Guide: How to use the Green Finance Guide

 

How to navigate the Guide

Users can navigate the guide by filling out a central questionnaire that filters the main databases (Financial Instruments, Case Studies and Financing & Technical Assistance Programmes), based on their project needs.

Users can select one or multiple options per category; more specific filtering (i.e., fewer selected options) will return more targeted results.

 

Filters are organised into two parts:

  • Investment project characterisation: Sector; Climate action type (filterable information for main modules)
  • Module relevant filters as per different categories (check-boxes):
    • Financial Instruments: Instrument type; Modality; Source of finance; Category of blending; Instrument maturity; Investment readiness and risk
    • Case Studies: Region; City size; Investment size; Type of case study
    • International Financing and Technical Assistance Programmes: Type of assistance; Eligibility for EU Member States

 

Note: At least one selection must be made in each category to generate results.

Users can select or deselect filters to create a shortlist of Financial Instruments, Case Studies and International Financing and Technical Assistance Programmes that match their needs.

 

To get the most relevant results, we recommend:

  • Keep most filters selected by default to ensure broad results.
  • When exploring a specific topic (e.g. repayable instruments, market-based tools, case studies using private finance), focus filtering on that topic only.

For example: If we want to see all instruments that are repayable, we leave all other categories (like Instrument Type, Source of finance, etc.) fully selected, and only select "Repayable" under Modality.

Note: Avoid narrowing too many categories at once, this may result in no matching results.

 

Filters can always be adjusted, re-run the search to explore other options.

Once filters are selected, users must click the "Submit" button to apply them. The tool provides the most suitable financing instruments and mechanisms per category, based on the input provided by the user.

Modules of the Green Finance Guide

Financial Instruments: Green financial instruments and mechanisms database

A searchable database of conventional and innovative financial instruments and mechanisms. Instruments are not only grouped by theme (e.g. grants, thematic bonds, guarantees) but also described using several filterable characteristics. Users can apply filters in the "Inputs" sheet or via the sheet header to shortlist instruments relevant to their project needs. Each entry includes descriptive information (e.g. benefits, challenges, EU taxonomy) as well as the type of stakeholders providing finance and examples of real-world application. Hyperlinks connect each instrument to real-world case studies, blending strategies and stakeholders information across other modules.

Case Studies: Database on urban case examples of green finance

Provides filterable case examples of how financial instruments and mechanisms have been applied in urban climate projects. Each case study includes information on the financing structure used and is cross-referenced with the relevant instruments in the "Financial Instruments" module. Hyperlinks connect to related instruments and stakeholders to provide context and guidance.

International Financing and Technical Assistance Programmes: List of relevant international finance and/or technical assistance programmes

Offers a searchable list of key international financiers (multilateral development banks, climate funds etc.), financing and technical assistance (TA) programmes available to European municipalities. Users can filter by eligibility, type of assistance (e.g. finance provision, technical support) and sectoral focus. Each programme include links to additional details and lists key instruments provided.

Key Stakeholders: Guidance on key of stakeholders providing finance

Lists key types of stakeholders providing green finance for municipalities and includes definitions, relevant financial instruments, examples of real-world stakeholders and relevant case studies. Stakeholder entries are hyperlinked to related instruments and case studies, allowing users to trace understand sources of finance and institutional roles across the Guide.

Blending Strategies: Guidance on blending different financial instruments and mechanisms

Explains how different financial instruments and mechanisms can be strategically combined to support complex funding needs. Blending categories are aligned with the "Financial Instruments" module and include descriptions, value propositions, and real-world examples. Hyperlinks connect to relevant instruments and case studies to illustrate how blending is applied in practice.

Readiness and Risk Assessment: Self-assessment tool for project readiness and risk

An optional self-assessment tool that allows users to evaluate their project’s risk and investment readiness. The resulting score, calculated from user inputs (1–3), can be used to filter financial instruments by low, medium, or high risk within the "Financial Instruments" module. This high-level tool helps guide users toward funding options aligned with project maturity.

Methodology

The development of this Guide draws on a range of publicly available resources. The databases of financial instruments and case studies were informed by multiple existing catalogues, tools and studies.

 

Key sources include:

 

Additional sources include publications and data from the NAP Global Network, European Environment Agency (EEA), World Bank and others, all of which are referenced directly within the Guide. The collection, classification and analysis of data across all modules, including financial instruments, case studies and financing programmes was conducted by the Global Green Growth Institute (GGGI). Typologies and filter categories were developed to ensure consistency, comparability and practical usability across the tool.

 

Note: you can find further information about Green Finance Guide on the MOOC How to Build Carbon Neutral, Resilient and Just Cities, within Module 4 "UP-Scaling" --> "3. Tools to Achieve UP-Scaling" --> "Green Finance Guide".