Project Details
Project
American Campus Communities Green Loan Framework Second-Party Opinion (2023)
Client
American Campus Communities
Project Type
Green Bond/Loan
Industry Group
Other
Use of Proceeds
Green buildings
Location
U.S.
Evaluation Date
Feb 2023
Evaluation Summary
Sustainalytics is of the opinion that the American Campus Communities Green Loan Framework is credible and impactful and aligns with the four core components of the Green Loan Principles 2021. This assessment is based on the following:
USE OF PROCEEDS
The eligible category for the use of proceeds, Green Buildings, is aligned with those recognized by the Green Loan Principles. Sustainalytics considers that investments in the eligible category will lead to positive environmental impact and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 11.
PROJECT EVALUATION AND SELECTION
American Campus Communities has selected the eligible green project in accordance with the criteria outlined under the Green Loan Framework and has evaluated the characteristics of the project against benchmarks and industry practices applicable to the design, construction and completion of green buildings. American Campus Communities’ subject matter experts have evaluated the environmental and social risks associated with the project and implemented related mitigating measures. Moreover, American Campus Communities will provide an Independent Engineer Report to the lenders prior to the loan closing date, which will identify the project’s environmental and social risks in compliance with the Equator Principles. Sustainalytics considers this process to be in line with market practice.
MANAGEMENT OF PROCEEDS
American Campus Communities will be responsible for tracking and managing the use of loan proceeds, which will be allocated exclusively to finance or refinance the eligible project with no flexibility for reallocation. American Campus Communities has communicated to Sustainalytics that it will allocate proceeds to the eligible project with each disbursement of the loan in accordance with the relevant credit agreement. As a result, there will be no balance of unallocated funds to be invested temporarily. Sustainalytics considers this to be in line with market practice.
REPORTING
American Campus Communities commits to reporting on the allocation of loan proceeds and the corresponding environmental impact in quantitative and qualitative terms to its lenders on an annual basis during the term of the credit agreement. Sustainalytics views the allocation and impact reporting as aligned with market practice.