Development finance institution the International Finance Corporation (IFC) will invest R1-billion in a green bond issued by JSE-listed real estate investment trust Growthpoint Properties.

Growthpoint will use the funds to finance energy and water efficiency improvements in its existing office, industrial and retail properties in South Africa. The retrofitting improvements are expected to reduce carbon dioxide emissions from the company’s portfolio by more than 18 000 t/y.

Additionally, the bond will also help Growthpoint to refinance its five-star Green Star office building located at 144 Oxford road, in Rosebank.

“The IFC is committed to accelerating access to green and sustainable buildings in South Africa to address climate change, protect the environment and support economic activity,” says IFC South Africa country manager Adamou Labara.

“The green bond investment will contribute to greater climate change resilience in the country by supporting climate-smart infrastructure and reduce the private sector’s carbon footprint,” he says.

The R1-billion green bond was issued under Growthpoint’s existing domestic medium-term note programme, which is registered at the JSE. It aligns with the IFC’s strategy to green the commercial sector in South Africa by further developing capital markets, promoting climate-smart investments and crowding in climate-relevant private capital.

“Growthpoint is committed to creating space to thrive with innovative and sustainable property solutions in environmentally friendly buildings while improving the social and material wellbeing of individuals and communities. This green bond supports our environment, social and governance strategy and renewable energy goals and furthers the diversification of our funding,” says Growthpoint FD Gerald Völkel.

Increased funding for green buildings is vital in South Africa, which is facing increasing power and water supply shortages. However, access to green funding remains limited in the country.

The bond aligns with Growthpoint’s ambitious sustainability strategy to certify its entire portfolio of buildings as carbon neutral by 2050. The strategy includes reducing its greenhouse-gas emissions by 25% and increasing its renewable energy use by more than five times by 2026, he notes.