Energy Efficiency Co-operative

The problem:

The energy efficiency retrofit market is one which is fast growing in the UK with increased state funding and support from both the state and local government.

Energy efficiency specialists already exist within the cooperative sector; however, these tend to be small to medium sized organisations specialising in the consultancy and assessment areas in particular. On the other hand, many large-scale cooperatives and social purpose organisations are increasingly focusing on energy efficiency investment, due to both internal demands for lower carbon output, alongside cost saving motivations. This combined with the climate crisis, requires a larger scale solution.

We are exploring the creation of a co-operative owned by the users of buildings which would install energy efficiency in those premises and charge a rental which would be less than the savings made.

Our Solution:

In terms of structure, an energy efficiency retrofit co-op could be structured in a number of ways;

  • As a partnership between a number of different specialist co-operatives, offering national coverage and cost reductions through joint purchasing agreements and scalable efficiencies.

  • This Co-operative could deploy share capital as a means to finance long-term funding through efficiency work on behalf of both members and clients, with risk being managed through a diverse range of projects offering long term returns throughout the social sector.

Areas Of Impact:

  • Climate change

  • Cost savings

  • Co-operative sector growth

  • Ethical finance

  • Start ups

  • Retail property

  • Office property

  • Social housing

  • Student housing

  • Industrial property

An Environmental efficiency co-op would help grow and support a variety of organisations through reducing their carbon foot print and bills. We see a key focus being:

  • Charities

  • Social enterprise

  • Student Housing Co-ops

  • Housing Co-ops

  • Retailer and worker Co-ops

Why does this help?

  • Co-operatives and social purpose organisations don’t have to raise capital to pay for long term cost savings, instead financing this on an ongoing basis to lower the cost of entry and realise the cost saving benefits earlier.

  • The long-term financing of energy efficiency can incentivise organisations otherwise unable to prioritise the work into lowering their carbon footprint.

  • with ever greater state emphasis on Britain’s carbon output, this Co-op would be able to take advantage of a number of government schemes, helping spread its scope further.