Project Details
Project
Nan Fung Group Sustainable Finance Framework Second-Party Opinion (2021)
Client
Nan Fung International Holdings Limited
Project Type
Sustainability Bond/Loan
Industry Group
Real Estate
Use of Proceeds
Green buildings; Energy efficiency; Renewable energy; Pollution prevention and control; Water/waste water management; Clean transport; Socio-economic advancement; Affordable housing; Access to essential services;
Location
Hong Kong
Evaluation Date
Dec 2021
Evaluation Summary
Sustainalytics is of the opinion that the Nan Fung Group Sustainable Finance Framework is credible and impactful and aligns with the Sustainability Bond Guidelines 2021, Green Bond Principles 2021, Social Bond Principles 2021 and Green Loan Principles 2021. This assessment is based on the following:
USE OF PROCEEDS
The eligible categories for the use of proceeds - Green Buildings, Energy Efficiency, Renewable Energy, Pollution Prevention & Control, Sustainable Water and Wastewater Management, Clean Transportation, Affordable Housing, Access to Essential Services, and Socioeconomic Advancement and Empowerment – are aligned with those recognized by the Green Bond Principles, Social Bond Principles and Green Loan Principles. Sustainalytics considers that investments in the eligible categories will reduce the environmental footprint of the company’s operation and provide social benefits in China and Hong Kong and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12.
PROJECT EVALUATION / SELECTION
Nan Fung Group has established a working group which is responsible for evaluating and selecting projects in line with the eligibility criteria. Nan Fung undertakes assessment of environmental and social risk of eligible project through its overall risk management system which is applicable for all projects financed under this Framework. Sustainalytics considers these risk management systems to be adequate and the project selection process to be in line with market practice
MANAGEMENT OF PROCEEDS
Nan Fung Group’s process for management of proceeds is overseen by its treasury team. The net proceeds will be tracked through an internal project register. Pending allocation, unallocated proceeds will be held temporarily as investment in short term time deposits or used to repay existing borrowings of the Group which are not related to carbon-intensive activities. This is in line with market practice.
REPORTING
Nan Fung Group intends to report on allocation and impact of proceeds on its website on an annual basis until full allocation, whereby only investors will gain access to reporting. Allocation reporting will include the amounts allocated to eligible projects, unallocated amounts and their temporary allocation, share of financing and refinancing, and examples of eligible projects. In addition, Nan Fung Group is committed to reporting on relevant impact metrics. Sustainalytics views Nan Fung Group’s allocation and impact reporting as aligned with market practice.