Michael Hurley

Green bond round-up: Danske Bank, Cassa depositi e prestiti, Kommuninvest, Teonec, NYSERDA, NY State Housing and Vasakronan

Danske Bank has become a green bond issuer for the first time, in a deal worth €500 million ($568 million).

Unlisted green assets in Europe hit €58bn, estimates Novethic

The amount of ‘green’ assets in unlisted European investment funds has grown to €57.6 billion ($65.4 billion), according to Novethic.

GPIF driving dramatic increase in Japanese ESG disclosure, says MSCI

A five-fold increase in Japanese companies’ environmental, social and governance (ESG) -themed disclosure has been driven by the Government Pension Investment Fund (GPIF), according to MSCI.

Beyond Ratings gains credit rating agency accreditation

Beyond Ratings is now able to issue credit ratings for public issuers of debt, having received accreditation from the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) – news that has been welcomed as a “game-changer” by the company.

MEAG and Luxcara seal debt and equity deal for wind farm

German asset managers MEAG and Luxcara have structured a debt and equity deal to finance two wind farms in Norway.

Shell sets first short-term climate targets

Oil major Shell has set short-term targets to reduce its carbon emissions for the first time, in a move that has been welcomed by investors as a significant landmark for climate-related engagement.

BNP Paribas asset management arm plans €1bn coal divestment

BNP Paribas Asset Management plans to exclude about €1 billion ($1.1 billion) of stocks in thermal coal companies, as part of a new exclusion policy the firm hopes will help it align with the Paris Agreement goals.

Green bond round-up: Société du Grand Paris, Duke Energy, ReNew Power, Kommuninvest, World Bank, Santa Fe

Political rifts foil EU taxonomy definition of ‘brown’ activities

An effort to define criteria for economic activities with a negative environmental impact within the EU’s sustainability taxonomy has been thwarted by political divisions in the European Parliament.

China green guidelines promote verification services for first time

The publication of China’s first nationally unified guidelines on green finance could herald the rise of a new breed of green services, according to a Hong Kong-based consultancy.