In the rapidly evolving world of finance, one term has been generating significant interest among investors, policymakers, and environmentalists alike: Green Sukuk. Green Sukuk represents a powerful tool for addressing global environmental challenges while adhering to Shariah-compliant financial structures.
As the demand for ethical and green investments continues to surge, understanding Green Sukuk is essential for both seasoned investors and novices alike.
This article delves into the definition, evolution, and comprehensive overview of this innovative financial instrument and its transformative impact on the world of sustainable finance.
Whether you are deeply rooted in Islamic finance or are simply curious about alternative financing for environmental projects, this exploration will provide a foundational understanding of a unique nexus between faith-based finance and global sustainability goals.
What is Sukuk?
Sukuk, often called “Islamic bonds,” are financial instruments that provide an alternative to conventional interest-based bonds. Rooted in Islamic finance principles, Sukuk represents an undivided share in the ownership of tangible assets or a specific investment project, with returns derived from the profits or rental income of the underlying assets rather than interest, ensuring compliance with Shariah law which prohibits usury (riba).
The Sukuk structure ensures that both the issuer and the investor share risks and rewards tied to the asset’s performance, emphasizing a participatory approach to finance.
While conventional bonds represent a debt obligation, Sukuk, on the other hand, represents asset-based or asset-backed securities. This distinction ensures that Sukuk holders have a direct interest in the underlying assets and their associated cash flows.
Over the years, Sukuk has gained immense popularity not only in Muslim-majority countries but also on the global stage, providing a vital tool for infrastructure financing, corporate funding, and sovereign debt issuance, all while adhering to ethical and faith-based principles.
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Important Article: How to Value a Basic Fixed Cash flow Sukuk?
What is Green Sukuk?
Green Sukuk is a type of Sukuk, often called “Islamic green bonds,” specifically designed to finance environmentally sustainable projects in compliance with Shariah law. Like traditional Sukuk, Green Sukuk represents an undivided share in the ownership of tangible assets or a particular investment venture.
However, the funds raised through Green Sukuk are exclusively channeled towards projects that have positive environmental benefits, such as renewable energy installations, green buildings, sustainable transport, and other initiatives aimed at addressing climate change and promoting sustainable development.
Green Sukuk provides a unique financing avenue by merging Islamic finance principles with environmental sustainability goals. This innovative financial instrument caters to the growing demand for ethical and sustainable investments, enabling investors to contribute to global environmental solutions while ensuring their investments remain Shariah-compliant.
Read Also: 3 Reasons Why Islamic Finance is Aligned with ESG Investing
Green Sukuk and Working Party (GSWP)
Spearheaded by eminent organizations such as the Clean Energy Business Council (MENA), the Climate Bonds Initiative, and the Gulf Bond and Sukuk Association (GBSA), the Green Sukuk and Working Party (GSWP) stands as a testament to collaborative efforts in sustainable finance. GSWP assembles a diverse group of specialists spanning various sectors, including project development, environmental standards, capital markets, actuarial compliance, and Islamic finance.
The mission of GSWP is multi-faceted:
- Architectural Design: At its core, GSWP aims to design a robust Green Sukuk framework. This ensures that issuers present products that not only resonate with investor interests but also strictly adhere to both Shariah law and ethical environmental standards.
- Awareness and Promotion: Beyond design, GSWP is committed to fostering awareness about Green Sukuk and analogous green Islamic finance products. They target a vast audience, from governments and investors to product originators and other stakeholders, underscoring the significance and potential of Green Sukuk.
- Governmental Engagement: Recognizing the role of administrative bodies, GSWP actively engages with governments and development banks. The purpose is to nurture project development that aligns with Green Sukuk principles and to catalyze the growth of a thriving Green Sukuk marketplace.
- Market Education: To maintain a transparent and efficient market, GSWP emphasizes knowledge dissemination. This is achieved by promoting industry best practices, organizing industry-focused forums, and crafting model templates that can serve as benchmarks in the field.
Eligible assets for Green Sukuk
Green Sukuk emerges as a quintessential financing model to meet the growing appetite for environmentally responsible investments while staying true to Islamic financial principles.
The eligibility of assets for Green Sukuk is meticulously outlined by the Climate Bond Standards certification, a benchmark ensuring that the financed projects are bona fide in combating climate change and supporting a sustainable ecological trajectory.
