Standard Chartered Commits $35 Bn Towards Renewable Projects

Standard Chartered has committed to providing USD 35 billion of project financing, M&A advisory and debt structuring services for renewable projects by 2024

Standard Chartered Bank has announced its business targets for supporting its clients as they transition to a low- carbon economy as part of the Bank’s sustainability aspirations. By the end of 2024, the Bank has committed to providing USD 35 billion of project financing services, M&A advisory and debt structuring services for renewable and clean-tech projects including solar and wind energy projects.

The USD 35 billion investment is part of the banks’ USD 75 billion investment structure toward sustainable development goals (SDGs), which will consist of providing USD 40 billion of project financing services for infrastructure that promotes sustainable development.

Underpinning the aspirations, the bank also intends to reduce its emissions across its global properties by 2030. With an office footprint spanning 60 countries, including many large emerging markets, the Bank will achieve net-zero emissions by only sourcing energy from renewable sources and continuing to pursue energy efficiency measures across its 12 million square feet of property.

Tracey McDermott, Group Head, Corporate Affairs, Brand & Marketing, said that “over the past 18 months, we have made a series of commitments which are all geared towards supporting the Paris Agreement on climate change and the transition to a cleaner, greener, fairer economy. We know that the investment required cannot be provided by governments and NGOs alone, so it is critical that investors embrace the Sustainable Development Goals at pace and scale.

“Our unique footprint means we are well placed to help get finance to where it matters most. That is why, as well as ceasing support for clients who generate more than 10 percent of earnings from thermal coal by 2030, we also have a renewed target for financing and facilitating USD 35 billion of clean technology and renewables, and USD 40 billion of sustainable infrastructure.”

The banking institution has a broad range of sustainable finance product offerings that can be deployed to help clients pivot their business towards a more sustainable model. In October 2018, it created the Sustainable Finance team and has since launched sustainable deposit products in London, Singapore, Hong Kong and New York; plus, a EUR 500 million Sustainability Bond, the proceeds of which will be used to provide finance in areas aligned with the SDGs – including clean energy projects, smaller business lending and micro-finance loans.