notes (now reaching the end of its term) can reinvest their principal and interest in this latest offering. Anyone who invested in the sixth round and invests in this offering, either by reinvesting their principal and interest or by investing a different amount, will receive an interest rate “boost” as a thank-you for their early support of the Green Liberty Notes.

For more information about this investment opportunity, please visit invest.ctgreenbank.com.

Featuring an increased maximum raise limit, investment opportunity exceeds 125% of target, becomes seventh consecutive sell out

Hartford, CT (Feb. 23, 2024) – CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, successfully closed their ninth Green Liberty offering, surpassing its maximum raise amount. To allow for more investors to participate in this innovative and certified green investment opportunity, this was the third offering that featured an increased maximum raise limit of $350,000. This is the seventh consecutive offering to exceed the maximum. In total, more than $2 million has been raised from Connecticut citizens and nationwide investors in support of small businesses improving their energy efficiency and reducing their energy costs. The campaign is made possible in partnership with Raise Green, an award-winning online marketplace for impact investing.

Green Liberty Notes, which are offered quarterly, can be purchased through an online platform without a broker, with a minimum investment of just $100. To date, more than 60% of original investments have been $1,000 or less, and more than half of the investors have been Connecticut residents. In total, individuals from 35 states have invested in Green Liberty Notes.

Investments in the Green Liberty offering support Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, which enables small businesses in Connecticut to reduce their energy costs through efficiency upgrades and zero-interest loans. 

As a result of the climate benefits associated with the SBEA program, this Green Liberty offering has been reviewed and designated a Green Bond by Kestrel.

Sign up for notifications if you are interested in a future offering.

Board approved increases support Governor Lamont’s goals for carbon-free grid and cost savings for businesses and towns

Hartford, CT (Feb. 6, 2024) – The Connecticut Green Bank recently more than doubled the allocation of funding to support the continued growth of commercial-scale solar photovoltaic (PV) projects for businesses, towns, schools, non-profits and state agencies. Originally approved in 2020 at $49.5 million, the allocation was increased to $110 million due to the ongoing, demonstrated need for flexible capital for commercial, municipal and state customers seeking to use solar energy to reduce their costs as well as take advantage of new opportunities created through the Inflation Reduction Act.

In this increased authority, $50 million is dedicated to solar at businesses, towns, and schools. To date, this facility has been used for $30 million in capital for over 100 solar projects totaling 25 megawatts (MW) of capacity across the state under solar power purchase agreements (PPAs). Some of these projects are generating savings for manufacturers, schools, nonprofits, and important tourist destinations like Mystic Aquarium.

“The increased need for funding reflects the success of the State’s Non-Residential Energy Solutions (NRES) program and the increase in federal incentives that are enabling more investment in and deployment of clean energy in our communities. Businesses, schools, and towns are looking for relief from higher energy costs and protecting themselves against grid outages,” said Bert Hunter, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer at the Green Bank. “At the same time, these projects help achieve the Governor’s goal to achieve a zero-carbon electric grid by 2040.”

Additionally, there is growing interest in pairing solar with storage which creates on-site energy burden reduction and greater resilience while bringing benefits to all ratepayers through peak demand reduction through the passive and active dispatch of these batteries to the grid.

Also approved was an increase to funding for State projects under the Green Bank’s Solar Marketplace Assistance Program (MAP), which has helped state properties and municipalities navigate the process of going solar. Through Solar MAP, the Green Bank assists in site feasibility analysis, incentive procurement, and facilitating a procurement process for development and construction. To date, Solar MAP has successfully helped install 4.5 MW of solar, including projects at schools in Portland, Manchester, and Branford. The Green Bank’s Board of Directors expanded funding authority from $20 to $60 million to enable 26 projects totaling over 17 MW of capacity across several state agencies, with a majority of these projects destined for the Department of Corrections, Department of Transportation, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and CT Technical Education and Career System (CTECS). The CTECS solar projects will include job shadowing by students for these community projects.

Flagship programs for families and businesses reach milestones, while legislative expansion to environmental infrastructure continues 

Hartford, CT (Jan. 15, 2024) – The Connecticut Green Bank’s recently released annual report for fiscal year 2023 revealed that for each $1 of public investment, $6.70 of private investment is attracted into our communities. Through this leverage ratio, a hallmark of the green bank model, more than 69,000 families and businesses are benefiting from the growing green economy to lower the burden of their energy costs. Since the Connecticut Green Bank’s inception through the bipartisan legislation in July 2011, more than $2.43 billion of investment has been mobilized into the State’s green economy through its programs and partnerships.

Additionally, this investment generates millions of dollars in tax revenues, supports the creation of thousands of job-years, and reduces greenhouse gas emissions which benefits public health through cleaner air. The Green Bank is making steady progress to ensure that by 2025 no less than 40 percent of investment and impacts from our programs benefit vulnerable communities that are disproportionately harmed by the effects of climate change.

“The Green Bank continues to build upon what we’ve learned over the last dozen years as the green economy in Connecticut gains momentum,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Green Bank. “We are committed to sharing our data and stories through reports like this annual report and our extensive Annual Comprehensive Financial Report because we understand the value of partnerships and people working together to achieve our vision of a planet protected by the love of humanity. Reducing energy costs, improving resiliency, and supporting economic growth are the ways we move forward.”

Some highlights of the fiscal year 2023 include:

• Program milestones reached. This year, two of the Green Bank’s flagship programs, the Smart-E Loan and C-PACE (Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy), celebrated their 10-year milestones. Both programs continue to evolve to offer financing solutions to meet the changing needs of residential and commercial customers.
• Public investment grows. Through quarterly Green Liberty investment offerings, more than $1.25 million has been raised from local and national investors interested in supporting the Small Business Energy Advantage program.
• Solar MAP leads municipalities into savings. The first municipalities to complete the Solar MAP process, Manchester and Portland, are projected to see significant energy savings at their schools and facilities.
• Environmental infrastructure team expands. Building upon a legislative mandate expanding the green bank model into the areas of agriculture, parks and recreation, water, waste and recycling, and land conservation, a management team is forming with the hiring of a Director of Infrastructure Programs.

To access the FY23 report, please visit https://www.ctgreenbank.com/strategy-impact/reporting-and-transparency/ or https://www.ctgreenbank.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/Connecticut-Green-Bank-Annual-Report-2023.pdf

Building upon six consecutive sold-out issuances, Connecticut Green Bank launches ninth Green Liberty offering with Raise Green; investments start as low as $100 and support small business energy efficiency

Hartford, CT (January 11, 2024) – CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, proudly opened its ninth Green Liberty offering today. The crowdfunding campaign is entering its third year and is made possible with Raise Green, an online marketplace for impact investing. Connecticut residents and citizens nationwide can begin working toward their sustainability-focused New Year's resolutions by supporting small business energy efficiency upgrades through this offering to invest in local restaurants, town halls, community organizations, and more.

"As we enter 2024, recent reports have projected the world will cross the 1.5 degrees Celsius warming threshold this decade if we continue to burn fossil fuels at the current rate," said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank. "Energy efficiency is one significant way to curb carbon emissions and confront climate change. If you're looking for ways to join the fight this year, a Green Liberty investment is an affordable option that will earn you a competitive return on investment."

Investments in the Green Liberty offering support Eversource's Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, which enables small businesses in Connecticut to reduce their energy costs through efficiency upgrades and zero-interest loans. As a result of the climate benefits associated with the SBEA program, this Green Liberty offering has been reviewed and verified for its environmental attributes by Kestrel. The Green Bank’s partnership with Amalgamated Bank has deployed $100 million of private capital into the SBEA program.

Notes may be purchased through the Raise Green online platform without a broker, with a $100 minimum. The previous Green Liberty offering was the sixth consecutive offer to surpass its maximum limit for raised amount, so interested investors are encouraged to act quickly.

Featuring a low minimum investment, a short term, and easy online purchase, Green Liberty offerings were created to be accessible to nearly anyone who wants to invest. More than 60% of original investments have been $1,000 or less, with buyers from 35 states nationwide, and more than half of the investors have been Connecticut residents. 

"We've raised over $1.8 million through our first eight offerings and are encouraged by the consistent increase in demand for the notes. This was shown during our last offering, which featured an increased maximum raise limit and exceeded that goal," said Garcia.

Investors from the fifth round of Green Liberty Notes (now reaching the end of its term) can reinvest their principal and interest in this latest offering. Anyone who invested in the fifth round and invests in this offering, either by reinvesting their principal and interest or by investing a different amount, will receive an interest rate “boost” as a thank-you for their early support of the Green Liberty Notes.

For more information about this investment opportunity, please visit invest.ctgreenbank.com.

Featuring an increased maximum raise limit, investment opportunity exceeds 100% of target for sixth consecutive time

Hartford, CT (Nov. 3, 2023) – CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, successfully closed their eighth Green Liberty offering, surpassing its maximum raise amount. To allow for more investors to participate in this innovative and certified green investment opportunity, this was the second offering that featured an increased maximum raise limit of $350,000. This is the sixth consecutive offering to exceed the maximum. In total, more than $1.8 million has been raised from Connecticut citizens and nationwide investors in support of small businesses improving their energy efficiency and reducing their energy costs. The campaign is made possible in partnership with Raise Green, an award-winning online marketplace for impact investing.

Green Liberty Notes, which are offered quarterly, can be purchased through an online platform without a broker, with a $100 minimum. To date, more than 60% of original investments have been $1,000 or less, with buyers from 35 states around the nation and more than half of the investors have been Connecticut residents.

Investments in the Green Liberty offering support Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, which enables small businesses in Connecticut to reduce their energy costs through efficiency upgrades and zero-interest loans. 

