Arup becomes first engineering firm approved to verify green bonds in Asia Pacific

Arup joins a select group of organisations undertaking rigorous verification to ensure green finance is consistent with the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees, under the Climate Bonds Standard and Certification Scheme.

Run by the Climate Bonds Initiative (Climate Bonds), the Scheme is used globally by borrowers, issuers, governments, investors, and the financial markets to prioritise investments which genuinely contribute to addressing climate change.

Gaurav Ahuja, Finance and Economics Australasia Lead at Arup is excited that Arup can now more directly facilitate access to the green finance markets for its clients.

“Our engagement with market players suggests green capital availability isn’t the real challenge in the short to medium term. The creation of credible, green, and sustainable projects is what’s needed to meet both environmental and investor requirements and I’m pleased that Arup can now play a bigger role across Asia Pacific to help accelerate this.” Gaurav said.

Cameron Fairlie, Sustainable Investment Advisory Australasia Lead at Arup said, “Green financing is accelerating in Australia as investors and developers seek to understand and demonstrate how their projects meet the Paris Agreement and transition to a Net Zero economy.

“Being an Approved Verifier for Climate Bonds enables Arup to support investors and lenders more fulsomely to obtain green finance across Asia Pacific.

“Standards like the Climate Bonds Standard provide much needed transparency between parties and external stakeholders on the green credentials that assets and projects have. Arup is uniquely placed to leverage the experience of its inhouse engineers and design teams, which have sustainability as a core element of their approach, to enhance trust between project owners and developers, and capital providers, and improve efficiency of the green financing market.” Cameron said.

Arup has a strong track record working with government agencies, property owners and developers, NGOs and financial institutions on an ever-increasing number of low carbon projects and assets globally. Arup will also participate in the industry working group with the Climate Bonds Initiative to develop sector criteria for steel, cement, and hydrogen projects that are important in the transition to a carbon-free economy.

Sean Kidney, CEO of the Climate Bonds Initiative said, “We welcome Arup to the group of Approved Verifiers under the Climate Bonds Standard and Certification Scheme. A noteworthy development, as it aligns with the growing momentum of green financing in the Asia Pacific region. As organisations and investors strive to align with the Paris Agreement and steer towards a Net Zero economy, the role of Approved Verifiers for Climate Bonds assumes pivotal significance.

“Arup’s Approved Verifier status enhances their role in facilitating green finance access for Asia Pacific investors, supported by Climate Bonds Standards ensuring rigorous criteria. Congratulations, Arup!”