Investing for good

This investment opportunity is being led by Suffolk County Council on behalf of the Sustainable Suffolk partnership and gives residents the chance to invest in local projects that cut carbon emissions. Investors get their money back in 6-monthly instalments over five years with interest at a fixed rate of 4%.

But just because this investment opportunity is brand new for us, that doesn’t mean this is a new idea. About 40 years ago, it was pretty common for councils to borrow money from residents as it is beneficial for both residents and councils but went out of fashion due to the cost of the paper age. Now that we have technology to do the heavy lifting and Abundance Investment – the ethical crowdfunding platform that arrange these investments for councils all over the country – it’s back!

And it’s in demand. Place Climate Action Network conducted a study that found that 73% of savers and investors are interested in lending money to their council if it helps deliver environmental or socially beneficial projects.

So, what do you need to know?

The basics:

• Investments have a five-year term.
• There are no fees to invest.
• Investors will receive their original investment back in 6-monthly instalments along with interest on the remaining balance.
• Repayments can either be reinvested or used as an income. There are no fees to either option.
• The money will go towards local projects that lower carbon emissions in Suffolk. These projects will be delivered by Suffolk County Council from 2026-2027.
• The minimum you can invest is £5.

What will you get?

• A rate that is competitive with the best rates out there for investors.
• A fixed rate which is great for investors who want certainty on their returns.
• Regular repayments which mean a predictable income for investors.
• A low-risk investment thanks to the way councils are legally required to manage their finances. There is no record of a UK council ever defaulting on repaying its debts.
• An ISA eligible investment. If investors buy the investment through an ISA, they will be able to get tax-free interest for the life of the investments.
• A chance to support local projects that are combatting the climate crisis.
• Updates on the projects you’re helping to fund so you’ll see how your investment is making a difference in your community.

We’re hoping to raise £1 million to support local environmental projects in Suffolk. This first round of investment will close on 1 December. But if we don’t reach our goal within the first round, there will be more opportunities to invest in future rounds.

Risk warning: Investments are long term and may be hard to sell. This is not a savings account. Changes in market interest rates may affect the value of your investment if you sell before maturity. ISA rules apply. Approver: Abundance (525432). Approval date: 20/08/2025