Handelsbanken has updated its framework for green bonds
Handelsbanken updates its framework for green bonds from 2018 to further align with the EU taxonomy and provide increased opportunities to finance projects that lead to higher energy efficiency and climate adaptation.
Climate change is quite possibly the greatest challenge facing the world today with potentially far-reaching negative consequences for people, societies and economies. Handelsbanken recognises our responsibility as well as the opportunity to support and drive the change towards a sustainable future. We have an important role to play in the transition by aligning our financial flows with the development of a net-zero greenhouse gas economy. Issuing green bonds is a tool for us to promote the long-term development of sustainable solutions by financing green projects. To further advance our offering within sustainable finance we have developed a new Green Bond Framework.
"We want to focus on the areas where we have the greatest influence. In the next few years one of these areas is going to be how we can support projects that lessen or mitigate climate change, particularly because the EU has set a very clear green agenda for the financial sector", says Carl Cederschiöld, CFO at Handelsbanken.
"Sustainability is well integrated into Handelsbanken’s business strategy. With the new framework we will be able to take further steps to reach our goal that 20 per cent of the Bank’s financed volume shall consist of green financing, social financing or financing that contributes to the borrower’s measurable, sustainable transition by 2025", says Catharina Belfrage Sahlstrand, Head of Sustainability and Climate action at Handelsbanken.
The framework has received a rating of ‘Medium Green’ from Cicero Shades of Green, an independent body. The governance procedures have been rated 'Excellent', the highest possible rating.
Please find the complete framework here.
For more information, please contact:
Handelsbanken’s Press Office, +46 8 701 80 18, press@handelsbanken.se
For more information about Handelsbanken, see: www.handelsbanken.com
