corena - Interest-Free Loans for Community Climate Projects
Climate action that keeps giving
On 28 July 2026, Corena’s Head of Operations, Sarah McCabe, hosted an informal online Q&A session about community energy fund loans. It was open to community organisations, not-for-profits, and social enterprises interested in energy efficiency, solar, batteries, and EV projects. These sessions are deliberately low-key. They’re not a typical webinar, so people feel comfortable jumping …
How a simple idea—lend it, get it back, lend it again—is powering solar, batteries, and EVs for community organisations across the country. What if the money you donated to climate action never actually ran out? That’s the question at the heart of a new video interview between Corena committee member Phil Browne and Greg, host …
How an $8-a-week idea from an Adelaide grandmother is helping community organisations across Australia cut both their emissions and their bills Every big movement starts with someone asking a simple question. For Margaret Hender, the founder of Corena (Citizens Owned Renewable Energy Network Australia), that question was: “Great — where do I send my $8 …
One of the first places to start when considering how to cut carbon emissions and energy costs is to conduct an energy efficiency audit. By understanding how and when your organisation is using energy, you’ll be better placed to make use of renewable energy sources, such as installing solar panels, or swapping out old inefficient …
Many people are not clear about how much time is needed to charge an EV. One of the most common questions we get about electric vehicles is “How long does it take to “fill” them up?” and how will this affect the use of the vehicle by staff? It’s an important question for non profits …
Installing solar panels and batteries and thereby transitioning to renewable energy is one of the best ways your organisation can reduce carbon emissions and energy costs. Here at Corena, we work with a wide range of not for profits, providing interest-free loans to install solar panels, batteries and other energy efficiency measures to tackle the …
Australia, with its abundant natural resources and commitment to a clean energy transition, faces a critical need for innovative financing solutions to tackle the climate emergency. Social impact investing (SII) has emerged as a powerful tool for channeling capital towards projects that generate both financial returns and positive social and environmental impact. This introductory guide …
The way we generate and use energy is rapidly changing, and it’s an exciting time! Renewable energy is on the rise, and we’re seeing more and more organisations, people, and communities taking control of their energy production and consumption. Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) offer the potential to play a key part in this shift, providing …
The climate emergency is a stark reality, its effects rippling across the globe in the form of extreme weather events, rising sea levels, and disrupted ecosystems. While governments and industries have a crucial role to play in taking climate action the collective efforts of individuals and households are equally vital. We, as consumers and members …
The world’s buildings are a major source of carbon emissions. In fact, according to the International Energy Agency, buildings are responsible for nearly one-third of global energy consumption. As we strive to create a more sustainable future, finding ways to make our buildings more energy-efficient is essential. Solar panels have been the top form of …
