Environmental finance is about creating the greatest environmental benefit for the largest number of people at the lowest possible cost. That is the first and most important principle listed in Finance Policy for Renewable Energy and a Sustainable Environment. Focusing on what the author considers to be the 23 principles of environmental finance, this text examines the key financial principles necessary to build strategies and adopt policies to deal effectively with environmental challenges. The text encourages making financial decisions based on science, not politics, and considers what it takes to design and execute environmental finance programs in the most cost-effective way possible.
Providing a historical overview of how we got to where we are now, and outlining the 23 principles needed to establish a stronger foundation for the future, this text presents the basic financial tools required to understand the concepts presented. It discusses the proper roles of grants, loans and guaranties, the concept and proper use of affordability, understanding leverage, and generating revenue streams for environmental programs. It also examines subsidies, financial risk reduction strategies, and the challenges posed by alternative energy as well as the next generation of environmental programs.
As it relates to how environmental projects and improvements are achieved, Finance Policy for Renewable Energy and a Sustainable Environment outlines the greatest benefits at the lowest possible cost to the public. This text is an ideal resource for upper-level undergraduate students in environmental engineering and business courses, as well as practicing environmental engineers.
Preface
Chapter 1 : Paying for the Fix
Chapter 2 : The 23 Principles of Environmental Finance
Chapter 3 : The 2 Core Principles of Environmental Finance
Chapter 4 : Policy Principles of Environmental Finance
Chapter 5 : Management Principles of Environmental Finance
Chapter 6 : Revenue Raising Principles for Environmental Finance
Chapter 7 : Sources of Revenue for Environmental Finance Programs
Chapter 8 : Financial Principles of Environmental Finance
Chapter 9 : Financial Mechanics
Chapter 10 : Comparing Financing Alternatives
Chapter 11 : Hidden and Not-So-Hidden Cost Factors
Chapter 12 : Impact of Term on Annual Debt Service Payment
Chapter 13 : Grants and Affordability
Chapter 14 : The Role of Equity
Chapter 15 : The Curse of Subsidies
Chapter 16 : Leverage: The Power of Guaranties
Chapter 17 : Cost/Benefit Analyses
Chapter 18 : Credit Enhancement
Chapter 19 : Tariffs
Chapter 20 : Climate Change and Renewable Energy
Chapter 21 : Cap-and-Trade Programs
Chapter 22 : Driving Down Costs
Appendix : Countries with Non-Investment-Grade Ratings on Their Sovereign Debt
Index