As a result of the climate benefits associated with the SBEA program, this Green Liberty offering has been reviewed and verified for its environmental attributes by Kestrel.

Sign up for notifications on this site to receive email updates when the next offering is open.

Communities-First Coalition Expands Its Capacity to Deliver on EPA Goal of Addressing Climate Crisis Among Those Most Impacted

(Washington, D.C./October 19, 2023)—The Justice Climate Fund (JCF) has added five new members to its Board of Directors, representing three organizations: Connecticut (CT) Green Bank, ImpactAssets, and the Housing Partnership Network (HPN). The additions strengthen the nonprofit’s ability to ensure those who have been left behind and are most impacted by climate change benefit as the United States works to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions through the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) National Clean Investment Fund (NCIF) competitive grant program.

JCF submitted its application to the program last week.

“Our expanding Board embodies our commitment to bringing transformative environmental and socioeconomic change to low-income and disadvantaged communities,” said Lenwood V. Long Sr., President and CEO of the  African American Alliance of CDFI CEOs  and JCF Board Chair. "The wisdom and dedication of our board members are more than just invaluable; they are critical. We’re not just tackling climate issues; we are fervently fighting for our shared vision of a greener, just future where every individual’s worth is recognized, regardless of their zip code.”

New board members Bert Hunter, Margret Trilli, Ivy Duke, Dan Skaff, and Robin Hughes bring decades of expertise ranging from green financing and lending, impact investing, and making housing affordable. The combined leadership of the Board will steer JCF to effectively deploy capital and resources for improved health, security, and quality of life in communities across the country, particularly those historically underserved.

“Our green bank model changed the government subsidy-driven approach to clean energy by working with community-based lenders and private-sector investors to create accessible, low-cost, and long-term sustainable financing to maximize the use of public funds,” said Bert Hunter, Chief Investment Officer of Connecticut Green Bank and new JCF Board member.

He added that “our partnership with JCF and its vast network of community lenders will be transformative for our efforts to further reduce energy burdens and increase energy security for families and businesses here in Connecticut and across the country, while creating jobs and making all of our communities healthier as we reduce emissions of GHGs that are contributing to global climate change. This is an exceptional opportunity for all of us to reach every community and accelerate investment at scale.”

Since its formation in 2011, CT Green Bank has successfully mobilized nearly $2.5  billion in investments into the state’s green economy using $360 million in public funds.

“It is an incredible honor to join the JCF Board as we work to ensure a just and livable future for all our nation’s communities,” said Margret Trilli, ImpactAssets CEO and Chief Investment Officer and new JCF Board member. “The ImpactAssets team is pleased to partner with JCF to direct capital to the projects and communities where it is most urgently needed, and we look forward to bringing our unwavering focus on climate and equity solutions to this most important work of our time.”

A leading impact investment firm recognized for its innovative approach to philanthropy and investing, ImpactAssets has the robust investment and operational infrastructure to support JCF’s strategy of leveraging private capital and investments to address GHG reduction and transform communities. Now in its second decade, ImpactAssets manages more than $3 billion in assets invested in impactful projects, companies and funds advancing climate and equity solutions.

Joining Trilli on the JCF Board from ImpactAssets are General Counsel Ivy Wafford Duke and Board Member Dan Skaff. Wafford Duke brings over 30 years of risk, compliance and legal experience, including expertise in general corporate law, risk, corporate governance and regulatory compliance functions.  Skaff, who is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Radicle Impact as well as former CEO of Beneficial State Bank, brings deep experience in financial services and business building.

“Our practitioner-led network of developers, owners, and lenders and national community lending and investment partners will shape and share the best and most successful practices and green financing tools,” said Robin Hughes, President and CEO of HPN and new JCF Board member. “As with my colleagues on the JCF Board, we are committed to effectively connecting capital resources with shovel-ready projects to produce and preserve affordable housing in qualified communities across the country.”

HPN’s Housing Sustainability Collaborative, comprised of the nation’s leading Community Development Financial Institutions, nonprofit syndicators and affordable housing developers, will merge financing products and programs with cutting-edge climate solutions.

In addition to the NCIF program, JCF has applied to the EPA’s Clean Communities Investment Accelerator program.

Washington, DC (October 6, 2023)- The Board of Directors of the Coalition for Green Capital (CGC) today elected Bryan Garcia as the new Board Chairman. Mr. Garcia joined the board in 2021 and has served as President and CEO of Connecticut Green Bank for over a decade. Garcia was program director for the Yale Center for Business and the Environment and developed a global program responsible for preparing environmental leaders for business and society.

Reed Hundt, former Chair and CGC’s current CEO said, “Bryan Garcia’s leadership and experience throughout the green bank movement will contribute to our success as a national green bank and result in significant clean energy benefits for everyone. I speak for the whole board and I am sure all our sub-awardees and partners in expressing gratitude to Bryan for taking on this role.”

Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank, and newly elected Chair of CGC said, “I am grateful to Reed, and honored by the Board of Directors of CGC, for electing me to serve in this capacity as we look ahead to advancing the green bank model to every community across our country. At this important moment in our country, our collective efforts to confront climate change can only be met with our actions to mobilize investment into our low-income and disadvantaged communities.”

Lonnie Reed, Chair of the Connecticut Green Bank and former Co-Chair of the Energy and Technology Committee of the Connecticut General Assembly. “When we created the Connecticut Green Bank, we needed an entity focused on attracting private investment into the ambitious bipartisan public policies we were advancing. Bryan built an amazing team of people committed to that mission. I have every confidence that in his new role as Chair of CGC, Bryan will bring that same successful sense of purpose to the whole country.”

Roger Dower, CGC Board Member, Lead Independent Director, and Former President of the Johnson Foundation at Wingspread said "Bryan is the right person for the job. Throughout the summer, Bryan worked tirelessly alongside the CGC team, board of directors, partners, and members of the American Green Bank Consortium to improve the governance structure and prepare the organization to become the national green bank.”

The Connecticut Green Bank is a member of the American Green Bank Consortium and a partner alongside hundreds of community organizations and lenders in support of CGC’s applications to the EPA’s Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund which will be filed on Thursday, October 12, 2023.

In partnership with Raise Green, investments start as low as $100

Hartford, CT – CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, proudly launches its eighth Green Liberty offering today. The crowdfunding campaign is made possible with Raise Green, an award-winning online marketplace for impact investing. Through this offering, Connecticut residents and citizens nationwide can support small businesses in improving their energy efficiency and reducing energy costs.

"We are pleased to see demand for these notes continually increasing, as demonstrated earlier this summer when we surpassed the maximum raise of $350,000 during our seventh offering. We've raised over $1.5 million through the seven offerings to date, which helps small businesses reduce energy costs and allows our investors to earn a competitive return while being great environmental stewards," said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank. 

Notes may be purchased through the online platform without a broker, with a $100 minimum. The previous Green Liberty offering was the fifth consecutive offer to surpass its maximum raised amount, so interested investors are encouraged to act quickly. To date, 60% of investments have been $1,000 or less, with buyers from 35 states nationwide, and more than half of the investors have been Connecticut residents. 

Investors from the fourth round of Green Liberty Notes (which is now reaching the end of its term) can reinvest their principal and interest in this latest offering. Anyone who invested in the fourth and invests in this offering, either by reinvesting their principal and interest or by investing a different amount, will receive an interest rate increase as a thank-you for their early support of the Green Liberty Notes.

Investments in the Green Liberty offering support Eversource's Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, which enables small businesses in Connecticut to reduce their energy costs through efficiency upgrades and zero-interest loans. 

As a result of the climate benefits associated with the SBEA program, this Green Liberty offering has been reviewed and verified for its environmental attributes by Kestrel.

For more information about the investment opportunity, please visit invest.ctgreenbank.com.

Featuring an increased maximum raise limit, investment opportunity exceeds 100% of target for fifth consecutive time 

Hartford, CT (Aug. 10, 2023) – CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, successfully closed their seventh Green Liberty offering, surpassing its maximum raise amount. To allow for more investors to participate in this innovative and certified green investment opportunity, the maximum offering limit was increased from $250,000 to $350,000 with the seventh offering. This is the fifth consecutive offering to exceed the maximum. In total, more than $1.5 million has been raised from Connecticut citizens and nationwide investors in support of small businesses improving their energy efficiency and reducing their energy costs. The campaign is made possible in partnership with Raise Green, an award-winning online marketplace for impact investing.

Green Liberty Notes, which are offered quarterly, can be purchased through an online platform without a broker, with a $100 minimum. To date, more than 60% of original investments have been $1,000 or less, with buyers from 35 states around the nation and more than half of the investors have been Connecticut residents.

Investments in the Green Liberty offering support Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, which enables small businesses in Connecticut to reduce their energy costs through efficiency upgrades and zero-interest loans. 

As a result of the climate benefits associated with the SBEA program, this Green Liberty offering has been reviewed and verified for its environmental attributes by Kestrel.

For more information about the investment opportunity, please visit invest.ctgreenbank.com.

With investments as low as $100, more and more citizens are helping combat climate changeand supporting small business energy upgrades in Connecticut

Hartford, CT (May 31, 2023) – CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, recently closed their sixth Green Liberty offering, which surpassed its maximum raise amount. This is the fourth consecutive offering to exceed the maximum. In total, more than $1.25 million has been raised from Connecticut citizens and nationwide investors in support of small businesses improving their energy efficiency and reducing their energy costs. The crowdfunding campaign is made possible in partnership with Raise Green, an award-winning online marketplace for impact investing.

