Prestigious global financial award for Monash University
At a ceremony at London’s Guildhall this week, Monash University has received international recognition for becoming the first university in the world to raise funds by issuing a climate bond.
Monash University was presented with a formal certificate of achievement at the 2nd Green Bond Pioneer Awards held by the Climate Bonds Initiative in partnership with the City of London and the Green Finance Initiative. (Full list of certificate winners is below)
The Climate Bonds Initiative developed the green bond awards to ‘recognise pioneers who, through their actions, have demonstrated the potential of green bonds, energised the market and, by positive example, have called investors, governments and business to action.’
Last December, Monash announced it had raised A $218 million through a climate bond issued in the US private placement market to fund further sustainable development projects across its campus network.
Monash University President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Margaret Gardner AO said the University was delighted to receive the award.
“The Green Bonds Pioneer Certificate is welcome recognition of our commitment to deliver significant financial and economic benefits to Monash University while advancing sustainable development across our campuses,” Professor Gardner said.
“In recent years, Monash has developed an international reputation for leadership in sustainability through course offerings such as the Bachelor of Environmental Engineering and Master of Environment and Sustainability, as well as world class research from the Monash Sustainable Development Institute.
“The Monash University Climate Bond, together with our new environmental, social and governance commitments, demonstrate how we are engaging with industry and using innovative technologies to influence the transition to a net zero carbon economy.”
Monash University Senior Vice-President and Chief Financial Officer, Mr David Pitt said raising funds through the climate bond was an important initiative.
“Monash University's Climate Bond delivered the finely priced, long-term financing required for the University to further extend its debt maturity profile while deepening its investment in sustainable infrastructure.
“By aligning how we raise capital with our sustainability objectives, Monash University has demonstrated environmental, social and economic best practice of an international standard. The Green Bonds Pioneer Certificate is welcome recognition of that fact.”