What is a Sustainable Share Certificate?

A sustainable share certificate is a savings product offered by credit unions that allows the member to earn a guaranteed return on their deposit while ensuring that their money is used to fund eco-friendly and socially responsible projects. If you are more familiar with the traditional banking term “certificate of deposit” (or CD) a share certificate is simply the credit union equivalent. We use the word "share" because our members' deposits give them all an equal share in the ownership of our cooperative.

How a share certificate works

A share certificate is a fixed-term savings product that pays the depositor dividends (the equivalent of interest). They are federally insured by the NCUA up to $250,000 and are a good way to grow your money faster than a regular savings account.

The basics of a share certificate

Share certificates are different than regular savings accounts. You deposit a specific amount of money and agree to leave it untouched for a set amount of time. That includes making additional deposits and withdrawals. Over the term length, money earns dividends that may compound monthly or at maturity. At the end of the term, the money is then available to withdraw or be reinvested into another share certificate.

That is the typical experience for a member. On the credit union side, we put the money you committed for a certain period of time to work so it not only benefits you with dividends, but the membership as a whole:

1. Members deposit money.
2. We use a portion of those funds to make loans to other members.
3. Borrowers pay interest on those loans.
4. That allows us to offer more competitive rates on all our products, resulting in a mutually beneficial relationship between our savers and borrowers.

What makes it “sustainable”?

Traditional share certificates fund all lending products across the credit union. In the case of Credit Human’s Sustainable Share Certificate, deposits are specifically used to fund our SustainableHome™ Financing products. From the moment you open your account, your money is put to work to provide loans for:

• Solar power systems for homes and businesses
• Sustainable home improvements like geothermal heat pumps, weatherization and water capture

We are offering this product as part of our commitment to environmentally responsible banking and improving the quality of life for our members and the community. When you put your money in a Sustainable Share Certificate, you can align your savings with your values while still earning dividends.

How can your money create environmental impact?

The biggest part of a financial institution’s environmental impact often comes from the loans and projects it supports. At Credit Human, we believe members should have a say in that impact. Our Sustainable Share Certificate is one example of this belief in action.

These deposits fund projects that generate clean energy and help replace energy from fossil fuels. Last year we helped more than 12,000 members save on energy bills by offering affordable loans for environmentally-friendly products like solar panels. These efforts have resulted in a reduction of 6,964,176 metric tons of CO₂, which is equivalent to planting 118,163,558 trees.

Why sustainable banking is important

Sustainable banking helps make sure money is used in ways that strengthen people, communities and the environment. By using your money to advance sustainable lending products, we can help address climate change, create more resilient communities and improve long-term economic health.

1. Help address climage change: Climate change affects people in real ways, from stronger storms and longer droughts to more frequent wildfires and extreme heat. By enabling projects like renewable energy, energy-efficient homes and solar power, we can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change. Over time, these efforts can help build a more reliable energy grid and reduce pollution.
2. Empowering stronger communities: Sustainable banking helps direct money toward projects that improve quality of life. This can include solar energy, water-saving improvements and other infrastructure that helps communities use resources more efficiently. For example, water conservation projects can help protect local water supplies in areas facing drought or limited access to clean water. Investments like these can lower utility costs, increase access to essential resources and create healthier, more resilient communities.
3. Building a more resilient future: By considering environmental and social risks when choosing where to lend and invest, we can help communities better prepare for future challenges. For example, financing energy-efficient homes can reduce strain on the electric grid during periods of high demand, while renewable energy projects can diversify energy sources and make communities less vulnerable to disruptions. These investments can help strengthen local economies and reduce the impact of future environmental and financial shocks.

Member benefits of a Sustainable Share Certificate

As one of only a few credit unions that offer sustainable products and services, our Sustainable Share Certificate allows you to save for your future while supporting lending opportunities that promote energy efficiency, renewable energy and long-term environmental impact.

You can:

1. Earn competitive returns: Enjoy the same fixed-rate growth and savings benefits as an 18-month share certificate. Your money earns dividends at a competitive, guaranteed rate over a set term, helping you build financial health with confidence.
2. Advance environmental progress: The money you deposit helps fund loans for renewable energy, energy-efficient home improvements and other projects designed to reduce environmental impact.
3. Build financial health: Your financial health and the health of your community can both take top priority. Grow your savings while helping fund projects that can strengthen communities, conserve resources and deliver a more resilient future.