22 Jul 2021 07:00
22 July 2021
GPE publishes its Sustainable Finance Framework
Great Portland Estates plc (GPE or the Group) announces that it has published a Sustainable Finance Framework (the Framework) in respect of potential future debt issuance. The publication of the Framework follows the Group's innovative £450 million ESG-linked revolving credit facility (the first of its kind issued by a UK REIT) in January 2020.
The Framework provides a context for GPE to potentially issue debt instruments to finance or refinance projects that have a positive environmental and/or social impact, while supporting the Group's sustainability strategy and wider business strategy. The Framework is aligned to internationally recognised principles issued by the International Capital Markets Association (ICMA) and the Loan Markets Association (LMA). DNV Business Assurance Services UK Limited have provided a Second Party Opinion (SPO) which confirms the alignment of the Framework to these principles.
NatWest Markets acted as Sustainability Structuring Advisor.
Both the Framework and SPO can be found on the investor section of our website.
Janine Cole, Sustainability & Social Impact Director commented, "Following the launch of our Roadmap to Net Zero and "The Time is Now", our sustainability statement of intent in 2020, the Framework marks the next step in our continuing journey to integrate sustainability across all aspects of our business."
Martin Leighton, Director of Corporate Finance commented, "We are very pleased to have published the Framework and look forward to further accessing the sustainable debt finance market in the years to come."
Contacts:
Great Portland Estates plc Nick Sanderson, Chief Financial & Operating Officer +44 (0) 20 7647 3000Martin Leighton, Director of Corporate Finance Janine Cole, Sustainability & Social Impact Director
Finsbury Group Gordon Simpson +44 (0) 20 7251 3801
James Murgatroyd
For further information on GPE see www.gpe.co.uk or follow us on Twitter at @GPE_plc