DC Green Bank

What DC Green Bank does

DC Green Bank, formally the DC Green Finance Authority, is a quasi-governmental green bank chartered by the District of Columbia under the Green Finance Authority Establishment Act of 2018 and operational since April 2020. It is the District's dedicated public-purpose financing institution for clean energy and climate-resilience projects, deploying loans and PACE-style financing for solar energy, green buildings, stormwater infrastructure, and clean transportation. The portfolio is concentrated in Washington, D.C., with explicit prioritization of low- and moderate-income communities and underserved wards (notably Wards 5, 7, and 8), aligning with District climate-equity policy and statutory mission.

The product set comprises DC PACE financing, Direct Financing for larger projects, Navigator Pre-Development Loans for early-stage project preparation, a Small Business Loan Fund, the Community Impact Initiative (CII) Loan, and vertical-specific facilities for Solar, Green Buildings, Stormwater, and Clean Transportation. Distribution is partnership-led: DC Green Bank co-invests with mission-aligned counterparties such as Enterprise Community Partners, Howard University, PosiGen, Flywheel Development, Jonathan Rose Companies, Somerset Development Company, Housing Up, LISC, and the DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU), and it structures deals alongside private capital providers including Forbright Bank and Stonehill PACE. The institution is a member of the international Green Bank Network (joined at COP26 in November 2021) and the Coalition for Green Capital (joined April 2023).

The business model is that of a mission-driven wholesale and project lender rather than a retail originator. DC Green Bank earns interest income on its loan book and origination/financing fees on transactions; it does not disclose revenue, and its small operating team (1-10 employees) reflects its lean structure. Governance is overseen by a board chaired by Brandi Colander. Following the October 2022 departure of founding CEO Eli Hopson, CFO Jean Nelson-Houpert serves as interim CEO. Capital deployment scaled from approximately $2 million in FY2020 to roughly $26 million in FY2022, with cumulative originations exceeding $90 million.

Name

DC Green Bank

Legal name

DC Green Finance Authority

Website

https://dcgreenbank.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

DC Green Bank is the District of Columbia's quasi-governmental green finance authority, deploying loans and PACE financing for solar, green buildings, stormwater, and clean transportation projects, with a mission-driven focus on low- and moderate-income communities in Wards 5, 7, and 8.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Green Finance / Clean Energy Lending

NAICS

Depository Credit Intermediation (5221)

SIC

Federal & Federally-Sponsored Credit Agencies (6111)

akta.pro primary industry

Green/Climate Development Banks & Funds (FSABAKAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Energy Efficiency & Green Retrofit Financing (FSALAHAK), Sustainable Infrastructure & Resilient Cities Funds (FSANAJAC), Climate Finance Funds & Green Investment Facilities (BPADACAH), Green Tariffs & Utility Renewable Supply Programs (EUAGADAJ)

Keywords

• Green finance solutions
• Clean energy financing
• Property assessed clean energy
• Sustainable infrastructure loans
• Affordable housing financing

Headquarters

HQ city

Washington

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Loan Interest and Financing Fees: DC Green Bank generates revenue through interest on loans and financing fees for clean energy projects, sustainable building upgrades, stormwater management, and solar installations in the District of Columbia.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

DC Green Bank provides direct green financing solutions for clean energy, energy-efficient buildings, small businesses, and community-serving organizations in Washington D.C. Its core product lines include DC PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) financing for building upgrades, Direct Financing loans for solar, green buildings, stormwater, and clean transportation projects, Navigator pre-development loans ($10,000–$250,000+), a Small Business Loan Fund, and the Community Impact Initiative (CII) loan program. The bank serves as the District's official green finance authority, deploying patient capital into underserved communities.

