Equator principles reporting

In 2015, the EP Association introduced new reporting obligations in order to improve transparency on transactions financed by members of the association. As a consequence, each EPFI shall report, at least annually, on transactions that were subject to the Equator Principles and have reached Financial Close and on its Equator Principles implementation processes and experience.

In 2017, 47 transactions, namely 27 project finance
transactions, 5 project-related corporate loans and 15 project
finance advisory mandates falling within the scope of the
Equator Principles, were signed. Among these transactions,
40% are related to renewable power projects (an increase of
5pt as compared to 2016).
These data are certified by our external auditor (EY).
The Societe Generale’s 2017 EP Reporting Table (see after)
shows the detailed distribution of the financial products
and services signed in 2017 which fall in the EP scope.
The breakdown follows the guidelines developed by the EP
Association.
In 2017, 32% of the transactions signed were category A, 47%
category B, 21% category C. Most of the underlying projects
are located in Europe and in the Asia Pacific regions. For each
transaction, the E&S Due Diligence process conducted by
Societe Generale was commensurate with the nature, scale
and stage of the Project, and with the level of environmental
and social risks and impacts. The internal E&S Due Diligence
was supported by an Independent E&S Review for all the
financed Projects categorised A or B.
Moreover, for the 9 category A and B transactions associated
with Projects located in non-designated countries, the
application of the EPs implies a development of the underlying
Projects in alignment with the IFC Performance Standards and
World Bank EHS Guidelines, in addition to compliance with
local E&S laws, regulations and standards.
For the 32 financing transactions (i.e. Project Finance
transactions and Project-Related Corporate Loans) signed in
2017, Societe Generale’s allocation represents a total of EUR
3 billion, of which EUR 522 million were allocated to renewable
power Projects, i.e. 78% of total Power Bank EP commitments
this year (an increase of 21pt as compared to 2016).
Among these, Societe Generale successfully backed the 250
MW Ras Ghareb wind farm project(1), the largest wind farm
to be launched in the country to date, sitting at the core of
Egypt’s strategy to diversify away from fossil fuels, increase
consumer access to affordable electricity and ensure a longterm,
independent energy supply.