Project Details
Project
NLB Green Bond Framework Second-Party Opinion (2023)
Client
NLB
Project Type
Green Bond/Loan
Industry Group
Banks
Use of Proceeds
Renewable energy; Green buildings; Energy efficiency; Clean transport; Water/waste water management; Pollution prevention and control;
Location
Slovenia
Evaluation Date
May 2023
Evaluation Summary
USE OF PROCEEDS
The eligible categories for the use of proceeds – i) Renewable Energy, ii) Green Buildings, iii) Energy Efficiency, iv) Clean Transportation, v) Sustainable Water and Wastewater Management, and vi) Pollution Prevention and Control – are aligned with those recognized by the Green Bond Principles. Sustainalytics considers that investments in the eligible categories will lead to a positive environmental impact and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDGs 6, 7, 9, 11 and 12.
PROJECT EVALUATION AND SELECTION
NLB’s Green Bond Working Group will be responsible for evaluating and selecting projects that are in line with the Framework’s eligibility criteria. NLB’s processes for mitigating environmental and social risks commonly associated with eligible projects and assets apply to all allocation decisions made under the 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
NLB’s Financial Markets Department is responsible for the management of proceeds and will track the allocation of proceeds using an internal tracking system and a portfolio approach. NLB intends to allocate all proceeds within three years of issuance. Pending allocation of the net proceeds of Green Bonds to the eligible green loan portfolio, the unallocated amount will be managed according to NLB’s regular cash management operations. This is in line with market practice.
REPORTING
NLB commits to publicly report on the allocation and impact of proceeds on an annual basis until full allocation. Allocation reporting will include the amount of proceeds allocated from the issuance of green bonds to the eligible loan portfolio, the number of eligible loans, the balance of unallocated proceeds and the geographical distribution of assets. In addition, NLB commits to report on relevant impact metrics. Sustainalytics views NLB’s allocation and impact reporting as aligned with market practice.