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 2016, 51 transactions, namely 39 project finance transactions, 8 project-related corporate loans and 4 project finance advisory mandates falling within the scope of the Equator Principles, were signed.

These data are certified by our external auditor (EY).

The Societe Generale’s 2016 EP Reporting Table (see after) shows the detailed distribution of the financial products and services signed in 2016 which fall in the EP scope. The breakdown follows the guidelines developed by the EP Association.

In 2016, 35% of the transactions signed were category A, 41% category B, 24% category C. Most of the projects were located in the Americas and Europe. 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 more than 90% of the financed Projects.

Moreover, for the 18 category A and B transactions associated to 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 47 financing transactions (i.e. Project Finance transactions and Project-Related Corporate Loans) signed in 2016, Societe Generale’s allocation represents a total of EUR 3.3 billion, of which EUR 782 million were allocated to renewable power Projects, i.e. 24% of total Bank EP commitments this year (an increase of 3% as compared to 2015).