2021 Spring Newsletter
Metrics & New Projects
Since its launch in January 2020, the Platform has grown to include 21 projects and more than $2.3 billion in total project value.
Two recent project additions:
Performance Metrics
Participating projects report annual environmental performance data. These data are aggregated and posted on the Platform website.
In 2020, participating projects helped to make significant progress toward regional goals across the Platform’s five core performance metrics:
Project Spotlight: NYSERDA Residential Solar & Energy Efficiency Financing Green Revenue Bonds, Series 2020A
Energy is one of the the Platform’s four thematic focus areas. This theme features projects that aim to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. Projects include high-efficiency equipment and technologies, renewable energy generation, storage, incentives to reduce energy use and other opportunities.
The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) recently joined the Platform with its US$16,690,000 green bond. The Series 2020A Bonds are being issued to finance loans made by NYSERDA to fund the installation of energy efficiency improvements and the installation of solar electric systems in qualifying residential structures. The bonds will also fund a Reserve Fund and pay the costs of issuing the bonds.
Delivery Partner Spotlight: SOFIAC
SOFIAC recently joined the Platform’s growing list of Delivery Partners. Based in Montréal, Québec, SOFIAC helps businesses execute energy efficiency and infrastructure modernization projects – increasing energy performance and reducing operating costs and infrastructure capital needs.
Platform Delivery Partners are aligned organizations committed to a long-term collaboration toward shared goals.
Impact Opportunity
On February 16, 2021, the Platform hosted a webinar titled, “Going Green to Make Green: How Booming Global Demand for Sustainable Financial Products is Creating Huge Opportunities for the Great Lakes Region.”
Preparing a project to be “ready for financing” was a key take-away.
Lessons shared include:
- Demand - Understand who pays.
- Know the project pipeline.
- Develop specific and measurable impact goals in advance to maintain integrity.
- Focus on low transaction costs that help deliver financial returns.
- Identify finance and interest rate options.
- Mitigate risk.
Upcoming Webinar - Friday May 14, 2021
There is still time to register!
Green Bond Webinar: Friday May 14 at 2:00 p.m. EDT
Topic: GREEN BONDS - The unique opportunities in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Region.
Learn about "Labeled bonds". Hear from experts about national and global trends with green bonds as they answer these questions about green bonds:
- What are green bonds?
- What are the benefits?
- What are the requirements?
- What are the finance structure components?
- How do you report?
- What is the volume of green and vanilla bonds in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence region?
- What and where are the opportunities?
The session with close with a case study showcasing how the City of Toronto, Ontario successfully issued green bonds. Lessons learned will be shared.
Project Team
