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Self-Help Credit Union

Our Environmental Work

At Self-Help, our environmental work focuses on supporting low-income people who are disproportionately affected by climate change and pollution. We do this by investing in organizations and entrepreneurs that create sustainable development in communities historically overlooked by the environmental movement.


Self- Help Carbon Footprint

We report the greenhouse gas emissions of Self-Help Credit Union and Commercial Real Estate operations and avoided emissions associated with our solar loan portfolio for Calendar Year 2021.  

2021 Carbon Footprint Report



At Self-Help, we evaluate the social impact of all the loans we consider and make investments in sustainable energy projects and building more sustainable communities.

  • We extended paycheck protection financing worth $6.9 million to 44 environmental organizations, helping them maintain 473 jobs during the pandemic.
  • Since 1989, we have invested $409 million in projects that have created a positive environmental impact in the communities we serve.
  • Our investments include loans to 274 businesses and nonprofits that have come to us with a proven commitment to providing a sustainable future.
  • Self-Help has realized 225 energy efficient, affordable housing units. They include renovations of dilapidated houses, new construction, and transit-friendly mixed use, like the new Willard Street Apartments.
  • Areas of investment include renewable energy, energy-efficient homes and sustainable food systems, and other green businesses.
  • We do not invest in projects involving fossil fuel extraction or production.

We work with other lenders and advocate to advance sustainability:

Our sustainability work is made possible by all of our members who trust us with their deposits and investments.

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Green lending infographic
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Lending to solar developers
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Energy efficient housing units
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Lending to green buildings
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Home energy loans
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Sustainability-oriented businesses
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Recycle and rehab buildings
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Energy efficient investments

 

Green Lending 1
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Click the images below to learn more.

 

Kinston Rooftop PV (Kingfisher)

We finance renewable energy.

D-BRB Vacuum Truck 2

We support green businesses.

woman and child

We build efficient homes.

vedack

We invest in home energy.

Community Foods storefront

We invest in sustainable food systems.

Pueblo building

We help our borrowers save energy and water.

Howard changing lights

We reduce our impact.

Join us in working for a better, greener world, and learn about how you can invest with us. Contact Keisha Bolden keisha.bolden@self-help.org and follow our Sustainability Director on Twitter @SelfHelpGreen.

Align Your Habits with Your Values

Everyday habits let us align our actions with our values. Here are some simple actions that many Self-Helpers have adopted:

  • Save energy for your small business
  • Be efficient in your home or apartment
  • Maintain healthy air quality in your living space
  • Talk to your family, friends and even your elected officials about the need to “bend the curve” and reduce greenhouse gas pollution to zero.