Most savings leave communities and are put into national or international saving and investment products. But, through the Sustainable Suffolk Investment, people in Suffolk can use their money to help deliver positive environmental action in their community.

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 Esme Fairburn 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.

Risk warning: 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. ISA rules apply. Approver: Abundance investment (FRN 525432). Approval date: 20/08/2025