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An oil & gas bond we knew would come eventually: Repsol: Good on GBPs, not so sure on green credentials:

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An oil & gas bond we knew would come eventually… Repsol: first oil & gas bond: good on GBPs, not so sure on green credentials:

Last week, the first green bond was issued by an oil company. Madrid based Repsol SA  issued a EUR500m bond maturing in 2022.  

As to be expected, this green bond has attractedwidespreadattention.

We’ve always posited that the green bond market is about the asset not the issuer; and that using the “brown” balance sheets of fossil fuel companies to fund green assets was needed for a faster transition to a green economy.

That means we have supported green bonds financing renewables from banks with balance sheets dominated by fossil fuel loans and “brown to green” bonds from companies like the giant Indian energy utility NTPC, because the assets are material to addressing climate change.

 

Repsol transparency & disclosure is good

Repsol’s green bond framework received a review from Vigeo, showing the company has committed to reporting and tracking the bond funds and ongoing disclosure is provided.

The proceeds for the bond will be used to finance and refinance energy efficiency investments in Repsol’s chemical and refinery facilities in Spain and Portugal with the following technology types:

  • Upgrade of equipment: Heat
  • Upgrade of equipment: Dynamic equipment
  • Improvements of operating criteria
  • Energy Integration
  • New units / Process scheme modification
  • Network optimization

When it comes to the labelling process, Repsol has ticked all the boxes on best practice - disclosure is good, they have met the Green Bond Principles (GBP), provided useful information for investors and received an external review.

Joint bookrunners: BBVA, Banco IMI, Banco Bilbao, BNP Paribas, Caixabank, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, HSBC, Morgan Stanley, Santander, Societe Generale.

 

So how “green” are these investments?

The goal of the bond is to reduce GHG emissions from refineries and, yes, the bond will avoid emissions: an estimated 1.2m tonnes of CO2 annually by 2020.

Taking our cue from the Paris COP21 Agreement, Climate Bonds takes the position that green bond investments should be in line with the very steep emissions trajectory that is needed to achieve a rapid transition to a sub-2 degree Celsius world.

This means according to the current scientific estimates, that global emissions from energy and industry have to halve every 10 years. This will require wholesale business model shifts – not just efficiency improvements, but business planning that fundamentally addresses both the projected growth in global energy demand and emissions reduction targets.

In this context, the 1.2m tonnes in annual GHG savings seems to be fiddling around the edges.

(For some context: Repsol’s CO2 emissions in 2016 were 19.7 million tonnes CO2, up from 17.9m in 2015. This, of course, does not include indirect emissions from consumption, which at a refining capacity of over 1 million barrels per day, is much much higher.)

If we’re going to have a chance of limiting warming at 2 degrees or less, investment undertaken by the oil and gas industry – as a high emissions sector - needs to be very ambitious.

There is very little time to move from our current trajectory, on the more negative scenarios heading towards 4 degrees or more (a catastrophic outcome by any assessment).

What is clear is that time for incremental improvements, including in the oil and gas sector, has passed.

 

We urgently need a deep, rapid and sustained reduction in emissions.

While Repsol's bond does not directly invest in increasing fossil fuel output (an obvious no no), refineries are still processing fossil fuels and, any investment in making refineries more efficient, as this bond is aiming to, will likely extend plant operating lifetimes and therefore indirectly increase emissions over time.

Repsol has not reported how they will address these potential indirect effects.

This point on indirectly increasing emissions is similar to that being made to proponents of ‘clean coal’ or coal efficiency improvements. Although such investments will drive incremental improvements, these improvements are not seen as substantial enough to help deliver a sub-2-degree pathway.

That’s why they are specifically excluded from the World Bank’s green bonds and the Climate Bonds Taxonomy. For this reason, bonds financing clean coal are not included in Climate Bonds data.

 

What a 2-degree pathway means for investments in the oil and gas sector

A sub 2-degree world requires the majority of investment flows to drive large scale and rapid shifts in the global economy towards a low carbon, low emissions model – particularly in energy systems.

This requires moving away from fossil fuel-based energy production and transitioning to electric transportation systems, knowing that most grids will be powered by renewables in the near future, not coal.

For the oil & gas sector, this means investing in clean energy capacity and alternative fuels (2nd and 3rd generation biofuels), and expanding infrastructure for charging electric vehicles etc.

Such investments would be driving ambitious rather than incremental change and is what we would have liked to see in this bond. We need to see “brown to green” pathways become the norm rather than the exception in oil and gas. 

Green bonds have the potential to act as a catalyst in driving investment in the rapid shift needed. Bonds like Repsol’s will not make this happen. At best, they are a beginning.

 

And gas?

Repsol points out that much of their reserves and refinery capacity are actually now in gas – a transition fuel? Potentially yes, but there are some anxieties around gas.

The contribution of gas to emissions reduction appears to have been over-stated because of fugitive emissions. When people talk about emission savings from gas they are generally talking about "deemed" emission savings – what’s estimated.

It turns out that there can be a big discrepancy between estimates and reality. For example, at least two NOAA reports in the US suggest significant gas pipeline leakage. There has been a global spike in methane generation in the past five years, and it looks like it may be coming from fugitive emissions (from pipelines, flaring, etc) as gas production ramps up.

The global emissions trajectory we urgently need simply can’t afford those emissions.  

And, investing in improvements in downstream gas refining may be encouraging more gas to come through a leaky system, potentially negating emission savings.

For example, a single gas blow-out in LA in 2015, lasting 112 days, was equal to one-quarter of the annual methane pollution from all other sources in the Los Angeles Basin.  There is a risk that efficiency improvements at one point in the supply chain can be completely wiped out by a single accident or blow-out.

Remember that methane is 30 times more potent a greenhouse gas than CO2.

Until we’re certain about fugitive emissions across a gas supply system we need to use the precautionary principle.

 

In summary…

Applying that precautionary principle, we won’t be including this bond in our green bond listings.

But we do applaud Repsol for their strong levels of disclosure. 

We do not regard this bond as “greenwashing.”

Repsol has provided detailed, honest information to investors and, in the absence of any public guidance about whether or not more efficient refineries are green, left it to investors to decide their level of support for the bond.

But this highlights the challenge in dealing with complicated emissions questions; exactly the area where clear science-based criteria would make life easier for both issuers and investors.

Developing that criteria takes work (as any of the 300 international experts providing their time free to develop Climate Bonds standards across a host of different sectors will attest to) but is necessary.

From a climate perspective, Repsol’s business strategy should aim for greater change – for example by transitioning to bio-feedstock. This needs to be an urgent focus for industry (subject to bio-feedstock certification) and would allow quick re-use of existing refineries.

Or, like NTPC, Total and others, they could move towards renewables. Any of those applications would be a business model that was more compliant with the direction of COP21 goals and associated NDC commitments by every nation.

In a nutshell, the Repsol green bond encapsulates the international challenge.

Incremental change is out of time.

 

Till next time,

Climate Bonds

 

PS: In São Paulo on the 30th May?

The Climate Bonds Initiative is convening an Executive Dialogue profiling Brazil’s emerging green bond market and investment opportunities in Agriculture, Energy & Infrastructure.

Limited place are still available.

More details here or email Mariana Caminha direct.

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication does not constitute investment advice in any form and the Climate Bonds Initiative is not an investment adviser.  Any reference to a financial organisation or investment product is for information purposes only. Links to external websites are for information purposes only. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no responsibility for content on external websites.

The Climate Bonds Initiative is not endorsing, recommending or advising on the merits or otherwise of any investment or investment product and no information within this communication should be taken as such, nor should any information in this communication be relied upon in making any investment decision. 

A decision to invest in anything is solely yours. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no liability of any kind, for any investment an individual or organisation makes, nor for any investment made by third parties on behalf of an individual or organisation, based in whole or in part on any information contained within this, or any other Climate Bonds Initiative public communication.


China Newsletter-中国绿色债券季报-: All the green bond issuers, trends and market developments: 绿色债券发行人, 趋势和市场发展

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China Newsletter-All the green bond issuers, trends and market developments.

Our third China Newsletter, keeping you informed on the world’s biggest green bond market.

Our new China Green Bond Market Newsletter is now available with the latest bond issuance, market developments and updates.

Full versions in both English & Chinese can be found here.

In the first quarter of the month the total Q1 Chinese issuance reached USD 2.47bn/RMB 16.94bn, with Energy and Transport being the largest issuing sector.

A full breakdown of all Quarter 1 green bond issuance is listed inside.

Also in this edition:

  • China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) published new guidelines to reinforce the issuance of green bonds.
     
  • The People’s Bank of China (PBoC) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) come together to develop a common language on green investment and improving the consistency of green finance definitions.
     
  • Luxembourg Stock Exchange(LuxSE) and Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) jointly launch the China Green Bond Index Series with the Central University of Finance and Economics (CUFE).
     
  • The InterAmerican Development Bank meets the People’s Bank of China to learn more about China’s experience in green finance.

 

Download in English or Chinese.

We hope you’ll enjoy it!

'Till next time,

Climate Bonds Initiative

 

最新中国绿色债券季报:绿色债券发行人,趋势和市场发展

第三期中国绿色债券季报, 了解世界最大绿色债券市场进展

 

最新一期中国绿色债券市场季报现已发布,它介绍了近期绿色债券发行、市场发展与更新。

今年第一季度中国绿色债券发行达到了24.7亿美元/169.4亿人民币,能源和交通是最大的发行领域。

第一季度绿色债券发行的详细分类请参见季报全文。

本期季报也介绍了:

  • 中国证监会新发布的绿色债券指引;
     
  • 中国人民银行和欧洲投资银行一起推动绿色投资共同话语并促进金色金融定义的一致性;
     
  • 卢森堡证券交易所和深圳证券交易所与中央财经大学共同发布了“中财-国政绿色债券系列指数”;
     
  • 由美洲开发银行率领的代表团访问了中国人民银行总部,期望就中国发展绿色债券市场及绿色金融监管借鉴经验。

 

点此下载英文和中文季报

祝阅读愉快!

气候债券倡议组织

Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication does not constitute investment advice in any form and the Climate Bonds Initiative is not an investment adviser.  Any reference to a financial organisation or investment product is for information purposes only. Links to external websites are for information purposes only. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no responsibility for content on external websites.

The Climate Bonds Initiative is not endorsing, recommending or advising on the merits or otherwise of any investment or investment product and no information within this communication should be taken as such, nor should any information in this communication be relied upon in making any investment decision. 

A decision to invest in anything is solely yours. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no liability of any kind, for any investment an individual or organisation makes, nor for any investment made by third parties on behalf of an individual or organisation, based in whole or in part on any information contained within this, or any other Climate Bonds Initiative public communication.

 

S&P Global Joins Climate Bonds Initiative Partner Program: Latest global organisation to expand relationship with CBI.

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New announcement builds confidence around development of transparent global GB markets.

 

What’s it all about? 

S&P Global (NYSE: SPGI) has expanded its strategic relationship with the Climate Bonds Initiative announcing yesterday they will become a member of the Climate Bonds Partner Program.

S&P Dow Jones Indices, a division of S&P Global that provides access to the latest information on index policies, industry regulations and market consultations, joined CBI Partner Program in 2014.

Following this step, all company’s divisions are represented in the program, including S&P Global Ratings, S&P Global Market Intelligence and S&P Global Platts.

 

Who’s saying what?

Courtney Geduldig, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs, S&P Global:

“We are excited to enhance our partnership with the Climate Bonds Initiative to advance the green bond market by bringing a deeper level of insight, data and analysis to sustainable investing,”

“As this market continues to evolve and grow, investors will need independent and transparent research to help them make informed decisions – this is where S&P Global comes in.”

 

Sean Kidney, CEO Climate Bonds Initiative:

“We have worked with S&P Dow Jones Indices for several years and have observed the increasing prominence being given by S&P Global to the risks and opportunities related to climate change.”

“In April 2017, S&P Global Ratings announced the launch of its Green Evaluations, a tool to measure sustainability at the asset level. In November 2016, S&P Global Ratings also published a sustainable investment report, providing essential insights into the fast-growing green bond market.”

“Both our organisations are committed to expanding green finance opportunities to address climate change and contribute to international emissions reduction goals.”

The last word

This announcement comes at a time when green bonds are being increasingly being recognised as a crucial ingredient in capital market development to meet international green finance objectives and individual country climate plans.

There are many avenues where work is being undertaken.

Since its launch in 2016, S&P has been part of the G20 Green Finance Study Group (GFSG) whose aim is to develop global green finance.

Much more recently our latest discussion paper Stock Exchanges:  Accelerating the Growth of Green Bond Markets looks at an expanded role for bourses to take in supporting domestic and international market development.

Despite the obvious differences in scale and scope, green bonds market development is a common thread.

Partnership with S&P Global and the expansion of our relationship opens new opportunities for additional cooperation.

There is much to do.

Welcome!

Till next time,

Climate Bonds

 

PS: In São Paulo on the 30th May?

The Climate Bonds Initiative is convening an Executive Dialogue profiling Brazil’s emerging green bond market and investment opportunities in Agriculture, Energy & Infrastructure.

Limited place are still available.

More details here or email Mariana Caminha(link sends e-mail) direct.

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication does not constitute investment advice in any form and the Climate Bonds Initiative is not an investment adviser.  Any reference to a financial organisation or investment product is for information purposes only. Links to external websites are for information purposes only. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no responsibility for content on external websites.

The Climate Bonds Initiative is not endorsing, recommending or advising on the merits or otherwise of any investment or investment product and no information within this communication should be taken as such, nor should any information in this communication be relied upon in making any investment decision. 

A decision to invest in anything is solely yours. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no liability of any kind, for any investment an individual or organisation makes, nor for any investment made by third parties on behalf of an individual or organisation, based in whole or in part on any information contained within this, or any other Climate Bonds Initiative publicly communication.

 

 

Em São Paulo no dia 30 de maio? O Climate Bonds Diálogo Executivo: Potencial de Investimento: Economia de Baixo Carbono do Brasil: Infraestrutura, Agricultura & Energia.

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Em São Paulo no dia 30 de maio? O Climate Bonds Diálogo Executivo: Potencial de Investimento: Economia de Baixo Carbono do Brasil: Infraestrutura, Agricultura & Energia.

Destacando oportunidades de investimentos de baixo carbono em energia, agricultura e infraestrutura.

O Diálogo Executivo 2017 será uma sessão paralela ao Brazil Investor Forum em São Paulo no dia 30 e 31 de maio.

A Climate Bonds Initiative está organizando um Diálogo Executivo 2017 para discutir o mercado emergente de títulos verdes e oportunidades de investimento em agricultura, energia e infraestrutura do Brasil.

Este evento exclusivo para convidados irá incluir um painel interativo com 50 investidores globais e CEOs discutindo prospectos de investimentos e planos em três diferente setores da economia.

Participantes terão a oportunidade de debater abertamente sobre a aceleração de investimentos em desenvolvimento sustentável, consistente com as metas ambientais e econômicas do país.

O Diálogo Executivo 2017 da Climate Bonds Initiative é um evento paralelo em suporte ao Brazil Investment Forum 2017 organizado pela Apex que irá reunir líderes políticos, corporativos e financeiros em São Paulo para discutir investimentos no mercado local e colaborações de negócios.

O Investment Forum dará início ao lançamento do novo Fundo de Investimento Brasil-China, com total de $20 bilhões.

 

Oportunidade em São Paulo

O Diálogo Executivo será um evento único, onde participantes terão a oportunidade de interagir diretamente com outros profissionais e discutir as novas direções de investimentos em setores da economia de baixo carbono.

Agenda:

12:40 Discurso de Boas-vindas da Presidente  

Justine Leigh-Bell

Director Market Development, Climate Bonds Initiative

13:00 Almoço

13:20  Painel de discussão

 Sean Kidney, CEO, Climate Bonds Initiative

 Marcelo Vieira, President of SRB (Sociedade Rural Brasileira)

 Milton Menten, Executive-Director of EcoAgro

 Tatiana Rosito, former Executive Secretary of CAMEX

 André Salcedo, Head of Capital Markets of BNDES

 Guilherme Hirata: Executive Manager of Corporate Finance Suzano Papel e Celulose

John Liu, CIO, Zurich Brasil

14:30 Fim

 

Em São Paulo no dia 30/05?

Há um número limitado de lugares ainda disponível.

Favor contatar Mariana Caminha (Comunicações e Relações Institucionais) para mais informações.

Contamos com a sua presença.

Atenciosamente,

CBI

Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication does not constitute investment advice in any form and the Climate Bonds Initiative is not an investment adviser.  Any reference to a financial organisation or investment product is for information purposes only. Links to external websites are for information purposes only. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no responsibility for content on external websites.

The Climate Bonds Initiative is not endorsing, recommending or advising on the merits or otherwise of any investment or investment product and no information within this communication should be taken as such, nor should any information in this communication be relied upon in making any investment decision. 

A decision to invest in anything is solely yours. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no liability of any kind, for any investment an individual or organisation makes, nor for any investment made by third parties on behalf of an individual or organisation, based in whole or in part on any information contained within this, or any other Climate Bonds Initiative publicly communication.

 

 

São Paulo Dialogue 30th May- Em São Paulo, especialistas analisam potencial de mercado para a economia de baixo carbono no Brasil: Investment potential for Brazil's Low Carbon Economy

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São Paulo Dialogue to outline investment potential for Brazil's Low Carbon Economy

30th May parallel session to the Brazil Investment Forum will see national and international investors join agriculture and energy executives to identify large scale low carbon investment opportunities.

The Climate Bonds Initiative, in partnership with IADB and EcoAgro, is convening a parallel session supporting Brazil Investment Forum to outline low carbon investment opportunities in Brazil.

