Bridgeport, Conn. (April 22, 2026) – Trust for Public Land (TPL), in partnership with Connecticut Green Bank, PT Partners, and the City of Bridgeport, today announced the results of a comprehensive custom analysis providing a data-driven roadmap to guide future park investment across the city.
Conducted through TPL’s 10-Minute Walk® Park Equity Accelerator program, the ParkScore and Park Needs Analysis study evaluates the overall performance of Bridgeport’s park system and identifies the parks and neighborhoods where strategic investments can deliver the greatest impact.
“Bridgeport has the foundation of a great park system, with strong access and well-maintained spaces,” said Walker Holmes, Vice President of Mid-Atlantic Region and Connecticut State Director for Trust for Public Land. “This analysis shows where targeted investment can expand opportunity, address inequities, and ensure every resident has access to high-quality parks.”
The analysis found that Bridgeport’s park system performs slightly below average compared to large U.S. cities, earning a ParkScore of 45 out of 100 and trailing peer cities like Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford. The city’s greatest strength is access, with 83% of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park—well above the national average. However, this strong proximity does not translate into equal park quality or availability. Bridgeport has smaller parks, fewer amenities, and significantly lower investment than both national benchmarks and Connecticut peers, spending just $54 per person annually on parks and recreation compared to the $133 national median.
The analysis also reveals persistent equity gaps: neighborhoods of color have 42% less park space than white neighborhoods, and low-income communities have 40% less than higher-income areas. Despite these challenges, Bridgeport’s parks are generally in good physical condition, indicating effective stewardship of existing assets. The findings suggest that increased and more targeted investment—particularly in park acreage, amenities, and underserved neighborhoods—could significantly improve the overall system while addressing long-standing disparities.
A central component of the study is a prioritization framework that identifies where investments can deliver the greatest benefits across multiple goals, including improving park conditions, increasing access, addressing climate impacts, and supporting community health. Using this approach, the report highlights several parks—including Pequonnock and Coleman Street, William Barnum Park, Knowlton Park, Wood Park, and Upchurch Park—as top priorities for investment. At the neighborhood level, the analysis identifies the Hollow, East Side, West Side/West End, Enterprise, and Mill Hill as areas where new or improved park resources are most needed.
These areas present the greatest opportunity to expand park access, improve amenities, address climate resilience, and reduce long-standing inequities.
“The City of Bridgeport is excited to launch our ParkScore report, developed with the Trust for Public Land, CT Green Bank, and PT Partners,” said Chadwick Schroeder, Sustainability Manager for the City of Bridgeport. “We are proud to maintain a strong park system and see this report as a tool to guide more equitable investment moving forward. We will continue expanding public-private partnerships, improving amenities across the city, and advancing the waterfront pathway to increase access to green space for residents long excluded from it.”
The Park Needs Analysis also draws on detailed, on-the-ground data collection led by PT Partners, a resident-driven organization rooted in Bridgeport’s communities. Their assessment of 68 parks found that while most spaces are in good condition, many lack the amenities, shade, and programming that make parks inviting places to gather and spend time. This reinforces the need for investments that go beyond maintenance to create more vibrant, usable spaces.
“This opportunity is perfectly aligned with PT Partners’ work on making an equitable environment for all,” said Vanessa Monique Liles, Ph.D., Co-Project Director at PT Partners. “We are excited to use this report to engage in working with the city of Bridgeport and the neighborhood NRZs to move Bridgeport to its fully realized Park City.”
The report underscores that increasing investment will be critical to achieving these goals. Given the limited availability of state funding for parks in Connecticut, it points to the importance of exploring innovative financing strategies and partnerships. Organizations like Connecticut Green Bank can play a key role in aligning park investment with climate resilience goals, while collaborations with healthcare institutions and community organizations can expand programming and unlock new funding opportunities.