Green Liberty Notes, which are offered quarterly, can be purchased through an online platform without a broker, with a $100 minimum. To date, 67% of investments have been $1,000 or less, with buyers from 35 states around the nation and more than half of the investors have been Connecticut residents. 

Investments in the Green Liberty offering support Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, which enables small businesses in Connecticut to reduce their energy costs through efficiency upgrades and zero-interest loans. 

As a result of the climate benefits associated with the SBEA program, this Green Liberty offering has been reviewed and verified for its environmental attributes by Kestrel.

Through Raise Green's award-winning online platform, anyone can invest as low as $100 to help combat climate change and support small business energy upgrades in Connecticut

Hartford, CT (April 17, 2023) – CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, proudly launches its sixth Green Liberty offering today. The crowdfunding campaign is made possible in partnership with Raise Green, an award-winning online marketplace for impact investing. Connecticut residents and citizens nationwide can invest as little as $100 to support small businesses improving their energy efficiency and reducing energy costs through this offering.

"We’re encouraged to see the demand for Green Liberty Notes increasing, with the last three offerings selling out and most of the investors being from our home state in Connecticut. So far, through our five offerings, we’ve raised more than $1 million, which will be used to support small businesses in the state as they look to make energy efficiency upgrades, reduce energy costs, and help address the harmful impacts of climate change,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank.

Notes are easy to purchase through an online platform without a broker, with a $100 minimum. The previous offering reached and surpassed its maximum raise in less than a week, so interested investors are encouraged to act quickly.  To date, 67% of the investments have been $1,000 or less, and more than half of the investors have been Connecticut residents.

Investors from the second round of Green Liberty Notes in April 2022 can reinvest their principal and interest in this latest offering. Anyone who invested in the second round and invests in this offering, either by reinvesting their principal and interest or by investing a different amount, will receive an interest rate increase as a thank-you for their early support of the Green Liberty Notes.

Investments in the Green Liberty offering support Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, which enables small businesses in Connecticut to reduce their energy costs through efficiency upgrades and zero-interest loans.

As a result of the climate benefits associated with the SBEA program, this Green Liberty offering has been reviewed and verified for its environmental attributes by Kestrel Verifiers.

For more information about the investment opportunity, please visit https://invest.raisegreen.com/offering/ctgreenbank6/details

Demand to invest in Green Liberty Notes offered with as little as $100 through Raise Green’s award-winning online platform surpasses $368,000

Hartford, CT (February 10, 2023) – CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, announces the closing of their fifth Green Liberty offering, which far-exceeded the maximum raise amount of $250,000 in less than one week (total investment demand surpassed $368,000). The crowdfunding campaign has been made possible in partnership with Raise Green, an award-winning online marketplace for impact investing. In total, more than $1 million has been raised from Connecticut residents and citizens nationwide who are able to invest as little as $100 to support small businesses improving their energy efficiency and reducing energy costs.

“We are pleased to see increasing demand for these offerings. This is the third consecutive offering that has sold out, and this one was over-subscribed by more than $100,000,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Green Bank. “We were also encouraged by the continued show of support from previous investors, and an influx of new investors wanting to earn a competitive return while helping confront climate change through energy efficiency assistance to small businesses.”

Notes are easy to purchase through an online platform without a broker, with $100 minimums. For this latest offering, more than 60% of accepted investments were $1,000 or less, and more than 60% of the investors have been Connecticut residents.

Investments in the Green Liberty offering support Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, which enables small businesses in Connecticut to reduce their energy costs through efficiency upgrades and zero interest loans.

As a result of the climate benefits associated with the SBEA program, this Green Liberty offering has been reviewed and verified for its environmental attributes by Kestrel Verifiers.

Using Raise Green’s award-winning online platform, anyone can invest as low as $100 to support small business energy efficiency in Connecticut and help confront climate change

Hartford, CT (January 10, 2023) – CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, proudly launches their fifth Green Liberty offering, a crowdfunding campaign made possible in partnership with Raise Green, an award-winning online marketplace for impact investing. Through this offering, Connecticut residents and citizens nationwide can invest as little as $100 to support small businesses improving their energy efficiency and reducing energy costs.

“Through four offerings in 2022, we have raised more than $800,000, primarily from investors here in Connecticut. The last two offerings were sold out and the number of investors across the country continues to grow. We are encouraging citizens to learn about the opportunity to make a difference and earn a competitive return on their money,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Green Bank.

Notes are easy to purchase through an online platform without a broker, with $100 minimums. To date, 67% of the investments made have been $1,000 or less, and more than half of the investors have been Connecticut residents.

New to this offering, the Green Bank is proud to offer investors from the first round of Green Liberty Notes in January 2022 the opportunity to reinvest their principal and interest in this offering. Anyone who invested in the first round and who invests in this offering, either by reinvesting their principal and interest or by investing a different amount, will receive an interest rate increase as a thank you for their early support of the Green Liberty Notes.

Investments in the Green Liberty offering support Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, which enables small businesses in Connecticut to reduce their energy costs through efficiency upgrades and zero interest loans.

As a result of the climate benefits associated with the SBEA program, this Green Liberty offering has been reviewed and verified for its environmental attributes by Kestrel Verifiers.

For more information about the investment opportunity, please visit https://invest.raisegreen.com/offering/ct-greenbank-5-debt-note/details.

Offerings provide an opportunity for citizens to invest as little as $100 to support Green Bank’s mission to confront climate change through Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage Program

Hartford, CT (October 31, 2022) – CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, has closed four crowdfunded investment offerings this year, successfully raising more than $800,000. This offering was the second consecutive sell-out, with investor demand exceeding the maximum investment goal of $250,000. The Green Liberty Notes allow citizens to invest in the Green Bank’s mission to confront climate change with as little as $100. These offerings are made possible through a partnership with Raise Green, a climate tech marketplace for local impact investing. 

“With the first year of Green Liberty Notes offerings in the books, we are pleased to see repeat investors and familiar names support this cause, as well as a growing number of new investors with each offering,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Green Bank. 

The Green Liberty Note was created as an investment companion to the award-winning Green Liberty Bonds, which have been offered in $1,000 minimums to retail and institutional investors through brokerage firms. To attract more investors, the Notes program offers one-year maturity notes, with $100 minimums, that are easy to purchase through an online platform without a broker. To date, the majority of the investments made have been in increments of $1,000 or less.   

The latest offering’s coupon, which is set with each new issuance, is 3.50%. Future issuances are anticipated quarterly, with four expected in 2023.

Investment by everyday citizens in Green Liberty Notes supports Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, administered through the Conservation and Load Management Plan, which helps small businesses reduce their energy consumption by investing in energy efficient lighting and equipment. As a result of the climate benefits associated with this program, the offering was reviewed and verified for its environmental attributes by Kestrel Verifiers.

Sign up for notifications of future issuances on this site.

Join us on Thursday, Oct. 20 at 12 pm ET as we provide an update on Green Bank programs and solutions for homes, buildings, and investments. Topics will include potential implications of the Inflation Reduction Act, update on Energy Storage Solutions, news on C-PACE, Green Liberty Notes and more.  

Register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/8922226123542594575

Offering through Raise Green’s crowdfunding platform allows anyone the opportunity to invest as low as $100 to support small business energy efficiency in Connecticut and help confront climate change

Hartford, CT (Sept. 30, 2022) – CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, proudly launches their fourth Green Liberty offering, a crowdfunding campaign made possible in partnership with Raise Green, a social and environmental marketplace for impact investing. Through this offering, Connecticut residents and citizens nationwide can invest as little as $100 to support small businesses improving their energy efficiency and reducing energy costs.

“Our first three offerings have raised more than $560,000 this year from investors across the country, with a majority from here in Connecticut. Building upon our successful summer offering, which was completely sold out, we are excited to see more and more citizens getting involved and earning a competitive return on their money,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Green Bank.

Notes are easy to purchase through an online platform without a broker, with $100 minimums. To date, 71% of the investments made have been $1,000 or less, and more than half of the investors have been Connecticut residents.

Investments in the Green Liberty offering support Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, which enables small businesses in Connecticut to reduce their energy costs through efficiency upgrades and zero interest loans.

As a result of the climate benefits associated with the SBEA program, this Green Liberty offering has been reviewed and verified for its environmental attributes by Kestrel Verifiers.

For more information about the investment opportunity, please visit https://invest.raisegreen.com/offering/ct-greenbank-4-debt-note/details

Position will lead development of new program that expands Green Bank’s mission beyond clean energy

HARTFORD, Conn. – The Connecticut Green Bank, the nation’s first state-level green bank, seeks an entrepreneurial leader to serve as its first Director of Environmental Infrastructure Programs to develop and implement a new business unit of the organization and transform public and private investment in environmental infrastructure. The creation of this leadership role builds upon the Green Bank’s decade of success as a leader in the climate change fight and applies the green bank model to new areas of environmental infrastructure, related to climate adaptation and resiliency, land conservation, parks and recreation, agriculture, water, waste and recycling, and environmental markets, including carbon offsets and ecosystem services. This model extension was the result of the bipartisan passage of Governor Lamont’s House Bill 6441 in June 2021.

“Over the last year, our team has been meeting with key stakeholders to discuss environmental infrastructure, gathering information about their existing policies, programs, resources, and goals, as we create a comprehensive plan for addressing these subsectors,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank. “Those conversations have helped us define the qualifications, experience, skills, and personality of the candidates we want to consider for this important new role. The ideal candidate could have a background in finance, policy, or environmental sciences.”

