CoPower | News

September 19, 2018

Shades of green: Making sense of responsible investing

The rapidly expanding universe of responsible investment products offers something for everyone. But these investments exist along a spectrum from a little less bad, to a lot more good.

Green Bonds Explained: How Green Bonds are helping finance the transition to a renewable energy-powered future.

You may think of bonds as the boring, tried and true part of your investment portfolio. Government issued, 1-2%, barely-beating-inflation, yawn. Green Bonds are different, and there are increasingly compelling reasons--both financial and feel good--for individual investors to consider adding them to their investment portfolios.

Investir pour une planète en dépassement

En tant qu'économiste écologique, Tom Green sait bien que, dans la nature, rien ne peut pousser indéfiniment, et il en va de même, nous dit-il, pour notre économie.

CoPower invests $6.4 million in geothermal for BC homeowners

CoPower's latest project investment is helping build greener communities in British Columbia.

CoPower investit 6,4 M$ en géothermie pour des propriétaires à Kelowna en CB

Nous sommes très heureux d’annoncer le plus gros investissement à ce jour de CoPower dans un projet : un portefeuille de 6,4 M$ dans des projets en chauffage et climatisation géothermiques résidentiels à Kelowna en Colombie-Britannique.

Un PDG cherche des investissements du bon côté de la transition à une économie faible en carbone

« En tant qu’entrepreneur et qu’investisseur, je suis confiant dans les sociétés et les produits qui sont du bon côté de la transition à une économie faible en émissions de carbone. »

Turning my boring savings account into an ethical investment portfolio: Bronwyn Oatley

“In The Green” is a series of interviews with all types of green investors, from those who are starting small with a fossil-free ETF, to those who have dived in head-first to create a 100% earth-and human-friendly portfolio, to find out how they’re doing it.

Investing for an earth in overshoot: Tom Green

Earth Overshoot Day, the day when humanity has used up all the resources that the planet can renew in one year, fell on August 1st -- the earliest it has ever been. Ecological economist Tom Green discusses what this means for his investment portfolio.

This CEO is seeking investments on the right side of the low carbon transition

“As an entrepreneur and an investor I’m bullish on companies and products that are on the right side of the low carbon transition. You can see this clearly reflected in my investments and where I focus my energy.”

Ask your wealth manager annoying questions

“Vote with your money,” is what we’re told, but that’s only one part of the equation. We also need good places to put our money, and that starts with asking questions.

What does Ontario's new government mean for CoPower?

While we’re deeply disappointed by the events of the past month and our new government’s attitude toward clean energy and climate change, fortunately, CoPower's existing investments and immediate project investment pipeline are not directly impacted.

The Bank of Canada just raised their rates again: what does that mean for my bonds?

The Bank of Canada just raised its key interest rate again. What does this mean for bond investors and CoPower's Green Bondholders?

Le dernier investissement en énergie propre de CoPower aide les communautés à gagner de l’argent grâce au soleil

Au vu des récentes élections en Ontario, ce projet est l’illustration parfaite de comment CoPower et nos investisseurs d’obligations vertes peuvent s’unir pour encourager la transition énergétique au Canada et pourquoi c’est aujourd’hui plus important que jamais.

CoPower’s latest clean energy investment helps communities earn money from the sun

Our latest project investment is a perfect illustration of how CoPower and our Green Bond investors can come together to drive Canada’s clean transition forward and why that’s more important than ever.

Dans les coulisses de nos revues diligentes

Dans un souci de transparence, nous vous dévoilons comment CoPower sélectionne et choisit ses projets d’investissement et les fondamentaux qui entrent dans l’établissement d’un produit de placement à impact élevé et soutenu par des énergies propres.

What does it take to build a 100% impact investment portfolio?

Impact investing is taking off around the world, but how do you actually build an investment portfolio for good? Social finance pro & CoPower Green Bond investor Jory Cohen opens up the portfolio he manages with his wife Jill to show us how they're doing it.

A dive into due diligence: Choosing the clean energy projects that back our Green Bonds

CoPower may be best-known for our signature Green Bonds, but what makes them possible are the real clean energy and energy efficiency projects that back them.

CoPower makes the 2018 B Corporation Best For The World List

We’ve been named a #Bestfortheworld B Corporation, and that’s made us a better company.

