Project Details
Project
KORAIL Sustainability Bond Framework Second-Party Opinion
Client
Korail
Project Type
Sustainability Bond/Loan
Industry Group
-
Use of Proceeds
-
Location
South Korea
Evaluation Date
Aug 2018
Evaluation Summary
Sustainalytics is of the opinion that the KORAIL Green, Social and Sustainability Bond Framework is credible and impactful, and aligns with ICMA’s Green Bond Principles, Social Bond Principles and Sustainability Bond Guidelines 2018. 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 and Social Bond Principles and the Sustainability Bond Guidelines 2018. Sustainalytics considers the range of eligible categories to have the potential to create significant environmental and social benefits, by promoting low-carbon and inclusive growth, as well as to advance key UN Sustainable Development Goals and the country’s sustainability commitments.
PROJECT EVALUATION/SELECTION
KORAIL’s CFO will review and approve the issuances based on the recommendation from the Treasury Department. Eligible projects are vetted by the Environment Management Department or Innovation Strategy Department to ensure that the projects lead to clear environmental or social impacts. Allocation of funds is reviewed by the CEO on an annual basis. This governance structure is in line with market practice. KORAIL outlines sufficient oversight and management over social and environmental risk mitigation. Additionally, Sustainalytics acknowledges that KORAIL is a government-owned entity which strictly follows the Government of the Republic of Korea’s environmental and social regulations, such as the Environmental Impact Assessment Act. As such, Sustainalytics is of the opinion that relevant environmental and social risks are mitigated as part of KORAIL’s risk mitigation process.
MANAGEMENT OF PROCEEDS
KORAIL’s processes for management and tracking of proceeds are in line with market practice. Net proceeds from the issuance will be allocated to Eligible Green and Social projects only, and any unallocated amount will be invested in cash or cash equivalent as per KORAIL’s liquidity management policy.
REPORTING
KORAIL intends to report on the allocation of proceeds on an annual basis. The report will include allocation of funds to eligible project categories, the amounts allocated, and the portion of financed and refinanced projects. Where feasible, quantitative environmental and social performance indicators will be provided. In Sustainalytics’ view reporting on these metrics is in line with market practice.