Retail energy projects provide several business benefits like reduced operating expenses, improved budget forecasting, and increased brand value. Moreover, few other retail projects can take advantage of such a broad array of incentives, rebates, and tax credits. In addition to external financing opportunities (documented in this companion External Financing Guide), there are many innovative internal financing strategies designed to streamline project approvals and recycle energy cost savings, among other goals.
To help energy managers and finance professionals at retail companies understand internal financing approaches that can be used for energy projects and create a virtuous cycle of efficient operations, IMT and the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA), with support from the U.S. Department of Energy, have created this updated internal financing guide (click the tab on the right to download the free guide).
IMT and RILA’s internal financing guide was updated in August, 2017 and details strategies for embedding environmentally conscious thinking into investment decision-making, establishing funds specifically for energy projects, and collaborating across departments to execute projects of all sizes.The guide was informed by existing research, case studies, and interviews with retail energy managers. It includes:
Policies and funds:
- Internal Carbon Pricing
- Capital Investment Fund
- Revolving Loan Fund
Process changes:
- Expedited Approval
- Cross-Departmental Collaboration
Addendum
- Summary of Internal Financing Strategies