How individuals can help move the clean energy transition forward -- with or without government

There's a lot we can do as individuals to move the clean energy transition forward. Here are nine actions you can take from divesting to purchasing clean energy credits to supporting grassroots climate action.

Fixed income investing: How do CoPower Green Bonds stack up?

Learn about some of CoPower Green Bonds' core terms and features, where they fit in a diversified portfolio, and how they stack up to other fixed income investment opportunities.

Placements à revenu fixe: Où se situent les obligations vertes?

Energy efficiency, a no-brainer for your home and your portfolio

Sustainable building expert and CoPower Green Bond investor Jup Bhasin has invested in energy efficiency at home and via his portfolio. Check out his tips for reducing your energy use and energy bill while increasing the comfort of your home.

Les nouvelles obligations vertes de CoPower: gagner de l’argent avec la planète

Apprenez-en davantage sur nos obligations vertes de 6 ans à 5% et de 4 ans à 4%, et devenez un investisseur en énergie propre dès aujourd’hui.

CoPower's new Green Bonds help you profit with the planet

Learn more about our 6-Year, 5% Green Bonds and 4-Year, 4% Green Bonds, and get started as a clean energy investor today.

This Earth Day, meet the new Green Bonds!

This Earth Day, we’re thrilled to announce our next issuance of CoPower Green Bonds, ready to help you put your money to work for profit and planet.

CBC Radio: Planet-Friendly Investing with Bruce Sellery

CBC Radio interviews personal finance expert Bruce Sellery about Green Bonds and how Canadians can make investments that align with their values.

Investing in climate action means investing in community: Brian Montgomery

The City of Hamilton is crushing their climate targets and Brian Montgomery has had a lot to do with that. In our latest blog, he shares his philosophy of engaging with and investing in community solutions to climate change.

Fighting climate change in court and at the bank: Fraser Thomson

Ecojustice lawyer Fraser Thomson talks to us about making sure his investment portfolio isn't undermining the work he does to defend the planet.

Investing is all about the future. For this CEO the question is what kind of future?

Andrea Nemtin is the CEO and President of Inspirit Foundation, the first foundation in Canada to commit to investing 100 percent of its assets for impact. So when it comes to CoPower's green investments, she's on board, both personally and professionally.

Two sides of the same coin: Clean investing and ending financing for fossil fuels

Patrick DeRochie is the Climate & Energy Program Manager for Environmental Defence, where he leads campaigns to build support for Canada’s transition to a low-carbon, clean economy. As a CoPower Green Bond investor he’s aligning his work with his personal finances.

This investment is one way I’m pushing back against oil and gas development in the Arctic

As a conservation advocate, Joanna Jack is walking the talk: fighting fossil fuel development in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge while investing her savings in the future she wants to see.

Thanks a million (or ten), Canada!

As of this morning, CoPower is now officially sold out of our second Green Bond issuance. Thank you to the nearly 400 Canadians who have invested $10,000,000 in our clean energy future! Read on for more about the impact our flagship investment product and our community of investors has had already.

Why investing in clean energy counts for more in Alberta

Looking to maximize the positive impact of your investments? Supporting clean energy projects in Alberta is a powerful way to make your money go further.

CoPower's current issuance of Green Bonds is nearly sold out: less than $300K remaining

As of today, we have just under $300K remaining in Green Bonds which will bring us to a total of $10 million invested in Canadian clean energy. As we accept the final round of investments for this Green Bond issuance and prepare for the next, we wanted to take a look back at the incredible impact our investors and our flagship investment product have had to date.

La Banque du Canada hausse ses taux: quels effets sur mes obligations ?

Au début du mois, la Banque du Canada a annoncé qu’elle relevait son taux directeur pour passer de 1% à 1.25%, et son gouverneur Stephen Poloz a indiqué que les Canadiens devaient se faire à l’idée d’autres augmentations à venir.

The Bank of Canada just raised their rates: what does that mean for my bonds?

The Bank of Canada recently raised its key interest rate, with Governor Stephen Poloz indicating that Canadians should get comfortable with more to come. What does this mean for CoPower's Green Bondholders?

We've screened nearly $1B in clean energy projects: Here's how we choose the best for your Green Bonds

CoPower may be best-known for our signature Green Bonds, but what makes them possible are the real clean energy and energy efficiency projects that back them.

