Project Details
Project
Itaú Unibanco Sustainability Finance Framework Second-Party Opinion
Client
Itaú Unibanco Holding S.A.
Project Type
Sustainability Bond/Loan
Industry Group
Banks
Use of Proceeds
Clean transport; Renewable energy; Water/waste water management; Pollution prevention and control; Natural resources/land use management; Green buildings; Access to essential services; SME finance and microfinance;
Location
Brazil
Evaluation Date
Jan 2021
Evaluation Summary
Sustainalytics is of the opinion that the Itaú Unibanco Sustainability Finance Framework is credible and impactful and aligns with the Sustainability Bond Guidelines 2018 (SBG) and the Green Loan Principles 2020 (GLP). This assessment is based on the following:
USE OF PROCEEDS
The eligible categories for the use of proceeds – Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency, Clean Transportation, Sustainable Water and Wastewater Management, Pollution Prevention and Control, Environmentally Sustainable Management of Living Natural Resources and Land Use, Green Buildings, Access to Essential Services, Inclusive Finance – are aligned with those recognized by both the Green Bond Principles 2018 (GBP), Social Bond Principles 2020 (SBP) and GLP. Sustainalytics considers that the eligible categories will lead to positive environmental or social impacts and advance the UN Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, and 15.
PROJECT EVALUATION/SELECTION
Itaú Unibanco’s eligible projects will be selected by its dedicated Sustainability Finance Committee based on the established eligibility criteria. The Sustainability Finance Committee is comprised of members from cross-functional departments. Sustainalytics considers the project selection process to be in line with market practice.
MANAGEMENT OF PROCEEDS
Itaú Unibanco’s issuances under the Framework are intended to be managed by the Treasury department using existing internal tracking systems. The Bank intends on allocating net proceeds from issuance in the first 36 months from the date of issuance. Pending full allocation, the unallocated net proceeds will be invested in cash or cash equivalents. Sustainalytics considers the processes in place to manage proceeds and the disclosure for temporary use pending allocation to be in line with market practice.
REPORTING
Itaú Unibanco intends to report on allocation of proceeds on its website on an annual basis until full allocation. This report will include amount of unallocated proceeds, number of beneficiaries, average loan amount and amount allocated with a breakdown per Eligibility Criteria. In addition, Itaú is committed to reporting on relevant impact metrics. Sustainalytics views Itaú’s allocation and impact reporting as aligned with market practice.