The green transformation and the real estate sector

Upon the signing of the Recovery and Resilience Plan (2021) "Cyprus Tomorrow", the country's authorities have committed, amongst other things, to contribute in achieving the goal of zero carbon dioxide emissions by 2050. After all, this is included in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (Goal 13 for Climate Change). A key requirement for the achievement of Goal 13 is, amongst others, the financing of the so-called "green transition", “green transformation” and "green economy".

The important role of banks in succeeding in green economy

The Cyprus Securities and Exchange Commission (CySEC), the Ministry of Energy, Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Finance, encourage organizations operating in the financial services sector and especially financial institutions, to contribute to the acceleration of the transition to a clean, zero-emissions green economy. They are also encouraged to ensure that this transition is smooth for market participants. For banking and financing institution the granting of "green loans" is part of the bigger effort to facilitate and support a "green" economy which will cover the Environmental Social Governance (ESG) tripartite for sustainable economic activity.

Climate change occupies a prominent position on political agendas, hence the numerical, qualitative and more strict quantitative criteria separate and increase the so-called "green loans" as well as loans related to “Sustainability” in a broader sense. The effort of the borrowers on the one hand and the financiers on the other to improve their environmental footprint is currently becoming more evident.

"Green" or sustainability loans?

It is important to point out that there is an essential differentiation between "green loans" as such and loans related to only embracing the notion og Sustainability. "Green loans" are those related to the implementation of environmentally friendly projects. They can, for example, be channeled to create "green buildings". Loans linked to Sustainability do not have to be used per se for a "green" purpose. The later type of loans, however, provide certain incentives to the borrower (for example, likely a lower interest rate or repayment margin may be offered on the basis of very specific term conditions) to improve its performance and operate within a socially sustainable economic activity. Recently, a very large international group secured a loan of €1.5 billion, linked to Sustainability, as the margin is linked to its progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its operations and the use of its products by its customers.

Standards as a protective shield against Greenwashing

The term “Greenwashing” is hard blended in Green Transformation and SDGs. It has been adopted to point the finger at scams which, due to the increased demand for "green loans", began to appear more and more frequently on the market. For example, a loan is presented as "green", when in fact it is no different from conventional loans. In view of this risk governments and regulatory authorities are trying to ensure the smooth functioning of markets, based on certain standards and structures. Financial, banking and capital markets, unified,  have responded by publishing a set of updated and/or new standards for green as well as sustainability-related loans, e.g. in working groups the international Loan Market Association (LMA) is participating. Hence the “Green Loan Principles”, primarily, published in December 2018 and the “Sustainability Linked Loan Principles” published in March 2019, provide a framework that ensures consistent standards are applied in the market when promoting these types of loans.

The facts and prospects in real estate

The real estate sector can play an important role in Cyprus' path to a sustainable, energy-efficient economy as it represents approximately 40% of the country's total carbon emissions. As we noted before, "green loans" can be channeled into the financing of projects (Project Finance), which include "green buildings" or "facilities" that meet national, regional or internationally recognized standards or certifications.

Access to finance is an issue that all small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) face during their development. The State collaborates with the EU to make available most of the tools developed with the support of national but mainly European resources. In this context, in principle, the participation of national financial intermediaries, such as banks, other financial institutions and funds depending on the type of tool (e.g. loan, guarantee, share capital), is required. By extension, when a political decision is taken to create a financial mechanism, its design is followed by an invitation from the Competent Authority, at national or European level. Essentially, it's addressed to financial institutions that are interested in participating in the implementation of the mechanism, usually with their own involvement and sharing of the financing risk. For example, currently are taking place various programs of energy upgrading of buildings, installation of photovoltaic systems, etc.

Financial tools have been adopted and are available with special terms from Banks or other financial organizations or financial institutions, as well as through the various programs and funds of the European Union, with the participation of Competent Authorities, for the granting directly or indirectly national resources as maybe supported by European funds.

Lawyer, Banking, Corporate Commercial & Financial Services, LL.B(Hons), LL.M(UCL), LPC, CISL, University of Cambridge.