More than fifty national and international investors and executives from major agriculture and energy companies will gather for the Executive Dialogue in São Paulo next Tuesday, May 30th.

Among the confirmed panelists are Marcelo Vieira, President of SRB (Sociedade Rural Brasileira); Jonatas Couri, Partner at EcoAgro; Marcelo Allain, Secretary for the Investments Partnerships Program; John Liu, CIO of Zurich and Guilherme Hirata, Executive Manager of Corporate Finance of Suzano Papel e Celulose.

Institutional investor and corporate participants will have a face to face opportunity for dialogue on accelerating investment in sustainable long-term growth consistent with Brazil’s environmental and economic development goals.

Only a few days away from the tenth anniversary of the first green bond ever issued, Brazil is showing potential to be a world leader on green finance, offering large scale investment opportunities across its energy, land use and infrastructure sectors.

Who's saying what:

“Green Finance and Agribusiness in Brazil have a natural synergy. Certainly, one shall benefit from the other as Brazil develops a low carbon economy and Agri improves environmental, social and governance practices,” said Milton Menten, CEO of EcoAgro.

“Brazil has made strides in advancing its techniques in low carbon agriculture production in recent years, positioning itself as a future global leader in providing the world with sustainable agriculture products at scale,” said Justine Leigh-Bell, Climate Bonds Director of Market Development.

“The Executive Dialogue will offer an unparalleled opportunity for investors to engage directly with their peers on new economy and low carbon investment directions, not only in agriculture but also in other major industry sectors.”

The green bond market development is underway in Brazil with $3.2bn issued to date. Climate Bonds Initiative predicts at least $3-5bn in issuance of green bonds out of Brazil in 2017.

“As the third largest emerging economy, a G20 member and major food and produce exporter, where Brazil goes on clean energy, low carbon land use and agricultural practices has a global impact”, said Sean Kidney, CEO of the Climate Bonds Initiative.

"Green bond financing presents an opportunity to accelerate the growth of Brazil's sustainable agri-industry and meet growing demand from international investors in search of green emerging market debt investments."

Climate Bonds Executive Dialogue:

May 30th, Grand Hyatt Hotel, São Paulo

Agenda:

12: 40 Chair’s Welcoming Remarks:

Justine Leigh-Bell, Director Market Development, Climate Bonds Initiative

13:00 Lunch

13: 20 Moderated Panel Discussion:

  • Sean Kidney, CEO, Climate Bonds Initiative
  • Marcelo Vieira, President of SRB (Sociedade Rural Brasileira)
  • Jonatas Couri, Partner at EcoAgro
  • Marcelo Allain, Secretary of the Investments Partnerships Program (PPI)
  • Guilherme Hirata, Exec Manager of Corporate Finance Suzano Papel e Cellulose SA
  • John Liu, CIO at Zurich
  • André Salcedo, Head of Capital Markets Development Department, BNDES

 

14:30 Close

 

Spotlight on Brazil:

Climate Bonds undertakes a number of in-country market development programs including activities in Brazil. More information can be found here.  Climate Bonds regularly blogs on Brazil based events and green bond developments. Recent posts can be found here, here and here.

Current Brazil Green Bonds:

In November 2016,  Suzano Pulp & Paper SA announced the first green bond issued in Brazilian Real, following up on their successful USD 500m green issuance in July.

According to Marcelo Bacci, CFO at Suzano, their green bond had “the lowest yield ever in a CRA (green securitisation) in the local markets, mostly due to its green characteristics.”

This is the third green bond from Brazil since food giant BFR led off in May 2015 with a EUR 500m (USD 549m) BBB-rated bond attracting more than 50% European buyers.

Late 2016 also saw CPFL Energias Renováveis with a BRL 200mm green issuance.

Forestry and pulp conglonerate Fibria issued a USD 700m green bond in January 2017 and development bank BNDES raised USD 1bn on 9th May, the first international green bond issued by a Brazilian bank.

Brazil Profile:

Brazil is the world’s ninth biggest economy and  is the world’s largest exporter of sugar and soybeans, the 3rd largest exporter of corn and 4th largest producer of fibre furnish. It has the world’s largest area of arable land in a single country.

According to the FAO, Brazil will have to increase its food production significantly to help cope with 2050’s world population.

Brazil State of the Market Report:

Published in both Portuguese and English, the Brazil Edition of the Climate Bonds Initiative flagship report was released in August 2016 and tracks all climate-aligned and green bonds issued within the Brazilian market from Jan 1st 2005 to May 31st 2016.

Recent Developments:

In October 2016, major local investors and pension funds signed the first Brazil Green Bonds Statement committing to “the development of a robust Brazilian green bonds market that makes a contribution to addressing climate change.”  Further signatories are expected in early June. 

A Council for Sustainable Market Development (Conselho Brasileiro para o Desenvolvimento Sustentável do Mercado) has been jointly convened by the Business Council for Sustainable Development (CEBDS) and the Climate Bonds Initiative, to develop and promote policy and market mechanisms to catalyse a robust future pipeline of opportunities for green investments in the future.

In November 2016 International Finance Corporation’s (IFC) Climate Investment Opportunities in Emerging Markets report, Brazil’s estimated climate smart investment potential for selected sectors is $1.3 trillion from 2016–2030.

The last word:

We'd love to catch up with you in São Paulo! For event enquiries, please contact:

Mariana Caminha,

Communications and Institutional Relations

Climate Bonds Initiative (Brazil)

(61) 98135-1800

'Till next time,

Climate Bonds

 

 

 

 

Em São Paulo, especialistas analisam potencial de mercado para a economia de baixo carbono no Brasil

 

Sessão paralela ao Fórum de Investimentos Brasil 2017 reunirá investidores globais e executivos dos setores de agricultura e energia para identificar oportunidades de investimento no país.

A Climate Bonds Initiative, em parceria com o BID e a EcoAgro, promoverá uma sessão paralela ao Fórum de Investimentos Brasil 2017 para delinear oportunidades de investimento de baixo carbono no Brasil.

Mais de cinquenta investidores e executivos nacionais e internacionais de grandes empresas de agricultura e energia participarão do Executive Dialogue na próxima terça-feira, 30 de maio. O evento será moderado por Sean Kidney, CEO da Climate Bonds Initiative.

Entre os palestrantes confirmados estão Marcelo Vieira, Presidente da SRB (Sociedade Rural Brasileira); Jonatas Couri, sócio da EcoAgro; Marcelo Allain, Secretário do Programa de Parcerias de Investimentos; John Liu, CIO da Zurich e Guilherme Hirata, Gerente Executivo Finanças Corporativas da Suzano Papel e Celulose.

Durante o evento, os participantes terão a oportunidade de dialogar, entre outras coisas, sobre o potencial de investimento da economia de baixo carbono no Brasil a longo prazo e como essa realidade se encaixa nos objetivos de desenvolvimento ambiental e econômico do país.

A poucos dias do décimo aniversário do primeiro título verde emitido, o Brasil mostra potencial para ser um líder mundial em finanças verdes, oferecendo oportunidades de investimento em larga escala em seus setores de energia, manejo da terra e infraestrutura.

"As finanças verdes e o agronegócio no Brasil têm uma sinergia natural. Certamente, um se beneficiará do outro na medida em que o Brasil desenvolva uma economia de baixo carbono e uma agricultura que melhore as práticas ambientais, sociais e de governança", disse Milton Menten, CEO da EcoAgro. 

"O Brasil tem avançado ao aperfeiçoar suas técnicas de produção de baixo carbono nos últimos anos, posicionando-se como um futuro líder global no fornecimento ao mundo de produtos agrícolas sustentáveis ​​em escala", disse Justine Leigh-Bell, Diretora de Desenvolvimento de Mercado da Climate Bonds.

“Nosso evento oferecerá uma oportunidade ímpar para que os investidores se envolvam diretamente com seus pares na nova economia e em direções de investimento de baixo carbono, não só na agricultura, mas também em outros grandes setores da indústria", acrescentou.

O desenvolvimento do mercado de títulos verdes está em andamento no Brasil com US$ 3,2 bilhões emitidos até o momento. A Climate Bonds Initiative prevê pelo menos de US$ 3 a 5 bilhões em emissões de títulos verdes do Brasil em 2017.

"Como a terceira maior economia emergente, um membro do G20 e principal exportador de alimentos e produtos, o exemplo do Brasil no uso de energia limpa, manejo de terra com baixo carbono e práticas agrícolas tem um impacto global", disse Sean Kidney, CEO da Climate Bonds Initiative.

O financiamento de títulos verdes apresenta uma oportunidade para acelerar o crescimento da agroindústria sustentável do Brasil e atender à demanda crescente de investidores internacionais em busca de investimentos em dívida de mercados emergentes verdes. Este Diálogo tem como objetivo abrir a porta para novos fluxos de capital que apoiem ​​o desenvolvimento da nova economia brasileira e complemente os objetivos do Fórum de Investimentos Brasil 2017.

 

Climate Bonds Diálogo Executivo

30 de maio, Hotel Grand Hyatt, São Paulo

Programação:

12:40 Abertura:

Justine Leigh-Bell, Diretora para Desenvolvimento de Mercado, Climate Bonds

 

13:00 Almoço

13:20 Painel:

  • Sean Kidney, CEO, Climate Bonds Initiative
  • Marcelo Vieira, Presidente da Sociedade Rural Brasileira
  • Jonatas Couri, sócio-diretor da EcoAgro
  • Marcelo Allain, Secretário do Programa de Parcerias de Investimentos
  • Guilherme Hirata, Gerente Executivo de Finanças Corporativas da Suzano Papel e Celulose SA
  • John Liu, CIO da Zurich
  • André Salcedo, Chefe do Departamento de Mercado de Capitais do BNDES

 

14:30 Encerramento

Sobre a Climate Bonds Initiative:

A Climate Bonds Initiative é uma organização sem fins lucrativos que promove investimentos em larga escala para a economia de baixo carbono. Para obter mais informações, visite http://www.climatebonds.net/.

Desenvolvimento de Mercado:

A Climate Bonds realiza programas de desenvolvimento de mercado em todo o mundo, incluindo atividades no Brasil. Mais informações podem ser encontradas aqui. A Climate Bonds faz publicações regulares sobre o Brasil em seu blog. Postagens recentes podem ser encontradas aqui, aqui e aqui.

Em 2008, a Suzano Papel e Celulose SA anunciou o primeiro green bond emitido em reais, acompanhando a sua bem sucedidaemissão de US$ 500 milhões em julho.

Este é o terceiro título verde emitido do Brasil desde que a gigante de alimentos BFR liderou em maio de 2015 um títutlo (avaliado BBB) de 500 milhões de euros (US$ 549 milhões) atraindo mais de 50% de compradores europeus.

No final de 2016, a CPFL Energias Renováveis​​também realizou uma emissão verde de R$ 200 milhões.

O conglomerado florestal e de celulose Fibria emitiu uma obrigação verde de US$ 700 milhões em janeiro de 2017 e o banco de desenvolvimento BNDES arrecadou US$ 1 bilhão em 9 de maio, o primeiro título verde emitido por um banco brasileiro.

Sobre o Brasil:

O Brasil é a nona maior economia do mundo e maior exportador mundial de açúcar e soja, o terceiro maior exportador de milho e o quarto maior produtor de fibras. Tem a maior área de terra arável do mundo em um único país. De acordo com a FAO, o Brasil terá que aumentar significativamente sua produção de alimentos para ajudar a lidar com a demanda da população mundial de 2050.

Análise do mercado brasileiro:

publicado em português e inglês, a edição brasileira do boletim principal da Climate Bonds Initiative foi lançado em agosto de 2016 e rastreia todos os títulos alinhados ao clima e verdes emitidos no mercado brasileiro de 1 de janeiro de 2005 a 31 de maio 2016.

Últimas novidades: Em outubro de 2016, grandes investidores locais e fundos de pensão assinaram a primeira Declaração de Green Bonds do Brasil, comprometendo-se "ao desenvolvimento de um sólido mercado brasileiro de títulos verdes que contribua para enfrentar a mudança climática".

Em São Paulo no dia 30/05?

Há um número limitado de lugares ainda disponiveis:

Favor contatar Mariana Caminha (Comunicações e Relações Institucionais) para mais informações.

Contamos com a sua presença.

Disclaimer: As informações contidas neste documento não constituem conselhos de investimento sob nenhuma forma. A Climate Bonds Initiative não é uma consultora de investimentos. Qualquer referência a uma organização financeira ou produto de investimento destina-se apenas a fins informativos. Links para sites externos são apenas para fins informativos. A Climate Bonds Initiative não se responsabiliza pelo conteúdo de sites externos.

A Climate Bonds Initiative não está endossando, recomendando ou aconselhando sob o mérito, ou não, de nenhum investimento. Nenhuma informação contida neste documento deve ser considerada como tal, e nenhuma informação aqui contida deve ser invocada para tomar decisão de investimento. A decisão de investir em qualquer produto financeiro é exclusivamente sua.

A Climate Bonds Initiative não aceita nenhum tipo de responsabilidade, por qualquer investimento feito por qualquer indivíduo ou organização, nem por qualquer investimento feito por terceiros em nome de um indivíduo ou organização, com base total ou parcial, em informação contida neste ou outros comunicados da Climate Bonds.

 

Germany: Deutsche Börse becomes Climate Bonds Partner: German GB Market Update: Frankfurt Declaration on Sustainable Investment

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Germany: Deutsche Börse becomes Climate Bonds Partner: German GB Market Update: Frankfurt Declaration.

Three stories from Germany last week, all in Frankfurt, all green, all good. 

A new Partner in Deutsche Börse, a new report into the German green bond market and a new sustainable investment commitment marked a big week in Frankfurt.

 

Our new partner

One of the world’s leading stock exchanges, Germany’s Deutsche Börse Group (Deutsche Börse) is the latest global financial organisation to join the Climate Bonds Partner Program.

The announcement was made in Frankfurt last week at the Deutsche Börse hosted  Sustainable Finance Initiative which also saw the launch of the Frankfurt Declaration  and the public release of the German Green Bonds Market May 2017 report, a collaborative effort between Climate Bonds and Deutsche Börse.

 

Who’s saying what?

Kristina Jeromin, Head of Group Sustainability at Deutsche Börse:

Deutsche Börse is delighted to become a Partner of the Climate Bonds Initiative. Supporting organisations taking the lead in developing market based and finance driven responses to create sustainable financial markets is one of our core responsibilities.”

Sean Kidney, CEO Climate Bonds Initiative:

"Deutsche Börse occupies a pivotal position in Eurozone capital markets. Through this partnership we have an opportunity to promote increased collaboration among green bond market participants to improve market liquidity, integrity and investor access.”

“We will be working cooperatively on standards, harmonisation and developing secondary markets - all critical ingredients to robust market growth.” 

Wilkommen!

 

Frankfurt release of Climate Bonds Germany Green Bond Market update

The Climate Bonds Initiative in collaboration with Deutsche Börse has released a new paper analysing the growing German green bond market, progress to date & options for development.

“We are very pleased to present Germany Green Bond Market May 2017 - a study, which gives a snapshot on the current dynamics of the German Green Bond market,“  Kristina Jeromin, Head of Group Sustainability at Deutsche Börse said in launching the report.

What’s the latest?

Germany is the 4th largest country globally for green bonds outstanding, and the 2nd largest in Europe, after France.

Despite its large size, the domestic market is concentrated in only 8 issuers, of which only two are corporations. To date, 80% of issuance comes from the banking sector.

Renewable energy projects have been the destination of 87% of the total proceeds raised by German green bond issuers.

 

5 Action Points for German issuers and investors:

1. Sovereign and sub-sovereigns: issue demonstration green bonds

2. Investors: signal demand for corporate and asset-backed issuance 

3. Corporates and banking sector: join the market and facilitate deal flow

4. Policy-makers: promote standards and green regulatory reform

5. Central banks: send strong signals of support to build confidence among issuers and investors

The full report can be downloaded here

 

Greening the market:

With a large vanilla bond market, a strong policy backdrop, and a wide base of banks and potential issuers, Germany has a huge potential for green financial growth.

German investors can lead nationally and in EU markets in many ways: on debt instrument deployment, on growing the green covered bond market and on providing essential market infrastructure and services.

New instruments are essential as a proof of concept for other issuers and can broaden access to the market.

To date, Germany has issued 4 different debt instruments, a notable achievement in product development considering that its green bond market at present only counts eight issuers.

(A ninth issue is in the pipeline).

Green Pfandbrief, covered bonds and green ABS all have healthy growth prospects.

Scaling up the usage of all green debt products and increasing involvement of the German financial sector in green finance is as underlying theme of the market update recommendations.

As an example, green ABS annual issuance in Europe alone could reach USD 84bn by 2035 (37% of green securities) according the latest OECD figures

The 2035 global market size ranges from USD28—380bn with investments for low carbon public transport, adaptation, land-use and waste adding to the numbers.

Ensuring the public policy settings are right could also help accelerate the growth of EU green securitisation markets, support the 2030 climate and energy targets and build additional climate finance capability.

 

Sustainable Finance and the ‘Frankfurt Declaration’

The Deutsche Börse hosted Sustainable Finance Initiative was the also the backdrop for the investor driven Frankfurt Declaration, another signal that developing centres of green finance and trading is not being left to London or Luxembourg.

Frankfurt hosts the headquarters of the ECB and has both the political support and financial infrastructure to become a green finance hub. 

The explicit acknowledgement in the Frankfurt Declaration of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the Principles for Responsible Investment (PRI) is a positive, as is the recognition that finance sectors must be a major driver of sustainable development.

The Climate Bonds Initiative is a Signatory to the Declaration.

We believe that developing green finance capacity across major financial centres, in both developed and emerging economies is vital to generating the private sector investment needed to meet global emissions targets and hold warming at or around 2 degrees.

