Project Details
Project
Itaú Unibanco Holding S.A Sustainable Finance Framework Second-Party Opinion (2024)
Client
Itaú Unibanco Holding S.A.
Project Type
Sustainability Bond/Loan
Industry Group
Banks
Use of Proceeds
Renewable energy; Energy efficiency; Clean transport; Water/waste water management; Pollution prevention and control; Natural resources/land use management; Green buildings; Climate change adaptation; Affordable housing; SME finance and microfinance;
Location
Brazil
Evaluation Date
Apr 2024
Evaluation Summary
Sustainalytics is of the opinion that the Itaú Unibanco Holding S.A. Sustainable Finance Framework is credible and impactful and aligns with the Sustainability Bond Guidelines 2021, Green Bond Principles 2021, Social Bond Principles 2023, Green Loan Principles 2023 and Social Loan Principles 2023. This assessment is based on the following:
USE OF PROCEEDS
The eligible categories for the use of proceeds are aligned with those recognized by the Green Bond Principles, Social Bond Principles, Green Loan Principles, and Social Loan Principles. The categories are: Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency; Clean Transportation; Sustainable Water and Wastewater Management; Pollution Prevention and Control; Environmentally Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources and Land Use; Green Buildings; Climate Change Adaptation; Inclusive Finance; Affordable Housing; Digital Inclusion; Water Resources Protection; Sustainable Water Management; and Blue Economy. Sustainalytics considers that investments in the eligible categories will lead to positive environmental or social impacts and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDGs 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15.
PROJECT EVALUATION AND SELECTION
Itaú’s Technical team involved with ESG Themes will be responsible for the project evaluation and selection process. Itaú has in place processes to identify and mitigate environmental and social risks associated with the eligible projects, which are applicable to all allocation decisions made under the Framework. Sustainalytics considers the project selection process in line with market practice.
MANAGEMENT OF PROCEEDS
Itaú’s Treasury Department in collaboration with other internal departments, such as Planning, Commercial and ESG will be responsible for the management and allocation of net proceeds. Itaú intends to fully allocate the proceeds from each financial instrument within 24 months after issuance. Unallocated proceeds will be temporarily held in cash or cash equivalents. This is in line with market practice.
REPORTING
Itaú commits to report on allocation of proceeds on its website on an annual basis until full allocation. Allocation reporting will include the total amount of financial instruments allocated under each category, amount of unallocated proceeds, and the proportion of financed and refinanced assets. In addition, Itaú is committed to reporting on relevant impact metrics. Sustainalytics views Itaú’s allocation and impact reporting as aligned with market practice.