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April 22, 2021, London – Sustainalytics, a Morningstar company and a globally-recognized provider of ESG research, ratings and data, has been named the Largest Verifier for Certified Climate Bonds for a fourth consecutive year by the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI), an investor-focused not-for-profit promoting large-scale investment in the climate-resilient and low-carbon economy. The firm verified 36 bonds worth USD27 billion in 11 countries. Sustainalytics was also recognized as the Largest External Review Provider in Volume, delivering second-party opinions on more than 200 green, social and sustainable bonds in 2020 totalling USD58.4 billion.
According to CBI, the green bond market has seen exponential growth, reaching its most substantial milestone yet in December 2020, with USD 1 trillion in cumulative issuance since market inception in 2007. In 2020, global green bond and green loan issuance hit a new global record at USD $270 billion, up by nearly five percent from 2019. As the largest second-party opinion provider, Sustainalytics ensures green bond issuer frameworks are assessed for their alignment with the Climate Bonds Standard, as well as other guidance such as the Green Bond Principles and Green Loan Principles. Notably, Sustainalytics provided verification for the Central Arkansas Water Bond, a first-of-its-kind bond among US Municipalities to combine grey and green infrastructure, and Canberra Metro’s first green loan in Australia towards a Private Public Partnership.
“Sustainalytics is proud to be recognized by Climate Bonds Initiative for our ongoing efforts to advance the growth of green financing and for upholding the CBI standard,” said Sustainalytics’ President, Bob Mann. “Coming out of an incredibly challenging year, we are pleased to see that climate-resilient finance activities continue to flourish, with more corporates, financial institutions and sovereign bodies issuing innovative green bonds.”
CBI’s Climate Bonds Standard and Certification Scheme is an industry benchmark for labelling bonds and loans. The scheme is used globally by bond issuers, governments, investors, and financial market participants to prioritize investments that contribute to addressing climate change. The Climate Bond Awards recognize international leadership in green finance, showcasing the organizations, financial institutions, government bodies and individuals who have led the development of green finance and green bond markets in the past year.
To learn more about Sustainalytics’ Sustainable Bond Second-Party Opinion Services, please visit here. |