Reaching $1tn in green bonds by 2020 should be an integral part of the associated investment goals in actioning climate finance policy and various investor commitments.

 

The Last Word

As G20 President, Germany has taken up the Chinese mantle on green finance at the G20 and more recently on climate action at G7 level .

Germany is a strong supporter of the Paris goals and the G20 Green Finance Study Group (GFSG) recommendations from its November 2016 Synthesis Report.

Deutsche Börse’s actions in supporting green finance complement Germany’s positions and set an example for other stock exchanges.

Overall, a good week in Frankfurt. 

Till next time,  

Climate Bonds

Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication does not constitute investment advice in any form and the Climate Bonds Initiative is not an investment adviser.  Any reference to a financial organisation or investment product is for information purposes only. Links to external websites are for information purposes only. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no responsibility for content on external websites.

The Climate Bonds Initiative is not endorsing, recommending or advising on the merits or otherwise of any investment or investment product and no information within this communication should be taken as such, nor should any information in this communication be relied upon in making any investment decision. 

A decision to invest in anything is solely yours. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no liability of any kind, for any investment an individual or organisation makes, nor for any investment made by third parties on behalf of an individual or organisation, based in whole or in part on any information contained within this, or any other Climate Bonds Initiative public communication.

 

 

Ready, steady, go! From the vibrant São Paulo to the fashionable Milan, the massive Beijing to the intimate Vienna, London, Paris, Munich, Frankfurt, Rome, Shanghai and even Nova Scotia!

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A June on the road (and above the clouds) for Climate Bonds with exciting speeches and great presentations from east to west.  

Our Director of Market Development Justine Leigh-Bell will be hosting an Executive Dialogue parallel to Brasil Investor Forum, where our CEO Sean Kidney is speaking – if you’d like to meet them for a one-on-one, drop an e-mail.

Sean will also enlighten the audience at the Green Finance Summit 2017 in London and the EMF-ECBC Stakeholder & Kick-off Meeting in Rome.

You’ll be able to meet our Head of Certification Rob Fowler in Beijing or in Paris at the Assurance Roundtable and in Halifax if you're round that way. 

Maybe you're in Milan on the 7th of June? Why not attend the presentation of our Policy Analyst Diletta Giuliani?

Or catch Manuael Adamini presenting in Frankfurt.

More about our busy June agenda below: 

 

June Events

What?Where?When?Who?

30th May

São Paulo

Justine Leigh-Bell

Sean Kidney

Chairing the Climate Bonds Initiative’s Executive Dialogue: Investment potential of Brazil's low carbon economy, parallel event to the Investor Forum.

30th May

Vienna

Manuel Adamini

Meeting potential green bond issuers with our Partner EY

31st May

São Paulo

Justine Leigh-Bell

Sean Kidney

BNDES Roundtable: Introducing the Climate Bond Sustainable Energy Fund to Brazil energy companies

31st May

Munich

Manuel Adamini

Meeting potential green bond issuers & German Climate Bonds partners

31st May

Munich

Manuel Adamini

Presentation & panel discussion at Intersolar Europe

1st June

London

Sean Kidney

Moderating at the Green Finance Summit 2017 hosted by The City of London and the GFI

2nd June

London

Sean Kidney

Participating in China NDRC Roundtable on Climate Bond Standards

7th June

São Paulo

Justine Leigh-Bell

Presenting Green Bonds development in Brazil at the Bonds, Loans & Derivatives 

7th 8th June

Brussels

 

Sean Kidney

Attending the third meeting of the EU High-Level Expert Group on Sustainable Finance

7th June

Milan

 

Diletta Giuliani

Presenting at the CSR Manager Network event on Green Bonds

7th June

Shanghai

Huan Shao

Panel at “The Science Reality of Climate Change” symposium held jointly by Imperial College London and British Consulate-General

8th - 11th June

Nova Scotia, Halifax

Rob Fowler

Participating in the ISO Technical Meetings

9th June

Rome

Sean Kidney

Speaking at European Covered Bonds Council Stakeholder Meeting

13th June

Berlin

Sean Kidney

Speaking at FundForum International2017 workshop on Green Finance & Infrastructure

14th June

Paris

Sean Kidney

Panelist at the Green Bond Principles Conference

15th June

Paris

Sean Kidney

Diletta Giuliani

Co-hosting the I4CE Practitioners’ workshop on the future of green bonds

15th June

Paris

Sean Kidney

Meeting of the Climate Bonds Standards Board

16th June

Paris

Rob Fowler

Chairing Climate Bonds Assurance Roundtable

19th June

London

Sean Kidney

Panellist at the Environmental Finance Green Bonds conference Enviro Bonds

20th June

Frankfurt

Sean Kidney

Keynote speaker at Union Investment Conference

21st - 22nd June

Shanghai

Huan Shao

Presenting at Greater China – Global Investment Symposium 

22nd June

Beijing

Rob Fowler

Chairing Assurance Roundtable and Conference

27th June

Mexico City

Sean Kidney

Speaking at IADB conference for National Development Banks and Green Banks

28th June

Paris

Camille Frandon-Martinez

Attending the first meeting of the commitee of the French Label for Energy and Ecological Transition for the Climate (TEEC).

28th June

Frankfurt

Manuel Adamini

Keynote speaker at BerlinHyp’s event, hosted by Crédit Agricole

28th June

Frankfurt

Bridget Boulle

Launching Use of Proceeds Report with BerlinHyp at event hosted by Crédit Agricole

30th June

Brussels

Manuel Adamini

Speaking at OECDevent ‘Low-Carbon Growth’

 

'Till next time,

Climate Bonds

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication does not constitute investment advice in any form and the Climate Bonds Initiative is not an investment adviser.  Any reference to a financial organisation or investment product is for information purposes only. Links to external websites are for information purposes only. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no responsibility for content on external websites.

The Climate Bonds Initiative is not endorsing, recommending or advising on the merits or otherwise of any investment or investment product and no information within this communication should be taken as such, nor should any information in this communication be relied upon in making any investment decision. 

A decision to invest in anything is solely yours. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no liability of any kind, for any investment an individual or organisation makes, nor for any investment made by third parties on behalf of an individual or organisation, based in whole or in part on any information contained within this, or any other Climate Bonds Initiative public communication.

 

 

Tags: 

57 Inversionistas Mexicanos con un fondo de USD 214bn, Firman de Declaración de Bonos Verdes

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Impulsado por la Bolsa Mexicana de Valores (BMV), MÉXICO2 y Climate Bonds Initiative, la declaración es otro paso significativo en apoyo a las finanzas verdes en México

 

 

Ayer en la Ciudad de México, 57 inversionistas institucionales que en conjunto administran un fondo de USD 213.8 mil millones (4 billones de pesos) en activos bajo su administración, firmaron una declaración a favor del financiamiento de bonos verdes en México. 

Esta declaración remarca que los bonos verdes representan una oportunidad para que inversionistas institucionales cumplan con su deber fiduciario con clientes y beneficiarios de modo responsable y sostenible.

Los 57 firmantes, incluyendo afores, compañías de seguros, bancos multilaterales y operadoras de fondos de inversión y asesores independientes de inversión, reconocen en el documento que el cambio climático representa un importante riesgo para la sociedad, la economía y para las inversiones que realizan.

Y reconocen que las grandes inversiones de bajo carbono que la respuesta al cambio climático requiere, pueden estructurarse como activos de inversión que ofrezcan el nivel de rendimiento y riesgo requerido para satisfacer sus necesidades.

 

 

José Oriol Bosch, Director General de Grupo Bolsa Mexicana de Valores:

“Este documento deja de manifiesto la voluntad de los inversionistas de ver más emisiones de bonos verdes en el mercado y apunta a enfrentar uno de los retos más importantes para México y el mundo: el cambio climático”.

 

Javier Bernal Stoopen, Director de Mercado de Dinero de Grupo Financiero Monex y Consejero General del Consejo Consultivo de Finanzas Climáticas (CCFC):

“México es la quinta economía emergente, después de China, Brasil, Rusia e India; este pronunciamiento sobre el direccionamiento de recursos para proyectos que además de rentables, coadyuven al cambio climático es un mensaje muy positivo que refleja la madurez y responsabilidad en la gestión de portafolios para mitigar estos riesgos”.

 

Alejandro Elizondo, Director Executivo de Inverciones, Seguros Monterrey New York Life:

"Para nosotros es muy importante ser parte de esta iniciativa que establece un precedente en México sobre el cuidado y la preservación del medio ambiente. Además, la declaración representa otro paso más que nos permite seguir protegiendo al pueblo mexicano y dirigiendo al país hacia un futuro más sostenible".

 

Sean Kidney, CEO de Climate Bonds Initiative:

“La fuerte respuesta de los inversionistas a esta declaración es un paso muy positivo para México; es una muestra de enorme confianza en el desarrollo del mercado de bonos verdes”.

 

El documento alienta a las autoridades de gobierno y del sector financiero a considerar políticas públicas, reglamentos, mitigación de riesgos y mecanismos que apoyen el desarrollo del mercado local de bonos verdes.

 

Muy bien, México!

 

P.S: Usted puede leer más sobre el CCFC (Consejo Consultivo de Finanzas Climáticas) y el mercado de bonos verdes de México, aquí (en español). Y aquí y aquí (en inglés).

 

Hastaluego,

Climate Bonds

 

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication does not constitute investment advice in any form and the Climate Bonds Initiative is not an investment adviser.  Any reference to a financial organisation or investment product is for information purposes only. Links to external websites are for information purposes only. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no responsibility for content on external websites.

The Climate Bonds Initiative is not endorsing, recommending or advising on the merits or otherwise of any investment or investment product and no information within this communication should be taken as such, nor should any information in this communication be relied upon in making any investment decision. 

A decision to invest in anything is solely yours. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no liability of any kind, for any investment an individual or organisation makes, nor for any investment made by third parties on behalf of an individual or organisation, based in whole or in part on any information contained within this, or any other Climate Bonds Initiative public communication.


57 Mexican Investors with USD 214bn in AUM Back Green Bonds

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Pension funds, insurance companies, asset managers and investment funds all back green bonds in public decalaration, sponsored by the Mexican Stock Exchange, (BMV), MÉXICO2 and the Climate Bonds Initiative.

The Mexico Green Bonds Investor Statement is a significant step forward for green finance in LATAM.

 

What's it all about

Yesterday in Mexico City, 57 institutional investors, with over USD 213.8bn (4 trillion pesos) in AUM released a statement in favor of financing green bonds in Mexico.

The statement stresses that green bonds offer an opportunity for institutional investors to comply with their fiduciary duties with clients and beneficiaries in a responsible and sustainable manner.

The 57 signatories including pension funds, insurance companies, multilateral development banks, investment funds and independent investment advisors, acknowledge in the document that climate change represents a crucial risk for society, the economy and their long-term investments.

They also recognize that low carbon projects (required for taking action on climate change) can be structured as investment assets that offer levels of yield and risk, satisfying the investment needs they pursue on behalf of their clients and beneficiaries.

 

Who's saying what

 

José Oriol Bosch, CEO of the Mexican Stock Exchange

“This document demonstrates the desire on behalf of investors to have access to more green bond issuances and it paves the way to face one of the most important challenges for Mexico and the world: climate change”.

 

Javier Bernal Stoopen, Head of Institutional Sales for Grupo Financiero Monex (and General Counselor for the Mexican Climate Finance Advisory Board):

“Mexico is the fifth largest emerging economy after China, Brazil, Russia and India; this statement on the destination of proceeds for projects that, besides being profitable contribute to the fight against climate change, is an encouraging message that reflects the growing maturity and responsibility in portfolio management in order to mitigate these risks”.

 

Alejandro Elizondo, Executive Director of Investments, Seguros Monterrey New York Life:

"For us it is very important to be part of this initiative that sets a precedent in Mexico regarding the care and preservation of the environment. Moreover, this event represents yet another step that allows us to continue to protect the Mexican people and direct the country towards a more sustainable future”.

 

Sean Kidney, the CEO of Climate Bonds Initiative:

“The strong response of investors to this statement is a positive milestone for Mexico; it is a show of enormous confidence in the green bonds market”.

 

The last word 

This statement, one of the most significant globally by volume of assets represented, stresses that green bonds offer an opportunity for institutional investors to comply with their fiduciary duties with clients and beneficiaries in a responsible and sustainable manner. 

We want to see more of this; investors joining together, publicly calling on issuers for more green bonds.

 

Muybien, Mexico!

 

P.S: You can read this blog in Spanish here. And more about the Mexico CCFC (Climate Finance Advisory Board) and Mexico’s green bond market, here (Spanish).

And catch up on previous Mexico updates in English, here and here.

 

‘Till next time,

Climate Bonds

 

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication does not constitute investment advice in any form and the Climate Bonds Initiative is not an investment adviser.  Any reference to a financial organisation or investment product is for information purposes only. Links to external websites are for information purposes only. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no responsibility for content on external websites.

The Climate Bonds Initiative is not endorsing, recommending or advising on the merits or otherwise of any investment or investment product and no information within this communication should be taken as such, nor should any information in this communication be relied upon in making any investment decision. 

A decision to invest in anything is solely yours. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no liability of any kind, for any investment an individual or organisation makes, nor for any investment made by third parties on behalf of an individual or organisation, based in whole or in part on any information contained within this, or any other Climate Bonds Initiative public communication.

Westpac joins the Climate Bonds Initiative Partner Program: Australian bank continues drive on climate change solutions and sustainability

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Partner announcement by Australian bank made as new 2020 green targets are set. Part of wider AUD 25bn lending commitment to climate change solutions.

 

What’s it all about?

Westpac Banking Corporation (ASX: WBC) has joined the Climate Bonds Initiative Partners Program effective immediately and set ambitious targets to facilitate up to AUD3 billion in climate change solutions by 2020 including green bond issuance and arrangement.

The decision is part of the bank’s commitment to increase its target for lending to the sector from AUD6 billion to AUD10 billion by 2020 and AUD25 billion by 2030. **

Westpac issued its first bond Certified Climate Bond  May 2016, raising AUD500 million to fund renewable energy and low carbon commercial property.

Since then, the bank has extended its target to facilitate up to AUD3 billion by 2020, through green bond issuance and arrangement, given the broader opportunity for the financial markets to support climate change solutions.

The AUD25 billion target is the strongest commitment to climate change solutions by an Australian financial institution to date!  

 

Who’s saying what

Mark Goddard, Westpac Institutional Bank Head of DCM & Syndicate:

“We believe significant growth in the AUD climate bond market is inevitable. The Australian Government has agreed a target of reducing emissions to 26-28% below 2005 levels by 2030 - the bond market will play a role in this transition.”  

“Partnering with Climate Bonds provides new opportunities for us to work together on global green bond standards, harmonisation and market based solutions to meet climate finance goals.”

 

Richard Salmon, Westpac Director Balance Sheet Funding: 

“The investor base for AUD climate bond issuance continues to expand, including consistent interest from offshore buyers. While onshore, asset managers have set up dedicated ESG funds or set targets for green funds under management.” 

 

Sean Kidney, Climate Bonds CEO:

The Australian Market:

“Westpac is responding to the opportunity as the Australian market continues to see a diverse range of Certified Climate Bonds emerge. “

“Since 2015 the AUD market has evolved rapidly. We’ve observed multiple climate bonds issued from the major banks, several state governments, a listed property developer, a leading tertiary institution and several award-winning green Asset Backed Securities (ABS).”

“This has allowed investors to support climate related investments without compromising on the credit risk of the issuer.”                                                    

“Local and international investor confidence in the use of funds intended to address climate change has been fundamental to both the domestic market’s credibility and its ability to reach sufficient scale.”

“While scale and volume of issuance is still only beginning in Australia, the market globally is really taking off."

"January to March 2017 has seen a surge in Certified Climate Bonds with 15 issued for the quarter to the value of USD 4.4bn, which is the best ever market performance to date. This result represents an increase of 275% on the USD 1.6bn of certified bonds issued in Q4 2016.”

 

The Regional Opportunity:

“China is emerging as a major issuer of green bonds and is set to become the single largest green market in the world."

"In turn this will influence investment directions in Australia.”

“A robust domestic green bond market, characterised by best practice, multiple participants, institutional investor confidence & mainstreaming of ESG commitments will be well placed in the years ahead to benefit from the coming expansion in climate and green based finance, not only in China but throughout Asia.”

 

The Last Word

As a top100 global bank, Westpac has a sustainability and climate record that encompasses foundation membership of UNEP-FI in 1992, to support for the Kyoto Protocol and IPCC findings, formation of the CDP and Australia’s carbon pricing reforms. Along the way they have accumulated a host of sustainability awards

In Australia’s AUD 2.3tn pension fund sector, the bank has also been a longstanding backer of ESG and climate awareness activities.

The forward commitment to green bonds and additional lending for climate solutions is an extension of this record.

We need to see banks everywhere replicating this approach:

-setting lending targets,

-foreshadowing more green bonds,

-demonstrating leadership to potential corporate issuers and

-supporting nascent markets.

 

Can we have some more, please.

 

‘Till next time

Climate Bonds

 

PS: We’ve talked about Australia before; you can read more here and here

Or just download our latest Newsletter with more on Certified Climate Bonds, Australia as a best practice market model and updates on standards development.

 

 

**Note: This target will be updated every three years as Westpac revises its Climate Change Action Plan to reflect changes in technology, policy, climate science and investment assumptions and as our approach evolves.

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication does not constitute investment advice in any form and the Climate Bonds Initiative is not an investment adviser.  Any reference to a financial organisation or investment product is for information purposes only. Links to external websites are for information purposes only. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no responsibility for content on external websites.

