Green & Social Finance Framework
The Green & Social Finance Framework framework describes the rules and processes for councils to offer a municipal investment with us, as well as Abundance’s monitoring and assurance process.
Read the framework
Make a positive difference
Our municipal investments finance projects that make a real difference to local people. Since 2020, we have been working with councils to help create thriving futures for our places.
Clear and transparent lending principles
Our municipal investments make a positive impact (we have years of examples from real projects, which you can read about here).
Our investments are also aligned to the Green & Social Loan Principles, a set of internationally recognised standards used by the UK Government, which ensure that any claim about green or social impact can be backed up. These principles also dictate the projects that funds can be spent on, and how we monitor councils’ spending.
Each council reports on where the money raised has been spent, so you can always see exactly how your money is helping to improve our places. The rules that govern this process are set out in our Green and Social Finance Framework, which are adopted by all councils raising funds with us.
Financing real projects
Our municipal investments support the real projects that are building more resilent, sustainable and thriving places for us to live and work.
65
Projects financed so far
£9.6m
Spent on projects so far
How councils have spent the money
Select a council below to get more details of how they have spent the money raised across green and social project categories.
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Amounts are based on the latest reported figures provided by councils on which projects they have used the funding for.
Stories of positive change
Our councils have a responsibility to look after our places. That means dealing with challenges such as climate and social change, and investing in the infrastructure that will allow our places to thrive in the future. Our municipal investments help finance this important work.
Project delivery case studies
Greening the grey in Hammersmith & Fulham
Hammersmith & Fulham Council are focusing on transforming hard, grey spaces into vibrant green areas, enhancing biodiversity, improving climate resilience and making the borough a more pleasant place to live and work.
Read more
Creating greener leisure facilities
When councils are planning for a greener future it’s important to look at everything. That's why Westminster Council has invested in cutting the environmental impact of its leisure centre facilities.
Watch the video
Driving greener in the Cotswolds
Cotswold District Council was quick to install electric vehicle chargers across the district. This initiative is part of the council’s broader commitment to reducing carbon emissions and making greener transport options more accessible to residents and visitors alike.
Watch the videoProject criteria
In order for a council to use money raised from a municipal investment for a project, it must fall into one of the defined green and social project categories below. These categories cover a variety of projects that create thriving places to benefit the lives of residents, both now and in the future. You can read full details in the Green and Social Finance Framework.
Eligible green projects
New green energy and renewable heating initiatives, from solar panels on schools to heat pumps and district heating networks.
Schemes that reduce energy use, from improving the efficiency of lighting systems to insulating draughty buildings.
Includes schemes that help residents get around in greener ways. That might include providing public EV charging infrastructure, or upgrading facilities to encourage cycling and active transport.
Projects that promote waste reduction, encourage recycling, or reduce air or water pollution.
Schemes that help residents adapt to climate change, including community infrastructure that deals with more extreme weather events such as floods and heat.
Includes greening projects such as development of parks and schemes that promote biodiversity.
Eligible social projects
Funds can be used for capital investment, such as building renovation, equipment and facilities, but not for day-to-day expenses.
Funds can be used for capital investment - such as building renovation, equipment and facilities but not for day-to-day expenses.
This includes development of public spaces including parks as well as enhancing footpaths and roads.
Schemes to regenerate areas or communities, designed to boost economic activity, provide jobs and enhance community wellbeing.
Development of social housing, where works cannot be classified as one of our Eligible Green Projects.
Initiatives to increase efficiency, like improving internal systems, and therefore freeing up money for front-line services.