The Framework will enable the operator to issue green bonds or comparable financial instruments.
Such bonds will be in accordance with the Green Bond Principles of the International Capital Market Association.
The object of the Green Bond Framework is the financing or refinancing of projects with measurable ecological value.
Eligible projects focus primarily on reducing energy consumption and increasing the energy efficiency of Swisscom networks, and include, for example, the expansion of energy-efficient fibre-to-the-home installations as well as investments in IoT networks.
The framework also supports solutions to help customers reduce their own energy consumption and carbon dioxide emissions, such as avoiding unnecessary travel.
Potential projects include those increasing the percentage of renewable energy sources and reducing Swisscom’s carbon footprint. A list of all the categories and projects is provided in the framework.
Special responsibility
“As Switzerland’s leading ICT company, Swisscom bears a special responsibility in this regard. We feel this vindicates our efforts to take responsibility towards the environment, people and society,” explains Res Witschi, Head of Corporate Responsibility at Swisscom.
“It is an area we have been focused on and dedicated to for over 20 years now. We are now stepping up these efforts, as part of our sustainability strategy 2025, with the Green Bond Framework.”
The Green Bond Framework sets the basis for the ‘green’ financing of sustainable investments. It is an important tool for underpinning our own strategy with sustainable financing while at the same time responding to a growing need for green investments.”