“There is a growing body of research that suggests access to parks and nature are community assets for public health, especially in our urban centers,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of Connecticut Green Bank. “Investments in improving park quality and access could reduce chronic illnesses and provide more opportunities for residents to benefit from being outside while also providing the potential to increase resilience from the impacts of climate change within the community. Data-driven reports like this can help support future investment partnerships with and from the healthcare and insurance industries.”
By combining rigorous data analysis with community-informed insights, this report provides Bridgeport with a practical roadmap for the future. It is designed to support city leaders in capital planning, strengthen grant applications, and empower local advocates working to ensure that all residents—regardless of income or neighborhood—can access the full benefits of parks.
TPL and the City are also presenting findings and takeaways from the report at a webinar on May 6th to continue a conversation about parks benefits, stewardship, park development, and maintenance across Bridgeport’s public green spaces.
About Trust for Public Land
Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,500 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, and raised $112 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 10 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org.
Bridgeport Study Identifies High-Impact Investments to Strengthen Parks Citywide
/in Community Solutions, NewsBridgeport, Conn. (April 22, 2026) – Trust for Public Land (TPL), in partnership with Connecticut Green Bank, PT Partners, and the City of Bridgeport, today announced the results of a comprehensive custom analysis providing a data-driven roadmap to guide future park investment across the city.
Conducted through TPL’s 10-Minute Walk® Park Equity Accelerator program, the ParkScore and Park Needs Analysis study evaluates the overall performance of Bridgeport’s park system and identifies the parks and neighborhoods where strategic investments can deliver the greatest impact.
“Bridgeport has the foundation of a great park system, with strong access and well-maintained spaces,” said Walker Holmes, Vice President of Mid-Atlantic Region and Connecticut State Director for Trust for Public Land. “This analysis shows where targeted investment can expand opportunity, address inequities, and ensure every resident has access to high-quality parks.”
The analysis found that Bridgeport’s park system performs slightly below average compared to large U.S. cities, earning a ParkScore of 45 out of 100 and trailing peer cities like Hartford, New Haven, and Stamford. The city’s greatest strength is access, with 83% of residents living within a 10-minute walk of a park—well above the national average. However, this strong proximity does not translate into equal park quality or availability. Bridgeport has smaller parks, fewer amenities, and significantly lower investment than both national benchmarks and Connecticut peers, spending just $54 per person annually on parks and recreation compared to the $133 national median.
The analysis also reveals persistent equity gaps: neighborhoods of color have 42% less park space than white neighborhoods, and low-income communities have 40% less than higher-income areas. Despite these challenges, Bridgeport’s parks are generally in good physical condition, indicating effective stewardship of existing assets. The findings suggest that increased and more targeted investment—particularly in park acreage, amenities, and underserved neighborhoods—could significantly improve the overall system while addressing long-standing disparities.
A central component of the study is a prioritization framework that identifies where investments can deliver the greatest benefits across multiple goals, including improving park conditions, increasing access, addressing climate impacts, and supporting community health. Using this approach, the report highlights several parks—including Pequonnock and Coleman Street, William Barnum Park, Knowlton Park, Wood Park, and Upchurch Park—as top priorities for investment. At the neighborhood level, the analysis identifies the Hollow, East Side, West Side/West End, Enterprise, and Mill Hill as areas where new or improved park resources are most needed.
These areas present the greatest opportunity to expand park access, improve amenities, address climate resilience, and reduce long-standing inequities.
“The City of Bridgeport is excited to launch our ParkScore report, developed with the Trust for Public Land, CT Green Bank, and PT Partners,” said Chadwick Schroeder, Sustainability Manager for the City of Bridgeport. “We are proud to maintain a strong park system and see this report as a tool to guide more equitable investment moving forward. We will continue expanding public-private partnerships, improving amenities across the city, and advancing the waterfront pathway to increase access to green space for residents long excluded from it.”
The Park Needs Analysis also draws on detailed, on-the-ground data collection led by PT Partners, a resident-driven organization rooted in Bridgeport’s communities. Their assessment of 68 parks found that while most spaces are in good condition, many lack the amenities, shade, and programming that make parks inviting places to gather and spend time. This reinforces the need for investments that go beyond maintenance to create more vibrant, usable spaces.
