Vancity Community Investment Bank’s Post

We're excited to spotlight a transformative project from our 2023 Seed Funding Program, featured in a compelling article on The Conversation Australia + NZ today. The article, written by DGFI Funding recipient A/Prof. Adam Fish and Prof. Heidi Norman, illustrates why it's essential to place First Nations communities at the heart of Australia's shift towards renewable energy. ❤️💡 Renewable energy ventures not only offer financial benefits and employment to Aboriginal landholders but also empower First Nations communities to safeguard their cultural legacy and maintain their connection to Country. Moreover, genuine investment in projects led by First Nations communities is critical to the success of the renewable energy transition. This concept isn't novel. Similar policies in the US and Canada aim to ensure Indigenous populations benefit from the energy transition. Read the article (and watch Adam's impactful video within) here 👉🏻 https://lnkd.in/gWwGJVHP 🍃 In related news 🍃 The Australian government is developing a First Nations Clean Energy Strategy and is seeking comment on a consultation paper. Submissions close tomorrow, February 9. If you feel strongly about the issue, we urge you to have your say. Links in comments 👇🏻 #FirstNationsCleanEnergy #ImpactDriven #RenewableEnergy #EnergyTransition First Nations Clean Energy Network

🌏 Australia has the opportunity to become a world leader in the global renewable race. But first, Indigenous people must be given the opportunity to participate and benefit from projects on their land. ADA’s A/Prof. Adam Fish and Prof. Heidi Norman explain how the US and Canada have meaningfully invested in First Nations-led clean energy projects and how Australia’s federal government can do the same. Read more ⬇️ https://lnkd.in/gB5W-Y8d

https://lnkd.in/e482qZ5N "Community benefit funds, commonly associated with wind farm developments, offer one mechanism for redistributing profits back into host communities. However, [...] research with communities who have lived with wind farms revealed that the effectiveness of these funds has varied and shows the importance of working with communities to understand how they would like to benefit from project development." "A plan beats no plan". But until the plan for energy infrastructure speaks fully to communities who host this infrastructure, local uncertainty is allowed to feed a narrative that these projects harm people and place, which slows the finance of projects and the pace of decarbonisation. #sociallicence #energytransition #decarbonisation #opportunitiesunlocked

The First Nations Clean Energy Network is launching its second clean energy capacity-building program for First Nations people, focusing on clean energy, policy, regulations and land rights. The Power Makers program highlights opportunities for energy security and affordability through First Nations-led clean energy projects, including home energy efficiency and community-led initiatives. While this is a positive step in the right direction, Australia has only 18 First Nations clean energy equity partnerships. This contrasts with Canada, where around 20% of renewable energy projects have Indigenous ownership, enabling wealth generation, job creation and better returns through targeted policies and investment in Indigenous communities. #renewableenergy #greentransition #FirstNations

Following the recent 2024 general election, the UK government has revealed ambitious plans to significantly boost investment in renewable energy with its GB Energy Initiative. ⚡ GB Energy’s bold plan to quadruple solar power investment represents a pivotal moment in the UK’s journey towards a greener, more resilient energy future. With a clear focus on community empowerment and economic revitalisation, the initiative promises to lead a new era of sustainable energy innovation nationwide. 📈

Powering our Future with Legacy Outcomes ***Important notice to our Queensland proponents!*** The Queensland Government has proposed an Australian-first mandatory code of conduct for renewable energy developers to set new standards for social licence with developers being encouraged to enhance their legacy outcomes from their projects. Communities want more than quick cash to pay for footy jumpers! They want legacy projects specific to their community that will help solve their long-term problems. The proposed code will be co-designed with stakeholders and will consider the Commonwealth's Independent Community Engagement Review. We encourage you to get involved - we cannot leave this to the Government! It's super important for industry and community members to have a say to ensure the code meets the needs of communities and businesses in building these critical projects that will power our future. https://lnkd.in/gZqDfQYT Greenleaf Renewables Kilara Capital Octopus Investments Australia Iberdrola Neoen ACCIONA BrightNight RWE Edify Energy Progress Power Queensland Hydro Tilt Renewables Wind Prospect

