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Green bonds represent an important mechanism for financing a low carbon, resource-efficient and resilient economy. The number and value of issuances are growing quickly – 2014 is likely to see $20 billion assigned to this market. However, as the market matures further, so too will rules about what is green and what is not. Companies will need to prove the environmental credentials of a project in order to access this ring-fenced capital. Trucost is hosting a webinar on 29th October to explore this challenge. 

AGENDA

Chair

• Alastair MacGregor, COO, Trucost

Green bonds in context: what you need to know

• Sean Kidney, CEO and Founder, Climate Bonds Initiative

Issuances: why did we issue a green bond and what will it help us to achieve?

• Marie Gerard, Vice President, Environmental and Societal Responsibility Management & Performance, GDF Suez        

Identifying projects: quantifying environmental benefits to demonstrate green credentials

• Richie Hardwicke, Head of Corporate Services, Trucost 

Q&A: ‘Quiz the Experts’ 

What are the benefits of green bonds?

Green bonds are broadly defined as fixed-income securities that fund projects with environmental benefits. Their value is clear, offering:

• Companies fast access to capital and the opportunity to future-proof their activities in the face of growing environmental or regulatory pressures;
• Investors a commitment to responsible investment without having to sacrifice yield; and
• Governments the evidence of private sector support needed to create a secure policy environment for cleaner technologies. 

What will I learn from this webinar?

Sean Kidney from the Climate Bonds Initiative will give us the context – what we have seen to date and how the market is developing. French power company GDF Suez, whose bond was three times over-subscribed, will shed light on why it issued a green bond. Trucost will then explore how natural capital valuations can be used to identify the fullest range of eligible projects and how to measure environmental benefits to support verification.