Qu’est-ce qu’une obligation verte?

Les obligations vertes contribuent à financer la transition énergétique.

Finding balance in all things, from clean eating to clean investing

Hana James is Director of Community and Co-Founder of Greenhouse Juice Co, the breakout success of Canada’s cold-pressed juice scene. Greenhouse puts health and sustainability at the core of everything they do, so it’s not surprising that Hana is also working on “detoxing” her investment portfolio.

Green Bonds Explained

Green bonds are helping to finance the transition to a renewable energy-powered future while offering investors the potential for competitive returns.

5 strategies to green your RRSP

Interest in responsible investing has blossomed in the past decade, meaning that Canadians have more “green” options to add to their RRSPs and TFSAs than before.

Investing for the health of the planet: Dr. Joe Vipond

As an emergency room physician for the past seventeen years, I’ve become increasingly vocal about the impact climate change and environmental toxins has on our health.

Questrade et CoPower: Comment rendre vos REER et CELI plus écologique facilement?

Grâce au plus grand courtier en placements indépendant en ligne au Canada, il est maintenant plus facile que jamais de détenir des obligations vertes de CoPower au sein d’un compte enregistré. Le processus en ligne est rapide, pas besoin de face à face ou de déplacement.

Questrade + CoPower: The easy way to green your RRSP or TFSA

Thanks to Canada’s largest independent online investment broker it’s now easier (and cheaper!) than ever to hold CoPower Green Bonds in a registered account. A quick, online process with no people to meet with, or offices to visit.

Comment mieux utiliser mon bonus de fin d’année: Jake Levinson

« Cette année, j’ai décidé d’essayer une nouvelle stratégie d’investissement, et non, pas les bitcoins, mais l’investissement écologique »

« Mon bonus de fin d'année va améliorer mon bilan carbone et me rapporter un bon rendement. »

« J’ai choisi de placer mon bonus dans des obligations vertes car j'espère pouvoir un jour acheter un logement, et pouvoir gagner 5% d'intérêts sur le revenu fixe de mon portefeuille est formidable » explique Tori.

Bitcoin: the anti-impact investment

Mining ever-more bitcoins out of thin air pumps ever-greater amounts of climate-change-causing CO2 into that same air.

My holiday bonus is improving my carbon footprint & earning me a good return: Tori Woodward

"Most investments I’ve made in the past have felt pretty impersonal. Part of what I loved about investing in Green Bonds was that it was a personal decision and something I was genuinely excited about.”

A better use for my year end bonus: Jake Levinson

“This year, I decided to use my year-end bonus to experiment with a new investing strategy - no, not bitcoin - green investing.”

Private Placements: One of the few Tweet-proof investments of our time

For investors who are considering reducing market exposure, but aren’t keen on today’s low bond interest rates, it’s a good time to consider adding private placements to your portfolio.

This year, I’m giving the gift of a greener future

Indra is investing in a CoPower Green Bond as a Christmas gift to Miguel this year, an investment she hopes he will use for his education a little ways down the road, and which will do good for the world while he’s not old enough to make use of it.

Six questions to ask when evaluating a clean energy investment:

Clean energy investments have been available to high net worth individuals and institutions for years, but for most of us, this is an exciting new opportunity. So, how do you determine which is the right investment for you? Here are six considerations to keep in mind when choosing a clean energy investment best tailored to your financial and impact goals.

Les six questions à poser pour choisir un investissement dans les énergies propres

Clean energy investments have been available to high net worth individuals and institutions for years, but for most of us, this is an exciting new opportunity. So, how do you determine which is the right investment for you? Here are six considerations to keep in mind when choosing a clean energy investment best tailored to your financial and impact goals.

Investing in a world where disruption is the new normal

What’s an investor to do when disruption is both the new normal and so rapid and difficult to predict? We asked Sean Drygas, Bullfrog Power's VP of Finance and Corporate Development (and a CoPower Green Bond investor) to share his thoughts on investing for impact in a fast-changing world.

The dirty secret in your investment portfolio: How you invest your savings might just be the single most important determinant of your carbon footprint

Report reveals how you invest your savings might just be the single most important determinant of your carbon footprint.

