We won’t accept polluted water, dangerous heat, and unpredictable energy costs as foregone conclusions in our communities—and our banks shouldn’t either. Instead, banks should work to enrich our communities with long-term, sustainable solutions that will improve residents’ health and welfare.
In its ruling against “Chevron deference” the Supreme Court has eroded the environmental and health protections we rely on.
“Low-income neighborhoods have lacked access to critical resources like healthy food for decades, and About Fresh aims to change that,” said Gina Foote, CLF’s Director of Impact Investment. “Supporting this small business with an innovative high impact investment has the potential to build a healthy community. We’re proud to support a thriving small business like About Fresh trying to improve their neighborhood.”
In the world of investing, real-world outcomes are often neatly severed from investment strategy. Return on investment, rates, and yields are guiding principles that supersede seemingly idealistic notions of community-building and the environment. But a more thoughtful and creative investment approach has taken root over the past decade. That approach recognizes that the savviest long-term… Continue reading The Power of Social Investment
Nubian Markets brings fresh, healthy produce to Nubian Square. It was funded in part by CLF’s Healthy Retail and Commerce Fund.
“For too long, certain communities have been excluded from critical investments in housing and business,” said Gina Foote, Director of Impact Investment at Conservation Law Foundation. “The Healthy Neighborhood Equity Fund will transform historically disinvested communities with healthy and sustainable housing and small business space. More vibrant and inclusive neighborhoods benefit everyone.”
Imagine you’re a homeowner who wants to swap an old oil-burning furnace for an efficient and climate-friendly electric heat pump. You’re excited to do it, except for one thing: You can’t afford it. Or suppose you’re a solar entrepreneur trying to convince a customer to save money and install solar panels on a multi-family apartment… Continue reading Green Banks Could Help Make Our Green Energy Future a Reality
We’re helping small businesses and nonprofits grow and thrive.
“For too long, low-income communities have been excluded from investments in healthy and sustainable housing and small businesses,” said Gina Foote, director of Impact Investment at Conservation Law Foundation. “With help from UnitedHealth Group and the Healthy Neighborhoods Equity Fund, that’s finally beginning to change. This investment will lead to more vibrant and inclusive neighborhoods across southern New England.”
New federal and state laws and policies require government agencies to invest in environmental justice populations. The details behind these requirements must recognize the primary predictor to experience environmental burdens: race. CLF is working to ensure that government investments reach the populations who have endured the brunt of pollution and other consequences of climate change.
