What is the Evergreen Fund?
The Evergreen Fund is Ground Control’s bold commitment to a greener, more sustainable future. It’s not just another initiative—it’s a promise to drive real, measurable environmental impact. The fund focuses on two core pillars: Biodiversity Net Gain and Carbon Sequestration. By restoring habitats, boosting species diversity, and promoting ecological resilience, every project leaves a positive, lasting mark on nature. On the carbon front, the fund actively captures and stores carbon through large-scale tree planting and nature-based solutions, directly tackling climate change. Simply put, Evergreen is about making every green space count and empowering communities, clients, and partners to achieve tangible, sustainable outcomes for the planet.
Main Benefits of the Evergreen Fund
Over the past five years, the Evergreen Fund has made significant strides in nature recovery and climate action. Here are some key figures and facts that highlight its impact:
- £5 million invested in early-stage environmental ventures
- 1,000,000 trees planted, with £500,000 invested directly by the Evergreen Fund
- Commitment to reinvest profits perpetually, making the fund a lasting resource for environmental initiatives
- £100,000 dedicated annually to native tree planting, amplifying projects with customers, government bodies, charities, and more
- At least 75% of investments focused within the UK
The Why Behind Evergreen
Ground Control’s owners and employees share a deep passion for nature and sustainability. “Caring for Our Environment” isn’t just a tagline—it’s the company’s defining philosophy and call to action. Launched in May 2020, the Evergreen Fund dedicates 5% of Ground Control’s annual net profits to a £5 million Impact Venture Fund. The goal? To show that business can be a force for good by supporting ventures focused on carbon reduction, sustainability, and environmental protection. Partners—from founders to co-investors—are united by a belief in the greater good and the power of collective positive change.
How the Evergreen Fund Works
The fund provides seed and growth capital to companies and social enterprises that deliver measurable, beneficial, and sustainable environmental impact. It invests what’s called ‘patient capital’—meaning the money is put into commercially viable projects with a long-term view. This approach ensures the £5 million fund remains a perpetual investment facility, with future profits reinvested into new sustainable ventures. Plus, the fund’s annual £100,000 commitment to native tree planting acts as a catalyst, working alongside customers, government organisations, charities, private landowners, and supply chains to amplify impact.
Evergreen Commitments from 2020 to 2025
Between 2020 and 2025, the Evergreen Fund has set clear, ambitious commitments that guide its work:
- Invest £5 million in early-stage environmental ventures
- Plant 1,000,000 trees, with £500,000 invested directly by the fund
- Maintain a perpetual, roll-over capital model to keep investing in environmental initiatives and carbon sequestration
Evergreen Fund’s Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- SDG 13: Climate Action – through carbon sequestration and climate mitigation efforts
- SDG 15: Life on Land – by enhancing biodiversity and restoring natural habitats
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production – supporting sustainable business ventures
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals – collaborating with diverse stakeholders for greater impact
Meet the Leadership Behind Evergreen
The Evergreen Fund is driven by a passionate leadership team dedicated to sustainability and environmental impact. Emma Hindle, Head of Sales and Service, highlights the fund’s journey over five years, especially at Wildfell—one of its most significant investments. This team’s vision and commitment ensure that Evergreen isn’t just about funding projects but about leading with purpose and inspiring collective action for a healthier planet.
