Kommunalkredit Austria AG: Best ESG Infrastructure Finance Europe 2021

Kommunalkredit Austria AG invests in infrastructure to create added value for society and low-risk returns for shareholders. Kommunalkredit is a sustainability pioneer with a long list of firsts. In 1997, the bank became the first European financial services provider to adopt EU Eco-Management and Audit Scheme guidelines. In 2017, Kommunalkredit issued Austria’s first social bond and, within three years, became the first financial services provider in Austria to join the European Clean Hydrogen Alliance. The bank has built an investment portfolio that spans borders and industries — with a strong ESG strategy uniting it all. It targets sustainable infrastructure projects that improve quality of life, spur socio-economic development and support climate action. Its main investment areas are energy and environment, communication and digitalisation, traffic and transportation social infrastructure and natural resources — a portfolio that covers 12 of the United Nations’ 17 SDGs. Kommunalkredit positions itself as the bridge between project developers, operators and investors. It tailors financing solutions under an “originate and collaborate” approach to connect sustainable infrastructure players with institutional investors. Kommunalkredit’s infrastructure debt fund, Fidelio, outperformed its target of €150m, with a third and final close in late February 2020 totalling over €350m. The fund is already fully invested, including four investments into renewable energy and digital infrastructure projects within the first half of 2021. The CFI.co judging panel recognises the steadfast momentum of Kommunalkredit Austria AG, a repeat programme winner, with the 2021 award Best ESG Infrastructure Finance (Europe).