Second-Party Opinion Download

USE OF PROCEEDS

The eligible categories for the use of proceeds – Green Buildings, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Clean Transportation and Pollution Prevention and Control – are aligned with those recognized by the Green Bond Principles and Green Loan Principles. Sustainalytics considers that investments in the eligible categories will lead to positive environmental impact and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDGs 7, 9, 11 and 12.

PROJECT SELECTION AND SELECTION

Ahold Delhaize’s Green Finance Committee is responsible for evaluating and selecting eligible projects in line with the Framework’s eligibility criteria. Ahold Delhaize has in place internal environmental and social risk management systems to assess and manage risks associated with eligible projects and assets. Sustainalytics considers the project evaluation and selection process and risk management systems in place to be in line with market practice.

MANAGEMENT OF PROCEEDS

Ahold Delhaize’s Green Finance Committee will be responsible for the management of proceeds and will track the proceeds using an internal tracking system. Ahold Delhaize has communicated to Sustainalytics that it intends to achieve full allocation of net proceeds as soon as possible post issuance. Pending allocation, proceeds will be temporarily managed according to the Company’s treasury management policy and may be used for other cash management purposes. Sustainalytics considers this process to be in line with market practice.

REPORTING

Ahold Delhaize intends to report on allocation of proceeds and corresponding impact in its allocation and impact report on an annual basis until full allocation. Allocation reporting will include the outstanding amount, the amount of proceeds allocated to each category, the balance of unallocated proceeds and the share of financing versus refinancing. Sustainalytics views Ahold Delhaize’s allocation and impact reporting as aligned with market practice.