The Climate Bonds Initiative is not endorsing, recommending or advising on the merits or otherwise of any investment or investment product and no information within this communication should be taken as such, nor should any information in this communication be relied upon in making any investment decision. 

A decision to invest in anything is solely yours. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no liability of any kind, for any investment an individual or organisation makes, nor for any investment made by third parties on behalf of an individual or organisation, based in whole or in part on any information contained within this, or any other Climate Bonds Initiative public communication.

Howzat! India: SEBI delivers new GB Regs: Pitched in line with international best practice: Look for the bounce in local markets.

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Howzat! India: SEBI delivers new GB Regs: Pitched in line with international best practice: Look for the bounce in local markets.  

New guidance will provide additional certainty for issuers and investors.

We expect this to catalyse further growth in the already significant Indian green bond market.

 

What’s it all about?

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), the capital markets regulator, has just issued its "Disclosure Requirements for Issuance and Listing of Green Debt Securities."

The notification is in the form of a public circular addressed to issuers, stock exchanges and merchant bankers.

In December 2015, SEBI issued a discussion paper called "Concept paper for issuance of Green Bonds.’

A month later, it announced a Board decision to distribute "Disclosure Requirements for issuance and listing Green Bonds."

We commented on the earlier draft of the regulations here. The draft regulations originally went to the Ministry of Finance for comment, where they languished for some time with internal debate about the extent to which they should be India-specific, or whether they should be prescriptive on green definitions, etc.

A couple of months ago a draft left the Ministry of Finance to the Ministry for Renewable Energy for comment, and now they’re out.

Great to see.

We expect this to catalyse further growth in the already significant Indian green bond market.

 

Key points of SEBI’s green bond listing requirements:

What is green

The guidelines set out a list of high-level categories for what is green. This is a further step on the earlier draft that stated that the same would be decided on a case to case basis.

The broad categories that have been outlined are in line with international practice i.e. Green Bond Principles (GBPs) and Climate Bonds Standards, although the regulator also retains the discretion to specify further categories as they arise.

 

Appointment of an independent Reviewer/ Certifier

As per the Green Bond Principles (GBPs), using a second party review or third-party certification to review the green credentials of the bond is optional.

Using a third party/ external review is regarded as “best practice”, as many investors do not have the resources to do the requisite due diligence and would thus prefer to an external review to be done.

However, many country guidelines do not mandate an external review (although for example PBOC in China makes it clear it expects one).

 

Tracking of proceeds

Issuers are required to disclose the procedures they will use to track green bond proceeds, and get this verified by external auditors.

SEBI is requiring issuers to report on this half yearly. While PBOC in China requires quarterly reporting, the global trend is for annual reporting.

Some of the other disclosures needed are a statement on the environmental objectives of the issue of the green bond, qualitative performance indicators and, where feasible, quantitative performance measures of the environmental impact of the project(s) and/or the asset(s).

The methodology used to determine that impact, along with relevant assumptions, also needs to be disclosed.

 

Conclusion

Overall, SEBI’s final guidelines are in line with the GBPs/Climate Bonds Standard in terms of issuance process and high-level categories of what is green, paving the way for seamless issuances across multiple geographies.

India’s is a fast-growing market when it comes to green bonds; it was the 7th largest issuer in 2016, and in 2017 has maintained its ranking in the Top 10 of global green bond issuers. 

Given the government’s impressive renewable energy targets, ambitious plans for improved water management and waste management, and a massive programme of upgrading and building low carbon transport in particular rail infrastructure, we’re expecting further green bond issuance.

 

The Last Word

India’s capital markets are highly guided by regulators.

The new green bond regulations can be expected to be a catalyst for market development, and we hope to see the same incredible results that happened after China’s official guidelines were published.

 

'Till next time

Climate Bonds

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication does not constitute investment advice in any form and the Climate Bonds Initiative is not an investment adviser.  Any reference to a financial organisation or investment product is for information purposes only. Links to external websites are for information purposes only. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no responsibility for content on external websites.

The Climate Bonds Initiative is not endorsing, recommending or advising on the merits or otherwise of any investment or investment product and no information within this communication should be taken as such, nor should any information in this communication be relied upon in making any investment decision. 

A decision to invest in anything is solely yours. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no liability of any kind, for any investment an individual or organisation makes, nor for any investment made by third parties on behalf of an in individual or organisation, based in whole or in part, on any information contained within this, or any other Climate Bonds Initiative public communication.


 

Market Blog:‘Be Climate Smart’ says BART: Renovate America, Fort Bend & more US Munis: A Flemish first: Chile & China, France, Poland, Sweden: New globe-spanning green bond issuers, gossip, news bites & more!

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Issuance continues to diversify, momentum grows in Mexico and Brazil, more big players from China all mark this month's Market Blog.

We’re also working on another tweak to formatting to help loyal readers keep up with the volume of issuance. It's all below. 

 

Map Reading 101: Three of these countries are not like the other ones…

 

Certified Bonds

San Francisco’s Bay Area Rapid Transport (BART) USD 384.7m

San Francisco’s transport authority ‘BART’ issued its first Certified Climate Bond this week after a roadshow earlier in May. The proceeds will finance or refinance projects that provide mass transit services through electric rail.

All projects must meet the Low Carbon Transport criteria under the Climate Bond Standard. The exciting news is that there will probably be lots more in the pipeline - last year, locals voted to pass a measure to issue USD 3.5bn in bonds to improve BART infrastructure. This is just the start of that issuance programme!

“Be Climate Smart Invest in BART” Retail Campaign

In another innovation BART opened an offer to direct to retail investors, with social mediapromotions across the network using the tag of ‘Be Climate Smart-Invest in Bart,’ which certainly has a nice ring to it.

The BART retail campaign follows the ground-breaking New York MTA “Invest in the planet-Invest in the MTA” of February 2016.

Well done to BART on taking this step!

The verifier's report is available here.

Underwriter: Barclays.

 

NY MTA, USD 680.2m

Yes, New York MTA is at it again as part of their ambitious green bond programme. This latest bond is for USD 680.2m.

Verification from Sustainalytics will be shortly uploaded here. See link to previous analysis here.

Underwriters: Samuel A Ramirez & Co. INC.

 

Quadran Energies Libres, EUR 46m Green loan private placement

Another French clean energy company Quadran Energies Libres (itself the result of a 2013 merger between JMB Energie and long term wind operator Aerowatt) has just issued a EUR 46m green loan to finance approximately 134MW of new wind energy and solar energy projects.

The issuer has committed to regular reporting in line with the Green Bond Principles.

The announcement (in French) is here.

Félicitations!

The verifier’s report will be shortly available here.

 

Some Format Changes: 

We’ve more and more green bonds to cover, that’s why recent issues of the Market Blog have grown so large, so we are now separating the new issuers and re-issuance into separate tables.  

We have decided to write detailed analysis for new issuers only. For your ease of reference, we’ll list them in a table and report individual stories in the body of the Blog as before.

For repeat issuers who are issuing against their original green bond framework we will continue to note the new issuance in the Repeat Issuers Table and refer you back to our original analysis or other source material. 

 

New issuers

Issuer

Size

CBI Certified

Verifier/Reviewer

Issuer type

CBI Analysis

California Health (Kaiser Foundation Hospitals)

 USD 408.4m

No

Sustainalytics

US Muni

Link to analysis below

City of Lawrence, Kansas

USD 11.4m

No

None

US Muni

Link to analysis below

Repsol

EUR 500m

No

Vigeo Eiris

Corp

Link to previous analysis

City of Norrköping

SEK 600m

No

CICERO

City/Muni

Link to analysis below

City of Lunds

SEK 750m

No

CICERO

City/Muni

Link to analysis below

China Development Bank

CNY 5bn

No

PwC

State-owned Institution

Link to analysis below

Aquafin

EUR 45m

No

CICERO

Corp

Link to analysis below

E.Sun Commercial Bank

USD 60m

No

Deloitte

Commercial Bank

Link to analysis below

Bank SinoPac

USD 45m

No

Deloitte

Commercial Bank

Link to analysis below

KGI BANK

TWD 1bn

No

Deloitte

Commercial Bank

Link to analysis below

Davivienda

COP 433bn

No

None

Commercial Bank

Link to analysis below

Denver City Water

USD 142m

No

None

US Muni

Link to analysis below

Fort Bend ISD

USD 47.5m

No

None

US Muni

Link to analysis below

Quadran Energies Libres

EUR 46m

Yes

EY

Corp

Link to analysis above

Volvofinans

SEK 700m

No

CICERO

Corp

Link to analysis below

Bank of Luoyang

CNY 5bn

No

KPMG

Commercial Bank

Link to analysis below

State Grid Energy Conservation Service

CNY 1bn

No

CCXI

Corp

Link to analysis below

Bank of Nanjing

CNY 5bn

No

EY

Commercial Bank

Link to analysis below

CTBC Commercial Bank

TWD 1bn

No

Deloitte

Commercial Bank

Link to analysis below

BART

USD 384.7m

Yes

First Environment

US Muni

Link to analysis above

Bank Zachodni

EUR 137m

No

None

Commercial

Link to analysis below

KommuneKredit

USD 500m

No

CICERO

City/Muni

Link to analysis below

Celeo Redes Operación

USD 379m

No

None

Corp

Link to analysis below

Longyuan Power

CNY 2bn

No

PwC

Corp

Link to analysis below

 

Repeat Issuers:

For repeat issuers, we have listed the table below as well as links to information and past blogs.

 

Issuer

Size

CBI certified

Verifier/Reviewer

Link to our previous blog

New York MTA

USD 680.2m

Yes

Sustainalytics

Apr 27th 2017 Market Blog

Rhode Island Infrastructure Bank

USD 11.35m

No

None

Apr 27th Market Blog

NJ Environmental Infrastructure Trust

USD 31.61m

No

None

Feb 7th 2017 Market Blog

Massachusetts Water Resources Authority

USD 254.7m

No

None

Apr 26th 2016 Market Blog

City of Los Angeles

USD 450m

No

None

Jun 3rd 2015 Market Blog

China Development Bank

CNY 5bn

No

PwC

Mar 15th 2017 Market Blog

Ygrene Energy Fund (GoodGreen)

USD 176m

No

None

Dec 15th 2016 Market Blog

Renovate America

USD 232m

No

Sustainalytics

Dec 15th 2016 Market Blog

Renew Financial

USD 34.1m

No

None

Jul 12th 2015 Market Blog

Senvion

EUR 400m

No

DNV GL

May 7th 2015 Market Blog

KfW

EUR 2bn

No

Cicero

Oct 9th 2014 Market Blog

Vasakronan

SEK 115m

No

Cicero

Nov 9th 2014 Market Blog

BNDES

USD 1bn

No

Sustainalytics

 

NIB

EUR 500m(re-open)

No

Cicero

Feb 15th 2014 Market Blog

EIB

USD 1.5bn

No

None

Apr 27th 2016 Market Blog

Asian Development Bank

INR 3bn

No

Cicero

Green Bond Framework

Harbin Bank

CNY 3bn

No

EY

Apr 27th Market Blog

IREDA

INR 7bn

Yes

Emergent Ventures

Jan 28th 2016 Market Blog

Kommuninvest

USD 500m

No

Cicero

Apr 4th 2016 Market Blog

Entra ASA

NOK 250m

No

Cicero

Apr 27th 2017 Market Blog

Export Dev’t Canada

USD 500m

No

Cicero

Jan 23rd 2014 Market Blog

Obvion

EUR 594.2m

Yes

Oekom

May 24th 2016 Market Blog

Alperia

EUR 150m

No

DNV GL

Jul 18th 2016 Market Blog

FMO

EUR 500m

No

Sustainalytics

Mar 6th 2013 Market Blog

Hero Future Energies

INR 3bn

Yes

KPMG

Feb 15th Market Blog

 

Corporate

Volvofinans, SEK 700m (USD 79.6m)

The bond from the finance arm of the famous car maker will back a pool of vehicle loans and leases that meet the following criteria:

  1. Meet the definition of ‘environmentally friendly cars’ in the Swedish Road Traffic Tax Act, and:
  2. Can be powered entirely or partially by non-fossil fuels, i.e.: electric cars, fuel cell cars, hybrid cars, natural gas.

Green bonds relating to cars have their own complexities – electric cars are in, yes, but hybrids are more difficult to measure.

This is what CICERO had to say in its opinion:

“Volvofinans Bank AB’s Green Bond Framework gets a Light Green shading. A darker shading would have required clearer guarantees that only best available technologies will be selected under the Green Bond Framework. Hybrid solutions qualify as bridging technologies and hence a medium green shading is within reach.”

“However, since battery capacity of most of these hybrids is still limited, and because hybrids (ethanol and biogas hybrids as well) also could run on petrol alone, and because there will be no tracking of real emissions these types of cars are graded light/medium green projects.”

"According to the issuer the majority of the existing car fleet is ethanol/petrol hybrids and biogas/natural gas/petrol vehicles.”

We couldn’t have said it better. This is light green not dark green.

Passenger Vehicles & the Climate Bonds Criteria 

We also note that for cars to be considered green under the Low Carbon Transport Criteria of the Climate Bonds Standard, they must meet, or be below, a maximum emissions level of 85-90 grams of CO2 per passenger kilometre travelled (g CO2 p/km).

We also note that under the Low Carbon Transport Criteria of the Climate Bonds Standard, cars can be considered green only when their emissions per passenger kilometre travelled (g CO2 p/km) are equal or below a maximum level of 85-90 grams of CO2.

Using this data for fleet Volvo emissions, and, assuming that the car is used the majority of the time by one person, there are only a few cars that qualify, all of which are plug-in hybrids and have an estimated p/km emissions of 49g/km. 

Now, we’re not sure which vehicle loans will be approved for this bond but, let’s hope it’s primarily Volvo’s most fuel-efficient hybrids.

The Volvo Green Bond framework is here.

Underwriter: SEB

 

Aquafin – EUR 45m private placement in 2015

This one was actually issued some time ago by the Flemish based wastewater company, Aquafin. Somehow we missed it and we’re sad we did, as it was a country first from Belgium.

The proceeds from the private placement will finance wastewater treatment infrastructure in the Flanders region of Belgium.

Eligible projects include:

  • Mitigation: wastewater sludge to pellets; pellet ash to cement
  • Adaptation: water purification, storm water management, pumping stations, wastewater transport infrastructure
  • Water treatment: wastewater collection and treatment facilities
  • Biodiversity projects: sanitation of water beds, disposal of sewage sludge.

The Green Bond Framework is here. Opinion from CICERO here.

 

State Grid Energy Conservation Service, CNY 1bn (USD 145m)

The State owned enterprise (SOE) State Grid Corporation of China is the world’s largest utility and sits comfortably at No2 on the Fortune Global 500 list.

State Grid Energy Conservation Company the bond issuer in this circumstance, is a directly managed subsidiary of State Grid.

All of the proceeds will refinance for its wholly owned subsidiary, the National Bio Energy Company (NBE).

NBE engages in the development and utilization of biomass energy. It constructs biomass power generation projects and extends the biomass industry chain by manufacturing and processing biomass fuels and recycling the biomass ashes. 16 biomass power plants are involved in the refinancing programme.

The bond has been reviewed by CCXI, who report the expected climate impacts of these projects include a decrease of nearly 1m tons coal equivalent (TCE) and a reduction of 2.4m tons of CO2 emission. 

We’ll keep an eye out for more post issuance information.

Underwriters: Industrial Bank, Industrial and Commercial Bank of China.

 

Longyuan Power CNY 2bn (USD 291m)

China Longyuan Power Group Limited is the largest wind power producer in China and Asia. It is mainly engaged in designing, developing, managing and operating wind power plants, and selling the energy generated by its plants to its individual customers.

Proceeds will be used to finance 14 wind farms (1 offshore and 13 onshore) and refinance 3 onshore wind farms.

Second opinion was provided by PwC.

Underwriter: Huatai Lianhe Securities.

 

Commercial Banks

Latin America

Colombia's Davivienda, COP 433bn (USD 149m)

Colombia’s Davivienda issued a green bond in late April. The notes maturing in 2027 were sold exclusively to the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The IFC is the sole investor in the bond offering. The issue has a tenor of 10 years and is priced at IBR +213bp.

The funds will be used by the bank in part to offer project financing to renewable energy, sustainable construction, cleaner production, and energy efficiency, with a focus on water, biomass, wind and photovoltaic solar energy.

This is the largest green bond issue by a private financial institution in Latin America and aligns to Colombia’s Paris COP 21 NDC commitment to reduce emissions by 20% by 2030.

 

Celeo Redes Operación, USD 379m

The Irish Stock Exchange (ISE) recently announced that Chilean energy services company Celeo Redes Operación which is 49% owned by giant Dutch pension fund APG, has just listed a green bond on the ISE.

Details have been hard to come by, but from the information we could find, it looks like it may be refinancing transmission infrastructure – this would be fine if it was connecting renewables to the grid, but there is no indication that this is the case so we will not include it in our numbers just yet.

 

China

Bank of Luoyang, CNY 1bn (USD 145m)

Bank of Luoyang is a Chinese commercial bank that focuses on serving small and medium sized enterprises. This is its first green bond (CNY 1bn, 4.7%) and was issued in May.

The proceeds of this bond will finance and refinance projects under the PBoC’s Catalogue.

Project categories and expected climate impacts of the projects to be financed are disclosed as follows:

  • Energy Saving - reduction of 12k tons of coal equivalent (TCE), and 5k tons of CO2 emission;
  • Clean Transportation - reduction of 159k tons of CO and 257k tons of CO2 emission;
  • Pollution Prevention - reduction of 112k TCE, 133K tons of CO2 emission, and 5.2 tons of SO2 discharge;
  • Ecological Protection and Adaptation - river dredging projects with a total length of 5.3km, and disposal of 54km3 sediments;
  • Resources Conservation and Recycling - reduction of 11k tons of chemical oxygen demand (COD) and recycling of 23 tons of waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).

