Computer-implemented methods of facilitating the reduction of environmental pollutants are described. The methods include selling a debt instrument to a purchaser, investing proceeds from the sale of the debt instrument in activities that generate tradable environmental or energy credits, and repaying the purchaser in whole or in part with funds produced by sale of the environmental or energy credits. Methods of enhancing the viability of debt instruments in financing environmental improvements are also described. The methods include issuing a debt instrument to a purchaser, investing proceeds from the sale of the debt instrument in activities that generate tradable environmental or energy credits, providing a guarantee that the purchaser will be repaid, and repaying the purchaser.