Project Details
Project
Korea Western Power Sustainability Bond Framework Second-Party Opinion
Client
Korea Western Power Co., Ltd.
Project Type
Sustainability Bond/Loan
Industry Group
-
Use of Proceeds
-
Location
South Korea
Evaluation Date
Jan 2019
Evaluation Summary
Sustainalytics is of the opinion that the Korea Western Power Co., Ltd. Green Social and Sustainability Financing Framework is credible and impactful, and aligns with the Green Bond Principles 2018, the Social Bond Principles 2018, the Sustainability Bond Guidelines 2018 and the Green Loan Principles. This assessment is based on the following:
USE OF PROCEEDS
The eligible categories for the use of proceeds – (i) Renewable Energy, (ii) Pollution Prevention and Control (iii) Energy Efficiency, (iv) Socio Economic Advancement and Empowerment, and (v) Small-Medium (SME) Financing – are aligned with those recognized by the Green Bond Principles, the Social Bond Principles, the Sustainability Bond Guidelines and/or the Green Loan Principles. Sustainalytics considers the Eligible Green and Social Assets will support the company in transitioning its business model towards renewable energy production and away from fossil-fuel-based electricity production. Additionally, Sustainalytics believes that KOWEPO’s social projects will contribute to the support of employment generation and socio-economic advancement by supporting SMEs and underserved communities and target groups in South Korea.
PROJECT EVALUATION/SELECTION
N A Sustainability Working Group (‘SWG’) comprised of representatives from various functional teams within KOWEPO will oversee the project evaluation and selection process. The SWG will review, select and validate the pool of Eligible Green and Social Assets in accordance to KOWEPO’s eligibility criteria. This process is aligned with market practices.
MANAGEMENT OF PROCEEDS
KOWEPO’s management of proceeds process is in line with market practices as the company will earmark eligible projects in its general account. Pending allocation or reallocation, KOWEPO will invest the unallocated sustainability proceeds at its own discretion in cash and/or cash equivalent and/or other liquid marketable instruments.
REPORTING
KOWEPO committed to disclose a combined allocation and, if possible, impact report, which will be made available in the company’s annual sustainability report or on their website. The (i) allocation report will comprise descriptions of the Eligible Green and Social Assets financed, the aggregated amounts allocated for each asset and the balance of unallocated proceeds while the (ii) impact report will include relevant quantitative metrics. The scope and granularity of KOWEPO’s reporting is in line with market practices.