Project Details
Project
KBC Green Bond Framework Second Party Opinion (2023)
Client
KBC
Project Type
Green Bond/Loan
Industry Group
Banks
Use of Proceeds
Green buildings; Renewable energy; Clean transport;
Location
Belgium
Evaluation Date
Nov 2023
Evaluation Summary
Sustainalytics is of the opinion that KBC Green Bond Framework is credible and impactful and aligns with the four core components of the Green Bond Principles 2021. This assessment is based on the following:
USE OF PROCEEDS
The eligible categories for the use of proceeds -Energy Efficient Buildings, Renewable Energy and Clean Transportation - are aligned with those recognized by the Green Bond Principles. Sustainalytics considers that investments in the eligible categories are expected to lead to positive environmental impacts and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDGs 7 and 11.
PROJECT EVALUATION AND SELECTION
KBC Group’s Green & Social Bond Committee comprising representatives from the Group’s Treasury, Group Corporate Sustainability and other business units will be responsible for evaluating and selecting projects in accordance with the eligibility criteria in the Framework. KBC Group has in place environmental and social risk management and mitigation processes that apply to all allocation decisions. Sustainalytics considers these risk management systems to be adequate and the project selection process to be in line with market practice.
MANAGEMENT OF PROCEEDS
KBC Group’s Treasury team will track the allocation of proceeds on a portfolio basis through an internal information system annually. KBC Group intends to allocate all proceeds at issuance. Pending allocation, proceeds will be temporarily held in cash, cash equivalents or invested in money market products. Sustainalytics considers this process to be in line with market practice.
REPORTING
KBC Group commits to report on the allocation of proceeds on portfolio basis on its website on an annual basis. Allocation reporting will include information such as the total amount of proceeds allocated to eligible green assets, the amount of allocated eligible green assets per use of proceeds category, origination timeframe and maturity profile of the assets per use of proceeds category, the amount of unallocated proceeds and the share of financing versus refinancing. In addition, KBC intends to report on impact using the ICMA Harmonised Framework for Impact Reporting Handbook. Sustainalytics views the allocation and impact reporting as aligned with market practice.