Our Environmental Work

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. 

In 2020 we were among the first CDFIs to report on both our own footprint and also that of the commercial borrowers in our CDFI loan portfolio. 2020 Greenhouse Gas Analysis. We co-authored a guide to help other CDFIs do the same.

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 63 environmental organizations, helping them maintain 645 jobs during the pandemic.
• Since 1989, we have invested $419 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 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:

• Read our regulatory recommendations: The Climate Imperative Community Finance February, 2021.
• We’re among the first financial institutions pledging to benchmark our loan portfolio under the new carbon accounting standards, Partnership for Carbon Accounting Financials. We’re proud to have been part of the working group that helped adapt the method for North America.

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