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S&P Global Ratings Provides Full Alignment Opinion On King's College London's Sustainable Financing Framework

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S&P Global Ratings confirmed that King's College London (KCL) has a Sustainable Financing Framework fully aligned with the Green Bond Principles, Social Bond Principles, and Green Loan Principles. This alignment indicates KCL's commitment to utilize proceeds for eligible green and social projects. The framework includes a process for project selection and management of proceeds, ensuring sustainable asset values exceed raised funds. KCL aims for significant sustainability targets by 2029, including net-zero carbon emissions by 2025. The alignment opinions are not credit ratings and reflect current adherence to established principles.

Positive
  • KCL's Sustainable Financing Framework aligns with Green Bond Principles, Social Bond Principles, and Green Loan Principles.
  • Commitment to fund eligible green and social projects supports sustainability.
  • Framework includes a robust process for project evaluation and selection.
Negative
  • None.

LONDON, March 1, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- S&P Global Ratings said today that King's College London's (KCL's) Sustainable Financing Framework is fully aligned with the four components of the Green Bond Principles (GBP) and the four components of the Social Bond Principles (SBP), collectively referred to under the Sustainability Bond Guidelines, as well as the four components of the Green Loan Principles (GLP). The Framework Alignment Opinion report is available online at

https://www.capitaliq.com/CIQDotNet/CreditResearch/pdf.aspx?ResearchDocumentId=47466109&isPDA=Y

"KCL's sustainable financing framework is considered fully aligned because it commits to using net proceeds of financing issued under the framework to fund eligible green and social projects that fit into the categories defined by the principles," said Anna Liubachyna, the primary contact at S&P Global Ratings.

In addition, the framework outlines the process for project evaluation and selection, providing details about how the sustainable finance committee approves and oversees the eligible project portfolio.

In terms of management of proceeds "the issuer commits to track net proceeds and ensure that the value of sustainable assets will at all times exceed the net proceeds raised," Ms. Liubachyna said. KCL "intends to report the allocation of proceeds and social impact of the eligible categories until fully disbursed," added Ms. Liubachyna.

KCL has a comprehensive sustainability agenda to contribute positively to a variety of social and environmental issues globally and locally. In its Strategic Vision 2029, KCL highlights the importance of research institutions to respond to global issues such as forced displacement. KCL's Vision also reflects the university's environmental targets, including achieving 70% recycling of nonhazardous office and residential waste by July 2021, net-zero carbon emissions by 2025, and a reportable environmental pollution incident rate of zero.

S&P's Green, Social, or Sustainability Framework Alignment Opinions are not credit ratings. They are a point-in-time second opinion on a seeker of finance's financing framework's alignment with the International Capital Market Assn.'s (ICMA's) Green Bond Principles (GBPs), Social Bond Principles (SBPs), or a combination of the GBPs and SBPs, collectively known as ICMA's Sustainability Bond Guidelines (SBGs), and/ or the Loan Market Assn.'s (LMA's) Green Loan Principles (GLPs; the Principles). FAOs reflect the financing framework only, and do not consider individual financial transactions. They remain effective until such time as there is a change in the financing framework or the relevant Principles.

This report does not constitute a rating action.

The reports are available to subscribers of RatingsDirect at www.capitaliq.com. If you are not a RatingsDirect subscriber, you may purchase copies of these reports by calling (1) 212-438-7280 or sending an e-mail to research_request@spglobal.com. Ratings information can also be found on S&P Global Ratings' public website by using the Ratings search box located in the left column at www.standardandpoors.com. Alternatively, call one of the following S&P Global Ratings numbers: Client Support Europe (44) 20-7176-7176; London Press Office (44) 20-7176-3605; Paris (33) 1-4420-6708; Frankfurt (49) 69-33-999-225; Stockholm (46) 8-440-5914; or Moscow (7) 495-783-4009.

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SOURCE S&P Global Ratings

FAQ

What is the significance of S&P Global Ratings' opinion on King's College London Sustainable Financing Framework?

S&P Global Ratings confirmed that KCL's framework aligns with prominent sustainability principles, indicating responsible use of raised funds for green and social projects.

When did S&P Global Ratings announce their opinion on KCL's Sustainable Financing Framework?

The opinion was announced on March 1, 2021.

How does KCL plan to use proceeds from their sustainable financing?

KCL intends to utilize the proceeds exclusively for eligible green and social projects.

What are KCL's sustainability targets by 2029?

KCL aims for net-zero carbon emissions by 2025 and a 70% recycling rate of nonhazardous waste by July 2021.

Does the alignment opinion from S&P Global Ratings constitute a credit rating?

No, the alignment opinion is not a credit rating but a second opinion on KCL's financing framework's adherence to sustainability principles.

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