Summary
The document outlines a four-step process for issuing green bonds in China: identifying eligible green projects, arranging independent reviews, establishing tracking and reporting procedures, and executing the bond issuance. It emphasizes that green bonds are defined by the 'green designated use' of funds rather than the overall nature of the issuing company. The guide highlights the potential for 're-labeling' existing Chinese government debt—estimated at $164 billion used for green assets—as green bonds if verification procedures are implemented. It also provides international examples from the European Investment Bank, EDF, and the City of Gothenburg to illustrate best practices in certification and transparency.
Key insights
- The primary characteristic of a green bond is the 'green designated use' of funds, meaning capital must be allocated to green projects or assets regardless of whether the issuing company itself is 'green'. Funds can be used for existing assets, such as operational solar plants, or future capital investments provided they are fully allocated within two years.
- There is a significant opportunity in China to re-label existing debt as green bonds; approximately $164 billion in outstanding government debt is currently used for green assets. These assets are primarily invested in railways, followed by renewable energy, with solar projects being a dominant component of clean energy bonds.
Cite the original document
- APA
- International Institute for Sustainable Development (n.d.). 如何在中国发行绿色债券. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/how-to-issue-green-bond-china-ch.pdf
- Chicago
- International Institute for Sustainable Development. 如何在中国发行绿色债券. n.d. https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/how-to-issue-green-bond-china-ch.pdf.
- Wikipedia
- {{cite report |author=International Institute for Sustainable Development |title=如何在中国发行绿色债券 |url=https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/how-to-issue-green-bond-china-ch.pdf |access-date=17 August 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}
- BibTeX
- @techreport{internationalinstituteforsustainabledevelopmentnd, author = {{International Institute for Sustainable Development}}, title = {{如何在中国发行绿色债券}}, institution = {International Institute for Sustainable Development}, url = {https://www.iisd.org/system/files/publications/how-to-issue-green-bond-china-ch.pdf}, urldate = {2026-08-17}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }
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