Product overview

DC Green Bank operates as a green finance institution offering a portfolio of financial products and programs to accelerate clean energy deployment in Washington, D.C. The organization provides direct financing solutions alongside specialized programs including DC PACE (Property Assessed Clean Energy) for building upgrades, the Navigator pre-development loan product (in partnership with Inclusive Prosperity Capital) for sustainable design costs, and a Small Business Loan Fund for facility and equipment efficiency upgrades. Core investment areas span solar energy systems, green/efficient buildings, stormwater infrastructure, and clean transportation/electric vehicle charging. The bank targets community-serving organizations, affordable housing providers, contractors, building owners, and residents, with specific focus on underserved communities in Wards 5, 7, and 8.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• DC PACE Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing mechanism that enables private lenders to finance building upgrades and new construction of high-performance buildings, with repayment through the city's property assessment. Property owners can implement energy efficiency enhancements without large upfront costs, typically repaying over 15 or 20 years. The repayment stays with the property when sold.
• Direct Financing Direct lending solutions provided by DC Green Bank to finance clean energy projects, solar installations, green buildings, and sustainable infrastructure for District businesses, organizations, and residents.
• Navigator Pre-Development Loan Pre-development loan product developed in partnership with Inclusive Prosperity Capital, supporting customized design of sustainable improvements for commercial buildings, community-based nonprofit organization buildings, and multifamily or mixed-use properties. Loans range from $10,000 to $250,000+ for energy audits, benchmarking, design, engineering, and bidding work.
• Small Business Loan Fund Affordable financing available for small businesses to invest in more efficient facilities, equipment, and operations, increasing cash flow for District small businesses pursuing sustainability upgrades.
• Community Impact Initiative (CII) Loan Loan program for community-based organizations and faith-based institutions to pursue building efficiency upgrades, cooling system improvements, and capital improvements that have been deferred.
• Solar Energy Financing Financing solutions for solar energy systems, including rooftop solar, solar carports, and community solar installations, supporting the District's Solar for All program and LMI resident access to renewable energy.
• Green Buildings Financing Financing for energy-efficient buildings and green building upgrades, supporting compliance with DC's Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) and Zero Net Energy Building standards.
• Stormwater Infrastructure Financing Financing for green infrastructure projects that manage and clean stormwater runoff, supporting DC's Stormwater Retention Credit Trading Program and MS4 compliance.
• Clean Transportation Financing Financing for electric vehicle charging stations and transportation electrification projects, supporting clean mobility across the District.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $90 million in loans deployed to date
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers10 records

Segments6 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core, major and minor.

• Coalition for Green CapitalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 April 2023DC Green Bank joined as partner in Coalition's nationwide green bank initiative preparing to seek EPA Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund. Collective goal of delivering over $13.5B in projects over several years.
• Connecticut Green BankcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 April 2023Strategic partnership joining national green bank coalition. Connecticut Green Bank has deployed over $2.25 billion for clean energy projects, leveraging $7 in private capital for every $1 of public funds.
• Inter-Tribal Trade ConsortiumcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 6 April 2023Partnership in national green bank coalition to deliver clean energy projects to Tribal Nations and provide technical resources for transition away from fossil fuels.
• Stonehill PACEmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 16 March 2023Partnership for nearly $5 million PACE financing for 13-story residential condominium energy efficiency and renewable energy upgrades with projected $6.7 million in energy cost savings over 30 years.
• Forbright BankmajorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 9 March 2023Partnership through DC PACE Program for nearly $2 million in solar energy project financing across properties in Wards 2 and 3, generating approximately 400,000 kWh in annual energy savings.
• Enterprise Community PartnerscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 January 2023$12.4 million investment partnership to install 2.2 MW of solar panels at four affordable housing properties serving 536 homes. DC Green Bank provided $3.75 million in construction financing.
• RainplancoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 31 August 2022$2 million initial loan for commercial and residential stormwater management projects across DC with focus on Wards 5, 7, and 8. Innovative platform approach enabling diverse property owners to pursue affordable stormwater projects.
• Howard UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 June 2022$6 million deal with Volt Energy for 1.5 MW solar installations across Howard University campus, the largest solar deployment on an HBCU campus.
• PosiGenmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 May 2022$7 million transaction to install 300 residential solar projects for LMI residents in Ward 5 and 8, bringing solar energy to households that would otherwise be left behind.
• Jonathan Rose CompaniescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 30 November 2021$1.85 million pre-development loan for Faircliff Plaza East affordable housing redevelopment targeting LEED Platinum and PHIUS+ certifications with all-electric, zero fossil fuel design.
• Medici RoadmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 September 2021$250,000 pre-development loan for sustainable mixed-use building in Ward 7 featuring 13 affordable condos, grocery store, rooftop solar, and stormwater recycling. Projected to create 65 local jobs.
• Green CompassmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 September 2021$650,000 revolving loan facility for green infrastructure projects managing stormwater runoff in Wards 5, 7, and 8. Projects include de-paving and green space creation, diverting up to 250,000 gallons per storm.
• Flywheel DevelopmentcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 May 2021Strategic partnership for community solar installations across Southeast Washington. $3.2 million partnership to install solar panels at six condominium communities, cutting electricity bills in half for 230 LMI residents and generating $2.3 million in savings over 15 years.
• Inclusive Prosperity CapitalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 9 March 2021Partnership to develop and offer the Navigator pre-development loan product for sustainable improvements to commercial buildings, nonprofits, and multifamily properties. Navigator fills critical gap in District's sustainable funding landscape.
• DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDCSEU is a strategic partner of DC Green Bank, operating programs to save District residents and businesses money and energy. DCSEU offers workforce development externships and operates the Solar for All program.
• Somerset Development CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDevelopment partner for Faircliff Plaza East 125-unit affordable housing project in Columbia Heights, increasing affordable units by 50% while achieving highest sustainability standards.
• Housing UpmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in Faircliff Plaza East project, with construction of 125 affordable units in Columbia Heights alongside Novel 14 market rate apartments.
• Prospect SolarminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLocal solar installer partnered with Enterprise Community Development for rooftop installations at affordable housing properties.

