Impact Reporting Metrics and Databases

I. Handbook - Harmonised Framework

The Handbook – Harmonised Framework for Impact Reporting unites the harmonised frameworks in one document preserving the content of the initial documents. The objective is to enhance the usability of the initial documents and to avoid repetitions. This handbook outlines general core principles and recommendations for reporting in order to provide issuers with a reference as they develop their own reporting. This handbook also offers impact reporting metrics and sector specific guidance for the GBP project categories. In Chapter V of this handbook, reporting templates are included for issuers to use and adapt to their own circumstances. These templates make reference to the most commonly used indicators.

The June 2021 update now includes “Impact Reporting Metrics for Circular Economy and/or Eco-Efficient Projects” which complements the 8 existing GBP project categories.

II. Green Sector specific documents

Renewable energy and energy efficiency - An informal working group of Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) active in the green bond market have put together a Proposal for a harmonized framework for impact reporting on Renewable Energy/Energy Efficiency projects consistent with the 2015 GBP.
Water and wastewater management - Suggested Impact Reporting Metrics for Sustainable Water and Wastewater Management Projects published in June 2017 by the GBP Impact Reporting Working Group.
Waste management and Resource-Efficiency projects - Suggested Impact Reporting Metrics for Waste Management and Resource-Efficiency Projects published in February 2018 by the GBP Impact Reporting Working Group.
Clean Transportation - Suggested Impact Reporting Metrics for Clean Transportation Projects published in June 2018 by the Impact Reporting Working Group.
Green buildings - Suggested Impact Reporting Metrics for Green Building Projects published in March 2019 by the Impact Reporting Working Group.
Biodiversity - Suggested Impact Reporting Metrics for Biodiversity Projects published in April 2020 by the Impact Reporting Working Group.
Climate change adaptation - Suggested Impact Reporting Metrics for Climate Change Adaptation Projects published in December 2020 by the Impact Reporting Working Group.
Circular Economy Suggested Impact Reporting Metrics for Circular Economy and/or Eco-Efficient Projects published in June 2021 by the Impact Reporting Working Group.

III. Position Paper – Nordic public sector green bond issuers

The Position Paper on Green Bonds Impact Reporting, originally launched in October 2017 by a group of ten Nordic public sector issuers, has been published in an updated version, dated February 2020. Featuring new recommendations regarding the reporting of climate-related physical risk and the Sustainable Development Goals, the paper aims to contribute to harmonising green bond reporting practices.

The information on this Web page has been provided by third-party sources and is intended for general information only (the “Information”), and is not intended to be and should not be relied upon as being legal, financial, investment, tax, regulatory, business or other professional advice. ICMA is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of the Information. ICMA does not represent or warrant that the Information is accurate, suitable or complete and neither ICMA nor its employees or representatives shall have any liability arising from, or relating to its use.

Working Towards a Harmonized Framework for Impact Reporting for Social Bonds (2020)

This document summarizes the conclusions of the Social Bond Principles Working Group on impact reporting and aims to catalyse a broader discussion among issuers and investors. It outlines a framework for reporting on projects to which Social Bond proceeds have been allocated, including core principles and recommendations for issuers as they develop their own reporting. The document also provides a reporting template covering quantitative and qualitative information that issuers can adapt to their own circumstances.

The 2020 version includes more robust definitions of output, outcome and impacts, and reflects the expansion of target population in the SBP. The working list of sample indicators is restructured.

Any comments on this document are welcomed and can be sent to socialbonds@icmagroup.org.

The information on this Web page has been provided by third-party sources and is intended for general information only (the “Information”), and is not intended to be and should not be relied upon as being legal, financial, investment, tax, regulatory, business or other professional advice. ICMA is not responsible for the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of the Information. ICMA does not represent or warrant that the Information is accurate, suitable or complete and neither ICMA nor its employees or representatives shall have any liability arising from, or relating to its use.

I. Guidelines for Green, Social, Sustainability and Sustainability-Linked Bonds’ Impact Reporting Databases

The guidelines for impact reporting database providers aim to increase transparency and promote best practice, with the goal of improving the flow and quality of data for the benefit of green, social, sustainability or sustainability-linked bond investors, issuers, database providers and other relevant stakeholders. They provide voluntary guidance relating to several topics relevant to database providers, including ethical standards, governance and data security, referencing impact calculation methodology, presentation of data, etc.

The Database providers listed below have contributed to the Guidelines*:

II. Overview of the Impact Reporting Database Service Mapping

The purpose of the mapping of Database providers is to provide market participants with clear information on the range of services offered as well as the context and content of the service provided. The Overview is supplied by the templates that Database providers have provided (see below).

This Excel spreadsheet is divided into 3 tabs: (1) General presentation – (2) Data availability – (3) Technology.

To have access to an individual template, you can click on the name of the related provider (on the 1st tab of the Overview).

Download Overview of the Impact Reporting Database Service Mapping

The Overview currently provides information on the following database providers*:

*Please note that ICMA has not investigated or confirmed compliance by the Database providers with the Guidelines, nor does it recommend, endorse or make any representations regarding the Database providers listed above.

III. Template for Database providers

The Impact Reporting Database Service Mapping Template is an excel form where Database providers are invited to voluntarily provide information about the different services they provide. You can download the spreadsheet here.

The accompanying User Guide clarifies how each element of the template should be filled out by the Database providers and interpreted by the market participants.

Questions related to the template may be addressed to the Secretariat for the GBP/SBP at greenbonds@icmagroup.org.