Safe & Green Holdings Announces Collaboration with Earth Our Common Home (ECHo) to Launch the ECHo Impact Investment Fund for Africa

Rhea-AI Summary

Safe & Green Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: SGBX) announces collaboration with Earth our Common Home, Inc. to create the ECHo Impact Investment Fund for Africa, with a goal of augmenting medical facilities at 500 clinics and hospitals within Catholic Dioceses, aiming for 10,000 facilities over the life of the project.

Insights

Financial Analyst

An initiative like the ECHo Impact Investment Fund for Africa, which involves a strategic partnership and potential financial commitment from Safe & Green Holdings Corp., represents a significant development in the realm of corporate social responsibility and sustainable investing. The financial implications of providing seed capital and potential conversion to equity in the Fund must be carefully scrutinized. Investors will need to evaluate the return on investment from a social impact perspective as well as any financial returns. The commitment may signal a long-term strategy to invest in emerging markets, which could diversify the company's portfolio and potentially open up new revenue streams.

Furthermore, the focus on modular medical units aligns with global trends towards sustainable development and could enhance the company's brand reputation. However, the success of such projects often hinges on local market conditions and the effectiveness of the implementation strategy. The company's stock could be influenced by both the perceived social value of the project and its ability to manage the financial risks associated with impact investing.

Industry Analyst

The collaboration between Safe & Green Holdings and ECHo, with the goal of augmenting medical facilities across Africa, taps into the growing modular construction market. Modular construction is known for its cost efficiency, speed of deployment and sustainability, which are critical factors in areas requiring rapid infrastructure development. The choice of countries like Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria indicates a targeted approach to regions with high demand for improved healthcare infrastructure.

From an industry perspective, this move may position Safe & Green Holdings as a key player in international markets, potentially leading to increased demand for their services. However, operating in developing countries comes with challenges, including political risk, regulatory hurdles and logistical complexities. The ability of Safe & Green Holdings to navigate these challenges will be pivotal in determining the project's impact on their business operations and the broader industry.

Sustainability Expert

The intersection of sustainable development and corporate investment in underserved regions is increasingly recognized as vital for global progress. Safe & Green Holdings' potential investment in the ECHo Impact Investment Fund for Africa aligns with the principles of the Laudato si' Encyclical, which calls for responsible stewardship of the environment and social justice. The modular medical units proposed by the company could lead to significant advancements in healthcare accessibility and quality, which is a direct contributor to human dignity and societal well-being.

However, the sustainability of such investments depends on the creation of value that extends beyond the immediate impact. It involves establishing local partnerships, ensuring technology transfer and fostering economic development. The long-term success of the initiative will be measured not just in terms of immediate healthcare improvements, but also in the sustainable growth and empowerment of local communities.

Fund established to enable impact investments that help deliver on the mission of ECHo—pursuing the attainment of human dignity on the African Continent

Plan to initially augment medical facilities at 500 clinics and hospitals located within Catholic Dioceses; goal of 10,000 facilities over the life of the project

MIAMI--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Safe & Green Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: SGBX) (“Safe & Green Holdings” or the “Company”), a leading developer, designer, and fabricator of modular structures for residential, commercial, and point-of-care medicine, today announced that the Company has commenced discussions with Earth our Common Home, Inc. (“ECHo"), a Delaware 501(c)(3) corporation, to create the ECHo Impact Investment Fund for Africa (“The Fund”), which will enable potential impact investments in furtherance of the Company’s and ECHo’s missions.

Left image: Founders of ECHo - Ms. Prishani Satyapal, Professor Edward S Ayensu (late) (Former Chairperson of the Inspection Panel of the World Bank Group), His Eminence Cardinal Peter Kodwo Turkson (Chancellor of the Vatican’s Pontifical Academy of Science and Social Science), Mr. Alan Dones. Right image: Paul Galvin, Chairperson & CEO, Safe & Green Holdings, recently appointed Chair of the ECHo Impact Investment Fund for Africa. (Photo: Business Wire)

ECHo’s mission is “to facilitate connection, collaboration, and action with multi-sectoral partners; mobilizing funding for scalable and inclusive projects that respond to the Cry of the Poor and the Cry of the Earth, as referenced in The Holy Father Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter - Laudato sì: On Care for Our Common Home.”

ECHo strives to access and direct funding to the curating, design and implementation of projects that enable systemic impacts. ECHo has formed a collaboration with faith groups and communities in underserved areas, including a unique partnership with the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa (SECAM), which is the leadership organization of the Catholic Bishops of Africa. Through this partnership, ECHo seeks to partner with impact investment-funded enterprises, such as Safe & Green Holdings, to support the attainment of human dignity on the African continent. The Company’s collaboration with ECHo is intended to help implement the African Diocese’s desire to augment the health facilities and associated health services of Africa, which are under the influence of the Dioceses. The Company’s goal is to provide modular medical units to support the clinics and hospitals. The Company and ECHo have identified Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Nigeria as the countries for initial focus. Specifically, the entities will establish augmented medical facilities at 500 clinics and hospitals which are located within Catholic Dioceses. The facilities/services will be developed based on engagement with the various Dioceses and respective Bishops Conferences.

Paul Galvin, Chairperson and CEO of Safe & Green Holdings will serve as Chair of the Fund. Mr. Galvin will not be involved in the day-to-day fund investments or day-to-day operations, which will be overseen by Mr. Alan Dones, Ms. Prishani Satyapal and their team. The Company is in talks with ECHo to provide seed capital of $1 million USD for the Fund, through a potential loan to ECHo, to enable the roll-out of its relationship with SECAM. Subject to final definitive agreements, this capital will be provided to ECHo over a 13-month period and will be converted to equity in the Fund. The Company would also provide overall support for the project.