Le vilain secret de votre portefeuille d’investissement:

D'après nos recherches, votre portefeuille d’investissement pourrait avoir bien plus d’impact sur votre empreinte carbone que toute autre action individuelle, y compris celle d’avoir un enfant.

The first Green Bond for Saskatchewanians

We're thrilled to announce that as of today, investors in Saskatchewan can finally put the planet in their portfolios.

Q&A: Meet Jennifer, CoPower’s resident investment expert

Jennifer recently joined CoPower as Manager of Impact Investing from RBC Global Asset Management. With a ten-year career in investment banking and portfolio management at some of Canada’s largest firms, she brings a lot to the table.

The Ivey Foundation makes the case for sustainable investing

The Ivey Foundation is one of several leading Canadian foundations making an impact not only through its traditional granting programs, but also with its investment portfolio.

Three reasons to add green bonds to your portfolio

A big step towards putting the planet in everyone’s portfolio

CoPower raises another $2 million in equity financing to further scale our investment platform and provide a simple way for every Canadian investor to put the planet in their portfolio.

A fossil-free investor on having “the conversation” with her advisor

If you’ve ever tried talking about fossil free, ethical or responsible investing with your investment advisor or bank account manager you may be familiar with the frustrating conversation Suzanne Tokarsky had with hers.

Why individual investors matter in the transition to a clean energy economy

What difference can my $5000 investment actually make? A big difference. Here's why we believe individual investors have an crucial role to play in filling the climate finance gap, a role not currently filled by mainstream financial institutions.

A cleantech vet on the only clean energy investment he’s making today (& why it isn’t Tesla)

How has 18 years working in the cleantech industry as an engineer, renewable energy consultant, and writer shaped Matthew Klippenstein's approach to investing?

The case for Green Bonds in the Trump era

One commonly cited reason CoPower investors give for adding Green Bonds to their investment portfolio is diversification: they like what they see as the Green Bonds' lack of correlation to public market volatility.

Trump, Paris & reflecting on how far the climate movement has come

The day Trump announced his decision to withdraw from the Paris Climate Accord, I had a little cry at my desk, partly out of frustration, but mostly out of joy and relief at the global response to his announcement and how far the climate movement has come.

For this Alberta teen impact investing was never a question

At 15, Hailey is one of CoPower's youngest Green Bond investors. Without ever having heard of the concept of impact investing, Hailey decided that her first-ever investment would be a Green Bond investment that is good for the planet and that could help fund her university education.

Making Geothermal Happen: CoPower Green Bonds in action

Earlier this week, we announced $1 million in project financing to Marmott Energies, supporting their mission of making geothermal heating and cooling systems affordable for the average homeowner.

Jory and Jill's personal impact investing journey

What does it take to build a 100% impact investment portfolio? Jory Cohen has been tackling this problem for two years as Director of Social Finance & Investment at Inspirit Foundation. Now he and his wife Jill have committed to the same with their personal investments. This is how they're doing it.

CoPower Launches $20M Green Bond Issuance!

CoPower Inc., a leading Canadian clean energy online investment platform, announced today that the first tranche of its $20 million issuance of Green Bonds is now available to individual investors, providing Canadians with the unique opportunity to invest in clean energy projects across North America.

A Québec Green Bond for the rest of us / Des obligations vertes Québécoises pour nous tous

Last Friday, February 24th, Quebec's first provincial green bond sold out in minutes to major institutional investors, but what about the rest of us?

CoPower and Vancity Capital Corporation team up to bring Green Bonds to Canadians

We're pleased to announce that Vancity Capital Corp. has injected $1 million in financing to CoPower's revolving credit facility, to support the development of our flagship Green Bonds.

Investing in clean energy & conservation where it counts the most

For investors looking to maximize the impact of their green investments, supporting clean energy projects in Alberta, Saskatchewan, Nova Scotia or the territories, is a powerful way to reduce emissions at an even greater scale.

CoPower Green Bonds rolling out March 1st

On March 1st investors across Canada will have the opportunity to participate in and profit from the transition to a clean energy future by investing in CoPower Green Bonds.

In The Green: Braden Root-McCaig

In The Green is a series of interviews with all types of green investors. This week we talked to millennial investor Braden Root-McCaig on his decision to dip a toe into the world of impact and green investing.

