ABERDEEN STANDARD INVESTMENTS, CANBERRA METRO PIONEER GREEN FINANCING FOR PUBLIC PRIVATE PARTNERSHIPS

Aberdeen Standard Investments’ Canberra Metro investment has become the first public private partnership project in Australia to use internationally certified green financing.

This follows the successful negotiation of a AU$280 million refinancing debt facility for Canberra’s 12 kilometre integrated electric light rail system with a syndicate of local and international banks.

Canberra Metro is owned by a consortium which includes Aberdeen Standard Investments, Pacific Partnerships (a member of the CIMIC Group), John Holland and Mitsubishi Corporation.

The green loan was structured in accordance with the Green Loan Principles 2020 issued by the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association and achieved certification under the Climate Bond Initiative under the Low Carbon Transport Criteria. The project aligns with the criteria through its commitment to offer low-carbon, emissions-free sustainable transport to Canberrans.

All of the electricity used to power the Canberra light rail project’s vehicles, maintenance and administration buildings is renewable energy, and 93% of the project’s vehicle components are recycled, with an additional 5.6% recovered and diverted from landfill¹.

Bill Haughey, Head of Infrastructure Investment and Asset Management – Australia and New Zealand at Aberdeen Standard Investments said, “Canberra’s light rail network is a strong green infrastructure project which makes a direct contribution to Canberra’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2045. We know climate change is a central concern for investors, and we understand how complex it is to manage its risks. We are proud to play our part in managing those risks by pioneering the use of green financing in Australia through Canberra Metro.”

Lachlan Marks, Chief Executive of Canberra Metro said, “As CEO of Canberra Metro, I’m immensely proud to have secured this source of funding for our climate resilient project that ultimately makes the business more effective, secure and durable. In the face of the climate shifts to come, strengthening resilience factors across all facets of investment decision-making and business operations will help improve lives and livelihoods for generations to come.”

In obtaining the green loan, Canberra Metro was assisted by its Financial Advisor and Green Structuring Advisor MUFG and its banks including ANZ, CBA, ING, Mizuho, SMBC and NAB.

¹ Canberra Metro, Sustainability, at: https://www.canberra-metro.com.au/about/sustainability

ENDS

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Alvena So
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Notes to Editors:

About Aberdeen Standard Investments

• Aberdeen Standard Investments is a global asset manager dedicated to creating long-term value for our clients. With over 1,000 investment professionals, we manage AU$817.6 billion* of assets worldwide. We have clients in 80 countries supported by over 40 relationship offices. This ensures we are close to our clients and the markets in which we invest.
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*as of 30 June 2020

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Issued by Aberdeen Standard Investments Australia Limited ABN 59 002 123 364 AFSL No. 240263. This document has been prepared with care, is based on sources believed to be reliable and all opinions expressed are honestly held as at the applicable date. However it is of a general nature only and we accept no liability for any errors or omissions. It has been prepared without taking into account the particular objectives, financial situation or needs of any investor. It is important that before acting investors should consider their own circumstances, objectives and financial situation, the information’s appropriateness to them and consult financial and tax advisers. You must not copy, modify, sell, distribute, adapt, publish, frame, reproduce or otherwise use any of this material without our prior written consent.