EU Publishes Green Finance Taxonomy

The European Commission set up a Technical expert group on sustainable finance (TEG) to assist it in developing, in line with the Commission's legislative proposals of May 2018

• an EU classification system – the so-called EU taxonomy – to determine whether an economic activity is environmentally sustainable;
• an EU Green Bond Standard;
• methodologies for EU climate benchmarks and disclosures for benchmarks; and
• guidance to improve corporate disclosure of climate-related information.

The TEG commenced its work in July 2018. Its 35 members from civil society, academia, business and the finance sector, as well as additional members and observers from EU and international public bodies work both through formal plenaries and sub group meetings for each work stream. To allow it to conclude its technical work and retain the expertise before the future Platform on sustainable finance is set up, the mandate of the TEG has been extended until 30 September 2020.

Source: European Commission

Martin Spolc, Head of Unit, Sustainable Finance, European Commission, said:

https://twitter.com/MartinSpolc/status/1236980227810693120

The EU Commission said:

https://twitter.com/EU_Finance/status/1236983691316023296

https://twitter.com/nathanafabian/status/1236997466840539137

Sean Kidney, chief executive of Climate Bonds Initiative, said in a statement:

"The EU Taxonomy opens up huge opportunities for institutional investors to support low carbon and green growth, transition activities and decarbonisation.

“Companies and investors need both confidence and guidance to commit the trillions needed in this decade and on to 2050 to achieve carbon neutrality. The TEG report with its updated sustainability criteria for 70 different economic activities provides a comprehensive level of guidance to the market, stakeholders and regulators.”

It’s an affirmative and definite signal for corporations and institutional investors. The EU Taxonomy takes the wider sustainability and climate agenda and integrates it within real economy activities, giving boards and investors increasing confidence in their short- and long-term decisions.

Today’s announcement will positively shape investor decision making and corporate planning in multiple regions through the 2020s. It will help shift capital allocations towards sustainable economic activity, low carbon growth and a new array of investment and employment opportunities.”