Scale indicators11 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Connecticut Green Bank: Connecticut's state-authorized green bank and the U.S. pioneer of the model. Closest direct peer to DC Green Bank — same statutory green-bank structure, same clean energy/building/stormwater/transportation mandate, and named co-partner in DCGB's national Coalition for Green Capital membership.
• Coalition for Green Capital: National nonprofit building the framework for a nationwide U.S. green bank. DCGB is a partner via its founder Eli Hopson (who joined CGC as COO/Executive Director); CGC is shaping the GGRF application space in which DCGB competes and benefits.
• Inclusive Prosperity Capital: Mission-driven green financing nonprofit that co-developed DC Green Bank's Navigator pre-development loan product. Operates as a comparable community-scale green finance intermediary targeting LMI and underserved borrowers.
• Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC): National CDFI that co-provided the $500K predevelopment loan on DC Green Bank's Faircliff Plaza East project. Provides comparable affordable housing and community development financing with climate overlay.
• NY Green Bank: Wholly owned by NYSERDA, NY Green Bank is a state-level green financing institution providing credit and investment capital for clean energy, with a similar direct-lending and PACE-adjacent mandate. Most directly comparable mission-aligned public green bank in the U.S.
• Green Energy Fund / Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority: State-authorized green energy financing program in Hawaii offering low-cost loans for clean energy improvements. Peer structure of a state-level green financing authority using ratepayer-backed capital for PACE-style lending.
• Colorado Clean Energy Fund: Colorado nonprofit green finance institution providing loans for residential and commercial clean energy upgrades, with explicit focus on LMI and rural borrowers. Mission and product set closely mirror DC Green Bank.

Broad incumbents

• Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC): Australia's national green bank investing across renewables, energy efficiency, and clean infrastructure. A scaled, mature peer validating the green-bank institutional model that DCGB operates within at much smaller scale.

Emerging players

• Enterprise Community Partners: National affordable housing and community development nonprofit partnered with DC Green Bank on the $12.4M, 2.2 MW solar deployment. Operates its own climate-finance and Green Communities programs with overlapping LMI mission.
• PosiGen: Residential solar and energy efficiency provider that is both a DC Green Bank counterparty ($7M, 300 LMI solar projects) and a comparable LMI-focused solar finance operator with overlapping customer segments.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat3 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/dcgreenbank
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/42803319
• Instagraminstagram.com/dcgreenbank

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles7 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about DC Green Bank