The Director will be tasked with designing, implementing, and overseeing new programs to raise revenues to deploy environmental infrastructure in the state with a focus on decarbonization and climate resilience. With the recent passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, and its inclusion of the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, alongside the Green Bank’s ability to issue 50-year Green Liberty Bonds for environmental infrastructure, the incoming Director will have resources to mobilize private investment in Connecticut’s growing green economy.  A core goal of this position is ensuring increased investment in vulnerable communities, including a focus on Community Reinvestment Act eligible and environmental justice communities.  The Green Bank has established a goal of directing no less than 40 percent of investment and benefits from its programs into vulnerable communities that are disproportionately impacted by the effects of climate change by 2025.

For more information about the position, please visit https://ctgreenbank.applicantpro.com/jobs/2531572.html.

Offerings provide an opportunity for citizens to invest as little as $100 to support Green Bank’s mission to confront climate change through Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage Program

Hartford, CT (August 12, 2022) – CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, has closed their summer crowdfunding investment offering, successfully bringing their total raise to $565,835 this year. Building upon offerings in January and May, this unique investment opportunity was the most successful yet, exceeding the maximum investment goal of $250,000. The Green Liberty Notes allow citizens to invest in the Green Bank’s mission to confront climate change with as little as $100. These offerings are made possible through a partnership with Raise Green, a regulation climate tech marketplace for local impact investing.

“Our Green Liberty Notes program continues to grow as more investors learn of the opportunity to support the mission of the Green Bank for as little as $100 while earning a competitive return,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Green Bank. 

The Green Liberty Note was created as an investment companion to the award-winning Green Liberty Bonds, which have been offered in $1,000 minimums to retail and institutional investors through brokerage firms. To attract more investors, the Notes program offers one-year maturity notes, with $100 minimums, that are easy to purchase through an online platform without a broker. To date, 71% of the investments made have been $1,000 or less.   

The latest offering’s coupon, which is set with each new issuance, is 2.50%. Future issuances are anticipated quarterly, with fall and end of year offerings in the works.

“Meeting and surpassing our maximum target raise with our third offering shows that the demand for green investment continues to grow, as was the case with our Green Liberty Bonds,” said Bert Hunter, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of the Green Bank. “These notes are a great option for anyone seeking diversification in their portfolio or a local connection to their investment that earns a safe, competitive return while helping small business to become more energy efficient.”

Investment by everyday citizens in Green Liberty Notes supports Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, administered through the Conservation and Load Management Plan, which helps small businesses reduce their energy consumption through deploying energy efficient equipment. As a result of the climate benefits associated with this program, the offering was reviewed and verified for its environmental attributes by Kestrel Verifiers.

Future offerings are planned to open quarterly.

Two upcoming webinars:

Join Raise Green for a virtual Investor Day on July 28, 12 pm ET/9am PT. Hear from frontline climate defenders, including the Green Bank, about their fight against climate change. Learn about the latest investment opportunities on the Raise Green Marketplace from the founders of these impactful companies. Register Here 

Join us on August 3 at 12 pm ET as we provide an update webinar on Green Bank programs and solutions for homes, buildings, and investments. Topics will include Energy Storage Solutions, C-PACE for new construction, commercial solar options, Smart-E summer special offer, Green Liberty Notes and more.

Register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7317503194730911246

Offering provides an opportunity for anyone to invest as low as $100 to support small business energy efficiency in Connecticut and help confront climate change

Hartford, CT (July 8, 2022) – CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, proudly announces their third Green Liberty offering, a crowdfunding campaign launched in partnership with Raise Green, a social and environmental marketplace for impact investing. Through this offering, Connecticut residents and citizens nationwide can invest as little as $100 to support small businesses improving their energy efficiency and reducing energy costs.

“With two successful offerings already this year, we continue to see strong interest in this investment opportunity,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Green Bank. “The low investment minimum is designed to encourage people to get involved. We know that inflation and other economic concerns are weighing on folks across the country, however, many still want to help make a difference and combat climate change. Our offerings allow people to know their investment aligns with their values while earning a competitive return.”

Investments in the Green Liberty offering support Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, which enables small businesses in Connecticut to reduce their energy costs through efficiency upgrades and zero interest loans.

As a result of the climate benefits associated with the SBEA program, this Green Liberty offering has been reviewed and verified for its environmental attributes by Kestrel Verifiers.

For more information about the investment opportunity, please visit www.greenlibertynotes.com.

Green Liberty Bond program wins for “interesting, innovative, and highly creative way to generate revenue for clean energy projects.”

Hartford, CT (June 8, 2022) – The Connecticut Green Bank was honored as a recipient of the 2022 State Leadership in Clean Energy Awards for its Green Liberty Bond program from the Clean Energy States Alliance (CESA), a national nonprofit coalition of public agencies working together to advance clean energy. Since 2009, the biennial Leadership Awards have recognized outstanding state programs and projects that have accelerated the adoption of clean energy technologies. The six winners were chosen by an independent panel of judges, and were evaluated based on leadership, innovation, cost-effectiveness, and replicability.

“States across the country have been taking strong and creative action to expand the use of clean energy,” said CESA Executive Director Warren Leon.  “These award winners highlight the important, innovative, and diverse ways that states are moving clean energy forward.”

Modelled after the War Bonds of the 1940s, Green Liberty Bonds are purchased by individual investors in lower-dollar denominations (the bonds are offered in $1,000 increments), enabling people to directly participate in the green economy and earn a return on their investment. The proceeds of Green Liberty Bonds are invested in projects that confront climate change in Connecticut. According to the judges: “This program is an interesting, innovative, and highly creative way to generate revenue for clean energy projects.”

“We submitted the Green Liberty Bond program for SLICE Award consideration because of the Bonds innovative revenue structure, their accessibility to retail and institutional investors, their replicability, and their overall success in 2020 and 2021,” said Bert Hunter, Chief Investment Officer of the Connecticut Green Bank. “We are honored to be recognized by CESA, and add the Green Liberty Bonds to the list of our programs that have earned this acknowledgement.”

The first issuance of the Green Liberty Bonds in July 2020 sold nearly $17 million, and the second issuance in May 2021 sold nearly $25 million with over $98 million of orders placed from a broad array of investors, including retail investors across the United States. Both bonds are Climate Bond Certified and rated “A+” by S&P. The bonds are backed by a unique revenue stream created by the sale of Solar Home Renewable Energy Credits (SHRECs), which are generated by solar panels on homes.

The Green Bank was also a SLICE Award winner in 2018 for the Solar for All program, in 2016 for the CT Solar Lease Commercial PPA program, and in 2014 for its C-PACE program.

This year’s awards were presented at a reception in Washington, DC on June 7. Other recipients were the California Energy Commission, Maryland Energy Administration, New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and New York State Homes and Community Renewal (HCR), Oregon Department of Energy, and the Washington Dept. of Commerce – Energy Office.

The judges who donated their time to assess the programs nominated by state agencies across the country were from World Resources Institute, Energy Foundation, Union of Concerned Scientists, Vote Solar, and the McKnight Foundation. The judges’ participation in this process in no way connotes their respective organizations’ endorsements of these programs. 

In July, CESA will release a report on the State Leadership in Clean Energy Award (SLICE) winners that will include case studies of the programs. The report will be posted on CESA’s website at https://www.cesa.org/projects/state-leadership-in-clean-energy/2022-awards/. This webpage also contains information and registration links for a webinar series highlighting these exemplary programs. The webinars, which will take place in the summer and fall of 2022, will be free to attend and open to the public.

Offering provided an opportunity for citizens to invest as little as $100 to support Green Bank’s mission to confront climate change through Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage Program

Hartford, CT (May 18, 2022) – CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, has closed their spring crowdfunding investment offering, successfully bringing their total raise to $303,635 this year. This offering is the second-of-its-kind, continuing the success of a January offering, made possible through a partnership with Raise Green, a regulation climate tech marketplace for local impact investing. The Green Liberty Notes allow citizens to invest in the Green Bank’s mission to confront climate change with as little as $100.

“In total, we have raised more than $300,000 from everyday people who want to support our mission and small business energy efficiency, using lower minimum investments,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Green Bank. 

The Green Liberty Note was created as an investment companion to Green Liberty Bonds, which have been offered in $1,000 minimums to retail and institutional investors through brokerage firms. To attract more investors, the Notes program offers one-year maturity notes, with $100 minimums, that are easy to purchase through an online platform without a broker. To date, 86 investments of $1,000 or less have been made.   

The latest offering’s coupon, which is set with each new issuance, was 1.50%. Future issuances are anticipated quarterly, with summer and fall offerings in the works.

“With a rate on par or better than a comparable term certificate of deposit, and much better than a traditional savings account, we are encouraging investors to add a Green Liberty Note to their portfolio because it earns a solid return and makes a difference for small businesses making their operations more energy efficient,” said Bert Hunter, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of the Green Bank.   

Investment by everyday citizens in Green Liberty Notes supports Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, administered through the Conservation and Load Management Plan, which helps small businesses reduce their energy consumption through deploying energy efficient equipment. As a result of the climate benefits associated with this program, the offering was reviewed and verified for its environmental attributes by Kestrel Verifiers.

Please sign up for notifications on this website to stay connected when future offerings open.

As Earth Month ends and Small Business Week begins, we want to remind you that even the smallest actions to confront climate change can help make an impact. 

We currently have an investment offering on the Raise Green Marketplace, where you can take meaningful action, that supports energy efficiency for small businesses, for as little as $100. Earn more than bank rates and make a difference. 

Learn more at www.greenlibertynotes.com or join Raise Green’s Investor Day webinar, May 10 at 12 pm ET to hear from us and other climate defenders.

Invest with us as we tackle this existential threat.

