EQUATOR PRINCIPLES

EP4
JULY 2020

EQUATOR
PRINCIPLES
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THE EQUATOR PRINCIPLES

JULY 2020

A financial industry benchmark for determining, assessing

and managing environmental and social risk in projects
www.equator-principles.com

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CONTENTS

PREAMBLE ................................................................................................................................... 3

SCOPE.......................................................................................................................................... 5

APPROACH .................................................................................................................................. 6

STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES .......................................................................................................... 8

Principle 1: Review and Categorisation .............................................................................................. 8

Principle 2: Environmental and Social Assessment ............................................................................ 8

Principle 3: Applicable Environmental and Social Standards............................................................ 10

Principle 4: Environmental and Social Management System and Equator Principles Action Plan ... 11

Principle 5: Stakeholder Engagement ............................................................................................... 11

Principle 6: Grievance Mechanism.................................................................................................... 13

Principle 7: Independent Review ...................................................................................................... 13

Principle 8: Covenants ...................................................................................................................... 14

Principle 9: Independent Monitoring and Reporting ........................................................................ 15

Principle 10: Reporting and Transparency ........................................................................................ 15

DISCLAIMER ............................................................................................................................... 17

ANNEXES: IMPLEMENTATION REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................... 18

Annex A - Climate Change: Alternatives Analysis, Quantification and Reporting of Greenhouse

Gas Emissions .................................................................................................................................... 18

Annex B - Minimum Reporting Requirements .................................................................................. 20

EXHIBITS: SUPPORTING INFORMATION ...................................................................................... 23

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Exhibit I: Glossary of Terms............................................................................................................... 23

Exhibit II: Illustrative List of Potential Environmental and Social Issues to be Addressed in the
Environmental and Social Assessment Documentation ................................................................... 32

Exhibit III: IFC Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability and the World
Bank Group Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines .............................................................. 34

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PREAMBLE

Large infrastructure and industrial Projects can have adverse impacts on people and on the
environment. As financiers and advisors, we work in partnership with our clients to identify,
assess and manage environmental and social risks and impacts in a structured way, and on an
ongoing basis. Such collaboration promotes sustainable environmental and social
performance and can lead to improved financial, environmental and social outcomes. Where
appropriate, we, the Equator Principles Financial Institutions (EPFIs), will encourage our
clients to address potential or actual adverse risks and impacts identified during the Project
Development Lifecycle.

We, the EPFIs, have adopted the Equator Principles in order to ensure that the Projects we
finance and advise on are developed in a manner that is socially responsible and reflects
sound environmental management practices. EPFIs acknowledge that the application of the
Equator Principles can contribute to delivering on the objectives and outcomes of the United
Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, we believe that negative impacts
on Project-affected ecosystems, communities, and the climate should be avoided where
possible. If these impacts are unavoidable they should be minimised and mitigated, and
where residual impacts remain, clients should provide remedy for human rights impacts or
offset environmental impacts as appropriate. In this regard, when financing Projects:

• we will fulfill our responsibility to respect Human Rights in line with the United Nations
Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs) by carrying out human
rights due diligence;
• we support the objectives of the 2015 Paris Agreement and recognise that EPFIs have
a role to play in improving the availability of climate-related information, such as the
Recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD)
when assessing the potential transition and physical risks of Projects financed under
the Equator Principles; and
• we support conservation including the aim of enhancing the evidence base for
research and decisions relating to biodiversity.

The Equator Principles are intended to serve as a common baseline and framework for
financial institutions to identify, assess and manage environmental and social risks when
financing Projects. We commit to implementing the Equator Principles through our internal
environmental and social policies, procedures and standards for financing Projects. We will
not provide Project Finance, Project-Related Corporate Loans to Projects or Project-Related
Refinance and Project-Related Acquisition Finance to Projects which do not comply with the

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relevant Equator Principles requirements. As Bridge Loans and Project Finance Advisory
Services are provided earlier in the Project timeline, we will request that the client
communicates its intention to adhere to the requirements of the Equator Principles when
subsequently seeking long term financing. EPFIs also acknowledge that we have broader
responsibilities for identifying and managing adverse environmental and social risks and
impacts, and respecting Human Rights, for financial products that fall outside of the Scope of
the Equator Principles and which are managed through EPFIs’ corporate environmental and
social risk policies, procedures and standards. EPFIs, at their own discretion, may utilise the
Equator Principles framework for financial products that fall outside of the Scope of the
Equator Principles.

EPFIs will review and update the Equator Principles on a periodic basis based on
implementation experience and in order to reflect ongoing learning and emerging good
practice.

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SCOPE

The Equator Principles apply globally and to all industry sectors.

The Equator Principles apply to the financial products1 described below when supporting a
new Project:

1. Project Finance Advisory Services where total Project capital costs are US$10 million or
more.

2. Project Finance with total Project capital costs of US$10 million or more.

3. Project-Related Corporate Loans where all of the following three criteria are met:

i. The majority of the loan is related to a Project over which the client has Effective
Operational Control (either direct or indirect).
ii. The total aggregate loan amount and the EPFI’s individual commitment (before
syndication or sell down) are each at least US$50 million.
iii. The loan tenor is at least two years.

4. Bridge Loans with a tenor of less than two years that are intended to be refinanced by
Project Finance or a Project-Related Corporate Loan that is anticipated to meet the
relevant criteria described in 2 and 3 above.

5. Project-Related Refinance and Project-Related Acquisition Finance, where all of the

following three criteria are met:
i. The underlying Project was financed in accordance with the Equator Principles
framework.
ii. There has been no material change in the scale or scope of the Project.
iii. Project Completion has not yet occurred at the time of the signing of the facility or
loan agreement.

While the Equator Principles are not intended to be applied retroactively, the EPFI will apply
the Principles to the financing of expansions or upgrades of an existing Project.

1
Please refer to Exhibit I (Glossary of Terms) for a definition of the five financial products described herein.

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APPROACH

Project Finance and Project-Related Corporate Loans

The EPFI will only provide Project Finance and Project-Related Corporate Loans to Projects
that meet the relevant requirements of Principles 1-10.

Project-Related Refinance and Project-Related Acquisition Finance

The EPFI will continue to apply relevant Equator Principles requirements to the underlying
Project by taking reasonable measures to ensure that all relevant existing environmental and
social obligations continue to be included in new financing documentation.

Project Finance Advisory Services and Bridge Loans

Where the EPFI is providing Project Finance Advisory Services or a Bridge Loan, the EPFI will
make the client aware of the content, application and benefits of applying the Equator
Principles to the anticipated Project. The EPFI will request that the client confirms its intention
to adhere to the requirements of the Equator Principles when subsequently seeking long term
financing. The EPFI will guide and support the client through the steps required to apply the
Equator Principles.

For Bridge Loans categorised A or B (as defined in Principle 1) the following requirements
apply:

• Where the Project is in the feasibility phase and no impacts are expected during the
tenor of the loan, the EPFI will require that the client confirm that it will undertake
an Environmental and Social Assessment (Assessment) process.

• Where Environmental and Social Assessment Documentation (Assessment

Documentation) has been prepared and Project development is expected to begin
during the tenor of the loan, the EPFI will, where appropriate, work with the client
to identify an Independent Environmental and Social Consultant and develop a scope
of work to commence an Independent Review (as defined in Principle 7).

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Information Sharing

Recognising business confidentiality and applicable laws and regulations, Mandated EPFIs will
share, when appropriate, relevant environmental and social information with other
Mandated Financial Institutions, strictly for the purpose of achieving consistent application of
the Equator Principles. Such information sharing shall not relate to any competitively sensitive
information. Any decision as to whether, and on what terms, to provide financial services (as
defined in the Scope) will be for each EPFI to make independently and in accordance with its
own risk management policies. Timing constraints may lead EPFIs considering a transaction
to seek authorisation from their clients to start such information sharing before all other
financial institutions are formally mandated. EPFIs expect clients to provide such
authorisation.

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STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES

Principle 1: Review and Categorisation

When a Project is proposed for financing, the EPFI will, as part of its internal environmental
and social review and due diligence, categorise the Project based on the magnitude of
potential environmental and social risks and impacts, including those related to Human
Rights, climate change, and biodiversity. Such categorisation is based on the International
Finance Corporation’s (IFC) environmental and social categorisation process. The categories
are:

Category A – Projects with potential significant adverse environmental and social risks and/or
impacts that are diverse, irreversible or unprecedented;

Category B – Projects with potential limited adverse environmental and social risks and/or
impacts that are few in number, generally site-specific, largely reversible and readily
addressed through mitigation measures2; and

Category C – Projects with minimal or no adverse environmental and social risks and/or
impacts.

The EPFI’s environmental and social due diligence is commensurate with the nature, scale and
stage of the Project, and with the categorised level of environmental and social risks and
impacts.

Principle 2: Environmental and Social Assessment

The EPFI will require the client to conduct an appropriate Assessment process to address, to
the EPFI’s satisfaction, the relevant environmental and social risks and scale of impacts of the
proposed Project (which may include the illustrative list of issues found in Exhibit II). The
Assessment Documentation should propose measures to minimise, mitigate, and where
residual impacts remain, to compensate/offset/remedy for risks and impacts to Workers,

2
There can be a range in the scale of potential environmental and social risks and impacts within Projects
classified as Category B. In general terms, higher risk Category B Projects will be treated similarly to Category A
Projects, and lower risk Category B Projects could be treated in a lighter regime. The EPFI shall, at their own
discretion, determine the appropriate level of Assessment Documentation, review, and/or monitoring required
to address these risks and impacts in accordance with Principles 1-10.

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Affected Communities, and the environment, in a manner relevant and appropriate to the
nature and scale of the proposed Project.

The Assessment Documentation will be an adequate, accurate and objective evaluation and
presentation of the environmental and social risks and impacts, whether prepared by the
client, consultants or external experts. For Category A and, as appropriate, Category B
Projects, the Assessment Documentation includes an Environmental and Social Impact
Assessment (ESIA). One or more specialised studies may also need to be undertaken. For
other Category B and potentially C Projects, a limited or focused environmental or social
assessment may be appropriate, applying applicable risk management standards relevant to
the risks or impacts identified during the categorisation process.

The client is expected to include assessments of potential adverse Human Rights impacts and
climate change risks as part of the ESIA or other Assessment, with these included in the
Assessment Documentation. The client should refer to the UNGPs3 when assessing Human
Rights risks and impacts, and the Climate Change Risk Assessment should be aligned with
Climate Physical Risk and Climate Transition Risk categories of the TCFD.

A Climate Change Risk Assessment is required:

• For all Category A and, as appropriate, Category B Projects4, and will include
consideration of relevant physical risks as defined by the TCFD.

• For all Projects, in all locations, when combined Scope 1 and Scope 2 Emissions are
expected to be more than 100,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually. Consideration
must be given to relevant Climate Transition Risks (as defined by the TCFD) and an
alternatives analysis completed which evaluates lower Greenhouse Gas (GHG)
intensive alternatives.

The depth and nature of the Climate Change Risk Assessment will depend on the type of
Project as well as the nature of risks, including their materiality and severity. Refer to Annex
A for an overview of a Climate Change Risk Assessment, including alternatives analysis
requirements.

3
Particularly paragraphs 17 – 21.
4
See Footnote 2.

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Principle 3: Applicable Environmental and Social Standards

The Assessment process should, in the first instance, address compliance with relevant host
country laws, regulations and permits that pertain to environmental and social issues.

EPFIs operate in diverse markets: some with robust environmental and social governance,
legislation systems and institutional capacity designed to protect their people and the
environment; and some with evolving technical and institutional capacity to manage
environmental and social issues.

The EPFI’s due diligence will include, for all Category A and Category B Projects globally,
review and confirmation by the EPFI of how the Project and transaction meet each of the
Principles.