- Solar Parks:
- These are vast expanses dedicated to harnessing solar energy through arrays of photovoltaic panels. Solar parks are exemplary projects for Green Sukuk financing, given their pivotal role in transitioning towards clean and renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
- Biogas Plants:
- Biogas plants, by converting organic waste into biogas, present a viable solution for both waste management and energy production. The financing of biogas plants through Green Sukuk underscores the aim to foster renewable energy generation while mitigating environmental pollutants.
- Wind Energy:
- Wind farms or turbines generate electricity by harnessing wind energy, a green and inexhaustible resource. Green Sukuk can catalyze the development and expansion of wind energy projects, significantly contributing to a country’s renewable energy portfolio.
- Ambitious Energy Efficiency Projects:
- These encompass a broad spectrum of initiatives to reduce energy consumption and enhance energy utilization efficiency across various sectors. Green Sukuk can fund projects like smart grid technologies, energy-efficient buildings, or industrial energy-saving technologies.
- Renewable Transmission and Infrastructure:
- The transition to renewable energy necessitates robust infrastructure capable of transmitting and distributing clean energy. Green Sukuk may fund the requisite infrastructure, ensuring the seamless integration of renewable resources into the energy grid.
- Electric Vehicles and Infrastructure, Light Rail:
- Green Sukuk can spur the growth of electric vehicle adoption and the requisite charging infrastructure. Similarly, it can fund light rail projects that offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional transportation means, thus reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- Government Green Payments/Subsidies:
- Green Sukuk can also be an instrumental vehicle to finance government-led green payment or subsidy programs. These programs could incentivize the adoption of renewable energy, energy efficiency measures, or other environmental initiatives.
Read Also: 3 Halal Green Stocks that Muslim Investors Want to Know
Malaysia Launches world’s first Green Sukuk
In the quest for sustainable finance, Malaysia has etched a historic mark by launching the world’s first Green Sukuk. This initiative reflects the country’s commitment to pioneering innovative solutions at the crossroads of Islamic finance and environmental sustainability.
With the increasing global urgency to combat climate change and support green projects, Green Sukuk offers a Shariah-compliant financial instrument to fund environmentally beneficial initiatives.
At its core, sukuk gives investors unparalleled assurance regarding the deployment of their funds. Adhering to Shariah principles means that funds acquired through a sukuk issuance are channeled explicitly toward designated assets or projects. In the case of Green Sukuk, investors can be confident that their investments will solely finance green projects like renewable energy, with virtually no risk of fund diversion.
The Global Knowledge and Research Hub, in collaboration with various public and private institutions in Malaysia and beyond, has been at the forefront of sculpting contemporary and comprehensive financial services and markets.
This symbiotic partnership has birthed the green Islamic finance initiative. It promises not just a novel financial product for Malaysia but a groundbreaking instrument with the potential for global applicability and influence. Through the Green Sukuk, Malaysia paves the way for a harmonious blend of faith-based finance and global sustainability ambitions.
The Green Sukuk Revolution in Malaysia: A Timeline of Achievements
Country: Malaysia
Key Institution: Securities Commission Malaysia
With its forward-thinking financial strategies, Malaysia has taken a lead role in green finance. Specifically, the nation has emerged as a trendsetter in the issuance of Green SRI Sukuk, a journey that commenced with the unveiling of the Sustainable & Responsible Investment (SRI) Sukuk framework back in 2014.
A Glimpse into Malaysia’s Green Sukuk Milestones:
- July 2017: Marking a significant leap in Malaysia’s sustainable financing journey, the Securities Commission Malaysia (SC) sanctioned the country’s inaugural green sukuk. This initiative aimed to gather funds to erect expansive solar photovoltaic power facilities in Kudat, Sabah.
- August 2017: Stepping into the limelight, next was Quantum Solar Park Malaysia Sdn Bhd. The company announced a robust green SRI Sukuk, valued at RM1 billion, that would spearhead the creation of the most substantial solar photovoltaic plant project in the whole of Southeast Asia.