A second opinion was provided by KPMG.

We’ll follow up as more information becomes available. 

Underwriter: Zhongtai Securities.

 

Bank of Nanjing, CNY 5bn (USD 725m)

Issued on China's interbank market, this bond will finance or refinance projects under the PBoC’s Catalogue including: Energy Saving, Clean Transportation, Pollution Prevention, Ecological Protection and Adaptation, and Resources Conservation and Recycling.

The bank provides examples of eligible projects, including:

  • Reconstruction of 5 sewage plants, which aim at reducing biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) and chemical oxygen demand (COD) discharges;
  • Building ecological irrigation systems;
  • Construction of underground lines;
  • Projects that can increase the flow of a river by dredging;
  • Green buildings that receive at least a 2-Star Certificate from the Evaluation Standard for Green Buildings, which is equivalent  to LEED Silver.

As we blog, this is a widely-used Chinese domestic green building standard and was developed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development.

A second opinion was provided by EY.

Underwriters: Industrial Bank of China, Agricultural Bank of China, Galaxy Securities, BNP (China) 

 

Taiwan

According to the official announcement: To assist green industry obtain capital, and promote environmental sustainability and a diversified domestic bond market, the Financial Supervisory Commission of Taiwan has overseen the formulation of a green bond promotion plan by Taipei Exchange (TPEx) and also approved its General Introduction to the Taipei Exchange Operational Directions for Green Bonds on April 18, 2017.

TPEx promulgated the Directions on April 21, 2017.

Upon coming into effect, four Taiwanese banks promptly issued green bonds, totalling USD 171m.

 

CTBC Commercial Bank, TWD 1bn (USD 33m)

CTBC commercial bank issued their first green bond in TWD to extend its loans to projects in four major categories outlined by the Taipei Exchange.

Board categories and eligible projects include:

  • Development of Renewable Energy and Energy Technology: solar, wind and bio energy;
  • Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving: industrial efficiency, green buildings and smart grid;
  • Carbon Emission Reduction;
  • Waste Control and Recycling.

Deloitte provided a second opinion for this bond.

 

E.Sun Commercial Bank, USD 60m

E.Sun Commercial Bank issued its inaugural green bond in USD, financing for the following eligible projects:

  • Development of Renewable Energy and Energy Technology: solar and wind energy;
  • Carbon Emission Reduction: mass rapid transit such as high speed train and metro;
  • Water Resource Conservation and Recycling: sewage plants and other pollution treatments.

Deloitte provided a second opinion for this bond.

 

Bank SinoPac, USD 45m

Bank SonoPac is another in this quartet of inital green issuers. All proceeds will be used to finance and refinance for a solar farm with designed capacity of 40MW. Pretty easy one - it's green! The project is expected to reduce 20k tons of CO2 emission every year.

A second opinion is provided by Deloitte.

 

KGI Bank, TWD 1bn (USD 33m)

KGI Bank’s first green bond, was issued under the Taipei Exchange’s Green Bond listing rules as well. Eligible projects include:

  • Development of Renewable Energy and Energy Technology: solar and wind farms;
  • Waste Control and Recycling: disposal of hazardous waste and recycling;
  • Energy Efficiency and Energy Saving: industrial efficiency improvement;
  • Carbon Emission Reduction: reduction of chemical emission.

A second opinion is provided by Deloitte.

 

Poland

Bank Zachodni WBK, EUR 137m private placement with IFC

We don’t know much about this one as it’s a private placement but the whole bond was placed with IFC– one of our hero development banks.

It’s the first green bond from a Polish commercial bank and the proceeds will be used to expand the bank’s climate portfolio including renewable energy, energy efficient buildings and ‘climate-smart’ equipment.

 

State-owned Institutions

China Development Bank’s CNY 5bn (USD 728m)

This is China Development Bank’s second issuance, however, its first issuance was excluded from our database for projects linking to coal, as we outlined in the March market blog.

Although the framework is the same as the first issuance, proceeds will be used for projects such as Energy Saving, Clean Transport and Clean Energy categories, etc. The examples of projects disclosed look very green, including:

  • 2 intercity railway projects
  • 1 onshore and 1 offshore wind farms
  • 2 reforestation projects.

The expected environmental impact will be the reduction of 951k TCE, 2.2m tons of CO2, 591 tons of PM, 25.7k tons of SO2, etc.

External review was provided by PwC.

Underwriter: Bank of Ningbo, Agricultural Bank of China, China Construction Bank, Bank of China, Bank of Hangzhou.

 

Municipalities/Cities

Kaiser Foundation Hospitals – USD 409m and USD 575m

In May, Kaiser Foundation Hospitals issued their first green bond. The proceeds are intended for environmentally sustainable construction.

The Kaiser Foundation intend to select facilities based on their ability to achieve Gold or Platinum LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification.

This certification process looks at design aspects such as:

  • sustainable sites
  • water efficiency
  • energy and atmosphere
  • material resources
  • indoor environmental quality
  • innovation in design
  • regional priority

Sustainalytics have provided both a framework overview and a second opinion for the Kaiser Foundation.

Underwriters: Barclays, Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Wells Fargo Securities.

 

Texas: Fort Bend, USD 47.5m

This is a first for the Lone Star State and attracted widespread local mediacomment. Fort Bend is a fast growing school district south west of Houston and this green bond is a first from the education sector in the Lone Star State.

Proceeds are being used to finance construction costs relating to three new schools scheduled to open in August 2017 and the intention is for each school to receive LEED certification.

The prospectus states that while it is the Board’s intention for the buildings to achieve LEED status, ‘there can be no assurance that such certification or any particular minimum LEED certification level will be achieved for the Green Projects and failure to achieve any particular LEED certification level will not constitute a default under the Order.’

OK, yes, we do get that the prospectus is a very legal document and the US is a very litigious jurisdiction, so they are covering themselves. However, the aspiration to achieve any LEED certification does not, according to buildings experts, guarantee low energy consumption

For this reason, experts working on the Climate Bonds Low Carbon Buildings criteria have put the minimum hurdle for inclusion at LEED Gold or Platinum.

The prospectus specifically states that the Board intends to provide notice of the schools opening on the website but, other than this, it does not intend to make any additional disclosures regarding the green projects. So, this bond is light green and it’s not fully in line with Principal 4 of the Green Bond Principles.

But it’s also a positive sign of green finance growing deep in the heart of Texas.

Well done to Fort Bend for taking this step.

Prospectus is here.

Underwriter: Siebert Cisneros Shank.

 

KommuneKredit, EUR 500m (USD 559.1m)

Denmark’s KommuneKredit has just issued its first green bond– becoming the latest of the Nordic municipality debt aggregators to tap into the green bond market.

KommuneKredit is a non-profit organisation with the objective to secure low cost funding for its members (Danish municipalities and regions).

The green bond framework has listed the following project categories as eligible:

  • Water management: new investment in collection, treatment, recycling, reuse and related infrastructure
  • District heating: new investment and ongoing maintenance in distribution infrastructure and maintenance and new investment of non-fossil energy generation and associated technical solutions
  • Energy efficiency: energy efficient buildings and public street lighting
  • Public transport: new investment and ongoing maintenance of non-fossil fuel transportation assets systems and infrastructure. 

 

CICERO notes in its review of the bond that a weakness of the framework is that the categories are quite general which makes it difficult to ascertain best available technologies and solutions.

It also notes that because of the broad nature of the categories, it is possible that some may include fossil fuels – for example while new district heating project explicitly exclude fossil fuel projects, the maintenance of existing projects may depend on fossil fuels.

Further, for buildings, no certification schemes or minimum hurdle performance are stated in order for the buildings to be included. Similarly, investment in street lighting is very vague particularly when LED is well known to be the best technology street lighting that is currently available and very green.

Overall, we realise that the categories are broad due to the wide-ranging nature of KommuneKredit’s members but we also agree with CICERO’s judgement that the framework is medium green. We look forward to seeing more information soon.

A green bond committee approves applications for eligibility within this scheme.

Second review from CICERO is here.

Underwriters: CACIB, HSBC, SEB.

 

City of Lunds, SEK 750m (USD 85.1m)

Eligible projects under the green bond framework include:

  • Renewable energy: wind, solar and bio-energy from agricultural residues
  • Energy efficiency: district heating/cooling, energy recovery, energy storage and smart grids
  • Transport: public transport, pedestrian/cycle ways, alternative fuel vehicles
  • Replacement of fossil fuel raw materials – e.g. plastics to bioplastic
  • Energy efficiency buildings: Miljöbyggnad Silver or reduction of 35% in energy use per m­2.
  • Waste management
  • Water and wastewater management
  • Adaptation of buildings, infrastructure and sensitive habitats
  • Environmental measures: nature conservation, biodiversity etc.

 

Projects identified to date include: the extension of a tramway line, energy efficient housing at passive house standard (45kWh/sqm), and a rooftop solar project at the municipal court.

The framework gives the city a very wide brief and while there are no red flags, there could be further clarification around waste and wastewater management.

That said, the energy efficiency criteria are excellent and the projects outlined to date are, as CICERO’s rating suggests, dark green.

We also note that the ambition is to use the majority of proceeds for new projects.

Second review from CICERO.

Underwriter: SEB.

 

City of Norrköping – SEK 600m (USD 68.2m)

The city of Norrköping issued its inaugural green bond back in October 2016; we report it now as it has just recently come on our radar.

The city’s robust green bond framework was referenced in a second opinion from CICERO, available here.

Eligible projects fall under the following categories:

  • Renewable energy (wind, solar, geothermal and biogas from waste);
  • Energy efficiency:
    • major buildings renovations leading to at least a 35% reduction in energy use per m2 and year;
    • new constructions with at least 25% less energy use per m2 and year than required by applicable Swedish buildings regulations such as BBR and preferably a minimum certification of either LEED gold, BREEAM very good, or Miljöbyggnad Silver;
  • Low carbon transport;
  • Waste management (recycling and re-use; rehabilitation of contaminated areas);
  • Water management;
  • Adaptation and other sustainable initiatives (including nature and biodiversity conservation, and sustainable agriculture).

 

The municipality made it also clear that the proceeds will not finance any nuclear or fossil fuel activities.

It has already published its first green bond impact report in English.

The green bond portfolio is reported to exclusively finance projects: 

  • A sustainable housing project, “Kopparhammaren 2
  • A LED street lightning project: the SEK 60m investment resulted in an energy efficiency of about 46%
  • Increased recycling by the introduction of multi-compartment containers for households: the estimated investment of SEK 70m aims to reduce CO2 emissions by about 2,500 tons equivalent/year
  • Project Röjningen 3:1: An estimated SEK 150m will finance a new construction for the elderly, with a target of 33% less energy use compared to Swedish regulation BBR 21. The building is reported to be ready in springtime this year.

We applaud the municipality’s diligent reporting.

Nine Swedish municipalities have issued green bonds so far, Norrköping's October 2016 issuance was the seventh.

Sweden Green Munis are Growing

On a more general note, the Swedish green bond market displays an interesting characteristic: the number of green bonds raised by municipalities comes very close after corporates.

Swedish green muni issuance is also the second largest at the global level - the USA being the first (although a much larger overall market) - in terms of total municipal green bond issuance.

This is an excellent example of European green municipal leadership, financing key environmentally-friendly solutions at the local level.

Underwriter: SEB.

 

Denver City & County Board of Water Commissioners, USD 142m

Proceeds will be used to finance Denver Water’s main operating and administrative complex which was registered in October 2015 with the U.S. Green Buildings Council – it will be submitted for certification upon completion of construction.

The issuer outlines a number of environmental benefits including:

  • Possible LEED certification;
  • Significant energy efficiency through appropriate envelope design;
  • The use of an existent water pipeline on site for radiant heating and cooling;
  • A water reduction strategy that maximises use of non-potable water from an on-site ecological wastewater treatment system, rainwater capture;
  • Recycling of construction waste.

For reasons stated above, our expert committee believes that buildings should aspire to the highest levels of LEED certification to ensure that they are in line with a low carbon economy or 2-degree trajectory which requires deep cuts to emissions.

That said, the issuer has outlined a range of innovative environmental benefits to the buildings and we are interested to read from later reporting (which has been promised) which level of certification the building achieves.

Prospectus is here.

Underwriter: BAML.

 

City of Lawrence, Kansas, USD 11.3m

The City of Lawrence issued its first green bond in May. Proceeds from this bond have been designated to projects primarily relating to energy efficiency. This includes upgrading existing heating systems, energy & indoor air quality improvements, new HVAC systems, LED retrofits, and many other projects.

The Prospectus lists over 20 separate projects that the bond will finance, including various buildings, parks area lighting and HVAC replacements.

While there is good disclosure of each project and the funds attributed to each, there is no information stating how these projects were selected.

Underwriter: Robert W. Baird & Co.

 

 

Excluded bonds

Repsol, EUR 500m

The Repsol Green Bond rightly attracted widespread attention.

The Climate Bonds view is here in our Repsol Blog from May 27th.

Environmental Finance have also covered the wider issues in detail including editorial comment by Peter Cripps and this challenging piece by financial commentator Keith Mullin discussing the bigger picture.

We welcome debate as part of the wider scrutiny of capex by highly exposed industries and companies.  

The global carbon budget can’t be ignored. Brown to green financing needs to accelerate, companies need to develop and implement 2 degree compliant business plans.

No, this bond is not greenwashing, Repsol have good reporting and transparency, and yes its ‘incremental’ and yes we’ve excluded it.

You can read our full analysis here.

 

Liuyang Modern Manufacturing, RMB 900m (USD 130.5m)

50% of proceeds will finance and refinance the eligible industrial waste management and recycling projects. However, the other half will be used as the company’s working capital.

Although the NDRC allows issuers to use up to 50% of bond proceeds to repay bank loans and invest in general working capital, internationally, at least 95% of proceeds must be linked to green assets or projects.

Accordingly, this bond was excluded from our database.

Underwriter: Zhongtai Changcai Securities.

 

Bank of Gansu, CNY 1bn (USD 145m)

Included in the examples of eligible projects, coal gasification projects will be financed by this bond. While we recognise the positive environmental attributes of coal efficiency in the Chinese context, clean coal is not included in the Climate Bonds Taxonomy of eligible green assets.

Underwriter: Huatai Securities.

 

Bank of Changsha, CNY 2bn (USD 291m)

Proceeds of this bond will be used to refinance three hydro stations, with 12 MW capacity respectively.

Although small hydro is generally thought to have less emission impacts, underlying assets that have a large combined capacity, which is 36MW in this case, has made the assessment of this bond a complex question.  

For this reason, we have been excluding them from our database pending completion of our Hydro Power Technical Working Group (TWG) process.

Underwriter: Zhongtai Securities.

 

 

Gossip and News Bites

On the green horizon

Berlin Hyp - new green pfandbrief from Berlin Hyp out.

City of Cape Town is also looking to issue a green bond in the coming months, following in the footsteps of Johannesburg who have done so previously.

Mexico City is planning water-related green bonds of MXN 1bn.

Russian Minister of natural resources and ecology Sergey Donskoy has piqued our interest with his proposal to introduce the "green bond" in Russia.

 

Sovereign and Policy News

India’s SEBI releases guidelines for listing.

 

Reading and Reports

European Policy Strategy Centre

Financing Sustainability-Triggering Investments for the Clean Economy

18 pages. So new we haven’t had time to look through it yet.

 

UN ESCAP (Asia and Pacific)

Tapping Capital Markets & Institutional Investors for Infrastructure Development

At twenty four pages it’s a succinct read. We particularly like Section 3 on Investment Modalities.

UNEP:

UN publishes second briefing of its green finance series "Greening the Financial System: Enhancing Competitiveness through Economic Development” after the first one in May 2016.

4 pages, a quick read.

 

American Bar Association Enviro, Energy and Resources July 2016 Newsletter:

We missed this originally, but we’re happy to see more lawyers reading four pages devoted to Green Bonds: Managing Risks & Rewards to Achieve Climate Mitigation Goals.

 

Green Bond Funds and Investors

Largest emerging market GB fund ready to launch.

NRW Bank launches Green Bond portfolio.

Union Investment has launched a green bond fund.

Dutch pension fund PFZW starts investing in green bonds.

Knight & Mackenzie Partners to invest into emerging Green Bonds.

Afore XXI Banorte wants to invest up to MXN 50bn in green bonds.

IFC Invests in Turkey’s First Mortgage Covered Bond in Local Currency to Boost Green Mortgages.

 

Other market news

Innovative financing and marketing of green bonds from BofAML.

New S&P Global Green Evaluation Service announcement.

French RATP Group launches a Green Bond issue.

World Bank planning $2bn green bonds for Peru.

Australia gets first P2P green loan marketplace.

Italian Group CAP planning a EUR 40m green bond for September.

Luxembourg Stock Exchange extends green universe to SRI.

 

Moving Pictures

Brazil:  Climate Bonds Executive Dialogue: Investment potential for Brazil's Low Carbon Economy held in São Paulo. Narrated by Justine Leigh-Bell: 1.51 secs.

USA:'Green Bonds in Focus:' William Sokol, from Van Eck and Justine Leigh-Bell, discuss green bonds, retail investment trends and global directions: 12:43secs.

Massachusetts: State Treasurer Steven Grossman discusses the Massachusetts experience, investor responses and use of green bond proceeds to help the environment. Via Bloomberg: 5:19secs.

Kenya:Extended interview with Central Bank Governor Patrick Njoroge on boosting Africa’s capital markets and green bonds: 28:13sec

Mexico: Green Bond Statement: Inversionistas firman declaración de Bonos Verdes. Via NuestraVisión (Spanish):30secs.  