The EPFI will, with supporting advice from the Independent Environmental and Social
Consultant where applicable, evaluate the Project’s compliance with the applicable standards
as follows:

1. For Projects located in Non-Designated Countries, compliance with the applicable IFC
Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability (Performance
Standards) and the World Bank Group Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines (EHS
Guidelines) (Exhibit III).

2. For Projects located in Designated Countries, compliance with relevant host country laws,
regulations and permits that pertain to environmental and social issues.

The review of the Assessment process will establish, to the EPFI’s satisfaction, the Project’s
overall compliance with, or justified deviation from, the applicable standards. The applicable
standards (as described above) represent the minimum standards required by the EPFI. In
addition, for Projects located in Designated Countries, the EPFI5 will evaluate the specific risks
of the Project to determine whether one or more of the IFC Performance Standards could be
used as guidance to address those risks, in addition to host country laws.

The EPFI may, at its sole discretion, undertake additional due diligence against additional
standards relevant to specific risks of the Project and apply additional requirements.

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Supported by the Independent Environmental and Social Consultant, for all Category A and, as appropriate,
Category B Projects.

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Principle 4: Environmental and Social Management System and Equator Principles

Action Plan

For all Category A and Category B Projects6 the EPFI will require the client to develop and / or
maintain an Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS).

Further, an Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) will be prepared by the client
to address issues raised in the Assessment process and incorporate actions required to
comply with the applicable standards. Where the applicable standards are not met to the
EPFI’s satisfaction, the client and the EPFI will agree to an Equator Principles Action Plan
(EPAP). The EPAP is intended to outline gaps and commitments to meet EPFI requirements in
line with the applicable standards.

Principle 5: Stakeholder Engagement

For all Category A and Category B Projects the EPFI will require the client to demonstrate
effective Stakeholder Engagement, as an ongoing process in a structured and culturally
appropriate manner, with Affected Communities, Workers and, where relevant, Other
Stakeholders.

For Projects with potentially significant adverse impacts on Affected Communities, the client
will conduct an Informed Consultation and Participation process. The client will tailor its
consultation process to: the risks and impacts of the Project; the Project’s phase of
development; the language preferences of the Affected Communities; their decision-making
processes; and the needs of disadvantaged and vulnerable groups. This process should be
free from external manipulation, interference, coercion and intimidation.

To facilitate Stakeholder Engagement, the client will, commensurate with the Project’s risks
and impacts, make the appropriate Assessment Documentation readily available to the
Affected Communities, and where relevant Other Stakeholders, in the local language and in a
culturally appropriate manner. The client will take account of, and document, the results of
the Stakeholder Engagement process, including any actions agreed resulting from such
process. Disclosure of environmental or social risks and adverse impacts should occur early in
the Assessment process, in any event before the Project construction commences, and on an
ongoing basis.

6
See Footnote 2.

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EPFIs recognise that Indigenous Peoples may represent vulnerable segments of Project-
Affected Communities. All Projects affecting Indigenous Peoples will be subject to a process
of Informed Consultation and Participation, and will need to comply with the rights and
protections for Indigenous Peoples contained in relevant national law, including those laws
implementing host country obligations under international law. IFC Performance Standard 7
paragraphs 13-17 detail the special circumstances that require the Free, Prior and Informed
Consent (FPIC)7 of affected Indigenous Peoples, which include any of the following:

• Projects with impacts on lands and natural resources subject to traditional

ownership or under the customary use of Indigenous Peoples,

• Projects requiring the relocation of Indigenous Peoples from lands and natural
resources subject to traditional ownership or under customary use,

• Projects with significant impacts on critical cultural heritage essential to the identity
of Indigenous Peoples, or

• Projects using their cultural heritage for commercial purposes.

Globally for Projects that meet these special circumstances, the EPFI will require a qualified
independent consultant8 to evaluate the consultation process with Indigenous Peoples, and
the outcomes of that process, against the requirements of host country laws and IFC
Performance Standard 7.

Where Stakeholder Engagement, including with Indigenous Peoples, is the responsibility of

the host government, EPFIs require the client to collaborate with the responsible government
agency during the planning, implementation and monitoring of activities, to the extent
permitted by the agency, to achieve outcomes that are consistent with IFC Performance
Standard 7.

If a process of good faith negotiations that meets the consultation requirements of IFC
Performance Standard 7 has been followed and documented, but it is not clear if FPIC has

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There is no universally accepted definition of FPIC. Based on good faith negotiation between the client and
affected indigenous communities, FPIC builds on and expands the process of Informed Consultation and
Participation, ensures the meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making, and focuses on
achieving agreement. FPIC does not require unanimity, does not confer veto rights to individuals or sub-groups,
and does not require the client to agree to aspects not under their control. Process elements to achieve FPIC are
found in IFC Performance Standard 7.

8
This may be the Independent Environmental and Social Consultant or could be another qualified independent
consultant including legal advisor.

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been achieved, the EPFI will determine, with supporting advice from the consultant, if this
qualifies as a justified deviation from the requirements of IFC Performance Standard 7, and
whether the client should pursue additional corrective actions to meet IFC Performance
Standard 7’s objectives.

Principle 6: Grievance Mechanism

For all Category A and, as appropriate, Category B Projects, the EPFI will require the client, as
part of the ESMS, to establish effective grievance mechanisms which are designed for use by
Affected Communities and Workers, as appropriate, to receive and facilitate resolution of
concerns and grievances about the Project’s environmental and social performance.

Grievance mechanisms are required to be scaled to the risks and impacts of the Project, and
will seek to resolve concerns promptly, using an understandable and transparent consultative
process that is culturally appropriate, readily accessible, at no cost, and without retribution
to the party that originated the issue or concern. Grievance mechanisms should not impede
access to judicial or administrative remedies. The client will inform Affected Communities and
Workers about the grievance mechanisms in the course of the Stakeholder Engagement
process9.

Principle 7: Independent Review

Project Finance and Project-Related Corporate Loans

For all Category A and, as appropriate, Category B Projects, an Independent Environmental

and Social Consultant, will carry out an Independent Review of the Assessment process
including the ESMPs, the ESMS, and the Stakeholder Engagement process documentation in
order to assist the EPFI’s due diligence and determination of Equator Principles compliance.
The Independent Environmental and Social Consultant will also propose or opine on a suitable
EPAP capable of bringing the Project into compliance with the Equator Principles, or indicate
where there is a justified deviation from the applicable standards. The Independent
Environmental and Social Consultant must be able to demonstrate expertise in evaluating the
types of environmental and social risks and impacts relevant to the Project.

9
Additional guidance for the effectiveness criteria for grievance mechanisms can be found in the UNGPs,
Principles 29 and 31 and related Commentary.

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For Category B projects, any due diligence performed by a multilateral or bilateral financial
institution or an OECD Export Credit Agency may be taken into account to determine whether
an Independent Review is required.

Principle 8: Covenants

An important strength of the Equator Principles is the incorporation of covenants linked to

compliance.

For all Projects, where a client is not in compliance with its environmental and social
covenants, the EPFI will work with the client on remedial actions to bring the Project back into
compliance. If the client fails to re-establish compliance within an agreed grace period, the
EPFI reserves the right to exercise remedies, including calling an event of default, as
considered appropriate.

Project Finance and Project-Related Corporate Loans

The client will covenant in the financing documentation to comply with all relevant host
country environmental and social laws, regulations and permits in all material respects.

Furthermore, for all Category A and Category B Projects, the client will covenant in the
financial documentation:

a) to comply with the ESMPs and EPAP (where applicable) during the construction and
operation of the Project in all material respects; and

b) to provide periodic reports in a format agreed with the EPFI (with the frequency of
these reports proportionate to the severity of impacts, or as required by law, but not
less than annually), prepared by in-house staff or third party experts, that i) document
compliance with the ESMPs and EPAP (where applicable), and ii) provide
representation of compliance with relevant local, state and host country
environmental and social laws, regulations and permits; and

c) to decommission the facilities, where applicable and appropriate, in accordance with

an agreed decommissioning plan.

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Project-Related Refinance and Project-Related Acquisition Finance

EPFIs will take reasonable measures to ensure that all existing environmental and social
obligations continue to be included in the new financing documentation.

Principle 9: Independent Monitoring and Reporting

Project Finance and Project-Related Corporate Loans

For all Category A and, as appropriate, Category B Projects10, in order to assess Project
compliance with the Equator Principles after Financial Close and over the life of the loan, the
EPFI will require independent monitoring and reporting. Monitoring and reporting should be
provided by an Independent Environmental and Social Consultant; alternatively, the EPFI will
require that the client retain qualified and experienced external experts to verify its
monitoring information, which will be shared with the EPFI in accordance with the frequency
required in Principle 8b.

In line with the above, in the specific case of monitoring of Project-Related Corporate Loans
to national, regional or local governments, governmental ministries and agencies, the EPFI
may decide between requiring an Independent Environmental and Social Consultant or
relying on internal monitoring by the EPFI.

Additionally, any monitoring performed by a multilateral or bilateral financial institution or

an OECD Export Credit Agency may be taken into account.

Principle 10: Reporting and Transparency

Client Reporting Requirements

The following client reporting requirements are in addition to the disclosure requirements in
Principle 5.

For all Category A and, as appropriate, Category B Projects:

10
See Footnote 2.

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• The client will ensure that, at a minimum, a summary of the ESIA is accessible and
available online and that it includes a summary of Human Rights and climate change
risks and impacts when relevant 11.

• The client will report publicly, on an annual basis, GHG emission levels (combined
Scope 1 and Scope 2 Emissions, and, if appropriate, the GHG efficiency ratio12) during
the operational phase for Projects emitting over 100,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent
annually. Refer to Annex A for detailed requirements on GHG emissions reporting.

• The EPFI will encourage the client to share commercially non-sensitive Project-specific
biodiversity data with the Global Biodiversity Information Facility13 (GBIF) and relevant
national and global data repositories, using formats and conditions to enable such
data to be accessed and re-used in future decisions and research applications.

EPFI Reporting Requirements

The EPFI will, at least annually, report publicly on transactions that have reached Financial
Close and on its Equator Principles implementation processes and experience. The EPFI will
report according to the minimum reporting requirements detailed in Annex B, taking into
account appropriate confidentiality considerations.

11
Except in Project-Related Refinance and Project-Related Acquisition Finance .
12
As appropriate, organisations should consider providing related, generally accepted industry-specific GHG
efficiency ratios. For industries with high energy consumption, metrics related to emissions intensity are
important to provide. For example, emissions per unit of economic output (e.g., unit of production, number of
employees, or value-added) are widely used (TCFD Implementation Annex, June 2017, p. 17).
13
See www.gbif.org/.

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DISCLAIMER

The Equator Principles is a baseline and framework for developing individual, internal
environmental and social policies, procedures and practices. The Equator Principles do not
create any rights in, or liability to, any person, public or private. Financial institutions adopt
and implement the Equator Principles voluntarily and independently, without reliance on or
recourse to the IFC, the World Bank Group, the Equator Principles Association, or other EPFIs.
In a situation where there would be a clear conflict between applicable laws and regulations
and requirements set out in the Equator Principles including confidentiality obligations, the
laws and regulations of the relevant host country shall prevail. Due to the unprecedented
circumstances caused by the global Covid-19 pandemic, the EP Association granted an
extension to allow EPFIs a 3-month grace period on the transition. All EPFIs must implement
EP4 by 1 October 2020.

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ANNEXES: IMPLEMENTATION REQUIREMENTS

The implementation requirements detailed in these annexes are an integral part of

the Equator Principles.

Annex A: Climate Change: Alternatives Analysis, Quantification and Reporting of

Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Alternatives Analysis

The alternatives analysis requires the evaluation of technically and financially feasible and
cost-effective options available to reduce Project-related GHG emissions during the design,
construction and operation of the Project.