In celebration of Earth Day, we invite you to read 52 tips on how to invest in our planet from the Earth Day Network.  (https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-tips/)). Another way is to invest in our Green Liberty offering, available at  www.greenlibertynotes.com

CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, proudly announces their second   Green Liberty offering, a crowdfunding campaign launched in partnership with Raise Green, a social and environmental marketplace for impact investing. This offering builds upon the success of a similar offering in January that allowed citizens to invest in the Green Bank’s mission to confront climate change with as little as $100. 

“We were encouraged by the interest in our first Green Liberty offering, which reached 180% of our target in a month,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Green Bank. “Through lower investment minimums, more everyday people are empowered to help us combat climate change and earn a return on their money by supporting energy efficiency for small businesses. Raise Green’s crowdfunding platform makes investing accessible to residents in Connecticut and across the country. In our first offering, we had investors representing 25 states, motivated to make a difference. Our second offering is a great way to mark Earth Month and celebrate the 52nd Earth Day.”

Investments in the Green Liberty offering support Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, which enables small businesses in Connecticut to reduce their energy costs through efficiency upgrades and zero interest loans.

As a result of the climate benefits associated with the SBEA program, the Green Liberty offering has been reviewed and verified for its environmental attributes by Kestrel Verifiers.

Learn more at   www.greenlibertynotes.com.

Fiscal year 2021 annual report highlights 10 years of cumulative success of nation’s first green bank

Hartford, CT (Feb. 14, 2022) – In fiscal year 2021, the Connecticut Green Bank exceeded $2 billion of cumulative investment in the state’s green economy, according to the Green Bank’s recently released annual report. Since July 2011, the Green Bank has mobilized $288.4 million in public dollars to attract $1.85 billion in private investment, a leverage ratio of $7.40 for every $1.

Industry is well-positioned for growth, according to state’s second Clean Energy Industry Report from the Joint Committee of the Energy Efficiency Board and the Connecticut Green Bank Board of Directors

Hartford, CT (Jan. 24, 2022) – Connecticut’s clean energy industry has remained resilient and is positioned for future growth, despite the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the recently released 2021 Connecticut Clean Energy Industry Report. This report highlights that Connecticut’s clean energy economy was more resilient than other states in the region and the nation overall. Total clean energy employment in Connecticut declined by only six percent in 2020 to 41,488 jobs; compared to a nationwide energy employment decrease of nine percent and neighboring state declines ranging from seven to 16 percent.

A webinar presenting the report’s findings to press, industry partners, and other stakeholders will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 2, from 12 to 1 pm. To register for the webinar, visit https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1737419007598298123.

“The pandemic required the energy efficiency industry to reimagine how to conduct business safely in Connecticut. I am proud of the quick and meaningful actions taken by DEEP, DECD, the Connecticut Green Bank, the Energy Efficiency Board, our clean energy contractors, and our utility program administrators, in close collaboration, placing Connecticut at the top of the pack regionally and nationally in preserving our critical clean energy workforce,” said Governor Ned Lamont.

“At a time when good paying jobs in a growth industry and continued efforts to combat the climate crisis are essential, this report demonstrates the resilience of our clean energy industry, supported by state initiatives such as EnergizeCT and CareerConneCT, and the potential to leverage federal ARPA and Bipartisan Infrastructure Act funding for further growth.”

With the majority of COVID-19 related job losses incurred in March through May 2020, the industry in Connecticut had steady, modest growth from June through December. Clean energy contributions to statewide Gross Regional Product (GRP) increased by two percent between 2019 and 2020, an overall increase of 14 percent since 2017. These GRP contributions totaled nearly $6.64 billion, almost three percent of the state’s GRP.

This is the second industry study produced by the Connecticut Green Bank, Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, Eversource, and United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas, subsidiaries of AVANGRID Inc., operating through the Joint Committee of the Energy Efficiency Board (EEB) and the Connecticut Green Bank Board of Directors.

“Reducing the negative impact of the pandemic on our clean energy industry required significant collaboration between government, industry and key stakeholders,” said Neil Beup, EEB chair. “Through these conversations and efforts, Connecticut was able to preserve much of the progress made by the clean energy sector over the last decade while maintaining a positive outlook for the future.”

Based on analysis from BW Research, employment in this report is broken out into five major technology sectors and clean energy-specific sub-technologies. The major clean energy sectors are: energy efficiency; clean energy generation; alternative transportation; clean grid and storage; and clean fuels.

Some other highlights include:

• Throughout 2020, clean energy employment losses in Connecticut were lower compared to the overall statewide economy, the national clean energy labor market, and other clean energy economies in the Northeast, like Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
• The number of firms conducting alternative transportation and clean grid and storage work increased between 2019 and 2020.
• Alternative transportation firms grew in 2020 by nearly seven percent, led by job growth in the hybrid electric and electric vehicle sub-sectors.
• Finding qualified workers continued to be an obstacle for firms in 2020, with fewer firms hiring, and more firms indicating difficulty hiring.
• The clean energy workforce became more diverse in 2020, as the proportion of Hispanic/Latinx and Black/African American workers grew.

“This report delivers the good news that Connecticut is providing Clean Energy companies with the encouragement they need to remain robust and resilient through tough times. Despite the downturn triggered by the pandemic, Connecticut’s clean energy industry is suffering fewer job loses than the national average and their business leadership is staying positive and innovative,” said Lonnie Reed, Chair of the Connecticut Green Bank. “Continued support from state leaders combined with new policies and programs launching in 2022 will help grow the industry, reduce the energy burden on vulnerable communities and strengthen our ability to confront climate change.” 

The report also highlighted the ongoing need for more workers in the industry.

“While many firms were not hiring, those that were faced difficulty filling open positions,” said Brenda Watson, Chair of the Joint Committee of the Energy Efficiency Board and the Connecticut Green Bank and Executive Director of Operation Fuel. “The clean energy industry is helping our families and businesses reduce energy costs while creating well-paying jobs. We must work with many community-based organizations, to not only widen the jobs funnel, but develop a clear pathway for Hispanic, Black and women workers to increase their presence in the industry.”

To access the full report, please www.ctgreenbank.com/2021-CT-Clean-Energy-Industry-Report. To register for the webinar presenting the report’s findings on Wednesday, Feb. 2, from 12 to 1 pm, visit https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1737419007598298123.

About Energize CT and the Joint Committee:

Energize CT is an initiative of the Energy Efficiency Fund, the Connecticut Green Bank, the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP), United Illuminating, Southern Connecticut Gas and Connecticut Natural Gas, subsidiaries of AVANGRID Inc., and Eversource, with funding from a charge on customer energy bills. Learn more at www.energizect.com.

Joint Committee

Pursuant to Section 16-245m(d)(2) of the Connecticut General Statutes, the Joint Committee shall examine opportunities to coordinate programs and activities contained in the plan developed under Section 16-245n(c) (i.e., Comprehensive Plan of the Green Bank) with the programs and activities contained in the plan developed under Section 16-245m(d)(1) (i.e., Conservation and Load Management Plan), and to provide financing to increase the benefits of programs funded by the plan developed under Section 16-245m(d)(1) so as to reduce the long-term cost, environmental impacts, and security risks of energy in the state.

To support the Joint Committee, the following is a principal statement to guide its activities: The Energy Efficiency Board and the Connecticut Green Bank have a shared goal to implement state energy policy throughout all sectors and populations of Connecticut with continuous innovation towards greater leveraging of ratepayer funds and a uniformly positive customer experience.

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Offering provided an opportunity for citizens to support Green Bank’s mission to confront climate change through investment in Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage Program

Hartford, CT (Jan. 24, 2022) – CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, has closed their first crowdfunding investment offering, successfully raising 180% of its target ($180,000) in a month. This first-of-its-kind offering was launched on Dec. 14, 2021, in partnership with Raise Green, a regulation climate tech marketplace for local impact investing. The Green Liberty Notes allowed citizens to invest in the Green Bank’s mission to confront climate change with as little as $100.

“It has become part of our mission to create investment opportunities for everyday people, allowing them to help directly combat climate change, through offerings with lower investment minimums,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Green Bank.  “We are excited by the public reception of our first Notes offering, both from families in Connecticut to citizens across 24 other states who are supporting energy efficiency projects for small businesses across Connecticut.”

This initial offering of one-year maturity 1% coupon notes received an average investment of $1,600 and 75% of investments were $1,000 or less. Future issuances of Green Liberty Notes are expected every three months.

“For several years now, the Green Bank has been expanding its distribution channels to reach a broad cross section of investors – from the most sophisticated institutional ESG investors to everyday retail investors. This digital channel through the Raise Green crowdfunding platform is another innovation we’re using to bring access to our investment portfolio to even small-dollar investors across the USA,” said Bert Hunter, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of the Green Bank

Green Liberty Notes support Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, administered through the Conservation and Load Management Plan. As a result of the climate benefits associated with this program, the offering has been reviewed and verified for its environmental attributes by Kestrel Verifiers.

To sign up for notifications about future offerings, please visit invest.ctgreenbank.com.

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Offering provides an opportunity for citizens to support Green Bank’s mission to confront climate change through investment in Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage Program

Hartford, CT (Dec. 15, 2021) – CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, proudly announces their new Green Liberty offering, a crowdfunding campaign launched in partnership with Raise Green, a regulation climate tech marketplace for local impact investing. This new program allows citizens to invest in the Green Bank’s mission to confront climate change. The Green Liberty offering will support Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, administered through the Conservation and Load Management Plan.

As a result of the climate benefits associated with this program, the offering has been reviewed and verified for its environmental attributes by Kestrel Verifiers.

“Climate change is an existential threat, and massive amounts of capital investment are needed to help combat its effects,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Green Bank. “To grow our impact, we need investment support from everyday people – from families in Connecticut to citizens across the country.”

