EIB named as largest green bond issuer in 10 years

10 / 07 / 2020

By Marwa Nassar -

The Climate Bonds Initiative, an international, investor-focused not-for-profit, has awarded the European Investment Bank (EIB) for being the largest development bank green bond issuer over the last 10 years.

The 5th Annual Green Bond Pioneer Awards(GBPA) announced by the Climate Bonds Initiative features emerging market pioneers and leadership that have been active in the last decade.

The awards are the premier international recognition of best practice and innovation in green finance, encompassing green bonds, loans and significant market developments in climate and transition-based investment.

Aldo Romani, Head of EIB Sustainability Funding said: “The EIB inaugurated the green bond market in 2007. We have since issued €34.6 billion of Climate Awareness Bonds & Sustainability Awareness Bonds (CABs and SABs) across 16 currencies, aligning documentation with the recently adopted European Union Taxonomy Regulation in 2018. CABs and SABs support the sustainability objectives of the European Union, reflecting to capital markets the alignment of EIB’s lending activities with the EU Taxonomy via gradual extension of eligibilities. We are delighted to receive this award.”

Other winners of the GBPA:

Meanwhile, the Industrial Bank Co. Ltd (CIB) was also named as the Largest Financial Corporate Green Bond Deal of 2019 and the Largest Financial Corporate Green Bond Issuer over the last 10 years,

Xinjian Chen, CIB Vice President , Industrial Bank Co., Ltd. said “China Industrial Bank is honoured to receive this prestigious award from Climate Bonds. Since 2016, CIB has issued 136.5 billion RMB worth onshore & offshore green bonds. The proceeds have been allocated to over 1000 green projects, generating significant environmental & social impacts. The recognitions & support from market participants will continuously motivate CIB as well as more & more financial institutions to take parts in the transition towards a green & low carbon economy.”

The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) in Saudi Arabia was honored as the New Market Green Pioneer.

Dr. Bandar Hajjar, President of the IsDB said “The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) is honored to be selected as a New Market Pioneer. This recognition reaffirms our determination to mainstream climate action, along with innovative & sustainable financial instruments such as Green Sukuk, to ultimately serve our Member Countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. We also greatly appreciate the confidence of investors who are our partners in making it happen.”

Meanwhile, Engie was named as the Largest Non-Financial Corporate Green Bond Deal of 2019 & Largest Non-Financial Green Bond Issuer over the last 10 years.

Judith Hartmannn, CFO of ENGIE, said“ENGIE has made the transition to a carbon-neutral economy the core of its purpose. The Group is one of the largest corporate issuers of green bonds, with over € 11bn issued since 2014 to fund green & sustainable projects. We are proud to be awarded by Climate Bonds, a reference organization that greatly contributes to the development of sustainable finance.”