Swedavia has unveiled a new framework for issuing green bonds, aimed at financing projects that support climate action and long-term sustainability across its airport network.
The Swedish airport operator said the updated framework builds on its previous model but is now more closely aligned with the EU’s green taxonomy.
It also expands the range of projects that can be funded, while keeping a short-term focus on green buildings, clean transport, renewable energy and energy efficiency.
The framework has been reviewed by sustainability ratings firm Sustainalytics, which judged its overall contribution to sustainability as “significant”.
Swedavia’s chief financial officer, Kristina Ferenius, said the new framework would allow the company to increase its use of green financing.
She added that the wider scope includes new categories such as forestry projects and the renovation of existing infrastructure, alongside stricter requirements for sustainable building materials.
Alongside the launch, Swedavia issued SEK 800m (£60m) in green bonds. The sale attracted strong investor demand, with orders worth twice the amount on offer. The bonds were priced at a credit margin of 0.73%.
The issue also marked Swedavia’s first senior bond sale since receiving an investment-grade credit rating of Baa1, with a positive outlook, from Moody’s.
Danske Bank advised Swedavia on the development of the new green finance framework.
Swedavia says its sustainability strategy is central to its long-term plans. The company became fossil-free in its own airport operations in 2020 and has expanded its work with airlines, suppliers and other partners to cut emissions.
The operator aims to make ground transport to and from its airports fossil-free by 2030 and to reach net zero emissions from construction and civil engineering by 2045.
In the longer term, Sweden’s aviation industry has set a goal of fossil-free domestic flights by 2030 and fossil-free international flights by 2045.