The SBEA program enables small businesses to reduce their energy costs by making energy efficiency upgrades in their office, shops, restaurants, and factories, using zero interest loans. Participants in the SBEA program can borrow up to $100,000 to address these measures at zero interest and repay their financing on their electric bills. In 2019, the Green Bank closed on a financing structure that brought cheaper capital from the market to the program, thereby reducing the ratepayers’ subsidy, by lowering the cost of the capital in the program through a public-private partnership between the Green Bank and Amalgamated Bank.

“Millions of people are alarmed about the climate crisis and are looking for something they can do to make a difference. Taking direct action on the climate crisis can be as simple as investing a few hundred dollars into climate solutions,” said Franz Hochstrasser CEO and Co-Founder of Raise Green. “With Raise Green, we make it easy to invest in climate solutions so everyone can take direct action on the climate crisis and help make real climate projects happen.”

For more information about the crowdfunding opportunity, please visit www.greenlibertynotes.com

Annually, the Green Bank releases a report that shows the impact of our deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency to families, businesses, and our communities. This impact is categorized in terms of economic development, environmental protection, equity, and energy. To see our data from FY 2012 through FY 2021, please our Societal Impacts page and click on the FY21 Impact Report.

In a recent episode of ESG Insider: A Podcast by S&P Global, they explored the role that green banks can play in closing the funding gap between the amount of investment needed to make the climate transition happen and what is occuring today.  In the episode, they interview Reed Hundt, co-founder, chairman and CEO of the Coalition for Green Capital, which has helped organize a number of green banks and is pressing the U.S. Congress to create a federal green bank, and Connecticut Green Bank President and CEO Bryan Garcia.

In a recent opinion piece published by Newsweek, Mark Sommer and Michael H. Shuman discussed the revolution in local investment through smaller denominations, and how this is helping combat climate change.  Michael H. Shuman is an economist, attorney, entrepreneur, adjunct professor at Bard Business School and author; Mark Sommer is an award-winning syndicated print and broadcast media journalist.

Successfully proving the impact of the Green Bank model for a decade, recent scope expansion led by Governor Lamont approved through bipartisan legislative action

Hartford, CT (July 7, 2021) – The Connecticut Green Bank is marking ten years of its model successfully enabling progress towards its goal of confronting climate change by mobilizing private investment into the state’s green economy. The Green Bank’s model demonstrates how the smart investment of public funds can mobilize more private investment in the state’s economy. Over the last decade, the Green Bank and its partners have deployed nearly $2.3 billion in capital for clean energy projects across the state. Projects recorded through FY 2020 show that for every $1 of public funds committed by the Green Bank that nearly an additional $8 in private investment occurred in the economy. As a result, Green Bank supported projects have created thousands of jobs in our communities, reduced the energy burden on thousands of families and businesses, avoided millions of tons of greenhouse gas emissions, and facilitated rapid growth in the deployment of clean energy.

Established on July 1, 2011, by Governor Dannel Malloy and the General Assembly, the Connecticut Green Bank was the first of its kind in the United States. While the landscape of the green economy has changed significantly, Connecticut continues to serve as the model for other green banks, as well as proposals on the national level.

“As we mark our 10th anniversary, we are motivated by the leadership and commitment from Governor Lamont and the continued support of the Legislature, demonstrated by the recent expansion of our mission,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank. “This is an endorsement of the green bank model, which has successfully invested public resources to mobilize multiples of private capital investment into our green economy over the last decade. Since a similar need exists regarding private investment into modernizing Connecticut’s environmental infrastructure, we look forward to taking on this new role.”

Some recent Connecticut Green Bank program highlights include:

• More support for commercial businesses and nonprofits. Connecticut’s Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program surpassed $217 million in clean energy investment. This supported more than 345 closed projects and will provide an estimated lifetime energy cost savings of over $300 million.
• Growing the green bond market for retail investors. In 2019, the Green Bank issued its first rated debt issuance and the first ever solar asset-backed security (ABS) transaction by a green bank. This $38.6 million issuance received two honors at Environmental Finance’s 2020 Bond Awards (winner for Innovation – Green Bond Structure, and winner Asset-Backed or Asset-Based Bond). In 2020, the first issuance of $17 million in Green Liberty Bonds, lower-dollar denomination climate-certified bonds available for retail and institutional buyers, sold out in two days. This issuance earned The Bond Buyer’s Deal of the Year award in the Innovative Financing category. In 2021, a second issuance of $25 million in Bonds also sold out, drawing more than four times as much demand as could be fulfilled from retail investors in Connecticut and across the U.S., as well as institutional investors interested in sustainability investments.
• Reaching solar parity. In 2012, the Green Bank launched the Residential Solar Investment Program (RSIP) to make rooftop solar installations more affordable by providing Connecticut homeowners with rebates and performance-based incentives (PBI) designed to lower initial out-of-pocket costs, and easy access to affordable capital to finance such installations. In 2015, an observed income disparity in solar adoption was addressed through the creation of special incentives and financing for low- and moderate-income households, which accelerated solar adoption in these communities. Today, Connecticut is known as a “solar with justice” state as solar adoption is at parity for low- and moderate-income (LMI) residents versus non-LMI households and beyond parity for communities of color (i.e., Black and Hispanic families). Overall, RSIP has helped more than 45,700 households to date add solar as the achievement of the statutory target of 350 MW is approached.
• Helping homeowners reduce energy costs. Through the Smart-E loan and our partnership with local lenders including credit unions and community banks, more than 5,400 households have been able to make energy saving upgrades to their homes, a total investment of nearly $100 million.
• New office. In late spring 2021, the Green Bank relocated its headquarters from Rocky Hill into the Atlantic Screw Works building in Hartford. Built in 1903, the site is now home to the CT Nonprofit Center as well as the Capewell Lofts Apartments. This new space allows the Green Bank to operate in a building that represents the values of its mission while providing an opportunity to work with the City of Hartford.
• Enhanced mission. In June 2021, with bipartisan support, Governor Lamont’s House Bill 6441, was passed and will extend the green bank model beyond clean energy to include environmental infrastructure. This increased scope will encompass structures, facilities, systems, services, and improvement projects related to water, waste and recycling, climate adaptation and resiliency, agriculture, land conservation, parks and recreation, and environmental markets such as carbon offsets and ecosystem services. A statutory requirement, the Green Bank will be developing a Comprehensive Plan over the next year to identify how its scope expansion can be supported through the issuance of bonds and accessing federal resources for environmental infrastructure. Watch the signing of this bill during a July 6, 2021, event at Jacob’s Beach in Guilford. 

For more information on Connecticut Green Bank’s programs visit website at www.ctgreenbank.com.

The Connecticut Green Bank proudly announces the July webinars in their 2021 “Promoting the Renewable Energy of Community” webinar series.

On Thursday, July 8, at 12 pm, the session will be “Energy Affordability: Obstacles & Solutions.” Energy affordability is a pressing issue, consistently affecting household budgets in Connecticut and the region. Join experts in breaking down programs and resources addressing high residential energy costs, obstacles that customers face in accessing solutions, and efforts to improve outcomes in Connecticut, including through empowerment initiatives in disadvantaged communities. 

On Thursday, July 22, at 12 pm, join the Green Bank and special guests for a webinar titled “History of Environmental Justice in America and the Frontlines of Climate Justice Today in Connecticut.” Keynote remarks will be presented by Deeohn Ferris, President of the Institute for Sustainable Communities, on the history of Executive Order 12898 “Federal Actions to Address Environmental Justice in Minority Populations and Low-Income Populations” signed by President Clinton on February 11, 1994. 

To register for these sessions or access recordings of previous sessions visit  https://www.ctgreenbank.com/2021webinarseries/.

Connecticut Green Bank’s lower-dollar denomination bond received strong support from individual buyers in Connecticut and across the country as well as from institutional buyers

Hartford, CT (April 23, 2021) – In celebration of the 51st Earth Day, the Connecticut Green Bank issued its second Green Liberty Bonds to retail and institutional investors, and sold out of nearly $25 million in bonds over two days. This builds upon a successful, award-winning 2020 issuance which sold nearly $17 million of bonds last July. With nearly $100 million in orders, demand this year was again greater than the supply of bonds could satisfy, showing the high-level of interest in supporting investment to confront climate change in Connecticut.

Retail investors were given priority during a one-day retail order period on Wednesday, April 21. Total retail orders received during this order period surpassed $20 million. With first priority given to Connecticut citizen investors, their orders for nearly $12 million of bonds were filled before approximately $9 million from national orders.  Institutional orders topped $77 million.

“The demand for the Earth Day 2021 issuance of the Green Liberty Bonds was so strong, that we had nearly four times as much demand as we had available. We saw incredible demand from retail investors in Connecticut and across the country, and enthusiastic institutional investors seeking to invest in confronting climate change in Connecticut,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Green Bank.

Individuals accounted for 57% of the retail orders with the balance from professionally managed retail accounts such as private wealth managers and bank trusts.

Institutional investors were able to place orders on April 22, and there was strong interest from a variety of traditional municipal investors and Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) investors attracted by the issuance’s strong climate bonds certification standards. The overall interest cost dropped to 2.42% from the 2.61% achieved for the inaugural bonds issued last July, notwithstanding a significant rise in longer term interest rates.

“In two years, the Green Bank has issued more than $80 million in verified climate bonds to support residential solar PV and energy efficiency in Connecticut. The overwhelming response by investors to our latest bond offering as well as the pricing achieved signifies broad acceptance of the Connecticut Green Bank as an issuer,” noted Bert Hunter, the Green Bank’s Chief Investment Officer.

