This report shows how we can use the huge potential of smart, efficient finance to save carbon.

In these times of economic and climatic pressures, we show how smarter ways of raising and using finance – like revolving funds and services companies – can make money go further, saving both carbon and cash. In the future, public income will be as important as expenditure when it comes to funding carbon savings. “Cash out – cash in”, is the new way to save carbon.

Our ground-breaking research and analysis has delved into rare examples of pioneering initiatives from as far afield as Lithuania, Aberdeen and Berlin. We now know what is special and worth repeating. For instance, Kirklees’ popular Re-Charge scheme loans householders money interest-free to install low-carbon technologies, such as solar panels to heat water. The council only has to subsidise the interest on the loans and this costs around three times less per home than using a grant scheme.

This report distils the lessons from these and 60 other case studies into 10 success factors for financial schemes. It also shows the top opportunities to save carbon. Download Smarter Finance to see how.

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