Powering wind energy across the #Caribbean:   IFC and the Ministry of Energy and Business of #Barbados (MEB) / Energy Division - Government of Barbados recently organized a tour of the BMR Wind Farm, a 36 MW onshore project in #Jamaica. This endeavor aligns with Barbados' ambitious target of achieving 95% renewable energy by 2030, with the upcoming 30–50-megawatt (MW) Lamberts project—structured by IFC as a Public-Private Partnership (#PPP)—playing a pivotal role. Lamberts community members joined the tour alongside representatives from the MEB, IFC, The Barbados Light & Power Company Limited, and National Petroleum Corporation to gain first-hand experience of a project similar in scale to the one planned for Lamberts. The BMR project was financed by IFC and reached commercial operations in 2016 as Jamaica’s largest private-sector wind farm. Here's a snapshot of this enriching experience: 🏫 Engaging with communities: Meetings with local farmers, school representatives, and residents showcased the positive impact of wind energy on communities, highlighting economic benefits and post-construction activities. 🌿 Sustainable practices: The tour delved into sustainability aspects, including biodiversity preservation, land use, and social impacts. Participants also learned about mitigation strategies and how wind energy contributes to environmental conservation. 🌟 Success stories: Feedback from Lamberts community members underscored the tour's success, with delegates feeling empowered to address community concerns and recognizing the potential for job creation and economic growth. Overall, the study tour exemplified the power of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in driving sustainable energy initiatives across this dynamic and vibrant region. Learn more ➡ http://wrld.bg/Q22y50RNPr0 IFC - International Finance Corporation, IFC Public-Private Partnerships, IFC Infrastructure, Sean Whittaker, Jason Lee, Anacelle Bautista, Moishe Steinbok, Richard Goddard, Pep Bardouille, Ava T.

We are pleased with todays announcement made by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese regarding the government's commitment to create the Future Made in Australia Act, which will support renewable energy initiatives and expedite the development of necessary infrastructure for a more efficient transition to clean energy with zero emissions. Australian manufacturing companies are already demonstrating their dedication to the country by producing goods locally, creating essential employment opportunities, and contributing to the growth of communities and infrastructure. With this proactive approach from the Labor government, it will enhance our competitiveness in the global market enabling us to attract the skilled workforce required for expanding our customer base worldwide. Moreover, this initiative will undoubtedly play a crucial role in attracting future investments as we advance to the next phase of our business development. #futuremadeinaustralia #renewables #bioenergy #energytransition #manufacturing https://lnkd.in/gJjKr-Mm

Energy Networks Australia welcomes the Government’s ‘Future Made in Australia’ initiative, announced today by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese.   In a critical pre-budget announcement, the PM said that in order to seize the opportunities of the next decade “we must generate the energy, skills, jobs, technology and investment that will power our future prosperity”. This could not be more true for the energy transition.    While navigating cost pressures, it is imperative that we deliver community benefit from renewable energy projects and the infrastructure that supports them. The Government’s plan relies on public funding to drive private investment, leading Australia to a cost-effective energy system that has been supported by economic models. Levelling-up Australia's capabilities along the entire energy value chain will ensure we're well positioned through the transition and can compete on a global stage    We look forward to further projects announced under this initiative. https://lnkd.in/gzQ_d6zY

Edmonton’s bold climate strategy aligns with missions to accelerate the transition to renewable energy and build a sustainable, low-carbon economy for all Canadians. The Edmonton Climate Resilience Planning and Development Action Plan outlines how Edmontonians can see significant benefits, including enhanced investment in renewable energy projects, energy efficiency and job creation. This strategic plan positions the region as a leader in Canada’s clean energy transition. Proactivity and foresight into actions will help ensure long-term energy resilience and spur innovation and economic growth sets an example for cities across Canada, proving that climate action is not only an environmental necessity, but also an economic opportunity. To read more, visit https://bit.ly/3O98djX #EnergyTransition #EnergyResilience #RenewableEnergy #GreengatePower