The use of proceeds from this issuance supports incentives for nearly 7,000 households and 60 megawatts of residential solar photovoltaic systems, totaling nearly $220 million of investment in projects in 165 cities and towns across the state, which created over 2,100 jobs.

The Green Liberty Bonds were created in honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day – a type of green bond whose proceeds are used to invest in projects that confront climate change in Connecticut. Modelled after the Series-E War Bonds of the 1940s, the bonds must be able to be purchased by everyday citizens through lower-dollar denominations (no more than $1,000), enabling them to invest in green projects in their community and to save for the planet.

To offer the Green Liberty Bonds, the Green Bank worked with Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc. as lead underwriter, Ramirez & Co., Inc. as co-underwriter, Shipman & Goodwin LLP as bond counsel, Lamont Financial Services Corporation as financial advisor, and Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as trustee. The Green Liberty Bonds, state supported using a special capital reserve fund, received an A rating from Standard and Poor’s. They were labeled as “Certified Climate Bonds” by the Climate Bonds Initiative, and compliance of the bond’s issuance with the Climate Bonds Standards was verified by Kestrel Verifiers. Support from the staffs of the Office of the State Treasurer and of the Office of Policy and Management was also instrumental.

“The Green Liberty Bonds were a huge success with the investor community. Investors liked the credit and were also attracted by the opportunity to invest in Certified Climate Bonds,” said Eric McKean, Managing Director of Stifel.

Encouraged by these first two issuances, the Green Bank anticipates offering Green Liberty Bonds annually around Earth Day. To stay informed about future issuances, please sign up for notifications at www.greenlibertybonds.com.

About the Connecticut Green Bank

The Connecticut Green Bank was established by the Connecticut General Assembly in 2011 as the nation’s first green bank. The Green Bank’s mission is to confront climate change and provide all of society a healthier, more prosperous future by increasing and accelerating the flow of private capital into markets that energize the green economy. This is accomplished by leveraging limited public resources to scale-up and mobilize private capital investment into Connecticut. In 2017, the Connecticut Green Bank received the Innovations in American Government Award from the Harvard Kennedy School Ash Center for Democratic Governance and innovation for their “Sparking the Green Bank Movement” entry. For more information about the Connecticut Green Bank, please visit www.ctgreenbank.com

Disclaimer

This press release does not constitute a recommendation or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or other financial instrument, including Green Liberty Bonds, or to adopt any investment strategy. Any offer or solicitation with respect to Green Liberty Bonds will be made solely by means of the Preliminary Official Statement and Official Statement, which will describe the actual terms and conditions of the Green Liberty Bonds. The information provided is subject in all respects to the information presented in the complete Preliminary Official Statement prepared in connection with Green Liberty Bonds. Any investment decisions regarding any of the Green Liberty Bonds should only be made after a careful review of the complete Preliminary Official Statement.

The Cool Solutions podcast recently featured three stories about the power of community to raise and multiply funding for climate action.  1. A town taxes itself for free transit. 2. Communities crowdfund for composting (and more). 3. The Connecticut Green Bank spurs 400 MW of solar.  
 

Storytellers: Robert Pollin - Political Economy Research Institute; Clark Gilman - Mayor ProTem Olympia, WA; Ann Freeman Manzanares - InterCity Transit; Abe Salorio- Sustainable CT; and Bryan Garcia - Connecticut Green Ban

Building upon the success of the 2020 issuance, the Connecticut Green Bank’s lower-dollar denomination bond is designed to encourage individuals to invest to confront climate change; Webinar April 15

Hartford, CT (April 10, 2021) – The Connecticut Green Bank is proud to announce its 2021 Green Liberty Bond issuance, which is anticipated to be available to retail and institutional investors on or about April 21, 2021. Green Liberty Bonds are lower-dollar denomination bonds (offered in $1,000 increments), making it easier for individual investors to consider an investment. The bond proceeds will be independently certified as financing infrastructure projects with climate and environmental benefits that will help strengthen our state’s green energy economy and create much needed jobs.

This is the Green Bank’s second Green Liberty Bond release, and builds upon the success of the July 2020 issuance, which raised $16,795,000 from retail and institutional investors in Connecticut and across the country. Retail demand was so strong that the supply of bonds could not meet the interest of those seeking to invest.

“We were very pleased by the response to our 2020 issuance of Green Liberty Bonds. In the midst of a global pandemic with so much uncertainty, the support of this new sub-category of green bonds that helps confront climate change was overwhelming,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank. “We hope even more retail investors in Connecticut and nationwide are able to invest in green infrastructure with us this year.”

Retail investors’ orders will be given first priority. Investors must have an account with one of the brokerage firms participating in the bond sale, or with another firm that can place an order through a brokerage firm participating in the bond sale. Interested retail investors who do not have a brokerage account should contact lead bond underwriter Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc. or co-underwriter Ramirez & Co., Inc. to begin the process of opening a new account. Visit https://www.ctgreenbank.com/how-to-buy-green-liberty-bonds for their contact information.

To help inform residents about the Green Bank’s mission and programs, including the 2021 Green Liberty Bond, the Green Bank will host a webinar on Thursday, April 15 from 7 – 8 pm. (register here: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5920454914183848720). The Preliminary Official Statement, notifications and bond information can be found at www.greenlibertybonds.com.

Modeled after the World War II Series-E bonds, which were purchased by more than 80 million Americans, Green Liberty Bonds are an opportunity for investors to take on the shared challenge of climate change and green infrastructure investment through the purchase of bonds. In November 2020, the Green Liberty Bond was honored by The Bond Buyer as the winner of Deal of the Year in the Innovative Financing category.

Like the previous issuance, these Green Liberty Bonds are expected to be labeled “Certified Climate Bonds” by the Climate Bonds Initiative, and compliance of the bond’s issuance with the Climate Bonds Standards will be verified by Kestrel Verifiers.

Continuing our 2021 free webinar series Promoting the Renewable Energy of Community, we are pleased to announce our April webinars. 

• Clean Tech in CT: A Sandbox for Local Innovators (April 7, 12 - 1:30 pm EST)
• Financial Innovation: Ways to Invest in the Green Economy (April 12, 12 - 1 pm EST)
• Earth Day Conversation (April 22, 12 - 1 pm EST)

More information and registration links available here:  https://www.ctgreenbank.com/2021webinarseries/

The Connecticut Green Bank announces its 2021  “Promoting the Renewable Energy of Community” webinar series.  Over the next year, these webinars will feature Green Bank staff and special guests speaking on topics such as clean energy policy, financial innovation, social justice and cleantech advances. The webinar series involves Connecticut Innovations as a technology partner, and the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) as a regulatory partner exploring innovative regulatory structures to support the implementation of public policy.

The “Energy Trends and Transformations” webinar will start the series on Tuesday, March 2, from 12 to 1:30 pm. Katherine Hamilton, co-host of popular podcast The Energy Gang, will lead a conversation exploring the rapidly shifting U.S. policy and business landscape for clean energy, cleantech and climate. From the Biden Administration to Congress, attendees will learn what policy movements are underway, and what these changes mean for states and for clean energy project activity.

More information on the series and registration links can be found here: https://www.ctgreenbank.com/2021webinarseries/

Climate & Capital Media recently covered our 2020 Green Liberty Bond issuance in an article title "Tapping into World War II success for climate finance."  Read the article here.

The Connecticut Green Bank recently released its Fiscal Year 2020 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) (https://www.ctgreenbank.com/about-us/financial-statements/), which is compiled by the Green Bank's accounting team and audited by an external certified public accounting firm in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles.  The CAFR offers a deep dive into the financial performance of the Green Bank. The Green Bank also recently released its FY202 Annual Report (https://www.ctgreenbank.com/fy20-annual-report/), which provides updates on the programs, shares success stories and milestones, and offers a look at the impact of the inaugural Green Liberty Bond issuance in 2020.

November 10, 2020 — The Bond Buyer announced yesterday that the Connecticut Green Bank is among the recipients of its annual Deal of the Year awards as the winner in the Innovative Financing category for their 2020 Green Liberty Bond issuance.

For the second straight year, The Bond Buyer has named winners in 10 categories: five awards in our regional areas of coverage, along with five in additional categories. All award winners are also finalists for the national Deal of the Year Award, which will be announced at a virtual event to be held Dec. 16. This is the 19th year that The Bond Buyer has recognized outstanding achievement in municipal finance.

“This year’s lineup reflects the full range of communities and public purposes this market comprises,” said Mike Scarchilli, Editor in Chief of The Bond Buyer. “The deals honored exemplify the creativity and resourcefulness this industry brings to bear on projects that advance the infrastructure and quality of life in the nation’s municipalities. These qualities take on additional importance here in 2020, as issuers across the nation face unprecedented challenges.”

The Bond Buyer’s editorial board considered a range of factors when judging entries, including: creativity, the ability to pull a complex transaction together under challenging conditions, the ability to serve as a model for other financings, and the public purpose for which a deal’s proceeds were used.

“We are very excited and honored to be recognized by The Bond Buyer in the Innovative Financing category for 2020,” said Lonnie Reed, Chair of the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Green Bank. “Issuing our first Green Liberty Bond during the COVID-19 pandemic presented unique challenges, however, the response from retail investors in Connecticut and across the country was incredibly positive. The desire to invest in Green Liberty Bonds is strong because it is both great for the environment and great for the green energy economy.”

The Connecticut Green Bank’s $16.8 million issuance of “Green Liberty Bonds” is this year’s Innovative Financing winner. Modeled after the Series-E War Bonds of the 1940s, this new sub-category of green bonds is sold in maximum denominations of $1,000, making them accessible to everyday citizens and retail investors.

