ACU shows committment to sustainable future

ACU's Daniel Mannix Building has a maximum 6 Star Green Star rating.

ACU demonstrated its commitment to a sustainable future earlier this week by securing $200 million in investor funds earmarked for projects that deliver positive social and environmental outcomes.

Australian Catholic University (ACU) demonstrated its commitment to a sustainable future today by securing $200 million in investor funds earmarked for projects that deliver positive social and environmental outcomes.

ACU raised the funds through the sale of Sustainability Bonds to some of Australasia’s biggest institutional investors.

ACU will commit the funds raised towards financing and refinancing the University’s teaching and research expenditures in areas including education and healthcare and green property projects which are in alignment with the International Capital Market Association’s Sustainability Bond Guidelines (2017).

The ACU Sustainability Bonds are the first Sustainability Bonds issued in Australia. These Sustainability Bonds benefit from a second party opinion from Sustainalytics and financial assurance provided by KPMG.

Investors will receive coupon payments equivalent to 3.7 per cent semi-annually for a period of 10 years.

ACU Chief Financial Officer Scott Jenkins said issuing the bonds gave investors an opportunity to help the University realise its commitment to a sustainable future.

“ACU is committed to taking the necessary steps to secure a future for the University and the community that is financially, socially and environmentally sustainable,” Mr Jenkins said.

“These funds will help to reduce the University’s environmental footprint through investments in campus buildings that are Green Building Council of Australia 5- and 6-star Green Star rated.

“They will also support our teaching and research activities geared towards improving and enriching the lives of Australians and people around the world.”