Two of the four ‘immediately investible’ green projects in Oxfordshire, recently presented in the Oxon Green Futures prospectus (see story) are in the field of green construction.
The Low Carbon Hub’s solar rooftop pipeline will create large roof-mounted renewable energy projects across businesses, schools, and community buildings throughout Oxfordshire. The social enterprise has two installations currently in the pipeline, at Keble College and Evotec, that will save 236.3 tonnes of CO2e every year at a total cost of £833,000 and these are ready for investment right now. Investors are asked to participate in the entire portfolio to spread the risk, with direct, co-investment and pooled investment all considered alongside blended finance. The investment return is an annual 5% fixed rate. Allowing host organisations to save on electricity bills, the Low Carbon Hub believes that these renewable energy installations will help foster a positive perception of a zero-carbon, community energy system.
Abingdon and Witney College is seeking £5m in funding to extend its Green Construction Skills Centre at its Abingdon campus. The investment return will be via interest on a loan, with an indicative repayment period of 20 years and the project sponsor will be able to work with the college on the timeline for construction and completion. The scheme includes a half-hectare of land restored for nature. The extended centre will provide wider training in green construction skills to the future workforce, with every trainee projected to reduce CO2 by one tonne each year. The centre will be able to train up to 150 people and will create seven jobs. The investment will also offer the project sponsor opportunities for industry partnerships and community engagement.
Oxon Green Futuresaims to accelerate the green economy in Oxfordshire. The county is home to an ambitious pipeline of green investments at different stages of development, from cutting-edge renewable energy projects to community-led sustainability initiatives.
To find out more, visit https://oxongreenfutures.co.uk/investment-opportunities/
Project contacts:
Low Carbon Hub: info@lowcarbonhub.org
Green Construction Skills Centre jacqui.canton@abingdon-witney.ac.uk