“This opportunity is perfectly aligned with PT Partners’ work on making an equitable environment for all,” said Vanessa Monique Liles, Ph.D., Co-Project Director at PT Partners. “We are excited to use this report to engage in working with the city of Bridgeport and the neighborhood NRZs to move Bridgeport to its fully realized Park City.”
The report underscores that increasing investment will be critical to achieving these goals. Given the limited availability of state funding for parks in Connecticut, it points to the importance of exploring innovative financing strategies and partnerships. Organizations like Connecticut Green Bank can play a key role in aligning park investment with climate resilience goals, while collaborations with healthcare institutions and community organizations can expand programming and unlock new funding opportunities.
“There is a growing body of research that suggests access to parks and nature are community assets for public health, especially in our urban centers,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of Connecticut Green Bank. “Investments in improving park quality and access could reduce chronic illnesses and provide more opportunities for residents to benefit from being outside while also providing the potential to increase resilience from the impacts of climate change within the community. Data-driven reports like this can help support future investment partnerships with and from the healthcare and insurance industries.”
By combining rigorous data analysis with community-informed insights, this report provides Bridgeport with a practical roadmap for the future. It is designed to support city leaders in capital planning, strengthen grant applications, and empower local advocates working to ensure that all residents—regardless of income or neighborhood—can access the full benefits of parks.
TPL and the City are also presenting findings and takeaways from the report at a webinar on May 6th to continue a conversation about parks benefits, stewardship, park development, and maintenance across Bridgeport’s public green spaces.
About Trust for Public Land
Trust for Public Land (TPL) is a national nonprofit that works to connect everyone to the benefits and joys of the outdoors. As a leader in equitable access to the outdoors, TPL works with communities to create parks and protect public land where they are needed most. Since 1972, TPL has protected more than 4 million acres of public land, created more than 5,500 parks, trails, schoolyards, and iconic outdoor places, and raised $112 billion in public funding for parks and public lands, and connected nearly 10 million people to the outdoors. To learn more, visit tpl.org.
With More than $3 Million Already Raised from the Crowd, New Opportunities for Connecticut Residents to Invest Directly in Projects that Confront Climate Change are on the Horizon
/in Investment Solutions, NewsOn the back of the Connecticut Green Bank’s 16th Green Liberty Notes offering going live on Honeycomb Credit’s platform, both organizations announce a new agreement that increases future opportunities for participation in the green economy by residents.
HARTFORD, Conn. (April 14, 2024) – The Connecticut Green Bank, the nation’s first state-level green bank, and Honeycomb Credit, the nation’s leading debt-based crowdfunding platform, today announced a new agreement that continues their successful partnership and opens the door for future expansion that will allow more Connecticut residents to participate in the green economy. The announcement comes as the Green Bank’s sixteenth Green Liberty Note offering opens in celebration of Earth Month, allowing investors to support a series of offerings that has already raised more than $3 million for Connecticut’s green economy. More than half of all investors have been Connecticut residents, and more than 60% of investments have been $1,000 or less.
“The Connecticut Green Bank has always believed that confronting climate change requires public participation,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO, Connecticut Green Bank. “This agreement strengthens our ability to mobilize investment from Connecticut’s residents directly into projects that benefit our communities, including reducing energy costs and creating jobs. We’re not just building a greener Connecticut – we’re building a coalition of climate investors at the local level to help get us there.”
A Foundation Fifteen Raises in the Making
The announcement builds on one of the most successful community investment programs in the country and demonstrates that everyday investors – not just institutional ones – will show up for climate. To date, the Green Liberty Notes offerings have all supported Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, which enables the state’s small businesses to reduce their energy costs through efficiency upgrades and zero-interest on bill financing. SBEA offers a no-cost, no-obligation energy assessment to small businesses, providing a one-stop service that combines easy access to energy efficiency measures as well as incentives and payment plans.
