October 2008

Supporting low carbon enterprises around the world.

We believe the battle to reduce global carbon emissions will be won or lost in the developing world - this is where much of the future growth will come from and if we are to combat climate change it is essential that we develop competitive low carbon alternatives to fossil fuels and protect tropical forests.

About a year ago our Foundation established the Low Carbon Enterprise Fund to support small “low carbon” businesses in the developing world. The fund sits within the ERM Foundation - a not-for-profit charity – and provides finance in the form of loans and equity stakes to entrepreneurs in this space.

In parallel, we also provide pro-bono specialist advice on technical and business issues to support such ventures.

ERM has provided generous support for these activities as part of its low Carbon Initiative, and has financed all of the administrative, technical and pro-bono work. The Low Carbon Enterprise Fund has been supported by external donors who, in many cases, have provided their contribution as a sustainable alternative to off-setting.

In January we appointed a full time Director (Emma Caddy) and in August, a Coordinator/Communications Manager (Shona King) for the fund. In July we put in place a Board to oversee the Fund bringing external expertise to bear in investment decision-making.

Over recent months, we have worked with a number of entrepreneurs – assessing low carbon schemes, providing pro-bono advice and in some cases providing investment from the Low Carbon Enterprise Fund. We have set out below some examples of these schemes:

1. Protecting and restoring tropical forests

2. Low carbon electricity generation in rural areas

3. Solar technologies

4. Other low carbon technologies

5. Providing educational support

About the Foundation

The Foundation in Action

Regional Foundations

Low Carbon Initiative

Low Carbon Enterprise Fund - October 08

Contacts