@misc{6332,
author = {Roger Clark},
title = {Organizational Structure: The Sustainable Development Fund of Southeastern Pennsylvania},
abstract = {
The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) is a modest-sized fund operating in Pennsylvania with a mission to promote:
- the use of renewable energy and advanced clean energy technologies;
- the use of energy conservation and energy efficiency; and
- the start-up, attraction, expansion, and retention of sustainable energy businesses.
SDF is known for its effective fund management and its innovative renewable energy program designs. A prerequisite to the development of innovative and effective programs is the creation of a strong organizational structure. This case focuses on three elements of the SDF{\textquoteright}s organizational structure that have been critical to its success.
Innovative Features
The three main organizational strengths of the SDF structure are:
- SDF{\textquoteright}s market-driven investment approach,
- SDF{\textquoteright}s ability to avoid the politicization of funding decisions, and
- SDF{\textquoteright}s capacity to raise additional capital.
Two limitations, narrow geographic focus and modest initial funding, are also discussed.
Results
- As of May 2002, SDF had approved fifteen investments (primarily loans) totaling $7.3 million.
- A small grant budget is also available for business planning, green building design assistance, start-up activities, and other special work; 22 grants totaling $448,000 have been approved by SDF as of May 2002.
- SDF has successfully managed a production incentive auction for new wind power, has developed a buy-down program for solar photovoltaics that incorporates performance features, has managed an innovative offering of subordinated debt to a 9 MW wind project, and currently manages a $500,000 per year program to enhance green power awareness in the state.
- SDF{\textquoteright}s strong organizational structure has been critical to these successes.
},
year = {2002},
booktitle = {Case Studies of State Support for Renewable Energy},
journal = {Case Studies of State Support for Renewable Energy},
series = {Case Studies of State Support for Renewable Energy},
pages = {6},
month = {09/2002},
institution = {LBNL},
publisher = {LBNL},
address = {Berkeley},
}