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Second-Party Opinion Download

Project Details

Project

Framework for Green and Social Loans in RBI Retail Banking Second-Party Opinion (2024)

Client

Raiffeisen Bank International

Project Type

Sustainability Bond/Loan

Industry Group

Banks

Use of Proceeds

Green buildings; Renewable energy; Energy efficiency; Clean transport; Sustainable agriculture; Sustainable forestry; Water/waste water management; Eco-efficient products; Affordable housing; Employment generation and Socio-economic empowerment;

Location

Austria

Evaluation Date

Mar 2024

Evaluation Summary

Sustainalytics is of the opinion that the Framework for Green and Social Loans in RBI Retail Banking is credible, impactful and aligned with the Sustainability Bond Guidelines 2021, Green Bond Principles 2021, Social Bond Principles 2023, Green Loan Principles 2023 and Social Loan Principles 2023. This assessment is based on the following:  

USE OF PROCEEDS

The eligible categories for the use of proceeds - Green Buildings, Renewable Energy, Energy and Efficiency, Clean Transportation, Sustainable Agriculture and Forestry, Water and Wastewater Management, Employment Generation, Affordable Housing, Eco-efficient Circular Economy Adapted Products, Production Technologies and Processes, Employment Generation and Retention and Affordable Housing - are aligned with those recognized by the Green Bond Principles, Social Bond Principles, Green Loan Principles and Social Loan Principles. Sustainalytics considers that investments in the eligible categories will lead to positive environmental or social impacts and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDGs 2, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 15. 

PROJECT EVALUATION AND SELECTION

Raiffeisen Bank International’s Network Banks will appoint relevant business units for evaluating and selecting eligible projects that are in line with the eligibility criteria. Raiffeisen Bank International monitors and manages ESG risks associated with eligible projects and assets through its Retail Credit Policy, which applies to all allocation decisions. Sustainalytics considers the project selection process in line with market practice.

MANAGEMENT OF PROCEEDS

Raiffeisen Bank International’s Network Banks will be responsible for the management and allocation of proceeds to eligible projects. The Network Banks will track net proceeds using an internal tracking system and intend to allocate all proceeds to eligible instruments within 36 months of issuance. Pending allocation, proceeds may be temporarily held in cash or other short-term instruments. This is in line with market practice.

REPORTING

Raiffeisen Bank International intends to report on allocation of proceeds in its ESG retail report on an annual basis until full allocation. Allocation reporting will include the number and amount of loans allocated to eligible categories, loan types, corresponding retail segments and the origination date and type of products in the portfolio. In addition, Raiffeisen Bank International intends to report on relevant impact metrics. Sustainalytics considers the allocation and impact reporting commitments as aligned with market practice.

https://mstar-sustops-cdn-mainwebsite-s3.s3.amazonaws.com/docs/default-source/spos/rbi-retail-banking-second-party-opinion-(2024).pdf?sfvrsn=421ea05a_1