- December 2017: Not resting on its laurels, the country saw yet another milestone when PNB Merdeka Ventures Sdn Bhd released an unrated Green SRI Sukuk. This issuance was carried out through a sukuk program with a ceiling of RM2 billion, which was designated for the construction of the iconic Merdeka Tower. Worth noting is that this sukuk program proudly holds the distinction of being the inaugural adopter of the ASEAN Green Bond Standards.
- January 2018: The momentum persisted into the new year with Sinar Kamiri Sdn Bhd taking the stage. They embarked on the issuance of a Green SRI Sukuk valued at up to RM245 million. The goal? To amass funds for a solar photovoltaic facility boasting a capacity of 49 MW.
- April 2018: UiTM Solar Power Sdn Bhd further propelled Malaysia’s green finance aspirations by issuing a Green SRI Sukuk, capped at RM240 million. The funding acquired was earmarked for the establishment and management of a utility solar power plant with a commendable capacity of 50 MW.
Related: The Best International Islamic Finance Centre in Malaysia
Green Sukuk FAQs
1. How does Green Sukuk differ from traditional Sukuk?
Green Sukuk is a type of Sukuk specifically designed to finance environmentally sustainable projects. While traditional Sukuk can finance any Shariah-compliant venture, Green Sukuk focuses solely on projects that combat climate change or support environmental sustainability.
2. Why is Green Sukuk important?
Green Sukuk combines the ethical principles of Islamic finance with the need for environmentally responsible investments. It offers a way to raise funds for green projects in a Shariah-compliant manner, appealing to both Islamic and environmentally-conscious investors.
3. Who can issue Green Sukuk?
Various entities, including governments, financial institutions, and corporations that have environmentally beneficial projects and can meet the requirements for Shariah-compliant financing, can issue Green Sukuk.
4. How do investors know that the funds raised through Green Sukuk are used for green projects?
The Climate Bond Standards certification and similar frameworks ensure that the funds raised through Green Sukuk are channeled exclusively toward eligible green projects. The unique structure of Sukuk, which ties funds to specific assets or ventures, further assures investors of the appropriate use of their investments.
5. Are Green Sukuk only for Muslim investors?
No. While Green Sukuk is structured to be Shariah-compliant, it is not exclusive to Muslim investors. Environmentally-conscious investors from any background might find Green Sukuk appealing due to its dual focus on sustainability and ethical financing.
6. How is the return on Green Sukuk determined?
Like traditional Sukuk, the return on Green Sukuk is derived from the profits of the underlying asset or venture. It does not involve interest (or “riba”), which Islamic finance prohibits.
7. Where has Green Sukuk been issued?
While Malaysia has pioneered Green Sukuk, its appeal and framework have found resonance in other countries, both within and outside the traditional Islamic finance regions.
8. What types of projects can be financed using Green Sukuk?
Projects such as renewable energy facilities (solar parks, wind farms), biogas plants, energy-efficient infrastructures, and green transportation initiatives (like electric vehicle charging stations) are common beneficiaries of Green Sukuk funds.
9. Is Green Sukuk the same as Green Bonds?
While both Green Sukuk and Green Bonds are designed to finance environmentally sustainable projects, the primary difference lies in their structures. Green Sukuk is structured to be Shariah-compliant, representing ownership in an underlying asset or venture, whereas Green Bonds are conventional debt instruments.
In Summary
Green Sukuk showcases a promising union of ethical investing and environmental consciousness. Sukuk, a testament to the versatility of Islamic finance, has adapted to the urgent call for environmental preservation through its green variant.
The diverse range of assets eligible for Green Sukuk financing underscores its vast potential to reshape our environmental landscape. From solar parks to efficient transportation solutions, the Green Sukuk promises to be the bridge that connects ambitious green projects to the funds they require.
With Malaysia’s landmark issuance and the robust framework it has put in place, we are witnessing just the beginning of what might become a global phenomenon in green finance. As more countries and investors explore and understand the benefits and intricacies of Green Sukuk, the possibilities for its growth are boundless.
Green Sukuk isn’t merely a financial product; it represents hope for a sustainable future, bridging traditional Islamic values and contemporary ecological needs. It calls for investors worldwide to recognize the potential of merging ethical financing with impactful, green ventures. As the narrative around global sustainability evolves, Green Sukuk is poised to play an increasingly significant role, guiding economies towards a greener horizon.
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