SECAM’s President, His Eminence, Cardinal Ambongo commented, “The desire to further catalyze and accelerate collaboration between ECHo and SECAM, aligns and responds to the outcomes of the recent Vatican Synod on Synodality (October 2023) and the publication of the Apostolic Exhortation, Laudato Deum, by His Holiness Pope Francis. Both events have emphasized the urgent need for co-responsibility in addressing the pressing challenges of protecting our common home.”

Paul Galvin stated, “I am inspired by ECHo’s mission to bring impact investments at scale to communities in need. This aligns with the Company’s business objectives, which includes rolling out fit-for-purpose modular medical units that are environmentally sound and designed with the end user in mind. I fully and enthusiastically accept this challenge, and it is done so humbly, knowing how much there is to be done to create meaningful and lasting economic development in communities that have been marginalized in their advancement.”

About Safe & Green Holdings Corp.

Safe & Green Holdings Corp., a leading modular solutions company, operates under core capabilities which include the development, design, and fabrication of modular structures, meeting the demand for safe and green solutions across various industries. The firm supports third-party and in-house developers, architects, builders, and owners in achieving faster execution, greener construction, and buildings of higher value. The Company’s subsidiary, Safe and Green Development Corporation, is a leading real estate development company. Formed in 2021, it focuses on the development of sites using purpose-built, prefabricated modules built from both wood and steel, sourced from one of SG Holdings’ factories and operated by the SG Echo subsidiary. For more information, visit https://www.safeandgreenholdings.com/ and follow us at @SGHcorp on Twitter.

About Earth our Common Home, Inc.

ECHo focuses on integral ecology through systemic and circular change, that builds economic fortitude and resilience within communities. ECHo works to access and direct funding to the curating, design and implementation of projects that enable systemic impacts. ECHo has formed a collaboration with faith groups and communities in underserved areas.

The vision of ECHo:

Create a global organization that responds to the Cry of the Poor and the Cry of the Earth by mobilizing global resources and funding for advancing thought and action, at scale, with and in Diocese and communities in need.

The Mission of ECHo:

To facilitate connection, collaboration, and action with multi-sectoral partners; mobilizing funding for scalable and inclusive projects that respond to the Cry of the Poor and the Cry of the Earth, as referenced in The Holy Father Pope Francis’ Encyclical Letter - Laudato sì: On Care for Our Common Home.

Echo website: www.echoimpactfund.org

Safe Harbor Statement

Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Words such as "may," "might," "will," "should," "believe," "expect," "anticipate," "estimate," "continue," "predict," "forecast," "project," "plan," "intend" or similar expressions, or statements regarding intent, belief, or current expectations, are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are based upon current estimates and assumptions and include statements regarding the Company’s business and market opportunities, the planned launch of an impact fund in Africa upon definitive agreements with ECHo, and establishment of medical facilities and services in Africa in collaboration with ECHo and ECHo’s connections and networks in Africa. While the Company believes these forward-looking statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on any such forward-looking statements, which are based on information available to us on the date of this release. These forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties, many of which are difficult to predict that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations and assumptions from those set forth or implied by any forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include the Company’s ability to complete the launch of the aforementioned fund, Company’s and ECHo’s ability to establish medical facilities and services in Africa, the reliability of the networks and connections of ECHo in Africa, ECHo’s ability to operate and invest in medical facilities and services, ECHo’s ability to collaborate with other entities in Africa, the legal and political environment in Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Nigeria and other African nations, and other factors discussed in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2022, and its subsequent filings with the SEC, including subsequent periodic reports on Forms 10-Q and 8-K. The information in this release is provided only as of the date of this release, and we undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release on account of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20231220038784/en/

Investor Relations:

Crescendo Communications, LLC

(212) 671-1020

sgbx@crescendo-ir.com

Source: Safe & Green Holdings Corp.

FAQ

What is the latest announcement from Safe & Green Holdings Corp. (SGBX)?

Safe & Green Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: SGBX) has announced a collaboration with Earth our Common Home, Inc. to create the ECHo Impact Investment Fund for Africa, aiming to augment medical facilities at 500 clinics and hospitals within Catholic Dioceses, with a goal of 10,000 facilities over the life of the project.

What is the goal of the ECHo Impact Investment Fund for Africa?

The goal of the ECHo Impact Investment Fund for Africa is to enable potential impact investments in furtherance of Safe & Green Holdings Corp.'s and ECHo's missions, with a focus on augmenting medical facilities at 500 clinics and hospitals within Catholic Dioceses, aiming for 10,000 facilities over the life of the project.

Who will serve as the Chair of the ECHo Impact Investment Fund for Africa?

Paul Galvin, Chairperson and CEO of Safe & Green Holdings Corp., will serve as the Chair of the ECHo Impact Investment Fund for Africa.

What is the Company's initial focus for the ECHo Impact Investment Fund for Africa?

The Company's initial focus for the ECHo Impact Investment Fund for Africa is to establish augmented medical facilities at 500 clinics and hospitals within Catholic Dioceses in Ghana, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Nigeria.

How much seed capital is Safe & Green Holdings Corp. providing for the Fund?

Safe & Green Holdings Corp. is in talks with ECHo to provide seed capital of $1 million USD for the Fund, through a potential loan to ECHo, to enable the roll-out of its relationship with SECAM.