Page 19 - Green Builder Magazine Jul-Aug 2021

Here’s a Florida institution that strives to

change finance to finance change.

The status quo of inaction is

no longer an option. The

future depends on our ability

$100 million+ to work together, now, to
reverse the damage and

restore our planet’s natural
Sustainability-related financing offered
this year to eco-friendly consumers balance, to allow people and
and businesses nature to thrive in harmony.

community bank, including the rooftop solar loans program, LaRoe has experience on his side. Climate First is the third
renewable energy promotion, and financing for various bank he has owned; many of the institution’s services and
building retrofits. Others, such as regenerative agriculture, philosophies come from its predecessor, Orlando-based First
which applies to small family farms or organic spaces, Green Bank. He sold that business in 2018 when investors
represented new territory. wanted to finally cash in on its success.
“Our vision is to reimagine finance as a force for good First Green stressed overall sustainable thinking in its
and become the most impactful bank contributing to the services, as well as its own design. Bank branches were LEED
drawdown of atmospheric CO2,” LaRoe says. “We do our part certified and climate neutral. Employees were paid a living
to preserve America’s irreplaceable ecosystem by providing wage of at least $33,000 per year and offered scholarships
residents and businesses with convenient, specialized green to attain LEED Green Associate and Accredited Profes-
loan options for everything ranging from rooftop solar to sional certification through the U.S. Green Building Council
renewable energy to building retrofits, EV charging, or even (USGBC). There were even amenities such as free loaner
purchasing certified carbon offsets.” hybrid vehicles for employees if needed.
So far, interest in Climate First’s services has been good. Now, with Climate First, LaRoe is looking at the climate and
As of mid-July, the bank was heading toward $20 million in the planet’s survival. “The status quo of inaction is no longer an
assets. There are about $70 million in loans in the works, option,” he notes. “The future depends on our ability to work
$5 million of which have been approved. Another $30 million together now, to reverse the damage and restore our planet’s
are in underwriting. natural balance, to allow people and nature to thrive in harmony.” 2021 ECO-LEADERS

Seeds of success. Regenerative agriculture services for small family farms can have a long-term, eco-friendly impact for everyone.
COURTESY OF CLIMATE FIRST BANK
www.greenbuildermedia.com July/August 2021 GREEN BUILDER 17