The Wendel Forum

“Neither a borrower nor a lender be,
For loan oft loses both itself and friend,
And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry.”

William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act 1, scene 3, lines 75-77.

Whether the wisdom of Old Polonius’s words to his son Laertes still holds sway is subject to debate when it comes to investing in green initiatives.

A recent study by the Filene Research Institute and Hall Associates Consulting, LLC indicates that credit unions have strongly invested in those who want to make green purchases, such as fuel efficient, hybrid or electric vehicles or home efficiency upgrades.   The study finds that such lending programs attract borrowers who are low credit/default risks, spur credit union membership growth in important market niches, and promote business growth.

To learn more about the study and to view a video summary go to http://filene.org/publications/detail/finding_sustainable_profits.