Now, given the infrastructure, investor community, and institutional trust built across 15 successful raises, the Green Bank and Honeycomb Credit are making plans to go further by funding specific projects in Connecticut communities with more direct support from the residents those projects will serve.
“Honeycomb was built on the idea that communities should have a stake in what gets built around them,” said Jackie Logan, Director of Climate Finance at Honeycomb Credit. “Our partnership with the Connecticut Green Bank has proven that model works at scale. This agreement is about taking it further – connecting more Connecticut residents to more climate projects, and turning individual investors into a real force for the green economy.”
Projects on the Horizon
The new agreement opens the door to a range of project-specific investment opportunities currently under exploration, including distributed solar projects, electrification of school buses, and other clean energy and environmental infrastructure initiatives. Connecticut residents, and individuals all over the U.S. will be able to invest starting at $100, completing the process in minutes on desktop or mobile.
The Connecticut Green Bank is emerging as a nexus for community climate investment – a platform where residents, foundations, and institutions can come together around a shared stake in Connecticut’s green future. Together, the two organizations are building what they believe can become a model coalition of climate project investors: one community, one offering, one project at a time.
Green Liberty Notes Round 16 Now Available
While working toward these specific project raises, the Green Bank will continue to offer quarterly Green Liberty Notes through the Honeycomb Credit platform. A Note celebrating Earth Month is now open, and as with the prior raises, investors can participate with as little as $100. To learn more, please visit www.greenlibertynotes.com.
About Honeycomb Credit
Honeycomb Credit is a Pittsburgh-based financial technology company and SEC/FINRA-registered Funding Portal, founded in 2018. The nation’s leading platform for debt-based Regulation Crowdfunding, Honeycomb has facilitated over $50 million in community-backed capital for more than 600 businesses and projects across the country. In 2025, Honeycomb integrated Raise Green to accelerate its climate finance strategy. Learn more at honeycombcredit.com.
Connecticut Clean Energy Industry Reaches Record Employment, Driving Economic Growth Statewide
/in Contractor Solutions, Financing, jobs, NewsClean energy jobs grow four times faster than overall employment; sector supports nearly 47,300 jobs and contributes $7 billion to Connecticut’s economy
HARTFORD, Conn. — April 7, 2026 — Connecticut’s clean energy industry continued its strong growth in 2024, reaching record employment levels and reinforcing its role as a key driver of economic growth and job creation across the state, according to the newly released 2025 Connecticut Clean Energy Industry Report.
The report finds that clean energy employment grew 2.8 percent from 2023 to 2024, adding more than 1,200 jobs and bringing total clean energy employment to nearly 47,300 workers statewide. Clean energy job growth was four times faster than overall statewide employment growth, accounting for more than 10 percent of all net job growth in Connecticut over that period.
“Connecticut’s clean energy economy continues to deliver real results for workers, businesses, and communities across the state,” said Brenda Watson, Chair of the Joint Committee of the Energy Efficiency Board and Connecticut Green Bank. “These findings confirm that investments in clean energy are also investments in economic growth, competitiveness, and good-paying jobs.”
Clean Energy Delivers $7 Billion to Connecticut’s Economy
Beyond job growth, the clean energy sector generated approximately $7.0 billion in Gross Regional Product (GRP) in 2024, representing 2.4 percent of Connecticut’s total economic output. Manufacturing, construction, and professional services drove much of this impact, underscoring the sector’s expanding role across the state’s supply chains.
Construction activity within clean energy became significantly more productive in 2024, with the sector’s economic output increasing nearly 9 percent year over year, even as employment levels held steady, which suggests a shift toward higher‑value, more capital‑intensive projects, or more efficient clean energy construction projects.
Energy Efficiency Leads, While Emerging Sectors Accelerate
Energy efficiency remained the backbone of Connecticut’s clean energy workforce, supporting more than 36,000 jobs, or nearly 77 percent of all clean energy employment. Job growth was particularly strong in high‑efficiency HVAC, renewable heating and cooling, and advanced building materials.
