Ahold Delhaize Fully Allocates First Green Bond to Climate-Reducing Projects

Ahold Delhaize Fully Allocates First Green Bond to Climate-Reducing Projects

(IN BRIEF) Ahold Delhaize has announced the full allocation of proceeds from its inaugural Green Bond to investments in Green Projects aimed at reducing the company’s greenhouse gas emissions and climate impact. The €500 million raised last year has been dedicated to initiatives such as constructing energy-efficient buildings, implementing renewable energy solutions like solar panels and heat pump systems, and transitioning to lower Global Warming Potential refrigerants. With a focus on sustainability, Ahold Delhaize’s Green Bond aligns with its Healthy & Sustainable strategy and reflects its commitment to sustainable finance. The subsequent Green Bond Allocation and Impact Report, along with a second-party opinion from Sustainalytics, underscores the company’s transparency and accountability in its environmental initiatives.

(PRESS RELEASE) ZAANDAM, 26-Apr-2024 — /EuropaWire/ — Ahold Delhaize today announces that it has allocated the full proceeds of the company’s first Green Bond to investments in Green Projects that further reduce the company’s Greenhouse Gas emissions and climate impact.

Ahold Delhaize raised €500 million in April last year by issuing a Green Bond under its updated Green Finance Framework. We allocated the largest portion of the proceeds to the Green Buildings and Energy Efficiency categories. Throughout 2022 and 2023, our bond proceeds have allowed to add 6 distribution centers and 51 stores to our building portfolio with EPC Label A. For example, Albert Heijn’s newest, state-of-the-art Home Shop Center has a fully gas-free infrastructure, more than 5,400 solar panels and energy efficient solutions.

We are implementing energy efficiency measures across all our local brands. Examples of earmarked projects include the installation of heat pump systems, LED lighting and energy efficient doors on refrigerated cases in our stores and distribution centers, and the replacement of refrigerants with lower Global Warming Potential alternatives.

“Building on the success of our first Sustainability Bond issuance in 2019 and our 2021 Sustainability-Linked Bond issuance, our inaugural Green Bond reinforced our commitment to sustainable finance. It aligns with Ahold Delhaize’s Healthy & Sustainable strategy and funds our climate transition,” said Miguel Silva Gonzalez, Senior Vice President & Treasurer at Ahold Delhaize.

On December 31st, 2023, Ahold Delhaize had a total eligible Green project portfolio of €580 million. We allocated 86% of the portfolio to the €500 million Green Bond proceeds. Out of the portfolio, €198 million, or 34%, refinanced existing projects with expenditures incurred in 2022. Additionally, €383 million, or 66% of the portfolio, were used to finance new projects with expenditures incurred in 2023.

Sustainalytics, an independent provider of ESG research and ratings, delivered a second-party opinion on the Framework. The bonds carry a coupon of 3.50% and mature on April 4th, 2028. The subsequent Green Bond Allocation and Impact Report, and the second-party opinion, are available for viewing on Ahold Delhaize’s website. KPMG Accountants N.V. provided Limited Assurance on the Allocation Report.

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SOURCE: Ahold Delhaize