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Morningstar Sustainalytics Recognized as the Largest Verifier for Certified Climate Bonds by Climate Bonds Initiative for a Fifth Consecutive Year

Firm also named Largest External Review Provider in Volume, delivering second-party opinions for over USD 101 billion worth of green bonds in 2021

June 6, 2022, London - Morningstar Sustainalytics, a globally-recognized provider of ESG research, ratings and data, has been named the Largest Verifier for Certified Climate Bonds for a fifth consecutive year by the Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI), an investor-focused not-for-profit, promoting large-scale investment in the climate-resilient and low-carbon economy. Sustainalytics was also recognized in CBI’s 7th Climate Bonds Awards as the Largest External Review Provider in Volume, delivering second-party opinions on 167 green bonds in 2021 in 14 countries.

According to CBI, last year’s green bond market surpassed USD1.1 trillion in new issuance, nearly doubling in volume compared to 2020. Sustainability-Linked Bonds gained tremendous momentum as the fastest-growing theme attracting 189 new issuers to the market. With the recent announcement of the firm’s milestone delivery of its 1000th second-party opinion since 2014, Sustainalytics continues to provide an independent view on sustainable finance instruments on their alignment with market standards such as the Green Bond Principles and Sustainability-Linked Bond Principles.

Notably, in June 2021, Sustainalytics provided verification for Brazilian producer of corn-based bioethanol, FS Bioenergia, supporting the company to issue almost USD 200 million in climate bonds to expand sustainable production in their operations. Sustainalytics also continues to support repeat issuers, including the transport authorities of Paris and New York City as well as large residential property owners such as the New York State Housing Finance Authority and Vonovia in Germany.

"Sustainalytics is proud to be recognized by Climate Bonds Initiative for our ongoing efforts to support issuers' enhanced commitments to green financing while upholding CBI's comprehensive standards," said Diederik Timmer, Sustainalytics' Managing Director of Corporate and Climate Solutions. "By focusing on expanding our dedicated global expertise in several emerging regions, the team is enthusiastically ready to support the increasing abundance of opportunities and innovation in the market."

CBI’s Climate Bonds Standard and Certification Scheme is an industry benchmark for labelling bonds and loans. The scheme is used globally by bond issuers, governments, investors, and financial market participants to prioritize investments that contribute to addressing climate change. The Climate Bond Awards recognize international leadership in green finance, highlighting 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.

About Morningstar Sustainalytics

Morningstar Sustainalytics is a leading ESG research, ratings and data firm that supports investors around the world with the development and implementation of responsible investment strategies. For 30 years, the firm has been at the forefront of developing high-quality, innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of global investors. Today, Morningstar Sustainalytics works with hundreds of the world’s leading asset managers and pension funds who incorporate ESG and corporate governance information and assessments into their investment processes. Morningstar Sustainalytics also works with hundreds of companies and their financial intermediaries to help them consider sustainability in policies, practices, and capital projects. With 17 offices globally, Morningstar Sustainalytics has more than 1500 staff members, including more than 600 analysts with varied multidisciplinary expertise across more than 40 industry groups. For more information, visit www.sustainalytics.com.