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The Climate Bonds Initiative (CBI) has established a methodology for its Social and Sustainability Bond Dataset (SSBD) to ensure the credibility of social and sustainability bonds. The framework requires that 100% of net proceeds be used for social or environmental projects, with at least 90% meeting specific screening criteria. Bonds are classified as 'aligned', 'non-aligned', or 'pending' based on their use of proceeds (UoP), disclosure transparency, and adherence to minimum safeguards. The methodology integrates ICMA principles and UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to categorize projects across sectors such as education, healthcare, and renewable energy, while explicitly excluding fossil fuels and weapons.

The Climate Bonds Initiative's methodology for the Social and Sustainability Bond Dataset (SSBD) establishes a rigorous screening process to identify credible social and sustainability bonds. To be included, instruments must be self-labelled debt, provide adequate public disclosure, and allocate 100% of net proceeds to social or environmental projects, with at least 90% meeting specific eligibility criteria. The framework emphasizes ex-ante impact confirmation for target populations and employs a strict list of absolute exclusions, including fossil fuel exploration and weapons production. Bonds are classified as aligned, non-aligned, or pending based on their adherence to these standards, with a two-year lookback period used for complex assessments.

The Green Bond Dataset (GBD) methodology establishes a science-based framework for screening self-labelled green debt instruments. To be included in the 'Aligned' list, a debt instrument must be self-labelled, have adequate public disclosure, and allocate 100% of net proceeds to green assets, with at least 90% meeting specific eligibility criteria. The methodology employs a three-step screening process: identification and pre-requisite checks, screening of green credentials against sector-specific definitions, and evaluation of the use of proceeds (UoP) threshold. Absolute exclusions apply to fossil fuel exploration, production, refining, and fossil fuel-based heat, cool, and electricity generation, regardless of the percentage of proceeds. The GBD allows for a 'margin of flexibility' of up to 10% for assets where alignment is uncertain or metrics are unavailable, and utilizes a two-year lookback period for complex expenditure assessments. While external reviews are recommended, they are not mandatory for GBD inclusion if equivalent information is disclosed. The document also distinguishes the GBD from the Climate Bonds Standard Certification scheme, noting that GBD inclusion is based on post-issuance screening of public data, whereas Certification is a voluntary pre-issuance application process.