At the same time, emerging sectors showed rapid acceleration:
Clean Energy Growth Reaches Every Corner of the State
Clean energy employment grew across all regions of Connecticut in 2024. New London County posted the fastest growth rate, while Fairfield County added the largest number of new clean energy jobs. Hartford, Fairfield, and New Haven counties together accounted for more than three‑quarters of the state’s clean energy workforce, demonstrating the industry’s broad geographic footprint.
Policy Leadership Supporting Jobs and Competitiveness
The report highlights how Connecticut’s clean energy and climate policies continue to support workforce demand, infrastructure investment, and long‑term economic competitiveness. Recent actions focused on energy efficiency, grid modernization, energy storage, and clean transportation are helping position Connecticut as a regional leader in the clean energy economy.
The 2025 Connecticut Clean Energy Industry Report was commissioned by the Connecticut General Assembly’s Joint Committee and produced by BW Research Partnership, with support from the Connecticut Green Bank, Eversource, and United Illuminating. Employment data are drawn from the U.S. Department of Energy’s U.S. Energy and Employment Report.
To view the full report, visit www.ctgreenbank.com/strategy-impact/societal-impact/
2025 Green Bank Awards Announced
/in Building Solutions, Community Solutions, Contractor Solutions, Energy Storage Solutions, Home Solutions, Investment Solutions, News, Smart-EHomeowners Seeking Septic System Improvements Have a Flexible Financing Option from Connecticut Green Bank
/in News, Smart-ESuccessful energy-loan program expands into resilience improvements for homes across Connecticut
HARTFORD, Conn. (March 3, 2026) – The Connecticut Green Bank is pleased to announce a new resource for homeowners facing costly or unexpected septic system repairs or replacement. Through partnerships with participating community banks and credit unions and a network of local contractors, the Green Bank’s Smart-E loan can provide flexible, low-interest financing to help cover these expenses.
“At Drainage Experts LLC, we see firsthand how unexpected septic and drainage issues can place a significant financial burden and stress on homeowners. Partnering with Connecticut Green Bank has allowed us to offer our customers a practical financing option that makes necessary infrastructure repairs and improvements more accessible and less stressful,” said Benjamin Bahler, Managing Member of Drainage Experts, LLC, in Ellington. “Their program gives homeowners the flexibility to move forward with important projects without compromising quality or delaying work that protects their property and the environment.”
The Smart-E loan offers financing up to $50,000 with terms ranging from 5 to 15 years, and competitive interest rates that are not based on borrowers’ credit scores (a minimum credit score applies). To be eligible for Smart-E, the home must be owner-occupied with 1-4 units, and the homeowner must meet debt-to-income ratio requirements.
“From a contractor’s perspective, the Connecticut Green Bank team has been professional, responsive, and easy to work with throughout the process,” continued Bahler. “The application and approval experience has been straightforward for our customers, and the clear communication helps ensure everyone understands the scope, timeline, and financing details. Having a trusted financing partner not only supports homeowners but also helps us deliver long-term solutions with confidence. Overall, the program has been a valuable resource for our customers and our business. It allows homeowners to invest in reliable septic and drainage systems while supporting responsible environmental practices. Definitely a win for the homeowner, the contractor, and the community.”
In addition to Drainage Experts, ALT Services LLC in Hamden, Brookfield Septic Service, Inc., in Brookfield, Camarota Sanitation & Excavation in Durham, CT Septic and Inspections LLC in East Haddam, Downies Septic and Excavation LLC in Old Saybrook, New London County Septic Service Inc., in Ledyard, and T & A Mechanical LLC in Brooklyn are also currently offering the Smart-E loan to homeowners seeking financing for septic projects. Any septic contractor in the state can easily become eligible to offer Smart-E. Contractors are encouraged to contact the Green Bank to learn more about the process.