France: President Macron 'Make Our Planet Great Again' (English): 3:06secs.

California and China sign new Climate Deal: 52secs.

 

 

Chart of the Month: Global Green Bond Issuance as of 1st June 2017

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

‘Till next time,

Climate Bonds Markets Team

 

Disclosure: Several organisations named in this communication are Climate Bond Partners. A full list of Partners can be found here.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication does not constitute investment advice in any form and the Climate Bonds Initiative is not an investment adviser.  Any reference to a financial organisation or investment product is for information purposes only. Links to external websites are for information purposes only. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no responsibility for content on external websites.

The Climate Bonds Initiative is not endorsing, recommending or advising on the merits or otherwise of any investment or investment product and no information within this communication should be taken as such, nor should any information in this communication be relied upon in making any investment decision. 

A decision to invest in anything is solely yours. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no liability of any kind, for any investment an individual or organisation makes, nor for any investment made by third parties on behalf of an individual or organisation, based in whole or in part on any information contained within this, or any other Climate Bonds Initiative public communication.

Invitation: Frankfurt, 28th June, Launch of Climate Bonds latest Report: A Berlin Hyp Event, hosted by Crédit Agricole

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Green Bond Proceeds - Trends & Best Practice

 

You’re invited to attend a joint Climate Bonds - Berlin Hyp Green Bonds event in Frankfurt on Wednesday 28 June, hosted by Crédit Agricole.

The day has a full agenda. It is split into morning and afternoon sessions.

In the morning, Bridget Boulle, Head of Market Analysis at Climate Bonds, will be launching our latest report: Post-issuance Use of Proceeds - Trends and Best Practice, sharing the unique insights gained from her years leading the Climate Bonds Markets & Data team.  

The afternoon includes a detailed peer discussion and an exclusive opportunity to tour one of Germany's greenest buildings: the Taunus Turm!

 

Event Details:

Where: Crédit Agricole, Taunusanlage 14, 60325 Frankfurt am Main.

When: 11.00am (CET), Wednesday 28th June

RSVP to peggy.stadler@ca-cib.com

 

Full Agenda:

Morning Session

11:00  

Welcome

Tanguy Claquin, Head of Sustainable Banking, Crédit Agricole CIB

11:05 

Introduction by Berlin Hyp

Gero Bergmann, Member of the Board, Berlin Hyp

11:20  

Climate Change Action - Why we need to scale up fast

Manuel Adamini, Director, Investor Outreach & Partners Programme, Climate Bonds Initiative

11:40  

Post-issuance Use of Proceeds reporting in the Green Bond market: Trends and Best Practice

Bridget Boulle, Head of Market Analysis, Climate Bonds Initiative

 

12:30 Lunch at CACIB Office

 

Afternoon Session

13:30

Panel Discussion: Green Buildings as a Green Bonds Category – What is the state of the Market and how to report on it

14:30

Walk to Taunus Turm

14:45

A close Look at one of the Greenest Green Buildings in Germany: On-site Visit of Taunus

 

Don’t miss this opportunity to discuss and engage with industry peers on the latest developments in green bond markets.

RSVP here.

 

See you in Frankfurt!

Wir sehen uns dort!

 

‘Till next time,

Auf Wiedersehen,

 

Climate Bonds

 

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication does not constitute investment advice in any form and the Climate Bonds Initiative is not an investment adviser.  Any reference to a financial organisation or investment product is for information purposes only. Links to external websites are for information purposes only. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no responsibility for content on external websites.

The Climate Bonds Initiative is not endorsing, recommending or advising on the merits or otherwise of any investment or investment product and no information within this communication should be taken as such, nor should any information in this communication be relied upon in making any investment decision. 

A decision to invest in anything is solely yours. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no liability of any kind, for any investment an individual or organisation makes, nor for any investment made by third parties on behalf of an in individual or organisation, based in whole or in part, on any information contained within this, or any other Climate Bonds Initiative public communication.

 

NEW: Marine Renewable Energy Criteria Public Consultation Opens: Feedback Welcome & Introductory Webinars in June & July

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Consultation period opens on newest draft criteria. Marine Renewables Criteria is the first rollout in our 2017 program

 

What are we releasing?

The Marine Renewable Energy Criteria; designed for use with the Climate Bonds Standard to demonstrate the low carbon and climate resilient credentials of marine renewable energy projects.

Drafted with the guidance and expertise of our Marine Technical Working Group (TWG) and an Industry Working Group (IWG), these Criteria have been developed to outline the requirements that bonds funding marine renewables energy assets and projects must meet if they are to receive Climate Bonds Certification.

 

How long is the consultation period open for?

Public Consultation will run for 4 weeks closing on Wednesday 12th July 2017. Send your submissions and comments to Katie House.

 

What will follow the consultation period?

Once public consultation is complete, we will review the Criteria considering feedback before they are submitted to the Climate Bonds Standard Board for final approval.

Once the Criteria have Board approval, bonds financing marine renewable energy assets and projects will be able to use them to apply for Climate Bonds Certification.

 

What do the Criteria do?

They aim to:

  1. Certify marine renewable energy assets that are compatible with a 2°C trajectory
  2. Ensure these assets are adaptive and resilient to a changing climate

 

 

To really understand the requirements though you’ll need a bit more detail than is above.

 

Information Suite:

There are 3 options in our Information Suite depending on how much detail you’d like:

  1. A 2 page introduction to the Marine Renewable Energy Criteria
  2. The full Criteria Document
  3. The Marine Renewable Energy Background Paper; an exploration and explanation of the discussions and decisions taken by the TWG and subsequently the IWG in developing these draft Criteria

 

Two Webinars to introduce the Criteria and answer your questions

Webinar 1: 
Wednesday 28th June
16:30 – 17:30 (BST)
Register Here

Webinar 2:
Wednesday 5th July
12:00 – 13:00 (BST)
Register Here

 

The Last Word

We welcome and encourage all feedback.

Please send your submissions and comments to Katie House (katie@climatebonds.net)

 

'Till next time,

Climate Bonds

 

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication does not constitute investment advice in any form and the Climate Bonds Initiative is not an investment adviser.  Any reference to a financial organisation or investment product is for information purposes only. Links to external websites are for information purposes only. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no responsibility for content on external websites.

The Climate Bonds Initiative is not endorsing, recommending or advising on the merits or otherwise of any investment or investment product and no information within this communication should be taken as such, nor should any information in this communication be relied upon in making any investment decision. 

A decision to invest in anything is solely yours. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no liability of any kind, for any investment an individual or organisation makes, nor for any investment made by third parties on behalf of an individual or organisation, based in whole or in part on any information contained within this, or any other Climate Bonds Initiative public communication.

French underwriters lead on green in Q1: Top 3 spots on our latest league table for 2017

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Quarter 1 2017 Results

Quarter 1 2017 green bond issuance from France rose to USD 11.1bn while green bond issuance from the US was in second position with USD 3.1bn. 

For the first time ever the top 3 green bond underwriters in a quarter were all from France! 

Crédit Agricole CIB has regularly been amongst the top 3 underwriters for the past few years, and this time BNP Paribas and Natixis joined them at the podium.

All three participated in the underwriting of the largest green bond ever; the French sovereign ‘GrOAT', a EUR 7bn deal issued in January 2017, which helped them reach the top spots.

 

 

Q1 2017 Underwriters League Table

 

 

Watch this space for the Q2 2017 tables, to be published next month.

You can access previous league tables here.  

 

The Last Word

We’ve had good cause to applaud France on previous Blogs, in Sep 2016 and Dec 2016 and in Feb 2017

Newly elected President Emmanuel Macron is working hard to make our world great again, so we we’re happy to proclaim once more...

Vive la France!

 

'Till next time

Climate Bonds 

 

 

Methodology and data notes

Since Q3 2016, the underwriters league tables are collated using data from Thomson Reuters except for US municipal bonds which are calculated by the Climate Bonds Initiative. As such, ranking volumes differ from Thomson Reuters tables. Volumes may differ from other league tables as they include all ABS deals and US municipal bonds and exclude bonds which have less than 100% of proceeds going to environmental assets/projects or aren’t within the Climate Bonds taxonomy.

Methodology notes from Thomson Reuters

  • Primary Issuance only
  • Underwritten transactions only
  • Thomson Reuters data excludes tax exempt Muni bonds
  • The global table includes transactions that mature at least 360 days after settlement, for international 18 months and above.
  • Transactions that mature or are callable/puttable less than 360 days after settlement are excluded, for international 18 months and above.
  • Self-funded straight debt transactions are excluded (excluding mortgage and asset securitizations) unless two or more managers/underwriters unrelated to the issuer are present. The unrelated firm in a self-funded transaction with only two Book runners in the syndicate will receive league table credit.
  • Transactions with an issue size of less than USD 1 million (equivalent) are included, sole led MTN take owns with a minimum size of USD 50m for core currencies are included, USD 10m for non-core.
  • Deals must be received within five business days of pricing to be eligible.
  • For a transaction to be green league table eligible, deals must have 100% of proceeds formally earmarked for green projects.
  • Issuances where there is a mixed use of proceeds designated across different projects, are not eligible for example, ESG bonds that combine both social and green projects.

For further queries please contact ian.willmott@thomsonreuters.com

 

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication does not constitute investment advice in any form and the Climate Bonds Initiative is not an investment adviser.  Any reference to a financial organisation or investment product is for information purposes only. Links to external websites are for information purposes only. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no responsibility for content on external websites.

The Climate Bonds Initiative is not endorsing, recommending or advising on the merits or otherwise of any investment or investment product and no information within this communication should be taken as such, nor should any information in this communication be relied upon in making any investment decision. 

A decision to invest in anything is solely yours. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no liability of any kind, for any investment an individual or organisation makes, nor for any investment made by third parties on behalf of an individual or organisation, based in whole or in part on any information contained within this, or any other Climate Bonds Initiative public communication.

 

April’s green bonds media digest: Financial Times (x2), The Wall Street Journal, Institutional Investor, Euromoney, IPE, SCHMP and more...

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Market

Financial Times,US investors drawn to environmentally friendly green bonds, Murray Coleman

An article that touches on a number of interesting aspects of the green bond market in the US: among them the new administration in Washington and the appetite for socially responsible investments of the youngest investors.

More than 90 per cent of Merrill’s millennial clients — those in their 20s and early 30s — are telling advisers they want to consider such investments as a permanent part of their portfolios. “In the US, we’re seeing a much bigger grassroots movement to include green bonds into investment portfolios than in Europe or Asia”.

 

The Wall Street Journal, Investors Warm to ‘Green Bonds’, Gerrard Cowan

Also the Wall Street Journal analyses the US face of the GB market.

Still, the green-bond market looks set to continue growing, and the new mutual funds and ETFs are crucial in opening access to individual investors, as well as raising the profile of climate change as an issue, says Sean Kidney, chief executive of the Climate Bonds Initiative.

 

Euromoney,Asia follows China’s path to green bond, Rahul Sheth

In-depth and interesting analysis of the factors that allow the GB market to grow in China.

Barely 12 months since its launch, China’s ambitious plan had not only succeeded, but inspired many others, especially in Asia. At the 2016 UN Climate Change Conference held in Marrakesh last November, several countries announced similar plans on the back of China’s lead to link green bond initiatives to the delivery of national climate change plans.

 

South China Morning Post,‘Green’ financing to be included in Chinese banks’ performance ratings, Maggie Zhang

China is poised to include “green” financing in the risk monitoring regimes of the country’s banks, to stimulate stronger financing of environmentally friendly projects, a central bank chief economist said.

 

Reuters,Canada government could kick its green bond market into high gear, Fergal Smith

The author gives voice to Canadian investors expecting country’s new government to turn to green investments and add much needed liquidity to the local market.

Canada has federal and provincial governments with "big green ambitions" and many interested investors, said Sean Kidney, chief executive of the investor-focused Climate Bonds Initiative. That's "a pretty good recipe" for a robust market.

 

BNN, ‘Green is the new black’: Why RBC thinks Canada should join the green bond market, Jameson Berkow

In its latest report, RBC makes a case for the Canadian government to issue green bonds. BNN reports.

“Under the current Liberal mandate, the stage has been set for innovative green financing to support the many green initiatives that have been set by the federal government,” the report said.

 

Business Standard,Moody's: Global green bond issuance robust in first quarter; second largest quarterly volume ever

Moody’s report estimated that green bond issuance will reach $120 billion in 2017.

The report goes on to note that the green bond market is continuing to evolve. The number of sovereign issuers will likely increase, momentum from the Paris Agreement will expand the market's geographic reach and new security structures will continue to emerge.

 

Bonds & Loans, Putting Green Bonds on a Sustainable Path in Emerging Markets

Author describes four key elements required for sustainable finance to become mainstream in emerging markets. His conclusions are based on discussions heard at the Climate Bonds Annual Conference and Green Bond Award.

Incentives for sustainable finance in emerging markets (indeed global markets more broadly) should revolve around the normalisation of the green bond market through organic growth (through clear and well-formulated guidelines, and knowledge dissemination), rather than extensive preferential treatment (through grants and tax breaks).

 

Test.de,Green Bonds: Grüne Anleihen für gutes Klima – wie funk­tioniert das?

An article for our German-speaking readers with an entire paragraph dedicated to the Climate Bonds Initiative.

Die Non-Profit-Organisation Climate Bond Initiative rechnet in diesem Jahr mit frischen Green Bonds im Wert von mehr als 120 Milliarden Euro – die Ratinggesell­schaft Moody‘s geht sogar von knapp 200 Milliarden US-Dollar aus. Der Markt wächst, auch wenn der Anteil grüner Bonds im abge­laufenen Jahr lediglich bei 1,4 Prozent aller neu emit­tierten Anleihen lag.

 

Globe & Mail,Green bond market soars to new heights but confusion over greenness lingers, Jacqueline Nelson

 

Investment Executive,Moody’s joins Climate Bonds Partner Program, James Langton

"Our partnership with Climate Bonds Initiative allows us to boost their efforts to advance the development of international definitions and standards for green bonds, conduct research and educate issuers, investors, and other market practitioners," says Henry Shilling, senior vice president with Moody's, in a statement.

More here.

 

Clean Technica,Green Bonds Issuance Up 42% In Q1 2017, Saurabh Mahapatra

According to the Climate Bonds Initiative, the total green bonds issuance globally stood at $21.76 billion during Q1 2017, up nearly 42% from the issuance during the same quarter last year. In comparison to Q4 2016, however, the issuance was down about 10%.

 

The Sydney Morning Herald,Green is the new black: ESG investors turn to green bonds to meet mandates, Myriam Robin

An insight into Australia’s green bonds market.

Australian governments and banks have led the way in green bond investments – their issuances have been oversubscribed, showing heavy local demand for the products.

 

IFC & Amundi Green Bond Fund

Lots of media interest around the 2bn USD emerging markets-focused green bond fund set up by IFC and Amundi.

Institutional Investor, IFC, Amudi tap emerging markets for latest green bond fund, Alicia MyElhaney

The International Finance Corporation and European Asset Manager Amudi have agreed to create a $2 billion green bond fund – the largest of its kind dedicated to emerging markets.

 

Financial Times,IFC invests $325m in green bond fund for emerging markets

 

Investments & Pensions Europe, Asset manager roundup: Amundi, IFC team up for EM green bond push, Susanna Rust

The fund will buy green bonds issued by banks in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Latin America, eastern Europe, and central Asia. It aims to be fully invested in green bonds within seven years.

 

Reuters,World Bank's IFC, Amundi to create $2 billion green bond fund, Nina Chestney

"This green-bond fund will lower the risk for the private sector and attract new investors – essentially creating a market where there was none," said IFC chief executive Philippe Le Houérou.

 

Global Capital, A quantum leap for green bonds

Of course, the fund has a long way to go – part of the work will be trying to drum up sufficient issuance – but the stimulus it will provide at local level will go further to finance climate change control than anything before it in the field of green bonds. 

 

Certified Climate Bond from Singapore

CDL Properties Ltd  issued Singapore’s first  green property bond certified under the Climate Bonds Low Carbon Buildings (LCB) Criteria.

 

Reuters, City Developments markets Singapore's first Green bond, Kit Yin Boey

City Developments is today marketing the first Green bond offering in Singapore.

 

Global Capital,Singapore’s green bond opportunity, Morgan Davies

It provides an excellent example of Singapore companies coming full circle from green certification to using socially responsible investing for their financing needs.

 

The Asset,CDL prices Singapore’s first green bond, Chito Santiago

The two-year senior secured green bond amounted to S$100 million (US$71.43 million) and carried a fixed interest rate of 1.98%.

 

The Business Times,CDL prices first green bond in Singapore, Jamie Lee

The property developer's unit CDL Properties priced a two-year senior secured green bond, raising S$100 million at a fixed rate of 1.98 per cent per annum.
 

Nasdaq,CDL prints Singapore's first Green bond, Daniel Stanton

KPMG was the independent limited assurance provider and verified the certification as a climate bond using criteria developed by the Climate Bonds Initiative.

 

Kenya Green Bonds Programme

The programme was launched by The Kenya Bankers Association, Nairobi Securities Exchange, Climate Bonds Initiative and Financial Sector Deepening Africa in conjunction with the Dutch Development Bank FMO and the International Finance Corporation. More here.

 

Daily Nation,‘Green’ bonds in the offing, James Ngunjiri

The Kenya Bankers Association (KBA) and Nairobi Securities Exchange (NSE) has launched the Kenya Green Bonds programme to fight climate change.

