Commerzbank has joined the Climate Bonds Initiative Partnership Program, effective January 2020. The international NGO, in which more than 100 global partners from across the financial sector participate, aims to contribute to a CO2-efficient and climate-resilient economy via the global bond market.
Climate Bonds are a part of the Green Bond market. In order to issue a Climate Bond according to the definitions of the Climate Bonds Initiative, the issuer must demonstrate that the proceeds of the bond reduce climate-damaging CO2 emissions or increase the climate resilience of the economy. In 2019, Green Bonds were issued with a volume of more than 230 billion euros. Of these, ca. 80% were in line with the definitions of the Climate Bonds Initiative.
Commerzbank has a long history of expertise in the business of sustainable and green bonds. In 2007 Dresdner Bank, which was integrated into Commerzbank, lead managed the first ever Green Bond issue by the European Investment Bank (EIB). Commerzbank has been a signatory of the Green Bond Principles since 2014. These guidelines define a voluntary standard for the issuance process of green bonds and promote standardisation, integrity and transparency in the market for Green Bonds. In October 2018, Commerzbank launched its first own Green Bond. The issue volume was EUR 500 million. The five-year bond is used to refinance renewable energy projects.
Climate Bonds Initiative is an investor-focused not-for-profit, promoting large-scale investment in the low carbon economy. Climate Bonds undertakes advocacy and outreach to inform and stimulate the market, provides policy models and government advice, market data and analysis, and administers an international Standard & Certification Scheme for best practice in green bonds issuance.
Banks, institutional investors, private and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and governments are eligible to join as Climate Bond Partners to help grow a market of green and climate bonds. Partners support investor and stakeholder outreach and education projects centred on growing robust and sustainable green bond markets that contribute to climate action and low carbon investment. Partners assist in developing initiatives to grow investment in climate finance solutions, participate in different market development committees and help define policy agendas for sector, country and sub-national green bond development programs.
