Sustainalytics Recognized as the Largest Verifier for Certified Climate Bonds by Climate Bonds Initiative for a Third Consecutive Year
July 8, 2020, London – Sustainalytics, a leading global provider of ESG research, ratings and data, has been named as the Largest Verifier for Certified Climate Bonds by Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI), an investor-focused not-for-profit promoting large-scale investment in the low-carbon economy. The firm was honored for a third consecutive year for providing external reviews to the largest number of new issuers, supporting the dynamic growth of the sustainable finance market.
Global green bond and green loan issuance hit a new record in 2019 of USD $258 billion, according to CBI. This total is up 51 percent from 2018. As the largest second-party opinion provider, Sustainalytics ensures green bond issuer frameworks are assessed for their alignment with the Climate Bonds Standard, as well as other guidance such as the Green Bond Principles and Green Loan Principles. Notably, the firm provided a second-party opinion and a CBI verification for the Dutch State Treasury Agency as well as for BTS Group Holdings, which was the first CBI certification in Thailand.
“Sustainalytics is proud to be recognized by Climate Bonds Initiative for our contribution to the advancement and credibility of the global green bond market,” said Sustainalytics’ Chief Executive Officer, Michael Jantzi. “The increasing momentum around climate finance activities is encouraging to see, with more diverse green bonds issuances and innovative use of proceeds. We are delighted to support the uptake of the CBI Standard and continuous disclosure from CBI-certified bond issuers.”
CBI’s Climate Bonds Standard and Certification Scheme is an industry-standard for labelling bonds and loans. The scheme is used globally by bond issuers, governments, investors and financial market participants to prioritize investments which contribute to addressing climate change. The firm’s Green Bond Pioneer Awards recognize international leadership in green finance, showcasing the organizations, financial institutions, government bodies and individuals who have led the development of green finance and green bond markets in the past year.
To learn more about Sustainalytics’ Sustainable Bond Second-Party Opinion Services, please visit here.