Sustainability Criteria Applied to Infrastructure Projects under Singapore Green Bond Framework
Ministry of FinanceSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Ms He Ting Ru's inquiry into the environmental safeguards and sustainability criteria for infrastructure projects, specifically the Cross Island Line, funded under the Singapore Green Bond Framework. Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong replied that all projects undergo rigorous environmental impact assessments and stakeholder engagement regardless of their financing source. He clarified that the Cross Island Line meets "Clean Transportation" criteria as an electric rail line with zero direct emissions, adhering to a framework independently verified against international standards. Deputy Prime Minister Lawrence Wong highlighted that the Government maintains transparency through annual reports on bond allocation and impact to ensure projects remain true to their green credentials. Finally, he noted that the framework’s credibility and the project’s green credentials were confirmed by strong investor demand during the inaugural sovereign green bond issuance.
Transcript
73 Ms He Ting Ru asked the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Finance with regard to the first issue under the Singapore Green Bond Framework (a) how will concerns be addressed about using proceeds to fund expenditures of the Cross Island Line, given the environmental issues raised about the construction of the line; and (b) what are the specific rigorous sustainability criteria applied to be considered "eligible green expenditures" to ensure that the projects funded remain true to their green credentials.
Mr Lawrence Wong: Prior to embarking on any development project, the Government undertakes a thorough review of the project's potential impact on various factors including the environment, traffic, public health and heritage, before a decision is made to proceed. The Government works closely with various stakeholders such as nature groups and other agencies to mitigate potential risks and impacts. This is undertaken regardless of whether the project is financed by bond issuance under the Singapore Green Bond Framework.
The planning process for the Cross Island Line follows this approach. The impact of the Cross Island Line on the environment has been addressed previously in this House. Environmental Impact Assessments have been shared with the public and will continue to be shared when such studies are conducted for the Cross Island Line. Agencies will study views gathered during the feedback period and incorporate further measures where possible to mitigate potential environmental impact.
The Singapore Green Bond Framework sets out additional requirements for projects financed using green bonds issued by the Government, guided by market best practices. This includes specific and stringent eligibility criteria for green projects. For instance, the Cross Island Line qualifies as a green project under the "Clean Transportation" category as it is an electric rail line with zero direct emissions.
Our Green Bond Framework was independently assessed by an external reviewer to be credible, impactful and aligned with international standards. The framework and external reviewer’s report can be readily found on the Ministry of Finance (MOF)'s website. The strong investor demand received during the inaugural Singapore sovereign green bond issuance also affirmed the market’s confidence in our framework and the green credentials of our projects, including the Cross Island Line. To provide transparency to investors and the public, the Government will publish annual reports on the allocation and impact of the green bonds, in accordance with the framework.