Green loans

A green loan is used to finance activities, investments, or projects that contribute to reduced climate and environmental impact. The financing is earmarked for specific purposes—for example, renewable energy, energy efficiency, the circular economy, or other initiatives that advance the transition.

SEK’s Criteria for a Green Loan

To qualify for a green loan, the criteria in SEK’s Sustainability Bond Framework must be met. The borrower commits to using the financing in accordance with the framework.

Green loans can be classified according to two sets of criteria:

Criteria According to the EU Taxonomy

Primarily intended for activities, investments, and projects within the EU—but may also be applied outside the EU. To be classified as a green loan, the following criteria must be fulfilled:

Other Criteria

Intended for activities, investments, and projects outside the EU, where full alignment with the EU Taxonomy cannot be verified. To be classified as a green loan, the following criterion must be fulfilled:

SEK’s criteria are based on internationally established frameworks to ensure quality and transparency. In its assessment, SEK follows both the Loan Market Association (LMA) principles and the International Capital Market Association (ICMA) guidelines.

Reporting

To ensure that the financing achieves its intended impact, the borrower must continuously measure and report the expected and actual climate and environmental benefits of the activity, investment, or project.

The borrower is expected to report relevant metrics to SEK annually, in accordance with the Sustainability Bond Framework. These metrics are then included in SEK’s Green Bond Letter, which constitutes the annual reporting to SEK’s investors.