Project Details
Project
National Bank of Greece Green Bond Framework Second-Party Opinion
Client
National Bank of Greece
Project Type
Green Bond/Loan
Industry Group
-
Use of Proceeds
-
Location
Greece
Evaluation Date
Apr 2020
Evaluation Summary
Sustainalytics is of the opinion that the National Bank of Greece Green Bond Framework aligns with the four core components of the Green Bond Principles 2018. This assessment is based on the following:
USE OF PROCEEDS
The eligible category for the use of proceeds, Renewable Energy, is aligned with those recognized by the Green Bond Principles 2018. Sustainalytics considers that the eligible category will increase the renewable energy share in Greece and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 7.
PROJECT EVALUATION/SELECTION
Initially, the project evaluation and selection process, including any changes to the Framework, will be overseen by NBG’s existing Committee (“Committee”). The Committee will review, approve, and monitor the Eligible Assets in line with the Framework’s eligibility criteria. If assets no longer meet the eligibility criteria, the Committee will replace them with new assets within a reasonable timeframe. NBG has noted that it intends to establish a formal ESG Committee in the future. This project selection process is aligned with market practice.
MANAGEMENT OF PROCEEDS
NBG’s Treasury will be responsible for tracking the net proceeds on a portfolio basis. The Treasury will track allocation of proceeds to the eligible project portfolio assets via internal systems, which are monitored at least every quarter. With quarterly monitoring of the portfolio, the Committee will approve the allocation of green bond proceeds. Pending full allocation, the net proceeds will be held in money market products, cash or cash equivalents. The process for management of proceeds is in line with market practice.
REPORTING
Until full allocation, NBG intends to provide annual allocation and impact reporting on the Investor Relations page of the NBG’s website. Allocation reporting will include the total amount of proceeds allocated to Eligible Assets, the amounts allocated to Eligible Assets per category, the share of financing and refinancing, and the balance of unallocated proceeds. Upon data availability, NBG is committed to reporting on relevant impact metrics. Additionally, NBG will provide an Annual Post-Issuance review until full allocation. Sustainalytics views NBG’s allocation and impact reporting as aligned with market practice.