Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB) announced today plans to issue its inaugural Green Bond, becoming the first pension fund to do so. The sale will provide additional funding for CPPIB as it increases its holdings in renewables and energy efficient buildings as world demand gradually transitions in favour of such investible assets.
“The issuance of Green Bonds is a logical next step to CPPIB’s investment-focused approach to climate change, and we are pleased to be a pioneer amongst pension funds in this regard,” said Poul Winslow, Senior Managing Director & Global Head of Capital Markets and Factor Investing. “The capital raised will help support strong, long-term investments in eligible green assets that position the Fund for continued success.”
CPPIB has announced plans over the past year to invest more than C$3 billion in the renewable energy sector, as it works to ensure the CPP Fund is well-positioned for the expected global transition to a lower-carbon economy.
CPPIB’s Green Bond Framework defines three categories as eligible for investment from Green Bond proceeds:
- Renewable Energy (wind and solar);
- Sustainable Water and Wastewater Management; and
- Green Buildings (LEED Platinum certified).
CPPIB has also engaged the Center for International Climate Research (CICERO), a world leader in providing second opinions on the qualification of debt for Green Bond status.
Any Green Bonds issued in Canada will be issued on a private placement basis only to certain qualified accredited investors.
About Green Bonds
Since their introduction in 2007, Green Bonds have become mainstream in the financial community with the annual issuance of Green Bonds reaching $155 billion in 2017, a 78 percent increase over 2016. Annual issuance is expected to reach $250 – $300 billion in 2018, and increase to $1 trillion by 2020 according to the Climate Bonds Initiative.