For Scope 1 Emissions, this analysis will endeavour to ascertain the best practicable
environmental option and will include consideration of alternative fuel or energy sources if
applicable. Where an alternatives analysis is required by a regulatory permitting process, the
analysis will follow the methodology and time frame required by the relevant process. For
Projects in high carbon intensity sectors, the alternatives analysis will include comparisons to
other viable technologies, used in the same industry and in the country or region, with the
relative energy efficiency, GHG efficiency ratio4, as appropriate, of the selected technology.

High carbon intensity sectors indicatively include but are not limited to the following: oil and
gas, thermal power, cement and lime manufacturing, integrated steel mills, base metal
smelting and refining, and foundries, pulp mills and potentially agriculture.

Following completion of an alternatives analysis, the client will provide, through appropriate
documentation, evidence of technically and financially feasible and cost-effective options and
justification on why the selected technologies were not selected. This does not modify or
reduce the requirements set out in the applicable standards (e.g. IFC Performance Standard
3).

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Quantification and Reporting

GHG emissions should be calculated in line with the GHG Protocol14 to allow for aggregation
and comparability across Projects, organisations and jurisdictions. Clients may use national
reporting methodologies if they are consistent with the GHG Protocol. The client will quantify
Scope 1 and Scope 2 Emissions.

The EPFI will require the client to report publicly on an annual basis on GHG emission levels
(combined Scope 1 and Scope 2 Emissions) and GHG efficiency ratio, as appropriate, during
the operational phase for Projects emitting over 100,000 tonnes of CO2 equivalent annually.
Clients will be encouraged to report publicly on Projects emitting over 25,000 tonnes. Public
reporting requirements can be satisfied via host country regulatory requirements for
reporting or environmental impact assessments, or voluntary reporting mechanisms such as
the Carbon Disclosure Project, where such reporting includes emissions at Project level.

Where appropriate, EPFIs will encourage clients to publish a summary of the alternatives
analysis as part of the ESIA. In some circumstances, public disclosure of the full alternatives
analysis or Project-level emissions may not be appropriate.

Climate Change Risk Assessment

The Climate Change Risk Assessment should address the following questions at a high level:

• What are the current and anticipated climate risks (transition and/or physical as
defined by the TCFD) of the Project’s operations?

• Does the client have plans, processes, policies and systems in place to manage these
risks? i.e. to mitigate, transfer, accept or control.

This assessment should also consider the Project’s compatibility with the host country’s
national climate commitments, as appropriate.

14
The GHG Protocol is based on a comprehensive globally standardised framework to measure and manage
greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from operations. Available from ghgprotocol.org.

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Annex B - Minimum Reporting Requirements

The EPFI will report annually and as per the requirements detailed in all of the sections below.
The reports will not contain any personal information related to individuals.

Data and Implementation Reporting

Data and implementation reporting is the responsibility of the EPFI. It will be published on the
EPFI’s website, in a single location and in an accessible format.

The EPFI will specify the reporting period (i.e. start and end dates) for all data and
implementation reporting.

Project Finance Advisory Services Data

The EPFI will report on the total number of Project Finance Advisory Services mandated during
the reporting period. The total will be broken down by Sector and Region.

Data for Project Finance Advisory Services will be reported under a separate heading from
Project Finance and Project-Related Corporate Loans. Project Finance Advisory Services data
may exclude the Category and whether an Independent Review has been carried out because
the Project is often at an early stage of development and not all information is available.

Project Finance and Project-Related Corporate Loans Data

The EPFI will report on the total number of Project Finance transactions and total number of
Project-Related Corporate Loans that reached Financial Close during the reporting period.

The totals for each product type will be broken down by Category (A, B or C) and then by:

• Sector (i.e. Mining, Infrastructure, Oil and Gas, Power, Others)

• Region (i.e. Americas, Europe Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific)
• Country Designation (i.e. Designated Country or Non-Designated Country)
• Whether an Independent Review has been carried out

Data for Project Finance transactions and Project-Related Corporate Loans should be shown
separately.

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Project-Related Refinance and Project-Related Acquisition Finance

The EPFI will report on the total numbers of Refinance and Acquisition Finance transactions
that reached Financial Close during the reporting period.

The totals for each product type will be broken down by:
• Sector (i.e. Mining, Infrastructure, Oil and Gas, Power, Others)
• Region (i.e. Americas, Europe Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific)
• Country Designation (i.e. Designated Country or Non-Designated Country)

In the case of Project-Related Refinance or Project-related Acquisition Finance of Project

Finance transactions, the EPFI will follow the Project name reporting for Project Finance
described below.

Bridge Loans Data

Data for Bridge Loans, due to their nature, are not subject to specific reporting requirements.

Implementation Reporting

The EPFI will report on its implementation of the Equator Principles, including:

• The mandate of the Equator Principles Reviewers (e.g. responsibilities and staffing);
• The respective roles of the Equator Principles Reviewers, business lines, and senior
management in the transaction review process;
• The incorporation of the Equator Principles in its credit and risk management policies
and procedures.

For the first year of Equator Principles adoption, the EPFI will provide details of its internal
preparation and staff training. After the first year, the EPFI may provide details on ongoing
training of staff if considered relevant.

Project Name Reporting for Project Finance (including relevant Refinance and Acquisition
Finance)

The EPFI will submit Project name data directly to the Equator Principles Association
Secretariat for publication on the Equator Principles Association website.

21
__________________________________________________________________________________

Project name reporting is required for Project Finance transactions that have reached
Financial Close and encouraged for Project-Related Corporate Loans that have reached
Financial Close,

• subject to obtaining client consent,

• subject to applicable local laws and regulations, and
• subject to no additional liability for the EPFI as a result of reporting in certain identified
jurisdictions.

To promote consistency in project name reporting, EPFIs in a syndicate should coordinate for
the mandated lead arranger or environmental agent to seek client consent on behalf of the
syndicate. If not feasible, each EPFI should independently contact the client for consent at
any time deemed appropriate but no later than Financial Close.

The EPFI will submit the following Project name data directly or via a web link:

• Project name (as per the loan agreement and/or as publicly recognised),
• Calendar year in which the transaction reached Financial Close,
• Sector (i.e. Mining, Infrastructure, Oil and Gas, Power, Others), and
• Host country name.

Individual EPFIs may want to publish the data as part of their individual reporting, but there
is no obligation to do so.

22
__________________________________________________________________________________

EXHIBITS: SUPPORTING INFORMATION

Exhibit I: Glossary of Terms

Unless specified here, the Equator Principles use definitions as set out in the IFC Performance
Standards.

Acquisition Finance is provision of financing for the acquisition of a Project or a Project

company which exclusively owns, or has a majority shareholding in a Project, and over which
the client has Effective Operational Control.

Affected Communities are local communities within the Project's area of influence, directly
affected by the Project.

Assessment (see Environmental and Social Assessment).

Assessment Documentation (see Environmental and Social Assessment Documentation).

Asset Finance is the provision of a loan for the purchase of assets (such as airplanes, cargo
ships, or equipment) in exchange for a security interest in those assets.

Bridge Loan is an interim loan given to a business until the longer term stage of financing can
be obtained.

Buyer Credit is a medium/long term Export Finance credit where the exporter’s bank or other
financial institution lends to the buyer or the buyer’s bank.

Climate Physical Risks are those risks resulting from climate change, which involve event-
drive (acute) or longer-term shifts (chronic) in climate patterns. Acute physical risks refer to
those that are event-driven, including increased severity of extreme weather events such as
cyclones, hurricanes, or floods. Chronic physical risks refer to longer-term shifts in climate
patterns (e.g., sustained higher temperatures) that may cause sea level rise or chronic heat
waves (source: TCFD Recommendations, June 2017).

Climate Transition Risks are risks which can arise from the process of adjusting to a lower-
carbon economy. These include: policy and legal risks, such as policy constraints on emissions,
imposition of carbon tax and other applicable policies, water or land use restrictions or
incentives; shifts in demand and supply due to technology and market changes; reputation
risks reflecting changing customer or community perceptions of an organisation’s impact on

23
__________________________________________________________________________________

the transition to a low carbon and climate-resilient economy (source: TCFD

Recommendations, June 2017).

Critical Habitats are areas with high biodiversity value, including (i) habitat of significant
importance to Critically Endangered and/or Endangered species; (ii) habitat of significant
importance to endemic and/or restricted-range species; (iii) habitat supporting globally
significant concentrations of migratory species and/or congregatory species; (iv) highly
threatened and/or unique ecosystems; and/or (v) areas associated with key evolutionary
processes.

Critically Endangered and/or Endangered Species are the species listed on the International
Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species 15.

Designated Countries are those countries deemed to have robust environmental and social
governance, legislation systems and institutional capacity designed to protect their people
and the natural environment. The Equator Principles Association makes no independent
assessment of each country’s performance in these areas. As a proxy for such an assessment,
the Equator Principles Association requires that a country must be both a member of the
OECD and appear on the World Bank High Income Country list to qualify as a Designated
Country. These data sets are reviewed quarterly by the Equator Principles Secretariat to
ensure that any change in status is reflected in the Designated Countries list. The list of
Designated Countries can be found on the Equator Principles Association website.

Effective Operational Control includes both direct control (as operator or major shareholder)
of the Project by the client and indirect control (e.g. where a subsidiary of the client operates
the Project).

Environmental and Social Assessment (Assessment) is a process that determines the

potential environmental and social risks and impacts (including Human Rights and climate
change risks and impacts, if applicable) of a proposed Project in its area of influence.

15
The determination of critical habitat based on other listings is as follows: (i) If the species is listed nationally /
regionally as critically endangered or endangered, in countries that have adhered to IUCN guidance, the critical
habitat determination will be made on a project by project basis in consultation with competent professionals;
and (ii) in instances where nationally or regionally listed species’ categorisations do not correspond well to those
of the IUCN (e.g., some countries more generally list species as “protected” or “restricted”), an assessment will
be conducted to determine the rationale and purpose of the listing. In this case, the critical habitat
determination will be based on such an assessment.

24
__________________________________________________________________________________

Environmental and Social Assessment Documentation (Assessment Documentation) is a

series of documents prepared for a Project as part of the Assessment process. The extent and
detail of the documentation is commensurate with the Project’s potential environmental and
social risks and impacts. Where a Project has a potential to cause adverse Human Rights
impacts, the Assessment Documentation should include an assessment of those impacts.
Examples of Assessment Documentation are: an Environmental and Social Impact Assessment
(ESIA), Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP), or documents more limited in
scale (such as an audit, risk assessment, hazard assessment and relevant Project-specific
environmental permits). Non-technical environmental summaries can also be used to
enhance the Assessment Documentation when these are disclosed to the public as part a
broader Stakeholder Engagement process.

Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) is a comprehensive document of a

Project’s potential environmental and social risks and impacts. An ESIA is usually prepared for
greenfield developments or large expansions with specifically identified physical elements,
aspects, and facilities that are likely to generate significant environmental or social impacts.
Exhibit II provides an overview of the potential environmental and social issues addressed in
the ESIA.

Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP) summarises the client’s commitments
to address and mitigate risks and impacts identified as part of the Assessment, through
avoidance, minimisation, and compensation/offset. This may range from a brief description
of routine mitigation measures to a series of more comprehensive management plans (e.g.
water management plan, waste management plan, resettlement action plan, Indigenous
Peoples plan, emergency preparedness and response plan, decommissioning plan). The level
of detail and complexity of the ESMP and the priority of the identified measures and actions
will be commensurate with the Project’s potential risks and impacts. The ESMP definition and
characteristics are broadly similar to those of the “Management Programs” referred to in IFC
Performance Standard 1.

Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS) is the overarching environmental,

social, health and safety management system which may be applicable at a corporate or
Project level. The system is designed to identify, assess and manage risks and impacts in
respect to the Project on an ongoing basis. The system consists of manuals and related source
documents, including policies, management programs and plans, procedures, requirements,
performance indicators, responsibilities, training and periodic audits and inspections with
respect to environmental or social issues, including Stakeholder Engagement and grievance
mechanisms. It is the overriding framework by which an ESMP and/or Equator Principles AP

25
__________________________________________________________________________________

is implemented. The term may refer to the system for the construction phase or the
operational phase of the Project, or to both as the context may require.

Equator Principles Action Plan (EPAP), or Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP), is
prepared, as a result of the EPFI’s due diligence process, to describe and prioritise the actions
needed to address any gaps in the Assessment Documentation, ESMPs, the ESMS, or
Stakeholder Engagement process documentation to bring the Project in line with applicable
standards as defined in the Equator Principles. The EPAP is typically tabular in form and lists
distinct actions from mitigation measures to follow-up studies or plans that complement the
Assessment.

Equator Principles Association is the unincorporated association of member EPFIs whose

object is the management, administration and development of the Equator Principles. The
Equator Principles Association Secretariat manages the day to day running of the Equator
Principles Association including the collation of EPFIs Project name reporting data. For more
information go to the Equator Principles Association website.

Equator Principles Reviewers are EPFI employees responsible for reviewing the
environmental and social aspects of transactions subject to the Equator Principles. They may
be part of a distinct Equator Principles team or members of banking, credit risk, corporate
sustainability (or similar) departments/divisions tasked with applying the Equator Principles
internally.

Export Finance (also known as Export Credits) is an insurance, guarantee or financing

arrangement which enables a foreign buyer of exported goods and/or services to defer
payment over a period of time. Export credits are generally divided into short-term, medium-
term (usually two to five years repayment) and long-term (usually over five years).

Financial Close is defined as the date on which all conditions precedent to initial drawing of
the debt have been satisfied or waived.

Financial Threshold criteria are applied as part of the Equator Principles framework due to
the significant costs involved in applying the framework (including due diligence and seeking
advice from an independent environmental and social consultant) and the complex nature of
large projects, where potential adverse environmental and social risks are likely to be higher.

Free, Prior, Informed, Consent (FPIC). There is no universally accepted definition of FPIC.
Based on good faith negotiation between the client and affected indigenous communities,

26
__________________________________________________________________________________

FPIC builds on and expands the process of Informed Consultation and Participation, ensures
the meaningful participation of Indigenous Peoples in decision-making, and focuses on
achieving agreement. FPIC does not require unanimity, does not confer veto rights to
individuals or sub-groups, and does not require the client to agree to aspects not under their
control.

Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF)16 is an international network and research

infrastructure funded by governments and aimed at providing open access to data about all
types of life on Earth. It utilises an evolving community-developed standard which enables
compiling of biodiversity data from a variety of sources, and aims to produce economic and
social benefits and enable sustainable development by providing sound scientific evidence on
biodiversity.

Human Rights are described in international standards aimed at securing dignity and equality
for all. Every human being is entitled to enjoy them without discrimination. As a minimum,
relevant human rights are those expressed in the International Bill of Human Rights – meaning
the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political
Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and the
principles concerning fundamental rights set out in the International Labour Organisation’s
Declaration on Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work.

Independent Environmental and Social Consultant is a qualified independent firm

or consultant (not directly tied to the client) acceptable to the EPFI.

Independent Review is a review of the Assessment Documentation including the ESMPs,

ESMS and Stakeholder Engagement process documentation carried out by an Independent
Environmental and Social Consultant.

Indigenous Peoples: There is no universally accepted definition of “Indigenous Peoples.”

Indigenous Peoples may be referred to in different countries by such terms as “Indigenous
ethnic minorities,” “aboriginals,” “hill tribes,” “minority nationalities,” “scheduled tribes,”
“first nations,” or “tribal groups.” As in IFC Performance Standard 7, the term “Indigenous
Peoples” is used here in a generic sense to refer to a distinct social and cultural group
possessing the following characteristics in varying degrees:

16
See www.gbif.org.

27
__________________________________________________________________________________

• “Self-identification as members of a distinct indigenous cultural group and

recognition of this identity by others;
• “Collective attachment to geographically distinct habitats or ancestral
territories in the project area and to the natural resources in these habitats
and territories;
• “Customary cultural, economic, social, or political institutions that are
separate from those of the mainstream society or culture; or
• “A distinct language or dialect, often different from the official language or
languages of the country or region in which they reside.”

United Nations (UN) Human Rights Conventions, such as the UN Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples, form the core of international instruments that provide the rights
framework for members of the world's Indigenous Peoples. In addition, some countries have
passed legislation or ratified other international or regional conventions for the protection of
Indigenous Peoples, that must be taken account of in their respective jurisdictions.

Informed Consultation and Participation is an in-depth exchange of views and information

and an organised and iterative consultation that leads the client to incorporate the views of
Affected Communities, on issues that affect them directly (such as proposed mitigation
measures, the sharing of development benefits and opportunities, and implementation
issues), into their decision-making process.

Known Use of Proceeds is the information provided by the client on how the borrowings will
be used.

Mandated Equator Principles Financial Institution or Mandated Financial Institution is a

financial service provider that is contracted by a client to carry out banking services for a
Project or transaction.

Non-Designated Countries are those countries not found on the list of Designated Countries
on the Equator Principles Association website (see also Designated Countries).

Operational Control (see Effective Operational Control)

Other Stakeholders are those not directly affected by the Project but have an interest in it.
They could include national and local authorities, neighbouring Projects, and/or non-
governmental organisations.

28
__________________________________________________________________________________

Paris Agreement is the instrument under the United Nations Framework Convention on
Climate Change adopted on 12 December 2015 and which entered into force on 4 November
2016 (UNFCCC Dec 1/CP.21 (2015) UN Doc FCCC/CP/2015/10/Add.1).

A Project is a development in any sector at an identified location (the location does not need
to be contiguous – a Project may be located over one or more geographic areas). It includes
an expansion or upgrade of an existing operation. Examples of Projects that trigger the
Equator Principles include, but are not limited to; a power plant, mine, oil and gas Projects,
chemical plant, infrastructure development, manufacturing plant, large scale real estate
development, real estate development in a Sensitive Area, or any other Project that creates
significant environmental and/or social risks and impacts. Projects can include new
developments, expansions, or upgrades both in greenfield areas or previously developed
areas. In the case of Export Credit Agency supported transactions, the new commercial,
infrastructure or industrial undertaking to which the export is intended will be considered the
Project.

Project Completion is the date at which a Project has been finished, functions, and performs
according to certain pre-defined measures (usually defined in a completion test). After this
date the Project's cash flows become the primary method of repayment.

Project Development Lifecycle is the overall process of developing and executing a Project. It
includes the design and planning, construction, production, closure, decommissioning and
restoration of a Project site, as well as the procurement of supplies, permissions, permitting
and licensing, and financing and repayment. Indicatively, the lifecycle can range from one
year for simple Projects to 15 years (or longer) for larger Projects.

Project Finance is a method of financing in which the lender looks primarily to the revenues
generated by a Project, both as the source of repayment and as security for the exposure.
This type of financing is usually for large, complex and expensive installations that might
include, for example, power plants, chemical processing plants, mines, transportation
infrastructure, environment, and telecommunications infrastructure. In such transactions,
the lender is usually paid solely or almost exclusively out of the money generated by the
contracts for the Project’s output, such as the electricity sold by a power plant. The client is
usually a special purpose vehicle that is not permitted to perform any function other than
developing, owning, and operating the installation. The consequence is that repayment
depends primarily on the Project’s cash flow and on the collateral value of the Project’s assets.
For reference go to: “Basel Committee on Banking Supervision, International Convergence of
Capital Measurement and Capital Standards ("Basel II")”, November 2005. Reserve-Based

29
__________________________________________________________________________________

Financing in extractive sectors that is non-recourse and where the proceeds are used to
develop one particular reserve (e.g. an oil field or a mine) is considered to be a Project Finance
transaction covered under the Equator Principles.

Project Finance Advisory Services is the provision of advice on the potential financing of a
development where one of the options may be Project Finance.

Project-Related Corporate Loans are corporate loans, made to business entities (either
privately, publicly, or state-owned or controlled) related to a Project, either a new
development or expansion (e.g. where there is an expanded footprint), where the Known Use
of Proceeds is related to a Project in one of the following ways:

a. The lender looks primarily to the revenues generated by the Project as the source of
repayment (as in Project Finance) and where security exists in the form of a corporate
or parent company guarantee;

b. Documentation for the loan indicates that the majority of the proceeds of the total
loan are directed to the Project. Such documentation may include the term sheet,
information memorandum, credit agreement, or other representations provided by
the client into its intended use of proceeds for the loan.

It includes loans to government-owned corporations and other legal entities created by a

government to undertake commercial activities on behalf of the government. For all Category
A and, as appropriate, Category B Projects, Project-Related Corporate Loans shall include
loans to national, regional or local governments, governmental ministries and agencies.

Project-Related Corporate Loans shall include Export Finance in the form of Buyer Credit, but
exclude Export Finance in the form of Supplier Credit (as the client has no Effective
Operational Control). Furthermore, Project-Related Corporate Loans exclude other financial
instruments that do not finance an underlying Project, such as Asset Finance, hedging, leasing,
letters of credit, general corporate purposes loans, and general working capital expenditures
loans used to maintain a company’s operations.

Refinance is the process of replacing an existing loan with a new loan, where the new loan
will be used to pay out (retire) an existing loan, and that loan is not near or in default.

Scope 1 Emissions are direct GHG emissions from the facilities owned or controlled within
the physical Project boundary.

30
__________________________________________________________________________________

Scope 2 Emissions are indirect GHG emissions associated with the off-site production of
energy used by the Project.

Sensitive Area is an area of international, national or regional importance, such as wetlands,

forests with high biodiversity value, areas of archaeological or cultural significance, areas of
importance for Indigenous Peoples or other vulnerable groups, National Parks and other
protected areas identified by national or international law.

Stakeholder Engagement refers to IFC Performance Standards provisions on external

communication, environmental and social information disclosure, participation, informed
consultation, and grievance mechanisms. For the Equator Principles, Stakeholder
Engagement also refers to the overall requirements described under Principle 5.

Supplier Credit is a medium/long term Export Finance credit that is extended by the exporter
to the overseas buyer.

TCFD Recommendations are the recommendations of the Task Force on Climate-related

Financial Disclosures published on 15 June 2017. For more information see https://www.fsb-
tcfd.org/.

United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (UNGPs): Available as
Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: Implementing the United Nations “Protect,
Respect and Remedy” Framework United Nations, New York and Geneva, 2011 reference
HR/PUB/11/04.

Workers are all workers engaged directly or indirectly by the client to work at the Project site,
including full-time and part-time workers, contractors, sub-contractors and temporary
workers.

31
__________________________________________________________________________________

Exhibit II: Illustrative List of Potential Environmental and Social Issues to be

Addressed in the Environmental and Social Assessment Documentation

The list below provides an overview of the issues that may be addressed in the Assessment
Documentation. Note the list is for illustrative purposes only. The Assessment process of each
Project may or may not identify all of the issues listed, or be relevant to every Project.

