Project Details
Project
Mastercard Sustainability Financing Framework Second-Party Opinion
Client
Mastercard Incorporated
Project Type
Sustainability Bond/Loan
Industry Group
Software & Services
Use of Proceeds
Green buildings; Energy efficiency; Renewable energy; Eco-efficient products; Pollution prevention and control; Natural resources/land use management; Climate change adaptation; Socio-economic advancement; SME finance and microfinance;
Location
U.S.
Evaluation Date
Feb 2021
Evaluation Summary
Sustainalytics is of the opinion that the Mastercard Sustainability Financing Framework is credible and impactful and aligns with the Sustainability Bond Guidelines 2018, Green Bond Principles 2018, Social Bond Principles 2020 and Green Loan Principles 2018. This assessment is based on the following:
USE OF PROCEEDS
The eligible categories for the use of proceeds – Green Buildings, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Eco-efficient and/or Circular Economy Adapted Products, Production Technologies and Processes, Pollution Prevention and Control, Environmentally Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources and Land Use, Climate Change Adaptation, Mastercard Impact Fund, COVID-19 Response, In Solidarity and Commercially Sustainable Social Impact – are aligned with those recognized by the Green Bond Principles 2018, Social Bond Principles 2020 and Green Loan Principles 2020. Sustainalytics considers that the eligible categories will lead to positive environmental or social impacts and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13 and 15.
PROJECT EVALUATION/SELECTION
Mastercard’s eligible projects will be evaluated and selected by a dedicated committee made up of representatives from the Company’s sustainability, finance and legal teams. Sustainalytics considers the project selection process to be in line with market practice.
MANAGEMENT OF PROCEEDS
Net proceeds will be managed by Mastercard ’s Finance department. The Company intends to fully allocate and/or disburse proceeds within 36 months of issuance of financing transactions. Pending full allocation, the proceeds will temporarily be invested according to the Company’s normal liquidity processes. This is in line with market practice.
REPORTING
Mastercard intends to report on allocation of proceeds annually on its website until full allocation. Allocation reporting will be validated by a nationally recognized accounting firm and include the balance amount of allocated and unallocated net proceeds, as well as the description of selected projects. The company is also committed to reporting on relevant impact metrics. Sustainalytics views Mastercard ’s allocation and impact reporting as aligned with market practice.