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Publication Date

2025-5

Document Type

Special Studies

Study Type

ENV 400

Department

Environmental Science and Policy

Advisors

Alexander Barron

Abstract

This document breaks down 10 key financing mechanisms for clean energy projects by outlining their structures, benefits, limitations, and applicability for public and private Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The financing mechanisms below fall under five main categories: Debt Instruments, Third-Party Ownership, Performance-Based Financing, Internal Funding, and Risk Mitigation & Credit Enhancement.

The majority of the mechanisms can be applied to both types of HEIs, and only two options (direct investment and revolving loan funds) require some upfront investment. The advantages include lower interest rates, contract term flexibility, and future savings, while some of the drawbacks include enabling legislation and high creditworthiness requirements. In addition, the document lists a brief description of each mechanism, an introduction to an emerging tool that HEIs should take advantage of: Green Banks, as well as a few institutional characteristics to keep in account when navigating financing options. Lastly, the document briefly discusses Smith College as a case study.

Rights

©2025 Dimitra Prassa

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