A2A has signed a 3-year, 410 million Euro Sustainability-Linked Revolving Credit Facility, linked to the achievement of three targets in the areas of Social and Governance. The Group's business strategy entails both a commitment to net zero by 2040 and a focus on the social factor, in line with the scope of the Just Transition Declaration.
The margin of the new credit facility is, in fact, linked to strategic targets in the field of social and governance which A2A has defined in the update of its 2021-2030 Business Plan in January 2022.
The first goal is related to the health and safety topics, specifically to the reduction of the accident frequency index; the second one refers to Sustainable Procurement policies, particularly to the increase in percentage of the order to suppliers evaluated with ESG indicator; finally, the third goal concerns the gender equality and is based on the reduction of salary gap between men and women (Gender Pay Gap).
The facility envisages a margin adjustment mechanism both if A2A reaches the set targets (step down) as well as in case the Group fails to reach those targets (step up).
Savings stemming from the achievement of the targets, or the potential penalty caused by the nonachievement will be donated to the community: such amount will be granted to Banco dell'energia Non-Profit Organisation, a charity body promoted by A2A and AEM, ASM, and LGH Foundations, set up with the aim of supporting those who find themselves in situations of economic and social fragility, with particular attention to energy poverty. This donation will not replace and will be on top A2A's usual financial support provided to Banco dell’energia.
"Just Transition to a net zero world implies the need to integrate social aspects such as employment, dignified and safe work, and the protection of communities and territories in which we operate into strategic business decisions, with the final goal of leaving no one behind" commented Mauro Ghilardi, A2A Head of People and Transformation.
Banco dell’energia contributes to improving the quality of life of people in need through the distribution of essential goods and the payment of urgent expenses, such as the bills of any energy operator. The Banco also offers paths of social and labor reintegration together with educational courses on the conscious use of energy and its saving.
CaixaBank acted as “Lead ESG Coordinator” in this transaction, BBVA, BNP Paribas, Crédit Agricole CIB, and Santander CIB acted as “ESG Coordinators”, and Banca Nazionale del Lavoro as Facility Agent. The new facility has been underwritten by 6 leading global financial institutions: BBVA, BNP Paribas, CaixaBank, Crédit Agricole CIB, and Santander CIB (in the joint role of “Mandated Lead Arrangers” and “Bookrunners”), and Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE.
A2A was assisted by the law firm Orrick.