The Assessment Documentation may include, where applicable, the following:

1. assessment of the baseline environmental and social conditions

2. consideration of feasible environmentally and socially preferable alternatives
3. requirements under host country laws and regulations, applicable international
treaties and agreements including the 2015 Paris Climate Change Agreement
4. protection and conservation of biodiversity (including endangered species and
sensitive ecosystems in modified, natural and Critical Habitats) and identification of
legally protected areas17
5. sustainable management and use of renewable natural resources (including
sustainable resource management through appropriate independent certification
systems)
6. use and management of dangerous substances
7. major hazards assessment and management
8. efficient production: total energy consumed per output scaling factor18, delivery and
use of energy
9. pollution prevention and waste minimisation, pollution controls (liquid effluents and
air emissions), and waste management
10. greenhouse gas emissions level and emissions intensity
11. water usage, water intensity, water source
12. land cover, land use practices
13. consideration of physical climate risks and adaptation opportunities, and of viability
of Project operations under changing weather patterns/climatic conditions

17
Projects in some areas may not be acceptable for financing with the possible exception of Projects specifically
designed to contribute to the conservation of the area. These areas should be identified during the assessment
of Critical Habitats and brought to the attention of the EPFI as early as possible in the financing process. They
include: United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) Natural and Mixed World
Heritage Sites; and Sites that fit the designation criteria of the Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE). Refer to IFC
Performance Standards Guidance Note 6 (February 2019).
18
This modification and those pertaining to 10) – 13) are influenced by TCFD implementation annex page 8.

32
__________________________________________________________________________________

14. cumulative impacts of existing Projects, the proposed Project, and anticipated future
Projects
15. consideration of actual or potential adverse Human Rights impacts and if none were
identified, an explanation of how the determination of the absence of Human Rights
risks was reached, including which stakeholder groups and vulnerable populations (if
present) were considered in their analysis
16. labour issues (including the four core labour standards), and occupational health and
safety
17. consultation and participation of affected parties in the design, review and
implementation of the Project
18. socio-economic impacts
19. impacts on Affected Communities, and disadvantaged or vulnerable groups
20. gender and disproportionate gender impacts
21. land acquisition and involuntary resettlement
22. impacts on Indigenous Peoples, and their unique cultural systems and values including
impacts to lands and natural resources subject to traditional ownership or under
customary use
23. protection of cultural property and heritage
24. protection of community health, safety and security (including risks, impacts and
management of Project’s use of security personnel)
25. fire prevention and life safety

33
__________________________________________________________________________________

Exhibit III: IFC Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability

and the World Bank Group Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines

The Equator Principles refer to two separate parts of the IFC Sustainability Framework as “the
then applicable standards” under Principle 3.

1. The IFC Performance Standards (PS)

Since January 2012, the following Performance Standards19 are applicable:

PS1 - Assessment and Management of Environmental and Social Risks and Impacts
PS2 - Labor and Working Conditions
PS3 - Resource Efficiency and Pollution Prevention
PS4 - Community Health, Safety and Security
PS5 - Land Acquisition and Involuntary Resettlement
PS6 - Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Management of Living Natural
Resources
PS7 - Indigenous Peoples
PS8 - Cultural Heritage

Guidance Notes accompany each Performance Standard. EPFIs do not formally adopt the
Guidance Notes however EPFIs and clients may find them useful points of reference when
seeking further guidance on or interpreting the Performance Standards. These products may
occasionally be updated (for example Guidance Note 6 updated February 2019).

The IFC Performance Standards, Guidance Notes and Industry Specific Guidelines can be
found on the IFC website.

2. The World Bank Group Environmental, Health and Safety (EHS) Guidelines

The World Bank Group EHS Guidelines20 are technical reference documents containing
examples of Good International Industry Practice (GIIP) as described in the IFC Performance
Standards. They contain the performance levels and measures that are normally considered

19
See www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/Topics_Ext_Content/IFC_External_Corporate_Site/Sustainability-At-
IFC/Policies-Standards/Performance-Standards/.
20
See www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/topics_ext_content/ifc_external_corporate_site/sustainability-at-
ifc/policies-standards/ehs-guidelines.

34
__________________________________________________________________________________

acceptable for Projects in Non-Designated Countries, as well as being achievable in new

facilities at reasonable costs by existing technology. Two sets of guidelines are used:

The General Environmental, Health and Safety Guidelines

These Guidelines contain information on cross-cutting environmental, health, and safety

issues potentially applicable to all industry sectors. They are divided into sections entitled:
• Environmental
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Community Health and Safety
• Construction
• Decommissioning

They should be used together with the relevant Industry Sector Guideline(s).

The Industry Sector Guidelines

These Guidelines contain information on industry-specific impacts and performance

indicators, plus a general description of industry activities. They are grouped as follows:

Agribusiness/Food Production Chemicals

• Annual Crop Production • Coal Processing
• Aquaculture • Large Volume Inorganic Compounds
• Breweries Manufacturing and Coal Tar Distillation
• Dairy Processing • Large Volume Petroleum-based
• Fish Processing Organic Chemicals Manufacturing
• Food and Beverage Processing • Natural Gas Processing
• Mammalian Livestock Production • Nitrogenous Fertilizer Manufacturing
• Meat Processing • Oleochemicals Manufacturing
• Perennial Crop Production • Pesticides Formulation, Manufacturing
• Poultry Processing and Packaging
• Poultry Production • Petroleum Refining
• Sugar Manufacturing • Petroleum-based Polymers
• Vegetable Oil Production and Manufacturing
Processing • Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology
Manufacturing
• Phosphate Fertilizer Manufacturing

35
__________________________________________________________________________________

General Manufacturing Forestry

• Base Metal Smelting and Refining • Board and Particle-based Products
• Cement and Lime Manufacturing • Forest Harvesting Operations
• Ceramic Tile and Sanitary Ware • Pulp and Paper Mills
Manufacturing • Sawmilling and Wood-based Products
• Construction Materials Extraction
• Foundries Oil and Gas
• Glass Manufacturing • Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) Facilities
• Integrated Steel Mills • Offshore Oil and Gas Development
• Metal, Plastic, Rubber Products • Onshore Oil and Gas Development
Manufacturing
• Printing Infrastructure
• Semiconductors and Electronics • Airlines
Manufacturing • Airports
• Tanning and Leather Finishing • Crude Oil and Petroleum Product
• Textiles Manufacturing Terminals
• Gas Distribution Systems
Power • Health Care Facilities
• Electric Power Transmission and • Ports, Harbors and Terminals
Distribution • Railways
• Geothermal Power Generation • Retail Petroleum Networks
• Thermal Power • Shipping
• Wind Energy • Telecommunications
• Toll Roads
Mining • Tourism and Hospitality Development
• Mining • Waste Management Facilities
• Water and Sanitation

36
EQUATOR PRINCIPLES
ᩮ螇ܻ‫ڞ‬
ଙ์

EQUATOR
PRINCIPLES
 赤道原则

2020 年 7 月

一套在融资过程中用以确定、评估和管理项目所涉及的

环境和社会风险的金融行业基准

www.equator-principles.com

本译文力图完整准确表达赤道原则4（2020年7月版）的内容。赤道原则协会对本译
文中任何可能的遗漏或差异不承担任何责任，并且不能保证使用本译文的用户按英
文原意诠释。赤道原则的官方版本（EP4，2020年7月）以英文发布，如果用户对译
文有任何疑问，请参考英文版。
 目录

序言 ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
范围 ........................................................................................................................................................ 5
方法 ........................................................................................................................................................ 6
原则声明 ................................................................................................................................................ 8
原则 1：审查和分类......................................................................................................................... 8
原则 2：环境和社会评估................................................................................................................. 8
原则 3：适用的环境和社会标准 .................................................................................................... 10
原则 4：环境和社会管理系统以及赤道原则行动计划 ................................................................ 11
原则 5：利益相关者的参与 ............................................................................................................ 11
原则 6：投诉机制............................................................................................................................ 13
原则 7：独立审查............................................................................................................................ 14
原则 8：承诺性条款........................................................................................................................ 14
原则 9：独立监测和报告................................................................................................................ 15
原则 10：报告和透明度.................................................................................................................. 16
免责声明 .............................................................................................................................................. 18
附件：执行要求 .................................................................................................................................. 19
附件 A：气候变化：替代分析，温室气体排放的定量和报告 ................................................... 19
附件 B -最低报告要求.................................................................................................................... 21
附件：支持信息 .................................................................................................................................. 25
附件 I：术语表 .............................................................................................................................. 25
附件 II：在环境和社会评估文件中会涵盖的潜在环境和社会问题的示例清单 ....................... 34
附件 III：国际金融公司环境和社会可持续性绩效标准及世界银行集团环境、健康和安全指
南 .................................................................................................................................................... 35

2
序言

大型基础设施和工业项目会对人和环境产生负面影响。作为融资人和顾问，我们与客
户合作，以结构化方式持续为客户识别、评估和管理所产生的环境和社会风险及影响。
这种合作促进了环境和社会的可持续发展，并能带来更好的金融、社会和环境成果。
在合适的情况下，作为赤道原则金融机构 (EPFI)，我们将鼓励客户解决在项目开发生命
周期中确定的潜在或实际不利风险及影响。

作为 EPFI，我们采纳赤道原则以确保所融资和提供咨询服务的项目按照对社会负责的方
式发展，并体现健全的环境管理实践。EPFI 承认，应用赤道原则有助于实现联合国可持
续发展目标（SDGs）的目标和成果。具体而言，我们相信受项目影响的生态系统、社区
和气候应尽量免受不利影响。如果这些影响无可避免，也应尽量减少及减轻影响； 假如
仍有残余影响，客户应提供弥补；假如仍有残余影响，客户应适当地弥补人权影 响或补
偿环境影响。在这方面，在为项目提供融资时：

• 我们将根据《联合国商业和人权指导原则》（UNGPs）开展人权尽职调查来履行我们尊
重人权的责任；

• 我们支持《巴黎协定》（2015）的目标，也认可 EPFI 在提高与气候有关的信息的可用

性方面的作用，如气候相关财务信息披露工作组（TCFD）在评估在赤道原则（EP）下
受资助的项目潜在转型风险和物理风险时的建议；及

• 我们支持保护生物多样性的工作，包括致力于在相关研究和决策过程中强化证据基础。

赤道原则旨在提供一套通用的基准和框架，以便金融机构在为项目提供融资时用于识
别、评估和管理环境和社会风险。我们致力于通过与为项目提供融资活动相关的内部
环境和社会政策、程序和标准来实施赤道原则。对于不符合相关赤道原则要求的项目，
我们将拒绝为项目提供项目融资、与项目关联的公司贷款或与项目关联的再融资以及
与项目关联的并购融资。由于过桥贷款和项目融资咨询服务系在项目初期提供给客户
的产品和服务，因此我们将要求客户在随后寻求长期融资时明确表明他们遵循赤道原

3
则要求的意向。作为EPFI，我们也承认自己不仅对识别和管理不利环境和社会风险及
影响、尊重人权负有更广泛的责任，也对不在赤道原则范围之内的金融产品以及通过
EPFI的企业环境和社会风险政策、程序和标准受到管理的金融产品负有更广泛的责任。
EPFI可自行决定对不在赤道原则范围之内的金融产品使用赤道原则框架。

EPFI 将基于实施经验定期重检并更新赤道原则，以便能够反映正在进行的学习情况和
新出现的良好实践。

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范围

赤道原则适用于全球各行各业。

在支持一个新融资项目时，赤道原则适用于下述金融产品1：

1. 项目资金总成本达到或超过 1,000 万美元的项目融资咨询服务。

2. 项目资金总成本达到或超过 1,000 万美元的项目融资。
3. 符合下述三项标准的与项目关联的公司贷款：

i. 大部分贷款与客户拥有实际经营控制权（直接或间接）的项目有关。
ii. 贷款总额和EPFI单独贷款承诺（银团贷款或顺销前）均为至少 5,000 万美
元。
iii. 贷款期限为至少 2 年。

4. 过桥贷款，贷款期限少于两年，且计划借由预期符合上述第3项相关标准的项目融
资或一种与项目关联的公司贷款进行再融资。

5. 与项目关联的再融资和与项目关联的并购融资，满足以下三个条件：
i. 按照赤道原则框架为基础项目提供资金。
ii. 项目的规模和范围没有实质性变化。
iii. 在签署融资或贷款协议时，项目尚未完工。

