The Indian real estate sector is embracing sustainability-linked bonds (SLBs) as a novel financing tool to fund sustainable projects and align with the country’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions. SLBs, which offer lower borrowing costs for issuers that demonstrate strong environmental, social, and governance (ESG) performance, are becoming increasingly attractive to developers and real estate investment trusts (REITs).
Unlike traditional green bonds, which are linked to specific sustainable projects, SLBs are tied to the issuer’s broader sustainability goals. This incentivizes developers and real estate firms to adopt sustainable practices such as energy-efficient construction, eco-friendly materials, and carbon reduction. Leading Indian developers are exploring SLBs to finance green buildings that meet international sustainability standards like LEED and IGBC. These projects not only contribute to sustainability goals but also attract premium buyers and tenants who value eco-friendly features. The coupon on SLBs is typically fixed but can decrease gradually based on the issuer’s achievement of specific sustainability targets, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This mechanism rewards issuers for strong ESG performance and lowers their borrowing costs.
Last week, Lake Shore, an ADIA-backed institutional investor, successfully raised over ‘1,200 crore through a sustainability-linked loan from HSBC Commercial Banking for its retail property Viviana Mall in Thane. Issuing SLBs offers several benefits to real estate firms. By linking bonds to sustainability targets, developers can access cheaper capital as investors are willing to accept lower returns for strong ESG performance. This reduces debt costs and attracts institutional investors focused on ESG factors, expanding the developer’s investor pool. However, issuing SLBs also presents challenges. Developers must set credible, measurable sustainability targets and demonstrate transparency in their sustainability progress.
Failing to meet these targets can result in higher borrowing costs through a penalty structure. For Indian developers, especially smaller ones, aligning their operations with ambitious sustainability goals may require significant effort and investment. The outlook for SLBs in the Indian real estate sector is positive. As sustainability becomes a central focus for regulators and investors, SLBs are expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of the industry. Developers who adopt sustainable practices can not only benefit from cheaper financing but also position themselves to meet the rising demand for green buildings, aligning India’s real estate sector with broader environmental goals.