Why we need to support the clean transition now more than ever

With or without government leadership on climate change, there’s a lot we can do as individuals to move forward with the clean transition.

Green vs. Greenwashed: Measuring what matters

How can we tell the difference between “green” and “greenwashed”? It’s easy to slap buzzwords on a product -- it’s hard to make and measure real change.

Holiday gifts that give back

The holidays often end up being a wasteful season, but it doesn't have to be this way. The year considering buying your gifts from one of hundreds of Canadian B Corporations. Not only will you be able to give a cool gift, but also a story of positive impact that will make your friends and family feel great.

Investment from Fondaction CSN fuels growth of our clean energy investing model

CoPower is delighted to announce a $300,000 investment from Fondaction, a mission-aligned investor with a 20 year track record for growing and supporting environmentally responsible businesses.

Will President Trump Kill the Clean Energy Economy?

With falling clean energy stock prices and first-hundred-days commitments like lifting restrictions on coal production, the Trump Presidency appears to be a major setback in the fight against climate change. Here's why clean energy's prospects may not be as grim as you think.

Pressing Pause on LRP & the Future of Ontario’s Renewable Energy Transition

CoPower's Director of Projects Jonathan Frank on the suspension of Ontario's Large Renewable Procurement (LRP) process, the missed opportunity for our province, and how we can still move forward with the clean energy transition.

CoPower named Social Enterprise of the Year

CoPower named 2016 Social Enterprise of the Year at the MaRS Social Finance Forum.

CoPower raises $3M from Canadian foundations to democratize clean energy investing

CoPower raises $3M from The J.W. McConnell Family Foundation, the Ivey Foundation & the Hamilton Community Foundation to democratize clean energy investing in Canada.

How to build a career in clean energy

CoPower CEO David Berliner's top tips for millennials looking to build careers in clean energy or cleantech.

Outstanding contributors to clean capitalism, that's us!

CoPower's leadership honoured with a Clean50 award for outstanding contribution to clean capitalism and an Environmental Entrepreneur of the Year award.

Insights on the future of Impact Investing

What does the future of impact investing hold? How can we use our portfolios to catalyze change?

CoPower: One year later

A Smart Green Bank’s Mission: Planned Obsolescence

The Ontario Government's 2016 Climate Change Action Plan includes the creation of a green bank. What's the most powerful thing a green bank could do? Make itself obsolete.

Is Big Oil FINALLY Budging on Climate Change Mitigation?

Even as oil prices slowly recover, the message from citizens all over the world is clear: clean energy is the future, which makes green investing the smarter choice.

The shining light in Ontario’s climate plan that no one is talking about.

Ontario's new climate change plan offers a multi-billion dollar opportunity to shift us to a clean energy, low carbon future. Here's CoPower's take on how Premier Wynne and team can get it right.

Man vs. Woman: Who makes a better investor?

A new RIA report finds that women while are nearly twice as likely as men to express uncertainty about responsible investing. We dug deeper to find out why that is and what the hidden benefits are.

Why I joined 200 Canadian CEOs to call for a federal clean energy loan guarantee.

What 4 key actions can the federal government take to effectively support cleantech in Canada?

How to Celebrate Earth Day in Style

What Canadians have been Waiting For

As our new federal government touts a much more climate-friendly agenda, Canadians are rallying behind the cause. It’s clear: Canadians want decisive action on climate change, now.

How women are changing the impact investing landscape

In the context of impact investing, recent surveys have suggested that there are in fact differences between men and women.

In Canada and Abroad, the Future looks Bright for Clean Energy

Climate change is happening, and if we don’t make serious changes very quickly, the outlook is not good. Fortunately, when it comes to the energy sector, the future is looking green.

Why I’m divesting (and how you can too)!

Join a movement of people changing the way we invest,

Will millennials take impact investing mainstream?

Millennials. Generation Y. Often touted as the “Me” generation. More selfish than their predecessors, the Generation Xs and the Baby Boomers. But when it comes to investing, this myth about millennials just doesn’t hold up.

Why and how we are simplifying green investing

A wise person once told me, “investors don’t solve problems, they make money”. I take the point — investments are intended to preserve and grow capital. But the good news is, entrepreneurs do solve problems – and investors have the power to choose where they are placing their capital, and how they build value.