by Kevin Leung*
Investors can turn to the EUGBS for improved transparency and creditability, thereby incentivising flows to support ample climate investment needs.
The low readiness of the EU-issued green bonds to align with the EUGBS raises useability concerns—IEEFA calls for post-implementation reviews of the standard coherent with the overall EU sustainable finance strategy and the bloc’s improved practices towards green bond issuances.
Executive Summary
The upcoming EUGBS aims to improve the green bond market’s transparency and credibility, tackle greenwashing and set a “gold” standard.[1] But can it fulfil its objectives while supporting the green bond market, or will it disincentivise issuance altogether? This report focuses on what the standard means for Europe, which accounts for more than half of global issuance. In 2023, Europe’s green bond issuance grew 11% and reached a record high of US$341 billion, outperforming the global market.
IEEFA believes that long-term green bond supply is underpinned by ample projects and investment needs for the net-zero transition. There are potential long-term benefits for issuers of issuing high-quality green bonds—this allows the adoption of the EUGBS to complement issuers’ project development.
Green bond supply will likely be supported by investor demand amid growing social pressure to expand green investing and meet portfolio emissions targets. The EUGBS could address limitations of existing market-led guidance. It could also cater to investors’ increasing sustainability preferences and support continued demand growth.
[1] European Commission. The European green bond standard – Supporting the transition.
(read the full article and the Full Report on ieefa.org – published on February 19, 2024)
*Kevin Leung is Sustainable Finance Analyst, Debt Markets, Europe.
Prior to IEEFA, Kevin worked in Credit Ratings and Sustainable Finance at Moody’s. As an experienced fundamental analyst, he has developed his expertise into ESG integration in credit analysis and comprehensive ESG assessments adopting a double materiality approach.
Kevin holds a Master’s Degree in Finance from HEC Paris and a Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Warwick.