“A working septic system is a non-negotiable item for homeowners, so when upgrades or improvements are needed, we are excited to offer Smart-E as a lending solution to address this important need,” said Barbara Waters, Director of the Smart-E loan program. “This type of project can create financial challenges, but with Smart-E, homeowners have a flexible option to pay to get their system running properly again.”
Since 2013, the Smart-E loan has helped homeowners make energy-related improvements, including adding solar and battery storage, upgrading HVAC systems, and adding insulation. The program was recently expanded to include resiliency-related projects, such as septic systems, wells, basement floodproofing, and lead pipe replacement, to encourage homeowners to make their properties more climate-ready. Properly functioning septic systems can help prevent groundwater and surface water contamination, as well as other public health issues.
In total, more than 300 contractors provide Smart-E to their customers annually, and more than 10,000 homeowners have benefited from the loans.
For more information about Smart-E, please visit https://www.ctgreenbank.com/smarte.
Lynch Toyota in Manchester Goes Solar Using C‑PACE Financing
/in Building Solutions, NewsPhoto courtesy of Earthlight Technologies
Family-owned dealership installs solar carport projected to save nearly $1 million in energy costs
HARTFORD, Conn (February 17, 2026) – The Connecticut Green Bank and Lynch Toyota in Manchester are proud to announce the completion of a solar carport installation at the dealership financed through C-PACE. The 298.1 kW solar carport installed by Earthlight Technologies in Ellington is projected to save more than $968,000 over its lifetime.
Lynch Toyota in Manchester is a family-owned and operated car dealership founded in 1970 by Michael B. Lynch Sr. The dealership offers a wide selection of new and used cars, trucks, and SUVs, along with an autobody shop and a full-service department. Since 2003, Lynch Toyota has received Toyota’s President’s Award every year, recognizing excellence in customer satisfaction and operational performance.
“For us, covering our lot with solar panels makes both financial and practical sense. We are saving money, and it helps keep our vehicles protected from the elements,” said General Manager Conor Lynch.
Solar projects financed through Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C‑PACE) are designed to achieve a positive savings-to-investment ratio, meaning energy savings are expected to exceed project costs over time, helping commercial property owners reduce operating expenses while investing in clean energy upgrades.
“A solar canopy can be a great option for a property owner wanting the benefits of solar when the roof isn’t the right choice and a large parking lot is available,” said Mackey Dykes, Vice President of Financing Programs at the Green Bank. “The best approach for property owners is to discuss their specific needs with a contractor and learn what makes the most sense for their situation.”
Since its inception in 2013, the C-PACE program has supported more than 429 projects and enabled more than $400 million in investment, allowing commercial property owners to focus on their businesses and reduce their energy costs.
To learn more about C-PACE, please visit www.ctgreenbank.com/c-pace/.
Connecticut’s Energy Storage Solutions Program Adopts New Performance-Based Framework to Deliver Greater Value for Ratepayers and Customers
/in Contractor Solutions, Energy Storage Solutions, Home Solutions, NewsEffective April 1, 2026, the streamlined incentive structure will improve program performance and sustainability by reducing complexity and risk while maintaining higher incentives for grid edge, underserved, low- and moderate-income households.
HARTFORD, Conn. (February 2, 2026) – The Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) recently announced significant updates to the Energy Storage Solutions Program making a major shift toward a higher pay-for-performance model designed to maximize grid benefits and protect ratepayer investments.
Effective April 1, 2026, all new participants will enroll in a simplified Program framework that replaces the upfront incentive and Passive Dispatch structure with a smaller enrollment incentive and higher ongoing performance payments over a 10-year period tied directly to Active Dispatch participation. As the name implies, Active Dispatch events are actively called during the summer or winter by Eversource or UI on days when the grid is experiencing high demands to try to lower peak demand. Active dispatch compensates participants for average energy used from their battery to support the utility grid during peak demand in the summer and winter.