虽然目前不计划就过往项目追溯应用赤道原则，但 EPFI 将把这些原则应用于扩建或升

级现有项目的融资。

1
有关本文所述的五种金融产品的定义，请参阅附件 I（术语表）。

5
方法

项目融资和与项目关联的公司贷款

EPFI 仅会为符合原则 1-10 条相关要求的项目提供项目融资和与项目关联的公司贷

款。

与项目关联的再融资和与项目关联的并购融资

EPFI将继续通过采取合理措施来针对基础项目实施赤道原则的相关要求，从而确保所
有相关的现有环境和社会义务继续被纳入新的融资文件中。

项目融资咨询服务和过桥贷款

EPFI在提供项目融资咨询服务和过桥贷款时，会令客户明白赤道原则的内容、应用和
在预期项目中采用赤道原则的益处。EPFI会要求客户在其后物色长期性融资时，向
EPFI确认其有意遵守赤道原则的规定。EPFI会指导并支持客户循序渐进地按要求应用
赤道原则。

对于 A 类或 B 类（原则 1 中所界定的）的过桥贷款，下列要求适用：

• 在贷款期限内，项目处于可行性分析阶段并预计不会产生任何影响，EPFI 将 要
求客户确认客户会进行一次环境和社会评估（评估）操作。

• 在贷款期限内，环境和社会评估文件（评估文件）已准备好，项目开发即将开始，
EPFI 会适当与客户合作确定一名独立环境和社会顾问并开展一定量的工作，以着
手进行独立审查（原则 7 中所界定的）。

信息共享

6
在遵守商业保密原则和适用的法律法规的前提下，被委托的EPFI将适当与其他被委托
金融机构共享相关环境和社会信息，该共享将严格限于实现对赤道原则应用的一致性
以内。该类信息共享不应涉及任何竞争情报等敏感信息。任何关于是否及在何种情况
下提供金融服务的决定（“范围”中所界定的）将由每个EPFI独立给出并符合其自身
的风险管理政策。时间限制可能导致EPFI在所有其他金融机构被正式委托前，考虑通
过交易寻求客户的授权来启动类似的信息共享。EPFI期望客户提供类似的授权。

7
原则声明

原则 1：审查和分类

当项目提呈进行融资时，作为内部环境和社会审查和尽职调查工作的一部分，EPFI 将根据包

括那些与人权、气候变化和生物多样性有关的风险及影响在内的潜在环境和社会影响及
风险的程度，将项目分类。这种分类基于国际金融公司 (IFC) 的环境和社会分类操作流程。

分类为：

A 类——项目对环境和社会有潜在重大不利并/或涉及多样的、不可逆的或前所未有的影响；

B 类——项目对环境和社会可能造成不利的程度有限和/或数量较少，而影响一般局限于特定
2
地点，且大部分可逆并易于通过减缓措施加以解决 ；及

C 类——项目对环境和社会影响轻微或无不利风险和/或影响。

EPFI 的环境和社会尽职调查与项目的性质、规模和阶段以及环境和社会风险及影响的
分类级别相适应。

原则 2：环境和社会评估

EPFI会要求客户开展适当的环境和社会评估，在令 EPFI 满意的前提下解决与提呈项

目有关的环境和社会风险及影响规模（当中可能包括附件II所示的问题说明清单）。

按照潜在环境和社会风险和影响的规模，一系列项目可以被分类为类别
2
B。一般而言，风险更高的类别B
项目将受到类似类别 A 项目的对待，而风险更低的类别 B 项目可以受到较轻松的管理。EPFI 应该自行根据
原则 1-10 确定适当的评估文件、审查和/或监测水平，以解决这些问题。

8
评估文件应提供与提呈项目性质和规模在某种意义上相关相称的可减少、减轻和在残
余影响依然存在的情况下赔偿/补偿对工人、受影响的社区和环境造成的风险和不利影
响的措施。

无论评估文件由客户、顾问或外部专家任何一方制定，它都将充分、准确并客观地评
价和说明环境和社会风险和影响。A 类项目及部分视情况而定的B 类项目的评估文件应
包括一份环境和社会影响评估（ESIA）。可能还需要进行一或多项专门研究。对于其
他 B 类项目，合适的评估文件可局限或集中于某个问题的环境或社会评估，并应用与
在分类过程中确定的风险或影响相关的适用风险管理标准。

客户应将在环境和社会影响评估（ESIA）或其他评估中纳入对潜在不利人权影响和气
候变化风险的评估，并将这些评估纳入评估文件中。在评估人权风险和影响时，客户
应参考《联合国商业和人权指导原则》（UNGPs）3，气候变化风险评估应与气候相关
财务信息披露工作组（TCFD）4的风险类别相一致。

需要进行气候变化风险评估：

• 对于所有 A 类项目，以及合适的 B 类项目5，将包括考虑气候相关财务信息披露

工作组（TCFD）定义的相关物理风险。

• 对所有项目，在所有地区，范围 1 和范围 2 的年总二氧化碳排放量预计超过

100,000 公吨，必须考虑相关的转型风险（根据气候相关财务信息披露工作组
（TCFD）的定义），并完成旨在评估替代品并减少温室气体（GHG）的排放的替
代分析。

3
特别是第 17-21 款。
4
有关物理风险和转型风险的详细信息，请参阅气候变化风险评估的术语表定义。
5
请参阅脚注 2。

9
气候变化风险评估的深度和性质将取决于项目类型和风险性质，包括其重要性和严重
程度。有关包括替代分析要求在内的气候变化风险评估的概述，请参阅附件A。

原 则 3：适用的环境和社会标准

评估过程在环境和社会问题方面，应首先符合东道国相关的法律、法规和许可。

EPFI运营于不同市场：一些市场拥有健全的环境和社会治理、立法体系和机构功能来
保护居民和环境；一些市场也在不断完善其技术和机构功能来治理环境和社会问题。

EPFI的尽职调查将包括：针对全球所有A类和B类项目，由EPFI审查和确认项目和交易
如何满足每个原则。

在获得独立环境及社会顾问的意见后（如适用），EPFI将评估项目是否符合以下适用
标准：

1. 假如项目位于非指定国家，则应该符合当时适用的国际金融公司（IFC） 环境和社

会可持续性绩效标准（绩效标准） ， 以及世界银行集团环境、健康和安全指南
（EHS 指南）（附件 III） 。

2. 假如项目位于指定国家，则应该在环境和社会问题方面符合东道国相关的法律、法

规和许可。

对评估过程的审查将会证明并令 EPFI 信纳，项目整体上符合，或只在合理情况下偏离适用标

准。适用的标准（如上文所述）代表 EPFI 所采用的最低标准。此外，对于位于指定国家的

10
项目，EPFI6将评估项目的具体风险，以确定除了东道国法律之外，国际金融公司（IFC）
的一个或多个绩效标准是否可以用于指导应对这些风险。

EPFI可以自行决定针对与项目特定风险相关的其他标准进行额外的尽职调查，并应用
额外的要求。

原则 4：环境和社会管理系统以及赤道原则行动计划

对于每个获评定为 A 类和 B 类的项目7，EPFI会要求客户开发和/或维护一套环境和社
会管理体系（ESMS）。

此外，客户须准备一份环境和社会管理计划 （ESMP），藉以处理评估过程中发现的问
题并整合为符合适用标准所需采取的行动。当适用标准不能令 EPFI 满意时，客户和
EPFI 将商定一份赤道原则行动计划（EPAP）。赤道原则行动计划（EPAP）旨在概述根
据适用标准，距离符合 EPFI 要求还存有的差距和所需的承诺。

原 则 5：利益相关者的参与

对于每个被评定为A类和B类的项目，EPFI会要求客户证明，其已经采用一种在结构和
文化上均合适的方式，持续与受影响社区、工人和其他有关的利益相关方开展了有效
的利益相关者参与行动。

对于对受影响社区有潜在重大不利影响的项目，客户将实行通报协商和参与流程。客
户将磋商流程内容定制为：项目带来的风险和影响；项目的开发阶段；受影响社区的

6
由独立的环境和社会顾问为所有 A 类和酌情为 B 类项目提供支助。
7
请参阅脚注 2。

11
语言偏好；决策制定流程；及弱势和易受伤害群体的需要。磋商应是自由的，不受外
部操纵、干扰、强迫和威胁。

为了促进利益相关者的参与，客户将以当地语言和文化上适当之方式，为受影响社区
及其他利益相关者提供与项目的风险和影响相称的评估文件。客户将会考虑利益相关
者参与流程的结果，包括流程结束后协议/达成共识的任何行动，并制成文件。在评估
过程的早期阶段，应披露社会或环境风险和不利影响，在任何情况下，均应在项目开
工之前进行，并应一直持续下去。

EPFI 认为原住民可能代表了受项目影响社区的弱势群体。所有受项目影响的原住民将
成为通报协商和参与流程的一部分，并需要符合相关国家法律中赋予原住民的权利和
给予的保护，包括国际法中履行东道国义务的法律。国际金融公司（IFC） 绩效标准
7 （PS7）第 13-17 款详述了特定规定，要求得到受影响的原住民自由、事先和知情的
同意 （FPIC）8，其中包括下列任何一种情况：
• 项目对属于原住民传统所有权或习惯用途的土地和自然资源产生影响，

• 项目需要将原住民从属于传统所有权或习惯用途的土地和自然资源中迁移出
来，

• 项目对与原住民族身份至关重要的关键文化遗产有重大影响，或

• 项目将其文化遗产用于商业目的。

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FPIC 中没有普遍接受的定义。基于客户和受影响土著社区诚信的磋商，FPIC 建立并扩大了通报协商
和参与流程，确保了土著居民有意义地参与决策制定，并关注协议的达成。FPIC 不需要一致同意，不
赋予个人或小组否决权，也不需要客户同意不受他们控制的事项。关于为达成 FPIC 所需的流程元素， 请
参阅国际金融公司绩效标准 7。

12
在全球范围内，对于满足这些特殊情况的项目，EPFI 将要求由一名合格的独立顾问9按
照东道国法律和国际金融公司绩效标准 7 （IFC PS7）的要求，对与原住民的协商过
程及其结果进行评估。

如果包括原住民在内的利益相关方参与事项是由东道国政府负责，EPFIs 要求客户在
规划、实施和监测活动期间与负责任的政府机构在机构允许的程度上合作，以实现与
国际金融公司绩效标准 7 （IFC PS7）相匹配的成果。

如果遵循并记录了符合国际金融公司绩效标准 7 （IFC PS7）咨询要求的诚信谈判的

过程，但尚不清楚自由、事先和知情的同意 （FPIC）是否已经实现，那么 EPFI 将根
据顾问的配套建议决定，这是否具备合理偏离国际金融公司绩效标准 7 （IFC PS7）
要求的资格，以及客户是否应该采取其他纠正措施来满足国际金融公司绩效标准 7
（PS7）的目标。

原则 6：投诉机制

对于每个被评定为A类和部分视情况而定的B类项目，EPFI会要求客户为受影响的社区
和工人设立一套投诉机制，作为环境和社会管理体系（ESMS）的一部分，此举可让客
户酌情收集并促进解决对项目的环境和社会绩效的关注和投诉。

投诉机制应按照项目风险和影响的比例设立，并能够通过一种易懂并透明的磋商流程，
及时解决被关注的问题，该机制在文化上适当、易于使用、无成本并不会对首先提出
问题或关注的团体进行报复。投诉机制不应妨碍司法或行政救济的获取。客户会在利 益
相关者的参与流程期间将该机制告知受影响社区和工人10。

9
这可能是一名独立的环境和社会顾问，也可能是其他合格的独立顾问，其中包括法律顾问。
关于投诉机制效力标准的其他指导意见，请参阅《联合国商业和人权指导原则》（UNGPs）原则
10
29 和
31 以及相关评注。

