Project Details
Project
Ahold Delhaize Sustainability Bond Framework Second-Party Opinion (2019)
Client
Ahold Delhaize
Project Type
Sustainability Bond/Loan
Industry Group
Food Retailers
Use of Proceeds
Natural resources/land use management; Renewable energy; Energy efficiency; Green buildings; Pollution prevention and control; Access to essential services;
Location
Netherlands
Evaluation Date
Jun 2019
Evaluation Summary
Sustainalytics is of the opinion that the Ahold Delhaize Sustainability Bond Framework is credible and impactful and aligns with the Green Bond Principles 2018, Social Bond Principles 2018 and Sustainability Bond Guidelines 2018. This assessment is based on the following:
USE OF PROCEEDS
The eligible category for the use of proceeds are aligned with those recognized by both the Green Bond Principles and Social Bond Principles. Sustainalytics views investments into the procurement of sustainable products, climate impact and promotion of healthier food to have positive environmental or social impacts and to advance the following UN Sustainable Development Goals: (2) Zero Hunger, (7) Affordable and Clean Energy, (9) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, (12) Responsible Consumption and Production and (14) Life Below Water.
PROJECT EVALUATION/SELECTION
Ahold Delhaize’s internal process in evaluating and selecting projects is aligned with market practice. The company will establish a Sustainability Bond Committee to facilitate the project evaluation and selection process. The Committee includes the Vice President of Sustainable Retailing and the Senior Vice President of Treasury. The Sustainable Retailing team conducts the first screen of potential projects and provides its recommendation to the Committee, who makes the final approval.
MANAGEMENT OF PROCEEDS
Ahold Delhaize’s processes for management of proceeds is aligned with market practice. The Sustainability Bond Committee will be responsible for tracking the allocation of proceeds to eligible projects and expenditures. Pending full allocation, Ahold Delhaize will hold the balance of unallocated proceeds within its treasury, invested at its distraction in money market instruments or to repay commercial paper. Projects will be periodically assessed for eligibility and ineligible projects will be removed from the project portfolio.
REPORTING
Ahold Delhaize intends to report allocation proceeds and relevant impact metrics on an annual basis on the company’s website. Sustainalytics views Ahold Delhaize’s allocation and impact reporting as aligned with market practice.