Key program changes include:
These changes are designed to deliver greater grid benefits, resilience, equity, and cost-effectiveness for all Connecticut ratepayers. By shifting to a performance-based model, the program reduces ratepayer risk that systems will not perform as expected, encourages performance dispatch, and supports the state’s clean energy goal of deployment of 580 MW of storage by 2030.
Benefits for Customers and Communities:
These program changes were made as part of the Year Five Decision in Docket No. 25-08-05, released on December 17, 2025. Launched in 2022, the program is paid for by electric ratepayers, overseen by PURA, and administered by the Connecticut Green Bank, Eversource, and UI. To date, the program has approved nearly 15 megawatts of residential battery storage projects and more than 140 megawatts of commercial and industrial projects.
For more information on the program, visit https://energystoragect.com/.
Connecticut Green Bank Launches 15th Green Liberty Notes Offering
/in Investment Solutions, NewsCommunity investment model continues to deliver economic and environmental impact through crowdfunding
Hartford, CT (January 16, 2026)—CGB Green Liberty Notes LLC, a subsidiary of the Connecticut Green Bank, today announced the launch of its 15th investment offering to Connecticut residents and investors nationwide. To date, more than $4 million has been raised through previous offerings, helping small businesses improve energy efficiency and lower energy costs.
Green Liberty Notes, offered quarterly, can be purchased with a low minimum investment of just $100 through Green Bank’s partnership with Honeycomb Credit, utilizing their online crowdfunding platform. Any previous Green Liberty Notes investor will be eligible for a higher interest rate during this offering.
“When we launched our Notes in 2021, we were excited with the initial interest from retail investors. Now, with our 15th offering in market and $4 million already invested by people across the country, we are proud to see this program continuing to grow in support of the small business community in Connecticut,” said Bert Hunter, Executive Vice President and Chief Investment Officer of the Connecticut Green Bank.
Green Liberty Notes are designed for accessibility, featuring a low minimum investment, a one-year term, and a simple online purchase process. To date, more than 60% of original investments have been $1,000 or less, and more than half of the investors have been Connecticut residents. In total, individuals from 43 states have invested in Green Liberty Notes.
Investments in this offering support Eversource’s Small Business Energy Advantage (SBEA) program, which enables small businesses in Connecticut to lower their energy expenses through efficiency enhancements and interest-free loans. The benefits associated with the SBEA program have been reviewed and verified by Kestrel for their environmental impact.
The previous Green Liberty offering became the twelfth in a row to exceed its maximum raise. Those interested in participating in this latest offering are encouraged to act quickly to secure their involvement.
For more information or to invest, please visit www.greenlibertynotes.com.
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Connecticut Green Bank Surpasses $3 Billion in Total Investment, Expanding State’s Green Economy
/in Investment Solutions, NewsMilestone achievement supports the creation of more than 30,000 job-years and delivers benefits to families, businesses, and communities statewide.
Hartford, CT – January 12, 2026 – The Connecticut Green Bank proudly announces a historic milestone: surpassing $3 billion in total investment into Connecticut’s green economy. This achievement reflects 14 years of commitment to innovation, resilience, and collaboration with partners across the state.
Since its inception in 2011, the Green Bank has mobilized $3.11 billion in clean energy and environmental infrastructure investments, leveraging $463 million in public funds to attract $2.65 billion in private capital at a ratio of $6.70 for every public dollar invested. These investments have supported the creation of more than 30,000 job-years, generated nearly $160 million in state tax revenues, and reduced energy costs for over 75,000 families, businesses, and nonprofits.
Key achievements in 2025:
“Surpassing $3 billion in total investment is more than a financial milestone; it’s a testament to the green bank model which combines the power of public-private partnerships with the belief that the green economy should benefit everyone,” said Bryan Garcia, President and CEO of Connecticut Green Bank. “These investments are creating jobs, improving public health, reducing energy costs, and building resilience in our communities, particularly in our most vulnerable communities where we ensure that at least 40% of investment is directed. By partnering with lenders, contractors, state and local leaders, utility companies, and community partners, we are proving that the green economy and economic growth go hand in hand.”