 

KDR.TV,Kenya gets ready for green bond

“In the coming few months, thanks to this collaboration, we will have the first green bond issued this year,” said KBA chairman Lamin Manjang, as Financial Sector Deepening (FSD) Africa committed Sh62 million ($600,000) to support the exercise.

 

Daily Nation,Green bonds open wider financing window, James Ngunjiri

Moreover, the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, has identified Kenya as one of the 24 countries that will benefit from its maiden Green Bond Cornerstone Fund.

 

End

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication does not constitute investment advice in any form and the Climate Bonds Initiative is not an investment adviser.  Any reference to a financial organisation or investment product is for information purposes only. Links to external websites are for information purposes only. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no responsibility for content on external websites.

The Climate Bonds Initiative is not endorsing, recommending or advising on the merits or otherwise of any investment or investment product and no information within this communication should be taken as such, nor should any information in this communication be relied upon in making any investment decision. 

A decision to invest in anything is solely yours. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no liability of any kind, for any investment an individual or organisation makes, nor for any investment made by third parties on behalf of an individual or organisation, based in whole or in part on any information contained within this, or any other Climate Bonds Initiative public communication.

 

May’s Media Digest – FT (x 3), Reuters, South China Morning Post, Bloomberg, Global Capital & more!

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Market

Financial Times, Green Bonds need global standards, Chris Floods 

FT about risks associated with lack of mandatory global standards for green bonds: uncertainty for investors, minor concerns about greenwash and potential - slowing down the growth of the market.

Green bonds can be issued currently under a variety of voluntary standards. But no monitoring mechanism exists to ensure compliance with either the Green Bonds Principles or Climate Bonds Standards, the two main frameworks. China has also developed its own separate green bonds standards. Critics say this fragmentation creates uncertainty for investors and will slow the growth of the market in future.

 

Financial Times, Sellers of green bond face a buyer’s test of their credentials, Kate Allen

FT highlights there is no general consensus on whether it is the issuer itself that needs to be green, or just the project that the bond is financing. The author uses Poland’s and Repsol’s green bonds as examples.

Yet there is no universal certification system, something Standard & Poor’s suggests is holding the sector back as the bonds “do not fully qualify as mainstream investment vehicles”.

 

Investment Europe,Awakening Green Giant, Ilia Chelomianski 

The author focuses on issues surrounding the green bonds market such as: lack of liquidity and common standards - and suggests ways of solving them.

The market’s limited liquidity poses a similar challenge. Although it’s not a problem in the Sovereigns, Supranationals and Agencies (SSA) sub-sector, it does matter in the corporate market, where investors tend to buy and hold the longer-dated issues.

 

Global CapitalThe green bond market needs innovation to make a difference, Lewis McLellan

The author claims the green bonds market needs to also attract borrowers further down the credit spectrum.

The absence of lower rated borrowers in green bonds does not stem from lack of buyers. Investors say growth in demand for green assets offering more generous yield is outstripping supply. 

 

Reuters, Nigeria to issue first green bond in next few weeks – officials, Sophie Hares

We might soon see the first emerging market green bond.

Nigeria plans to launch its delayed "green" bond - the first for an emerging market country - within a few weeks, the country's former environment minister said.

 

MarketWatch, Green bonds in Africa could be one way out for a zero-yield world, David Marsh

The new frontier for Africa may be the issuance of green bonds to finance environmentally friendly development projects including infrastructure, under a range of initiatives by governments, banks and international development agencies.

 

Environmental Finance, Trump, standardisation and aggregation are obstacles to green bonds - Fitch

The lack of comprehensive standards for green investments and mechanisms for aggregating small projects, as well as the retreat form climate change regulation under the Trump administration are the main hurdles to the growth of the green bond market, according to a report by Fitch.

 

Local markets coverage

ITALY, MEXICO, BRAZIL

Economia & Finanza, Climate bond: ecco come conciliare le performance con l’impatto ambientale (Italian media)

El Economista, Nuevo NAICM, entre principales emisores verdes (Mexican)

Exame.com, Títulos verdes do Brasil devem ter venda recorde em 2017, Vanessa Dezem e Gerson Freitas Jr. (Brazilian)

Brasilagro, Títulos verdes do Brasil devem ter venda recorde em 2017 (Brazilian)

 

CHINA

Financial Times, China leads world on green bonds but the benefits are hazy, Lucy Hornby

FT asks whether green bonds issued in China are less „green” than its Western counterparts.

“This is one of many measures the central government has approved to shift the super tanker to green,” says Sean Kidney, chief executive of the Climate Bonds Initiative, which works closely with the People’s Bank of China to develop green bonds. “They are ‘zero to hero’, as we like to say, in one year.”

 

Shanghai Daily, Color of money: what’s green, what’s not?, Leng Cheng

The issue of standards in a Chinese context.

About a third of China’s green bond issues, or US$12.6 billion, doesn’t fit the global definition of green, according to the Climate Bond Initiative and the China Central Depository & Clearing Co.

 

South China Morning Post, London calling: green finance, belt and road the latest China business push, Enoch Yiu

Read on to find out more about London-Beijing green finance collaboration.

(…) Britain and mainland China have already been talking closely about setting up joint international standards and studies on how best to manage green projects.

 

Gulf News, China matches its green intentions with the details, Helen Wong

A captivating summary of China’s record in greening its economy.

China is ploughing billions into clean energy, promoting the use of electric vehicles, investing in low-emissions infrastructure for its fast-growing cities, and widening the options for green financing.

 

PV Magazine,China key to growth of green bonds market in 2016, Brian Publicover

The author refers to a recent Fitch’s report evaluating the green bonds market and stressing the role of Chinese issuers.

Chinese financial institutions were responsible for the six biggest green bond deals in 2016 through the first quarter of 2017, led by Shanghai Pudong Development Bank, with a $3.04 billion offering, according to Fitch data.

 

Investment Executive, Asia drives green bond market’s growing diversity: Fitch, James Langton

Another referral to the Fitch’s report.

Fitch also notes that new issue activity in China and India is helping diversify the market.

 

Repsol Green Bond

The first-ever green bond from an oil company. Our in-depth analysis here.

 

Bloomberg Quint, First Green Bonds Sold by an Oil Giant Find Willing Investors, Emily Chasan

The Spanish refiner Repsol SA on Tuesday is due to complete the issue of a five-year 500 million-euro ($559 million) green bond.

 

Reuters Africa, Repsol greases the wheels of Green bond market, Laura Benitez

The company is raising the funds to upgrade its renewable energy functions, such as furnaces and turbines, in a bid to reduce its emissions.

 

The Washington Post, First Green Bonds Sold by an Oil Giant Find Willing Investors, Emily Chasan

“This is fundamentally dubious,” said Sean Kidney, the founder of the Climate Bonds Initiative, the London-based organization that drafts green-bond standards. “At the moment, we’re unlikely to include this in our listings of green bonds and our data for green bond indexes.”

 

Global Capital, Respol oils way for green bond first, Michael Turner

Spain’s Repsol brought the first ever green bond from an oil major to the market on Tuesday, leaving the green investors to pick through the morals of financing a sector that environmentally responsible finance was created to help mitigate.

 

OilPrice.com, Repsol Completes Massive Issue Of “Green Bonds, Zainab Calcuttawala

Repsol says the money earned from the issue will not be used for the exploration or extraction of oil or natural gas. To ensure compliance to this goal, the company plans to hire external auditors who will review corporate finances from time to time.

 

Guia Gas & Oil Brazil, Repsol é a primeira grande petrolífera a vender obrigações verdes (Brazilian media coverage)

Enikonomia.gr, FT: Χαμένο στη... μετάφραση το Ελντοράντο των «πράσινων ομολόγων» (Greek media coverage)

 

New joiners to our Partners' Programme

Institutional Asset Manager, S&P Global joins Climate Bonds Initiative Partners Programme

This decision means that all of the company’s divisions including S&P Global Ratings, S&P Global Market Intelligence and S&P Global Platts are now represented in the programme.

 

Guru Focus, S&P Global Joins Climate Bonds Initiative Partners Program

"We are excited to enhance our partnership with the Climate Bonds Initiative to advance the green bond market by bringing a deeper level of insight, data and analysis to sustainable investing," said Courtney Geduldig, Executive Vice President, Public Affairs, S&P Global.

 

Energy Live News, German stock exchange joins green finance scheme

Deutsche Börse announced it has become part of the Climate Bonds Initiative Partners Programme, where it will develop climate finance solutions, participate in market development committees and help define policy agendas for national, regional and sector based schemes.

 

IFC invests in Poland’s first commercial green bond

Bank Zachodni WBK of the Santander Group is the first Polish commercial bank to issue green bonds.  

 

Reuters,World Bank's IFC invests 137 million euros in Bank Zachodni's green bonds

IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, will invest 137 million euros ($153.3 million) in subordinated green bonds issued by Poland's Bank Zachodni WBK to help it to finance climate-related projects, IFC said in a statement.

 

Renewables Now, IFC invests EUR 137m in Polish green bonds

Late last year, Poland became the first ever sovereign to issue a green bond, with a EUR-750-million bond financing a range of climate-related projects, the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI) said at the time. BZ WBK’s green bond issuance is the first one by a local commercial bank since then, IFC noted.

 

Clean Technology Business Review, IFC collaborates with Bank Zachodni WBK to support green finance in Poland

With IFC’s support, BZ WBK will be able to significantly expand its existing climate portfolio in renewable energy, green buildings, and climate-smart equipment, among others.

 

 

Ends

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication does not constitute investment advice in any form and the Climate Bonds Initiative is not an investment adviser.  Any reference to a financial organisation or investment product is for information purposes only. Links to external websites are for information purposes only. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no responsibility for content on external websites.

The Climate Bonds Initiative is not endorsing, recommending or advising on the merits or otherwise of any investment or investment product and no information within this communication should be taken as such, nor should any information in this communication be relied upon in making any investment decision. 

A decision to invest in anything is solely yours. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no liability of any kind, for any investment an individual or organisation makes, nor for any investment made by third parties on behalf of an individual or organisation, based in whole or in part on any information contained within this, or any other Climate Bonds Initiative public communication.

Les souscripteurs français d’obligations vertes sont au premier rang pour le premier trimestre 2017: ils occupent les trois premières places de notre tout dernier classement

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Résultats du T1 2017

Le volume des obligations vertes au premier trimestre 2017 en provenance de France a dépassé la barre des 11 milliards de dollars, tandis que les États-Unis obtiennent la deuxième position avec 3.1Md$.  

Un élan français sans précédent: le podium des souscripteurs d’obligations vertes au T1 2017 accueille trois français!

Depuis quelques années, le Crédit Agricole CIB a régulièrement figuré parmi les 3 plus importants souscripteurs d’obligations vertes; cependant, c’est la première fois qu’il partage le podium avec deux de ses pairs français, à savoir BNP Paribas et Natixis.

Tous trois ont participé à la souscription du plus important emprunt obligataire vert émis à ce jour, l’OAT verte de l'État français, s’élevant à un montant de 7Md€ (lancée en janvier 2017). Cela leur a notamment permis d’occuper cette position phare au T1 2017.

 

Classement des souscripteurs d'obligations vertes - T1 2017

Consultez ce lien pour le classement T2 2017; il sera disponible à partir du mois prochain.

Les classements antérieurs y sont également communiqués.

 

Le mot de la fin…

Pour un retour aux évènements français qui nous ont marqué: nos publications de septembre 2016décembre 2016 et février 2017.

Le nouveau chef d’État français Emmanuel Macron travaille sans relâche afin de "Rendre à notre planète sa grandeur", et nous sommes heureux de proclamer une fois de plus…

Vive la France!

 

 

A bientôt!

Climate Bonds 

 

 

 

Méthodologie et remarques à propos des données

Depuis le troisième trimestre 2016, le classement des souscripteurs d’obligations vertes est effectué à partir des données de Thomson Reuters, à l'exception des obligations municipales américaines, qui est calculé par la Climate Bonds Initiative.

La méthodologie détaillée de Thomson Reuters est disponible ici.

Pour d'autres questions, merci de bien vouloir contacter  ian.willmott@thomsonreuters.com

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication does not constitute investment advice in any form and the Climate Bonds Initiative is not an investment adviser.  Any reference to a financial organisation or investment product is for information purposes only. Links to external websites are for information purposes only. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no responsibility for content on external websites.

The Climate Bonds Initiative is not endorsing, recommending or advising on the merits or otherwise of any investment or investment product and no information within this communication should be taken as such, nor should any information in this communication be relied upon in making any investment decision. 

A decision to invest in anything is solely yours. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no liability of any kind, for any investment an individual or organisation makes, nor for any investment made by third parties on behalf of an individual or organisation, based in whole or in part on any information contained within this, or any other Climate Bonds Initiative public communication.

Myth buster: why China’s green bond market is more orderly than you might think. An Overview from Climate Bonds Initiative

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The world’s biggest market is growing, as are the regulatory frameworks around it. We take a closer look.

We've recently noticed that questions have been publicly raised as to the quality of Chinese green bonds.

This is in the wider context of there being questions about all green bonds – ever-present since the beginning of the corporate green bond market in 2008.

At Climate Bonds Initiiative we preach that scrutiny is required in order for the market to maintain its integrity, it’s a healthy check procedure and plays a positive role in overall investment governance.

Is there anything additional to worry about with Chinese bonds beyond the usual investor considerations around quality, risk and returns?

 

There are different views of green – this is common across international markets.

There are a number of different definitions of green across various markets:

As an example, the recent Repsol bond fits within the Green Bond Principles (GBP) definitions of green but not all investors saw it as green as the proceeds are financing efficiency improvements to oil and gas refineries.

This is allowable under GBP definitions but there are some differing opinions among investors as to whether this should qualify as a green investment. It wouldn’t qualify under the Climate Bonds Taxonomy and isn’t included within Bloomberg and other green bond indices.

Similarly in China, some areas which are seen as green in China – such as high-efficiency transport fuel (gasoline and diesel) production and “clean coal” may not be seen as green by all investors internationally.

As was recognized by the 2016 G20 Green Finance Synthesis Report endorsed by G20 leaders, different countries, when developing their domestic green finance markets, naturally would take into account their domestic environmental policy priorities into account. 

In some countries where coal remains the largest source of energy and air pollution is very serious, clean coal technologies that can help reduce emissions of SO2 and NOX -the main contributors to air pollution- by 90% are most often considered as green by local investors and thus included in some domestic green definitions.

When it comes to the international green bond issuance, there is indeed a case for harmonising definitions and standards across different markets, as issuers have to meet the ‘common’ preference of international investors. In addition, if harmonised standards are used, it can help avoid duplication of verification and certification, which would assist in reducing costs of green bond issuance.

In March 2017 the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) and the European Investment Bank (EIB) established a joint green finance initiative to harmonise the green definitions between China and those in the European market.

China is amongst the leaders of the global efforts in harmonizing green standards.

 

The regulation and structure of Chinese green bonds are amongst the most rigorous in the world

No national jurisdiction requires that all bonds must be approved by regulatory authorities, except in China – this takes away some of the uncertainty around aspects of self-regulation present in the international market.

To comply with PBoC’s rules, issuers are required to submit applications to the PBoC with information about nominated project categories, project selection criteria, decision-making procedures, management of proceeds and environmental benefits of the underlying assets/projects.

With PBoC’s approval, issuers can then label their bond as a “green bond” and commence issuance.

Other regulators in China’s green bond market include the China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) and National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC). Both CSRC and NRDC have rules to be followed.

Guidelines from PBoC and CSRC also strongly encourage issuers to conduct an external review for their green bonds (remember that’s a regulator encouraging; hard to say no). Over 93% of Chinese green bonds aligned with international green definitions have received external reviews at issuance.

This compares to a global average of approximately 73% (improving to 85% in 2017).

Post-issuance external review will also be implemented as part of an issuer’s agreement with the verifier at issuance, and a spot check is conducted when necessary.

To ensure that proceeds have been allocated to green assets/projects after issuance, the PBoC is setting rules to check the post-issuance use of proceeds. Our latest discussions with PBoC also suggests that they are going to provide guidelines on procedures of external review for verifiers in China.

In another development, in early June PBoC and four other Ministries jointly published the Construction and Development Planning of the Financial Industry Standardization, to establish and implement standards for financial sector by 2020. This will include developing a standards and certification scheme for green financial products.

In some occasions a second opinion is absent from bond issuance procedures.

In the first quarter of 2017, several non-bank issuers did not engage external reviewers for their green bond issuance: Chongqing Longhu, Dongjiang Environment and Nantong Economic and Technological Development Zone Co.  However, these bonds are not free from scrutiny, as they are still subject to the regulations of the NDRC or CSRC.

 

Reporting requirements are mandatory and rigorous

Chinese banks are required by the PBoC to report quarterly (that’s right, quarterly) on the use of proceeds of green bonds, and corporate issuers need to report annually or semi-annually. This compares to the international best practice of at least annually.

Quarterly reporting enables investors to follow up more regularly on the commitments made at issuance. At issuance, most international issuers disclose only broad category-level information about how proceeds will be allocated.

With annual reporting if there is any uncertainty about what this means, investors may have to wait before the next round of disclosure gives additional information about which projects were financed.  As quarterly reporting is the norm in China, investors are able to monitor and assess how proceeds are spent on a more frequent and regular basis. 

Preliminary analysis of post-issuance reporting in the green bond market shows that Chinese issuers are amongst leaders in best practice with over 80% of issuers publicly disclosing information post-issuance. This compares to 50% of U.S. issuers and 73% across European issuers.  

(Climate Bonds will be releasing more information on post-issuance reporting, in late June/early July 2017).

 

Greening balance sheets

Due to their long-term features, green bond are instrumental in addressing one of the major challenges of green lending – maturity mismatch. 

Many green projects are long-term in nature and tend to have higher capex and lower opex than traditional projects.