13
原则 7：独立审查

项目融资和与项目关联的公司贷款

对于每个被评定为 A 类和部分视情况而定的 B 类的项目，将由一名独立环境和社会

顾问对评估文件，包括环境和社会管理计划（ESMP）、环境和社会管理体系（ESMS）
和利益相关者的参与流程文件，进行一次独立审查，此举旨在协助 EPFI 的尽职调查工
作，并确定项目是否符合赤道原则。该独立环境和社会顾问还将提出或认可一套合适
的赤道原则行动计划（EPAP），该计划能使项目符合赤道原则，或指出有理由偏离适
用标准的地方。该顾问必须能够证明在评估与项目有关的环境和社会风险类型及影响
方面的专业知识。

对于B类项目，若存在由多边或双边金融机构或经济合作和发展组织官方出口信用保险
机构开展了尽职调查的情况，EPFI可以考虑将该尽职调查作为参考，以确定是否需要
进行独立审查。

原则 8：承诺性条款

赤道原则的一项重要内容是要求在契约中加入有关合规的承诺性条款。

对于所有的项目，假如客户未能履行其环境和社会承诺性条款，EPFI 将与客户协作，
采取补救措施，以使项目符合承诺性条款的要求。假如客户未能在议定的宽限期内重
新遵守承诺性条款，则 EPFI 将保留在其认为适当的时候行使补救措施的权利，包括宣
布发生违约事件。

项目融资和与项目关联的公司贷款

14
客户将在融资文件内加入承诺性条款，在所有重要方面遵守东道国一切相关的环境和
社会法律、法规和许可。

此外，所有B 类项目的客户将在融资文件内加入以下承诺性条款：

a) 在项目兴建和运作期间，在所有重要方面均符合环境和社会管理计划（ESMP）

及赤道原则行动计划（EPAP）（如适用）；及

b) 按 与 EPFI 协议的格式定期提交由内部职员或第三方专家编制的报告（提供报告

的频度与影响的严重程度成正比，或按照法律所规定，但每年至少应提交一 次），
报告应 i)符合环境和社会管理计划（ESMP）及赤道原则行动计划（EPAP）
（如适用），及 ii) 提供有关当地、州和东道国环境和社会法律、法规和许可
的合规陈述；及

c) 按照协议的退役计划在适用和适当情况下退役设备。

与项目关联的再融资和与项目关联的并购融资

EPFI将采取合理措施，以确保所有现有的环境和社会义务继续被纳入新的融资文件中。

原 则 9：独立监测和报告

项目融资和与项目关联的公司贷款

15
对于所有 A 类项目和部分视情况而定的B类项目11，为了于融资正式生效日和贷款偿还
期限内使项目符合赤道原则，EPFI将要求独立监测和报告。监测和报告应由一名独立
的环境和社会顾问提供；另外，EPFI将要求客户聘请有资格且经验丰富的外部专家，
核实将要按照原则8b要求的频率提交给 EPFI 的监测信息。

根据上述情况，在监测向国家、地区或地方政府、政府各部门和机构提供的与项目关
联的公司贷款的具体情况时，EPFI可决定是需要一名独立的环境和社会顾问，还是依
靠EPFI的内部监测。

此外，若存在由多边或双边金融机构或经济合作和发展组织官方出口信用保险机构开
展了监测的情况, EPFI可以考虑将该监测作为参考。

原则 10：报告和透明度

客户报告要求

下列客户报告要求不包括原则 5 中的披露要求。

所有 A 类项目和部分视情况而定的 B 类项目：

• 客户将至少确保环境和社会影响评估（ESIA）的摘要可在线获取，而且其中包
括相关的人权和气候变化风险及影响的概要12。

• 对于每年二氧化碳当量排放量超过 100,000 公吨的项目，客户将于项目运作阶

段每年就温室气体排放水平（范围 1 和范围 2 排放量的总和，以及（如果合

11
请参阅脚注 4.
12
除了与项目关联的再融资和与项目关联的并购融资。

16
 适的话）温室气体效率比率13）向公众报告。请参考附件 A 温室气体排放报告
的详细要求。

• EPFI 将鼓励客户与全球生物多样性信息网络 14（GBIF）和相关的国家和全球数

据库共享在商业上不敏感的具体项目的生物多样性数据，并使用让这些数据能
够在未来的决策和研究应用中被访问和再使用的格式和条件。

EPFI报告要求

EPFI将至少每年向公众报告至融资正式生效日时交易的数量及其实施赤道原则的过程
和经验。EPFI将在适当考虑保密因素的前提下，按照附件B中详述的最低报告要求进行
报告。

13
在适当的情况下，组织应该考虑提供相关的、普遍承认的特定行业的温室气体效率比。对于高耗能行
业，重要的是要提供与排放强度相关的指标。例如单位经济产出的排放量（例如产量单位、员工人数或 附
加值）被广泛使用（气候相关财务信息披露工作组（TCFD）实施附件，2017 年 6 月，第 17 页）。
14
See www.gbif.org/. 请参阅 www.gbif.org/。

17
免责声明

赤道原则是金融界中各机构各自发展其内部环境和社会政策、程序和惯例的基准和框
架。赤道原则没有对任何法人、公众或个人设定任何权利或责任。金融机构是在没有
依靠或求助于国际金融公司、世界银行集团、赤道原则协会或其他赤道原则金融机构
的情况下，自愿和独立地采纳与实施赤道原则。假如适用的法律法规与赤道原则（包
括保密义务）中提出的要求存在明显冲突，则优先遵守相关东道国的法律法规。

18
附件：执行要求

这些附件详细说明的实施要求是赤道原则不可或缺的一部分。

附件 A：气候变化：替代分析，温室气体排放的定量和报告

替代分析

替代分析要求对在技术和财务方面可行以及成本效益好的可替代方案进行评估，以便
能减少项目在设计、建设和运营期间与项目相关的温室气体排放。

对于范围 1 中的排放，分析将努力确定最佳实用环境方案，并将包括考虑使用适用的
代用燃料或能源。如果在监管许可流程中需要进行替代分析，该分析将遵循相关流程
的方法和时间范围。对于处于高碳强度行业的项目，替代分析将包括与其他用于相同
产业及国家或地区的可行技术的比较，所选技术可带来一定的能源效率，并可酌情带
来一定的温室气体效率比 4。

高碳强度行业指示性地包括但不限于以下各项：石油和天然气、火力发电、水泥和石
灰制造业、综合炼钢铁厂、基本金属冶炼和精炼及铸造厂、纸浆厂和潜在的农业。

完成替代分析后，客户将通过相应的文件，为在技术和财务方面可行且经济有效的选
项提供证明，并论证说明排除所选技术的理由。此举不会修改或减少适用标准中的要
求（例如国际金融机构绩效标准第 3 条）。

定量和报告

19
温室气体排放量的计算应符合温室气体核算体系15，以便在项目、组织和司法管辖区之
间进行汇总和比较。客户可以使用符合温室气体核算体系的国家报告方法。客户将对
范围 1 和范围 2 中的排放进行定量。

EPFI 将要求客户每年公开报告温室气体排放等级。对于每年二氧化碳排放量超过
100,000 公吨的项目，客户将于项目运作阶段就温室气体排放等级（范围 1 和范围 2
排放量的总和）和温室气体效率比（酌情）告知公众。EPFI 鼓励客户对每年排放二氧
化碳超过 25,000 公吨的项目进行公开报告。可视为满足公众告知要求的手段有：东道
国监管要求下的报告或环境影响评价，或自愿报告机制，例如包括项目级别的排放量
的碳信息披露项目。

在适当的情况下，EPFI 将鼓励客户将替代分析的摘要作为环境和社会影响评估（ESIA）
的一部分发布。某些情况下，可能不适合公开披露完整的替代分析或项目级别的排放
量。

气候变化风险评估
气候变化风险评估应在高层次上解决以下问题：

• 项目运营当前和预期的气候风险（气候相关财务信息披露工作组（TCFD）定义
的转型风险和/或物理风险）是什么？

• 客户是否有适当的计划、流程、政策和系统来管理（即减轻、转移、接受或控
制）这些风险？

这项评估还应酌情考虑该项目是否符合东道国的国家气候承诺。

温室气体核算体系的基础是一个全面的全球标准化框架，是为了衡量和管理运营活动产生的温室气体
15

（GHG）排放量。请参阅 ghgprotocol.org。

20
附件 B -最低报告要求

EPFI 将按照所有下述章节的要求，每年向公众公布。报告将不包含任何与个人有关的
私人信息。

数据和执行报告

进行数据和执行报告是 EPFI 的责任。它将发布于各 EPFI 的网站上的单独位置并易

于用户访问。

EPFI 将于所有数据和执行报告中详细说明报告周期（例如开始日期和结束日期）。

项目融资咨询服务数据

EPFI 将于报告期间对受委托提供项目融资咨询服务的总次数作出报告。总次数将按行
业和地区划分。

项目融资咨询服务的数据将与项目融资和与项目关联的公司贷款区分，以单独的题目
进行报告。项目融资咨询服务数据中可能不包括分类且与独立审查是否已经实行无关，
因为项目开发往往处于初期阶段且并非所有信息均可获得。

项目融资和与项目关联的公司贷款数据

EPFI 将公布报告期间达到融资正式生效日阶段的项目融资交易的总数量和与项目关联
的公司贷款的总数量。

各产品种类的总数将按分类（A、B 或 C）划分，然后按下列各项划分：

21
 • 按行业划分（例如采矿业、基础建设业、石油和天然气业、发电业及其他行业）
• 按地区划分（例如美洲、欧洲、中东、非洲和亚太地区）
• 按国家划分（例如指定国家或非指定国家）
• 独立审查是否已被实施

项目融资交易数据和与项目关联的公司贷款数据应分开表示。

与项目关联的再融资和与项目关联的并购融资
EPFI 将公布在报告期间达到融资正式生效日阶段的再融资和并购融资交易的总数量。

各产品种类的总数将按下列各项划分：
• 按行业划分（例如采矿业、基础建设业、石油和天然气业、发电业及其他行业）
• 按地区划分（例如美洲、欧洲、中东、非洲和亚太地区）
• 按国家划分（例如指定国家或非指定国家）

在项目融资交易是与项目关联的再融资或与项目关联的并购融资的情况下，EPFI 将遵
循下述针对项目融资的项目名称报告。

过桥贷款数据

出于过桥贷款数据性质因素的考虑，其不作为具体报告要求的一部分。

执行报告

EPFI 将对赤道原则的执行情况进行报告，包括：

• 赤道原则审查专家的委任（例如职责和人员配备）；
• 赤道原则审查专家各自的任务，业务种类和交易审查流程中的高层管理人员；

22
 • 将赤道原则纳入其信用和风险管理政策和流程。

在采纳赤道原则的第一年，EPFI 将详细说明所需的内部准备并提供员工培训。第一年
后，如有必要，EPFI 可能需要提供员工持续培训的详情。

项目融资的项目名称报告（包括相关的再融资和并购融资）

EPFI 将直接向赤道原则协会秘书处提交项目名称数据，旨在将这些信息发布于赤道
原则协会网站上。

已达到融资正式生效日阶段的项目融资交易被要求报告项目名称，同时鼓励已达到融
资正式生效日阶段的与项目关联的公司贷款报告项目名称。

• 须征得客户同意，
• 须符合当地适用法律法规，及
• 如报告属于某个认定的司法管辖区，则不受制于 EPFI 附加责任。

为了促进项目名称报告的一致性，银团中的 EPFI 应协调受委任牵头行或环境代理人代

表银团征求客户的同意。如果不可行，每个 EPFI 应在任何认为适当的时间独立联系客
户以取得同意，但不可晚于融资正式生效日。

EPFI 将直接提交或通过网络链接提交下列项目名称数据：

• 项目名称（符合贷款协议和/或公开认可的），
• 交易融资正式生效日所处的年份，
• 行业（例如采矿业、基础建设业、石油和天然气业、发电业及其他行业），及
• 东道国名称。