To see all the finalists, please visit The Bond Buyer’s announcement.

"Connecting capital to projects that reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions is at the core of our struggle against climate change," says Bryan Garcia, Green Bank president and CEO in a commentary published by The Bond Buyer.  The Green Liberty Bond was created with this goal in mind, and to allow retail investors and concerned citizens to put their dollars behind green projects.

In the Summer 2020 issue of Environmental Finance, Connecticut Green Bank President and CEO Bryan Garcia and Chief Investment Officer Bert Hunter discuss how Green Liberty Bonds "marry capitalism and civic virtue to help fund the state’s response to climate change."

Earlier this week, CSG EAST’s Energy and Environment Committee hosted a virtual discussion with officials at the Connecticut Green Bank, to learn about the first-ever lower denomination bond that is enabling citizens to invest in efforts to address climate change.

Green Liberty Bonds, offered in $1,000 denominations to individuals as well as institutional investors, are intended to fund projects that will further a number of broad societal goals as states work to decarbonize their energy systems, such as strengthening communities, promoting environmental justice and inclusivity, and advancing market transformation in green investing.

Connecticut Green Bank’s lower-dollar denomination bond received strong support from individual buyers in Connecticut and across the country as well as from institutional buyers

Earlier this month, the Connecticut Green Bank successfully sold-out of its inaugural Green Liberty Bond offering of $16,795,000 to retail and institutional investors in Connecticut and across the country. Demand was so strong that the supply of bonds could not meet the interest of those seeking to invest in Connecticut’s green economy.

Retail investors were given priority during a one-day retail order period on Tuesday, July 14. Total retail orders received during this order period surpassed $9.9 million. With first priority given to Connecticut citizen investors, their orders for nearly $5 million of bonds were filled before the national orders. Due to heavy volume of interest seeking the first two maturities, the Green Bank was only able to fill $1 million of the national retail order.

“When we conceived of the idea of the Green Liberty Bond, we wanted to develop a type of green investment that would enable everyday citizens to invest in confronting climate change,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank.  “Green bonds now have a new sub-category – a bond sold directly to the people the proceeds of which are independently certified as financing projects with climate and environmental benefits. We invite other issuers to use the Green Liberty Bond structure and help fulfill the demand of our American investors.”

Read more

Article from The Bond Buyer:

Connecticut Green Bank, the nation’s first state-level green bank, plans to launch its Green Liberty Bonds next week.

The Rocky Hill-based bank will offer $16 million of the state-supported solar home renewable energy credit to retail and institutional investors Tuesday and Wednesday, respectively…

Article from Renewable Energy World:

The state’s green bank hopes to inspire residents to help fund clean energy investments to combat climate change.

The Connecticut Green Bank is offering residents a new way to personally invest in projects that confront climate change: mini green bonds.

Article from PV Magazine covering the initial Green Liberty Bond issuance:

In an industry first, Connecticut Green Bank is launching a retail climate bond series in which all of the proceeds generated from the roughly $16.1 million issuance will support rooftop solar deployment in the state…

To encourage Americans to be active in the global clean energy movement to confront climate change and to provide a way for Connecticut residents to strengthen their state’s green economy, the Connecticut Green Bank will be launching a new sub-category of green bonds – the Green Liberty Bond. Green Liberty Bonds are lower-dollar denomination bonds available to individual investors, the proceeds of which will be independently certified as financing projects with climate and environmental benefits.

It is anticipated that retail investors will be able to place orders for the initial $16 million Green Liberty Bonds on or about July 14, 2020, with institutional investors able to place orders on the following day.

“We wanted to create a financial instrument that allows Americans to invest in the climate economy and the future they want to see,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank. “Through Green Liberty Bonds, residents can save for themselves and their families while supporting clean energy projects here in Connecticut that confront climate change. We envision a world empowered by the renewable energy of community, and by providing this investment opportunity in honor of the 50th anniversary of Earth Day, we are aligning investors with that vision.”

Modeled after the World War II Series-E bonds, which were purchased by more than 80 million Americans, Green Liberty Bonds are an opportunity for investors to take on the shared challenge of climate change through the purchase of bonds.

To launch the Green Liberty Bonds, the Green Bank is working with Ramirez & Co., Inc. as lead underwriter, Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Inc. as co-underwriter, Shipman & Goodwin LLP as bond counsel, Lamont Financial Services Corporation as financial advisor, and Bank of New York Mellon Trust Company, N.A. as trustee.

The Green Liberty Bonds are expected to be labeled “Certified Climate Bonds” by the Climate Bonds Initiative, and compliance of the bond’s issuance with the Climate Bonds Standards will be verified by Kestrel Verifiers.

“We are excited to be part of the issuance of this new type of green bond with a focus on bringing retail investors to the table,” said Brad Friedman, Senior Vice President, Ramirez & Co., Inc. 

While the Green Liberty Bond will be a new offering for the Connecticut Green Bank, the organization has previously issued three privately placed bonds, and the 2019 bond was recognized by Environmental Finance for innovative green bond of the year and green bond asset backed security of the year.

To help inform residents about the Green Bank’s mission and programs, including the Green Liberty Bond, Green Bank Board of Directors Chairwoman Lonnie Reed and Bryan Garcia will host two informational webinars: one on Thursday, July 2 from 12 – 1 pm, and one on Tuesday, July 7 from 7 – 8 pm. The Preliminary Official Statement, notifications and webinar registration information can be found at www.greenlibertybonds.com.

Disclaimer

This press release does not constitute a recommendation or an offer or solicitation for the purchase or sale of any security or other financial instrument, including the initial Green Liberty Bonds, or to adopt any investment strategy. Any offer or solicitation with respect to the initial Green Liberty Bonds will be made solely by means of the Preliminary Official Statement and Official Statement, which will describe the actual terms and conditions of the Green Liberty Bonds. The information provided is subject in all respects to the information presented in the complete Preliminary Official Statement prepared in connection with the initial Green Liberty Bonds. Any investment decisions regarding any of the Green Liberty Bonds should only be made after a careful review of the complete Preliminary Official Statement.

April 23, 2020 - The Bond Buyer recently interviewed Connecticut Green Bank President and CEO Bryan Garcia and Managing Director of Operations Eric Shrago about Green Liberty Bonds and the role this new subcategory of bond will play in expanding clean energy investment. These small-denomination retail-investor focused municipal bonds are modeled after the World War II Series E bonds, and the proceeds are independently certified to confront climate change.

Listen to The Bond Buyer podcast here.

When Environmental Finance’s 2020 Bond Awards winners were announced earlier this week, the Connecticut Green Bank was recognized with two honors:  the Award for Innovation – Green Bond Structure and the Award for Asset-Backed or Asset-Based Bond. These awards highlight the innovation and success of the Green Bank’s April 2019 $38.6 million in green asset backed securities, which was its first rated debt issuance, and the first ever solar asset-backed security (ABS) transaction by a green bank. The awards were judged by an independent panel comprising of 30 of the world’s largest green, social and sustainability bond investors.

IN AN INTERVIEW WITH CEFF, THE CONNECTICUT GREEN BANK (CGB) UNVEILED ITS PLANS to bring to market approximately $15 to $20 million of new $1,000 face value “Green Liberty Bonds.”

THE POTENTIAL BROAD APPEAL OF THE GREEN LIBERTY BONDS HINGES ON THEIR UNCOMMONLY LOW FACE VALUE – most municipal bonds are sold in minimum denominations of $5,000 rather than $1,000.

THE CGB HOPES THAT THE GREEN LIBERTY BONDS, IF BROADLY SUBSCRIBED IN CONNECTICUT, WILL ESTABLISH A PRECEDENT that encourages lawmakers to create a national green bond program analogous to the war bond programs of World War I and World War II.

As an August 2019 Forbes article points out, green bonds are a way to unlock financing to combat climate change.

Written for members of the investment community focused on energy efficient asset classes, this issue of the T-REX Trend Report uses Connecticut Green Bank’s landmark SHREC ABS deal to showcase how smart technology drives market transformation.

The Connecticut Green Bank has issued green Asset-Backed Securities consisting of $36.8 million in Solar Home Renewable Energy Credits (SHREC)Collateralized NotesSeries 2019-1 Class A and $1.8 million Series 2019-1 Notes, Class B. The financing is certified against the Climate Bonds Standard, providing investors with assurance of the deal’s green credentials. Verification against the Climate Bonds Standard was done by Kestrel Verifiers, a US-based company. Climate Action Reserve, a non-profit specializing in environmental impact assessment, provided an independent review of the beneficial impacts of the activities and programs financed with the securities. The Green Bank worked with RBC Capital Markets as their underwriter and sole book runner in this green bond transaction.

Connecticut is bucking a national trend of disparity when it comes to solar adoption among communities of color, according to figures released today by the Connecticut Green Bank. The rise is due to Green Bank’s successful efforts to make solar energy more accessible and affordable for homeowners in communities of color and low-to-moderate income (LMI) households by intentionally engaging these traditionally underserved communities.

The Connecticut Green Bank is pleased to announce the sale of $38.6 million investment-grade rated ABS notes. This innovative first-of-its-kind issuance monetizes the solar home renewable energy credits (SHRECs) generated through the Residential Solar Investment Program (RSIP). The sale was comprised of two tranches of SHRECs produced by more than 105 megawatts of 14,000 residential solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. The SHRECs were aggregated by the Green Bank and sold in annual tranches to Connecticut’s two investor-owned utilities, Eversource Energy and United Illuminating Company, at a fixed, predetermined price over 15 years. The funds raised through this sale will recover the costs of administering and managing the RSIP, including the incentives offered to residential participants in the program.