Green investments

At NCHA we have a far-reaching commitment to be sustainable; the new homes we build, the existing homes we improve and the communities we invest in. But one thing we don’t often talk about is our ‘green’ finances.

The way that we manage our money can have a huge impact on our people and our planet. So, aligning with our Sustainability Strategy, we’ve been making sure that we’re investing our funds in an ethical way.

£48million in ‘green deposits’

To build new affordable homes, we often take out big loans, like the recent £100m from the Affordable Homes Guarantee Scheme, and are faced with the decision of where to invest it until it’s needed.

Historically, this decision has been influenced by where we can secure the best interest rates. But recently, our finance experts have been looking at where our money can be placed to also make a positive impact on the planet.

These investments, known as sustainable or ‘green deposits’, are made to banks that promise not to invest our funds in environmentally damaging sectors, such as fossil fuels. Many invest directly in green initiatives such as energy efficiency for homes.

Darren Phillips, our Assistant Director of Finance, explained: “After thorough research on where our money can make the greatest positive impact, we’re pleased to currently be investing nearly £48m in green deposits.

“This money will help support things like renewable energy, clean transport and pollution prevention, until we’re ready to withdraw it to invest in building new homes.

“It’s a great opportunity to maximise the good that this money will do for our communities. This conscious decision to put NCHA’s cash funds into investment deposits that will fund environmentally friendly initiatives is all part of our continuing commitment to sustainability.”