In order to avoid excessive maturity transformation (i.e. over-reliance on short-term funding to support long-term loans), some banks tend to limit exposure to financing these projects.

Green bonds help issuers bring in longer term funding, and through debt refinancing, help issuers to better manage their balance sheets.

There is a misconception in the investing space about green bonds being the antidote of maturity mismatch between long-term infrastructure projects and the much shorter tenors of wealth management products.

In reality, eligible green bond issuers can only be those who comply with the green bond rules set forth by PBoC, NDRC or CSRC; and most importantly, the underlying projects and assets must be green.

 

The global market relies on the integrity of the issuer: this is not a uniquely Chinese phenomenon.

Fundamental to any market is that regardless of the standards or regulation in place, investors and market commentators rely on issuer disclosure and transparency to determine whether proceeds have been directed to green projects.

This requires a level of trust of the issuer that is very difficult for investors to confirm without undertaking physical audits on issuers. At the heart of it, all investors rely on the integrity of issuer reporting and verification or audit processes to make decisions.

Partly for this reason, investors tend to inherently trust issuers in their own market more than they do in other markets where their knowledge base may be lower.

In China, trust is a particular problem - possibly due to the barriers for international investors to enter the market. There also remain gaps in information and knowledge and possibly a lack of trust in Chinese issuers. Without long term experience of investing in China, some investors are nervous or are inherently cautious about increasing the direct or indirect exposure.

Chinese regulators have made positive steps, particularly in the last few years to address these concerns, by putting in place new regulatory frameworks for issuing of green bonds but investors also need to do more to bridge this information gap.

 

Most reporting is in Chinese and channels for finding information are different

To date, the majority of Chinese issuance has been for the domestic market with accompanying disclosure in Chinese and reported through different channels to that of regular green bonds. This means that without Chinese-language staff members, many investors and market commentators are often unaware of the wealth of information that exists.

For those interested, we recommend using the following sites for information on Chinese green bonds: Xinhua Database and China Green Finance Committee.

 

A lukewarm first quarter?

The green bond market in China saw a slowdown in the first quarter of 2017. This was largely due to domestic interest rate volatility as a result of monetary and macro prudential policy actions, the AAA rated bond yield was up by 150bps compared with a year ago and that affect the entire domestic bond market.

Interest from banks and corporates in issuance of green bonds remains very strong and we expect green bond issuance to pick up in the second half of this year and interest rates to become more stable.

That said, we have also seen more non-bank issuers emerging in China’s green bond market.  Among the eight Chinese entities that issued green bonds in the first quarter of 2017, three were from non-financial sector, as opposed to the purely bank based issuance in the first quarter of last year.

Climate Bonds has excluded three of China’s green offerings from its international listing because they were not aligned with the Climate Bonds Standard and Taxonomy.  That includes China Development Bank’s RMB 5bn green bond.  

 

China is taking the lead in green finance

From the requirement of China’s 13th Five Year Plan for a green financial system to be developed, to the roll-out of national Guidelines for Establishing the Green Financial System, and the release of green bond guidelines from various regulators such as PBoC, NDRC and CSRC over the past two years, the Chinese government has shown its ambition to lay the groundwork for financing a greener economy.

Under China’s presidency of the G20 in 2016, the Green Finance Study Group (GFSG) co-chaired by the People‘s Bank of China and the Bank of England was formed, and a global green finance work stream was established for the first time, with the aim to address and overcome the key issues around mobilising private capital for green economic transition.

China has helped drive the rest of the world with its market momentum, and demonstrated international leadership on green finance as part of the global policy agenda. 

Thanks to strong policy support, China became the largest green bond market in 2016, with issuance totaled CNY 238 billion, accounting for 39% of global issuance. 

In just one year, China’s green bond market reached a size that would have taken other markets 5 years or more to attain. 

With the United States withdrawing from the Paris Agreement, and retreating on climate policy at the G7 and G20 level, the world is now looking to China and EU nations to lead the way on climate action. China is poised for that.

On June 14, the Chinese central government – the State Council – approved regional green finance pilot programs in five provinces, including Zhejiang, Guangdong, Jiangxi, Xinjiang and Guizhou. Some of these provinces are larger than mid-sized countries in terms of GDP. Each of these provinces have produced or are preparing aggressive policy initiatives to support green finance locally.

 

Greening the Belt and Road

Looking ahead, it is expected that the global investor community would increasingly become aware of the vast investment opportunities emerging as countries seek to meet the Paris NDC goals and step up green development.  

We have already seen a number of climate-conscious investors responding to the call. In April, International Finance Corporation and Europe’s largest listed asset manager Amundi, launched a USD 2 billion green bond fund to support the financing of low-carbon investments in emerging markets, including China.

At the Belt & Road summit last month President Xi Jinping proposed to other world leaders the establishment of an international coalition for green development on Belt and Road, coupled with the “Road” jointly issued by four Ministries, which identified fortifying environment management of overseas investment and developing green financial systems as one of the main objectives.   

How China is going to pave the “Belt and Road” with green finance could be the next big thing to watch. 

 

The Last Word

While it is fair to scrutinise the global green bond market and its largest participant, it’s also fair to recognise the progress China has made to date in a comparatively short space of time.

The need for progress on standardisation and harmonisation, the fundamental importance of international market integrity is generally accepted by all stakeholders.  The move towards these objectives in the worlds’ biggest and fastest growing green bond market should also be acknowledged.

'Till next time, 

Climate Bonds 

A Chinese language version of this post is available here. 

 

Disclaimer: The information contained in this communication does not constitute investment advice in any form and the Climate Bonds Initiative is not an investment adviser.  Any reference to a financial organisation or investment product is for information purposes only. Links to external websites are for information purposes only. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no responsibility for content on external websites.

The Climate Bonds Initiative is not endorsing, recommending or advising on the merits or otherwise of any investment or investment product and no information within this communication should be taken as such, nor should any information in this communication be relied upon in making any investment decision. 

A decision to invest in anything is solely yours. The Climate Bonds Initiative accepts no liability of any kind, for any investment an individual or organisation makes, nor for any investment made by third parties on behalf of an in individual or organisation, based in whole or in part, on any information contained within this, or any other Climate Bonds Initiative public communication.

 

 

 

打破迷思:为什么中国的绿色债券市场比你想象的更规范?

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打破迷思:为什么中国的绿色债券市场比你想象的更规范?

 

中国的绿色债券正在快速增长,监管框架也在随之完善

 

我们最近留意到国际市场上对于中国绿色债券质量的一些关注和疑惑。

从更广的角度看,这些疑问不局限于中国绿色债券,而是涉及到所有的绿色债券,并且早在 2008 年企业绿色债券出现时就一直存在至今。正如气候债券倡议组织一直强调的,为了确保绿色债券市场的健全发展,监管与检查的过程是必要的。

除了投资者普遍关注的绿色债券质量、风险和回报之外,对于中国绿色债券市场,投资者是否还需要担忧其他问题呢?

 

对于绿色的不同定义  这是全球市场共同面对的问题

目前,不同市场存在着不同的绿色定义。

举例说,最近西班牙国家石油公司 (Repsol) 根据绿色债券原则 (Green Bond Principles, GBP) 的绿色定义发行了一只债券,然而因其募集资金将用于支持能炼油厂的能效改善,并非所有投资者都认为该债券是绿色的。这只债券也并不符合气候债券分类方案 (Climate Bonds Taxonomy) 的绿色定义,且未被纳入彭博和其他绿色债券指数的统计数据中。

同样地,在中国,也有些领域虽然在国内被视为绿色,例如高品质运输燃料生产(汽油和柴油)和煤炭清洁利用,但这些领域并不被国际投资者所认可。

就像20国集团在其2016年绿色金融综合报告里所说,不同国家在建设自己的绿色债券市场时,自然而然会考虑本国的环境政策重点。在许多煤炭占能源消费主导地位以及空气污染问题严峻的国家,由于煤炭的清洁利用技术可以降低90%的二氧化硫和氮氧化物排放(主要的空气污染物),国内投资者将其视为绿色,因此煤炭的清洁利用会被纳入到国家的绿色定义中。

在国际市场发行绿色债券,发行人需要符合国际投资者对绿色债券的“普遍”认知和偏好,因此统一不同市场的绿色定义和标准是很重要的。除此之外,统一的标准可以避免不同市场对绿色债券重复进行审查和认证, 由此降低绿色债券发行成本。

中国人民银行和欧洲投资银行(European Investment Bank, EIB) 在今年3月共同成立了一个绿色金融倡议,合作开展中欧绿色债券标准一致化研究。 中国在致力于促进绿色债券标准一致化方面是全球领先者之一。

 

中国对于绿色债券的监管要求是全球最严谨的

事实上,除了中国之外,全球没有一个国家或地区的监管机构会要求所有债券发行必须事先通过审批, 这在一定程度上减少了目前围绕国际市场自律监管的不确定性。例如,按照人民银行的规定,金融机构申请发行绿色债券时,必须向人民银行报送关于募集资金拟投资的绿色产业项目类别丶项目筛选标准丶项目决策程序和环境效益目标以及绿色金融债券募集资金使用计划和管理制度等材料。 经人民银行批准后,发行人才可以把债券贴标为“绿色债券”并进行相关发行工作。 其他的监管机构如中国证监会国家发改委对中国绿色债券市场也实行类似规定。

人民银行和证监会的指引同时也鼓励发行人对其发行的绿色债券进行外部审查,这可以理解为发行人取得监管当局批准的隐性要求 — 超过 93% 的符合国际绿色定义的中国绿色债券在发行时已接受外部评估,高于国际平均的约 73% (2017 年平均为 85%)。 发行后的外部审查也会作为发行人与核查机构在发行时的协议的一部分得到实施,有需要时现场调查也会进行。

为确保绿色债券发行后募集资金确实用于绿色资产和项目,中国人民银行正在制定有关规定检查发行后募集资金的使用。根据我们最近与中国人民银行的交流,有关评估机构如何进行外部审查的指引也正在准备中。

此外,中国人民银行丶银监会丶证监会丶保监会丶国家标准委等五部委在6月联合发布了《金融业标准化体系建设发展规划 (2016-2020 年)》,提出了金融业标准化工作的主要任务和重点工程,其中包括研究构建绿色金融标准认证体系,培育绿色金融认证机构。

在某些情况,绿色债券发行人并没有使用外部审查机构提供第二意见。 今年第一季度,中国的绿色债券发行人当中,所有非金融机构发行人都没有让外部审查机构参与债券发行过程,它们包括重庆龙湖丶东江环保和南通市经济技术开发区发行的绿色债券。 尽管如此,这并不代表这些债券免受任何监管约束——公司或上市企业发行绿色债券受到国家发改委和证监会的监管。

 

定期报告在中国是强制性和严格的

中国的银行必须就绿色债券募集资金用途作出季度报告,而企业发行人则须每年或每半年报告资金用途;国际上的最佳实践是至少每年报告一次。

季度报告能够让投资者定期跟进绿色债券发行人在发行时所作出的承诺。 在国际上,大部分绿色债券发行人只会提供概括分类信息说明募集资金用途,如果投资者对于信息披露有不确定的地方,一般都要等下一年的报告发布,才能从中查找端倪。 然而在中国,季度报告属于市场惯例,投资者可以更紧密地追踪募金资金的配置情况。

气候债券倡议组织对全球绿色债券发行后报告的初步分析显示,超过 80% 的中国发行人会公开披露发行后信息,表现优于其他国家,譬如在美国披露发行后信息的比例为50% ,在欧洲则为73%。(注:气候债券倡议组织会在今年6月底公布更多关于绿色债券发行后报告的信息)

 

绿化资产负债表

由于期限较长的特征,绿色债券被视为有助于应对绿色信贷所面对的一大挑战 — 期限错配。

很多绿色项目都是长期性的,而且一般比同领域的非绿色项目的资本支出更高,一些银行为了避免期限过度错配(即过度依赖短期资金去支持长期贷款),难以投放足够的中长期贷款,这成为长期绿色项目融资的主要制约因素之一。 绿色债券恰恰能为绿色项目引进期限较长的资金,发行人通过再融资,能更好地管理资产负债表。

可是,市场上有些分析把这种操作与银行填补理财产品期限错配的问题混为一谈。 事实上,只有符合人民银行有关绿色债券发行指引的银行,才有资格进行债券发行,更重要的是,绿色债券的标的项目和资产必须为“绿色”。

 

全球绿色债券市场健康发展依赖于发行人的诚信:这不是中国独有的情况

对于整个绿色债券市场而言,无论采用何种标准或实行任何监管要求,从根本上来说,投资者和市场研究者最依赖的还是发行人的信息披露,以此去判断募集资金到底是否投放到绿色项目。

这涉及到投资者对发行人的信任程度,然而,如果没有与发行人有实际的接触,这种信任是很难建立起来的。大概基于这个原因,投资者一般倾向于更相信本土市场的发行人,多于来自其他比较不熟悉市场的发行单位。

在中国, 这种信任问题尤为明显。这可能是因为中国市场对国际投资者设有准入门槛,境内和境外市场之间依然存在信息和知识的缺口,也可能是国际投资者对中国发行人缺乏信心所致。在中国没有长期投资经验的国际投资者就更为谨慎。 中国的监管机构意识到这些问题,因此在绿色债券发行方面实行更严格的监管要求。 与此同时,国际投资者也要下点功夫收集市场信息。

 

在中国大部分的定期报告只以中文撰写并通过不同渠道发布

目前,大部分的中国绿色债券都是在境内市场发行,这意味着这些债券的信息披露也是中文为主,并通过不同监管机构的平台发布。 如果投资或市场研究机构的团队没有人懂中文,便有可能错过存在于中国市场上的海量信息。

我们建议大家可以通过以下网站了解更多关于中国绿色债券市场的资讯:绿色债券数据库中国金融学会绿色金融专业委员会 。

 

中国绿色债券市场首季降温?

今年第一季度,中国的绿色债券市场增长有所放缓。其中的主要原因是货币和宏观审慎政策行动所带来的国内利率波动 (AAA级债券与去年相比收益率上升了150个基点),这对中国整个债券市场都产生了一定影响。银行和企业的绿色债券发行利率走势保持良好,我们预计今年下半年会有更多绿色债券的发行,利率也会更稳定。

不过,值得一提的是,今年第一季度我们看到更多非金融机构发行人参与中国绿色债券市场。第一季度的8个发行人之中,有3家是来自金融业以外的行业,这有别于去年同期绿色债券发行人全属银行的格局,可见中国绿色债券发行人逐渐多元化。 另外,有3只不符合气候债券标准的中国绿色债券包含在我们的统计内,其中一只是国家开发银行规模达到50亿元人民币的绿色债券,这解释了为什么第一季符合国际标准的中国绿色债券比例下降到39%。

 

中国正在引领全球绿色金融发展 

从中国 “ 十三五 ” 规划提出建立绿色金融体系,到覆盖全国的《关于构建绿色金融体系的指导意见》出台, 以及人民银行丶国家发改委及证监会分别发布了绿色债券相关指引,过去两年,中国政府在为金融支持绿色经济发展奠定基础方面,展示了很大的决心。

得益于强大的政策支持, 2016 年,中国成为全球最大的绿色债券市场,发行总额为 2,380 亿人民币,占全球份额的 39%。中国绿色债券市场仅用一年时间所达到的规模,可能是其他市场用五年时间才能够做到的。

中国不止在绿色债券市场发展方面带动全球,在争取把绿色金融纳入全球政策议程之中,中国同样发挥了领导作用。

2016 年,中国作为 G20 轮值主席国时,首次把绿色金融引入 G20 议程,并创建绿色金融研究小组。 该小组由中国人民银行和英格兰银行担任共同主席,主要工作是根据扩大绿色融资方面所面临的挑战,探索应对可能选项。

我们已经陆续看到一些关注气候变化的投资者作出行动。 今年4月,世界银行旗下的国际金融公司 (IFC) 与欧洲最大资产管理公司法国AMUNDI合作,发起20亿美元的绿色债券基金,规模为全球最大, 并将投资于包括中国在内的新兴市场,以推动低碳项目和其他基础设施。

随着美国退出《巴黎气候协定》, 并减少在 G7 及 G20 层面气候政策的参与, 带领全球各国遏止气候变化的重任落到中国与欧盟国家身上。 而中国已经作好准备。

在6月14日,中国中央政府——中国国务院批准在浙江、广东、江西、新疆和贵州五个省份建设绿色金融改革创新试验区,其中部分省份的GDP超过了中等规模的国家。这五个省份已经或正在采取积极的政策举措,支持当地的绿色金融发展。

 

绿化一带一路

展望未来,随着全球各国加快推动绿色发展,包括中国倡议的 “ 一带一路 ” 区域合作发展理念和计划,国际投资者将会愈发意识到绿色发展所带来的庞大投资机会。

今年 5 月,在北京举行的 “ 一带一路 ” 峰会上,国家主席习近平向参会的各国领袖倡议建立“一带一路“绿色发展国际联盟;同时,环境保护部、外交部、发展改革委、商务部联合发布了《关于推进绿色 “ 一带一路 ” 建设的指导意见》,把加强对外投资的环境管理,促进绿色金融体系发展列为主要任务之一。

中国如何以绿色金融支持 “ 一带一路 ” 建设将会是下一个重要看点。

 

结语

我们固然需要监督全球绿色债券市场,尤其是其中最大的参与者,但我们同时需要注意的是,中国发展绿色债券才不过两年,取得进展却相当显著。

市场参与者普遍认同债券标准的制定和统一及整个国际市场的公正性是绿色债券市场所需要的。作为最大的绿色债券市场,中国在这些方面的努力同样值得我们关注

敬请期待下期博客

 

 

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