A new way to invest that benefits Suffolk and its people

Suffolk County Council, as part of the Sustainable Suffolk partnership, are hoping to raise £1 million to fund local projects that will cut carbon emissions in Suffolk. For as little as £5, people, businesses and organisations can make low-risk investments to fund these environmental projects and receive a steady financial return.

The Sustainable Suffolk Investment offers returns 4% interest a year over a five-year term. This means investors will receive their original investment back in 6-monthly instalments along with interest on the remaining balance which can be reinvested or used as an income.

There are also no fees to invest, and the investment is ISA eligible meaning the interest earned will be tax free. Additionally, Esmée Fairburn Foundation will match the money invested by local people by 50%.

The carbon-cutting projects will be delivered from April 2026 to March 2027 by Suffolk County Council. Investors are able to stay updated on these projects to see exactly how they are making a difference in Suffolk.

This first round of investment will be open until 1 December. However, if the target is not reached, there will be future opportunities to invest. The scheme is open to people both within and outside of Suffolk, including residents, businesses, community groups and other interested investors. Everyone is welcome to invest.

Councillor Gerald Kelly, Chair of the Suffolk Councils’ Environment Portfolio Holders’ Group, said:

“For decades, Suffolk’s Public Sector Organisations have been working to improve our sustainability through the Suffolk Climate Emergency Plan. Climate change is a problem that impacts us all and this new investment offer is a chance for local people to have a more active role in this incredibly important work to combat the climate crisis.”

“Local people will be able to both reap the environmental benefits that the funded projects will bring and receive a monetary return on their investment. The offer from Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to match residents’ investments by 50% will allow us to progress further, faster. And of course, it will mean we can make taxpayer money in our county go further.”

This investment scheme gives people a low-risk way to make their money go further whilst helping the environment, a win-win. For more information about the Sustainable Suffolk Investment and how to get involved, please visit the Abundance website.

Investments are long term and may be hard to sell. Council investments are not a savings account, and you are lending money to a council. Changes in market interest rates may affect the value of your investment if you sell before maturity. Approver: Abundance investment (FRN 525432). Approval date: 20/08/2025

Abundance’s service in relation to council investments (P2P loans) is not covered by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS). Tax treatment depends on your individual circumstances and may be subject to change in the future.

Holding investments in an IFISA does not reduce the risk of the investment or protect you from losses. You can still lose all your money. It only means that any potential gains from your investment will be tax free. The tax treatment of your investment will depend on your individual circumstances and may change in the future.

The Sustainable Suffolk Investment, which is a loan, is Green Loan Principles compliant and is being issued under a Green Finance Framework. This is a voluntary standard which sets out how the council will meet the Green Loan Principles. This assures investors that funds raised can only be used to help them deliver on eligible green projects from within this framework, and Abundance will monitor the use of funds across the investment term to ensure the principles are being adhered to.

ISA rules apply.