Big news from the SoundPound Group: five of our member credit unions are now the first in the UK to offer unsecured green home loans aligned with the Green Home Finance Principles (GHFPs).
These loans are all about helping people make greener home upgrades – think insulation, solar panels, heat pumps – in an affordable way.
“The SoundPound and their members will be playing an important role in modernising our built environment to support the local economy while cutting energy bills,” said Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester.
“By aligning with the Green Home Finance Principles, our credit unions are creating a greenprint for others to follow.”
These GHFPs, developed by the Green Finance Institute (GFI) and the Loan Market Association, help ensure green finance is fair, transparent and actually works for real people. That’s something we care a lot about.
“This is about offering people in the GMCA community-level support,” said Ciara Davies, CEO of Metro Moneywise and Executive Lead for The SoundPound Group.
“We’re helping people modernise their homes – on their own terms – with trusted, local finance.”
A big shoutout to South Manchester Credit Union for launching first, and to Metro Moneywise Credit Union, Salford Credit Union, Manchester Credit Union, and No1 CopperPot Credit Union for also following the green path. With more SoundPound members preparing to join the green loan movement, the momentum is just getting started.
“Credit unions are uniquely placed to innovate faster than other lenders,” added Rhian-Mari Thomas, CEO of the Green Finance Institute.
“GMCA’s leadership shows how powerful community finance can be in building a greener, fairer future.”
These green loans typically range from £500 to £15,000, with short, flexible terms – perfect for real-world upgrades that lower bills and carbon emissions. Not only will it help the planet, but it will make your home warmer too.
So yes, we’re excited. And yes, this is just the beginning.
It turns out others are excited too – find more information within these sources: