Green Finance Model Cited as Key Factor in Awarding of Helsinki Carbon-Neutral Real Estate Project


SAN FRANCISCO, CA--(Marketwire - September 11, 2009) - The green finance model developed by the sustainable finance consultancy Galley Eco Capital (http://www.GalleyEcoCapital.com) was a primary factor in the unanimous selection of the winning team for Helsinki's "Low2No" mixed-use development design competition.

The competition jury cited the innovative funding model as a major reason for choosing the team of Galley Eco Capital, Arup, Saurbruch Hutton and Experientia to develop Jatkasaari into the first carbon-neutral district in Finland. Sitra, the innovation agency of the Finnish government, selected the multinational team out of 74 initial entries for its "C_life - City as Living Factory of Ecology" project.

"This award recognizes the expert contributions of the other team members," said Lisa Michelle Galley, managing principal of Galley Eco Capital. "The award also acknowledges the importance of a proper framework to help governments, bankers and investors create maximum value through green finance programs for sustainable development."

Sustainable Finance Model

Other team members devised the design, energy and consumer-behavioral strategies for the green, mixed-use commercial and residential district in Jatkasaari, a 220-acre island quarter of Helsinki.

Galley Eco Capital created a sustainable finance model, which would integrate traditional and socially responsible capital sources and products at the regional level. The green finance model suggested incentives to achieve maximum effect in terms of emissions reduction, energy efficiency and resource savings.

Galley Eco Capital started with a thorough analysis of Sitra's environmental and socially responsible real estate objectives, the Finnish climate-change agenda, and Finland's participation within the global environmental finance markets. The company developed a suggested framework to create a reliable pipeline of green mortgage, and environmental, energy and carbon finance capital for Jatkasaari.

This framework would seamlessly integrate with the existing Finnish financial network. This innovative market structure would monetize the available sustainability benefits, and adequately fund the project throughout construction and operation.

About Galley Eco Capital

Galley Eco Capital helps real estate and renewable-energy investors, lenders and regional governments create maximum value with green finance programs for sustainable development. The company's success includes finance programs totaling $1 billion in North America and Europe as well as more than $15 million in identified incentives. For more information about the San Francisco-based company, visit http://www.GalleyEcoCapital.com, call 415-655-6668 or e-mail info@GalleyEcoCapital.com.

Contact Information: Contact Kay Paumier Communications Plus 510-656-8512