“The Green Bank’s multifaceted team works tirelessly to meet evolving and unexpected challenges, remaining responsive to existing clients while also fostering new opportunities that benefit more families, businesses, institutions, and communities,” added Green Bank Board Chair Lonnie Reed. “The team’s outstanding commitment helps us excel.”
From nonprofits like Easterseals saving $1.3 million in energy costs to manufacturers lowering their environmental impact while improving their bottom line, the Green Bank is ensuring that every family, business, and community can participate in and benefit from Connecticut’s green economy. Looking ahead, the Green Bank will continue to innovate and expand access to clean energy and environmental infrastructure solutions, while continuing to ensure that Connecticut remains a leader in the green economy.
To read more about the Green Bank’s successes in 2025, access their annual report at https://www.ctgreenbank.com/annual-report-2025
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Connecticut Green Bank Announces First Round of Solar MAP+ Projects at Eight Affordable Multifamily Housing Properties
/in Building Solutions, Community Solutions, NewsProgram to deliver significant energy cost savings to property owners and tenants while supporting clean energy jobs for Connecticut companies
Hartford, Conn. (January 6, 2026) — The Connecticut Green Bank today announced that eight affordable multifamily housing properties are moving forward as the first round of projects under the Solar Marketplace Assistance Program Plus (Solar MAP+), which makes it easier for affordable multifamily housing providers to access renewable energy and battery storage and achieve cost savings by providing support that simplifies every step of the process.
When completed, the eight solar energy projects will collectively deliver approximately 2.4 megawatts of clean energy to 473 residential units—providing property owners with an average of approximately $569,000 in energy cost savings over the lifetime of the panels, while saving tenants, on average, more than $350 annually in energy costs. Connecticut-based solar companies, Earthlight Technologies and PurePoint Energy, will install the systems at the eight properties.
“We’ve successfully brought Solar MAP+ to Connecticut schools, communities, and state agencies, and we are excited to help our first group of affordable multifamily properties access clean energy solutions,” said Mackey Dykes, Executive Vice President of Financing Programs at the Connecticut Green Bank. “By removing technical and financial barriers and providing comprehensive support, we’re making it easier for owners and residents to benefit from lower energy costs and increased resilience. This program helps ensure that renewable energy is accessible to the communities and residents who stand to benefit the most.”
The eight affordable multifamily properties that will benefit from new solar energy systems through Solar MAP+ are:
“The Hamden Housing Authority is proud to partner with the Connecticut Green Bank Solar Program to bring clean, affordable solar energy to our Elderly and Disabled Housing Residents. This project helps reduce our residents’ overall energy costs, which supports long-term affordability and peace of mind for the people we serve,” said Hazelann B. Cook, Executive Director, Hamden Housing Authority. “For people living on fixed income, these savings can make a meaningful difference, helping stretch monthly budgets and providing greater financial stability. We are grateful for this partnership and the opportunity to invest in a more sustainable and cost-effective future for our residents.”
“The partnership with Green Bank and the Solar MAP project means that the residents at Access Housing at Parker Place will see reduced costs to their energy bills. The savings are real, the benefits to folks living at Parker Place are real and the positive impacts solar energy has over all are real,” said Kathleen Krider, Sr. Director – Community Engagement & Resource Management at Access Community Access Agency. “Access is very happy to be partnering on this project and working with Green Bank has been a pleasure.”
Through Solar MAP+, which covers both solar and storage, affordable multifamily housing providers receive no-cost technical assistance, site selection and project design support, access to financing and financial incentives, and more from the Green Bank. To qualify for Solar MAP+, properties must include at least five units. At least 60% of units must be occupied by residents earning less than 60% of Area Median Income (AMI).
Multifamily property owners interested in joining future Solar MAP+ cohorts can learn more by at ctgreenbank.com/solarmap-amfh.