ESG Bonds

BNG Bank started issuing ESG bonds initially under a best-in-class framework in 2014. Together with Tilburg University affiliated research partner PON & Telos, BNG Bank developed an original methodology to rank clients based on quantitative and qualitative sustainability indicators.

In 2021 this framework was succeeded by the BNG Bank Sustainable Finance Framework, which connects the expenditures of Dutch municipalities, and of Dutch social housing associations, to the 17 SDG’s of the United Nations.

ESG Bonds under Sustainable Finance Framework

The BNG Bank Sustainable Finance Framework consists of 2 sub-frameworks:

1. Sub-framework for Dutch Municipalities
2. Sub-framework for Dutch Social Housing Associations

These sub-frameworks connect the loans to and expenditures of Dutch municipalities, and Dutch social housing associations, to the 17 SDG’s of the United Nations.

The framework is aligned with ICMA’s Green Bond Principles (GBP), Social Bond Principles (SBP) and Sustainability Bond Guidelines (SBG). The second party opinion (SPO) to the framework has been provided by ISS ESG. Annual impact reporting is provided in cooperation with PON & Telos, affiliated partner of Tilburg University in the field of sustainability. Where applicable, BNG Bank ESG Bonds are displayed on the Luxembourg Green Exchange (LGX).

Impact reporting is available for each of the two sub-frameworks. This reporting applies to each of the BNG Municipality or Housing bonds issued since 2021 and after. A full list of bonds issued is available via the usual market data providers (e.g. Bloomberg), and is also available upon request.

ESG Bonds under Best-in-Class Framework

BNG Bank issued ESG bonds under its best-in-class approach from 2014 to 2020. An SPO per issuance is provided by Sustainalytics. Impact reporting is available for each issuance in the table below.