23
个别 EPFI 可能想要将项目名称数据作为他们报告的一部分，但他们没有义务这么做。

24
附件：支持信息

附件 I：术语表

除在此处指定的术语外，赤道原则使用国际金融机构（IFC）绩效标准中的定义。

并购融资是指为收购一个项目或一个项目公司提供融资，该公司在一个项目中拥有独
家所有权或绝对控股，且客户对该项目拥有实际经营控制权。

受影响社区是位于项目影响范围内，直接受项目影响的当地社区。

评估（请参见环境和社会评估）。

评估文件（请参见环境与社会评估文件）。

资产融资是指将贷款用于资产的采购（例如飞机、货船或设备），这些资产将作为偿
还贷款的担保物。

过桥贷款是一种给与企业在得到长期资金供应前的过渡性贷款。

买方信贷是一种由出口国银行或其他金融机构向国外买方或买方银行提供的中长期出
口融资贷款。

气候物理风险是指由气候变化引起的风险，其中包括事件驱动（急性）或气候模式中
的长期变化（慢性）。急性物理风险是指那些由事件驱动的风险，包括旋风、飓风或
洪水等极端天气事件的严重程度的增加。慢性物理风险是指气候模式的长期变化（例
如持续的高温）可能导致海平面上升或慢性热浪（来源：气候相关财务信息披露工作组
（TCFD）建议，2017 年 6 月）。

25
气候转型风险是指在适应低碳经济过程中产生的风险。这些风险包括：政策和法律风
险，例如对排放量的政策限制、征收碳税和其他适用的政策、水或土地使用的限制或
激励措施；技术和市场变化引起的供求变化；声誉风险反映了客户或社区对组织在向
低碳和气候适应型经济转型过程中所产生影响的看法的变化（来源：气候相关财务信
息披露工作组（TCFD）建议，2017 年 6 月）。

关键栖息地是指具有高生物多样性价值的地区，包括 (i) 极度濒危和/或濒危物种的

重要栖息地；(ii) 地方特有和/或限制范围物种的重要栖息地； (iii) 移栖物种和/
或群集物种的重要集中栖息地；(iv) 受到严重威胁和/或独特的生态系统；和/或 (v)
与关键进化过程有关的地区。

极度濒危和/或濒危物种是指世界自然保护联盟（IUCN）濒危物种红色名单上的物种16。

指定国家是指那些被视为拥有健全的环境和社会治理、立法体系和机构功能来保护他
们的居民和自然环境的国家。赤道原则协会没有对每个国家在这些领域的表现进行独
立评估。作为此类评估的代用品，赤道原则协会要求，一个国家必须既是经合组织
（OECD）成员国，又必须出现在世界银行高收入国家名单上，才有资格成为指定国家。
赤道原则秘书处每季度审查这些数据集，以确保在指定国家名单中反映地位的任何变
化。可于赤道原则协会网站查阅指定国家列表。

实际经营控制权包括客户直接控制项目的运作（作为运营管理者或主要股东）和间接
控制（例如客户的附属机构对项目的运作）。

关键栖息地的确定基于其他如下清单：(i)如果物种在遵守 IUCN 指南的国家被列为国家/地区极度濒危

16

或濒危，将在咨询有能力的专家后逐项目地确定关键栖息地；及(ii)如国家或区域所列物种的分类不能很 好
地对应IUCN 的分类（例如一些国家更普遍地将物种列为“受保护”或“受限制”），则会进行评估，以确定
列入清单的理由和目的。在这种情况下，关键栖息地的确定将基于这样的评估。

26
环境和社会评估（评估） 是一个确定提呈项目在其影响地区存在的潜在环境和社会风
险和影响（包括人权和气候变化风险及影响，如果适用的话）的过程。

环境和社会评估文件（评估文件） 是指作为项目评估流程的一部分而为项目准备的一
系列文件。文件的范围和细节与项目存在的潜在环境和社会风险和影响相对应。如果
一个项目有可能造成不利的人权影响，评估文件应包括对这些影响的评价。评估文件
的示例包括：环境和社会影响评估（ ESIA ）、环境和社会管理计划（ ESMP ）或规模限
制性文件（例如审核、风险评估、危害评估和相关项目特定的环境许可）。当非技术
性环境摘要向公众披露时，也可将其加入评估文件作为更广泛的利益相关者参与流程
的一部分。

环境和社会影响评估（ESIA） 是一种关于项目存在的潜在环境和社会风险和影响的综
合性文件。绿地开发或大型扩张项目带有经明确确认的物理元素、性质和设施，可能
对社会或环境产生重大影响，因此这些项目均须准备 ESIA。附件 II 对 ESIA 中讨论
的环境和社会问题进行了总结。

环境和社会管理计划 （ESMP）总结了客户通过避免、减少和补偿/消除的措施解决和

减轻风险和影响，并将其作为评估的一部分承诺。该计划的范围可能从对日常缓和措
施的简短描述至一系列更为全面的管理计划（例如水资源管理计划、废物管理计划、
重新安置行动计划、原住民计划、应急和反应计划、退役计划）。ESMP 的详细和复杂
程度及其确定措施和计划的优先顺序与项目潜在风险和影响相对应。ESMP 的定义和特
性与国际金融机构绩效标准第 1 条中的“管理程序”大致相同。

环境和社会管理体系（ESMS） 可适用于公司层面或项目层面，它是最重要的环境、社

会、健康和安全管理体系。该体系设计用于持续鉴别、评估和管理项目涉及的风险和
影响。该体系由手册和相关源文件组成，包括关于社会或环境问题的政策、管理程序
和计划、流程、要求、绩效指标、职责、培训、定期审核和检查，还包括利益相关者
的参与和投诉机制。它是 ESMP 和/或赤道原则行动计划（EPAP）实施的最主要的框架。

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该术语可以指项目兴建阶段的体系或项目运作阶段的体系，或如上下文需要，两种体
系均可指代。

赤道原则行动计划（EPAP） 或环境和社会行动计划（ESAP）是 EPFI 的尽职调查过程

中须准备的，它描述了为弥补评估文件、ESMP、ESMS 或利益相关者的参与流程文件中的
空白还需采取的行动并制定优先顺序，使项目与赤道原则中所界定的适用标准相符。赤
道原则行动计划通常是表格形式，它明确列出了从缓释措施到后续研究或评估行动 等明
确行动，以补充评估文件。

赤道原则协会是由 EPFI 成员组成的非公司性质的协会，其目标为管理、实施和发展

赤道原则。赤道原则协会秘书处负责管理赤道原则协会的日常运作，包括收集 EPFI
项目名称报告数据。更多信息请登录赤道原则协会网站。

赤道原则审查专家是 EPFI 的雇员，他们负责审查符合赤道原则的交易的环境和社会

影响。他们可以是独立的赤道原则小组的一部分或银行、信贷风险、公司可持续发展
（或类似的）部门的成员，负责赤道原则的内部应用。

出口融资（也称出口信贷）是一种保险、担保或融资的安排，它使国外买方在购买出
口货物和/或服务后可在一定期限内延期付款。出口信贷通常分为短期、中期（一般还
款期限为二至五年）和长期（一般还款期限超过五年）。

融资正式生效日是指先前对债务/资金首次发放构设的所有条件均被满足或免除的日期。

金融阈值标准被用作赤道原则框架的一部分，这是由于应用框架涉及到巨大成本（其
中包括尽职调查和向一名独立的环境和社会顾问寻求建议）和大型项目的复杂性，其
中潜在的不利环境和社会风险可能会更高。

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自由、事先和知情的同意 （FPIC）。FPIC 这个词没有被普遍接受的定义。基于客户
和受影响的原住社区之间的真诚谈判，FPIC 建立于并扩大了知情协商和参与的过程，
确保原住民有意义地参与决策，并注重达成协议。FPIC 不需要全体一致同意，不授予
个人或子团体否决权，也不要求客户赞同不受他们控制的方面。

全球生物多样性信息网络（GBIF）17是一个由各国政府资助的国际网络和研究基础设施，
旨在向公众提供有关地球上所有类型生命的数据。它利用一个不断发展的由社区开发 的
标准，该标准能够汇编来自各种来源的生物多样性数据，并旨在通过提供关于生物 多样
性的可靠科学证据来产生经济和社会效益以及促进可持续发展。

人权被描述为旨在确保人人享有尊严和平等的国际标准。每个人都有权不受歧视地享
有这些权利。作为最低限度，有关人权是《国际人权宪章》所表述的——这是指《世
界人权宣言》、《公民权利和政治权利国际公约》、《经济、社会及文化权利国际公 约》
和《国际劳工组织关于工作中的基本原则和权利宣言》中关于基本权利的原则等。

独立环境和社会顾问是指被 EPFI 所认可的合格的独立公司或顾问（不与客户直接相

关联）。

独立审查是指对评估文件的审查，包括 ESMP、ESMS 和利益相关者的参与流程文件，

该审查由独立环境和社会顾问执行。

原住民：“原住民”一词没有普遍接受的定义。在不同的国家，原住民可以被称为
“原住少数民族”、“土著民”、“山地部落”、“少数民族”、“在册部落”、
“第一民族”或“部落群”。按照国际金融公司绩效标准 7（IFC PS7）所述，“原住
民”一词在这里泛指在不同程度上具有以下特征的独特社会和文化群体：

17
请参阅 www.gbif.org。

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 • “作为一个独特的原住文化群体的成员的自我认同和他人对这一身份的认可；

• “对项目区域内地理上独特的栖息地或祖先领地以及这些栖息地和领地内的自
然资源的集体依恋；

• “与主流社会或文化相分离的传统文化、经济、社会或政治制度；或

• “一种独特的语言或方言，通常与他们所居住的国家或地区的官方语言或主要
语言有所不同。”

《联合国人权公约》，如《联合国土著人民权利宣言》，构成了为世界原住民成员提
供权利框架的国际文书的核心。此外，为了保护原住民，一些国家还通过了立法或批
准了其他保护原住民的国际或区域公约，必须在其各自管辖范围内对此加以考虑。

通报协商和参与是指深入地交换意见和信息，也指有组织、反复的磋商，它能使客户
将受影响社区居民关于直接影响到他们的问题（例如提呈的缓和措施、开发利益和机
会的分配和落实问题）的意见纳入决策制定流程中。

资金用途是由客户提供的关于如何使用贷款的信息。

受委任的赤道原则金融机构或受委任的金融机构是指与客户签订合约，为项目或交易 提
供金融服务的金融服务提供方。

非指定国家是指不被列于赤道原则协会网站指定国家列表中的国家（也请参见指定国
家）。

经营控制权（请参见实际经营控制权）

其他利益相关者是指不直接受项目影响，但项目能给其带来利益的组织或个人。他们
可以包括国家和地方当局、邻近项目和/或非政府组织。

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《巴黎协定》是于 2015 年 12 月 12 日通过并于 2016 年 11 月 4 日生效的《联合国气候
变 化 框 架 公 约 》 下 的 文 书 （ UNFCCC Dec 1/CP.21 (2015) UN Doc
FCCC/CP/2015/10/Add.1）。

项目是指在确定区域任何行业的开发行为（该区域不需要是连续的——一个项目可能
位于一个或多个地理区域）。它包括对现有运作的扩张或升级。适用赤道原则的项目
示例包括但不限于：发电厂、煤矿、石油和天然气项目、化工厂、基础设施开发、生
产厂、大规模房地产开发、敏感地区房地产开发或任何其他会产生重大环境和/或社会
风险和影响的项目。项目可以包括位于未开发地区或以前开发过的地区的新开发、扩
建或升级。在出口信贷机构支持交易的情况下，出口所需进行的新的商业性、基础性
或工业性的运作都将被视为项目。

项目完工是指一个项目已经完成、运转并根据某些预先定义的措施（通常是完工验收
中的定义）执行的日期。在此日期后，项目的现金流成为主要的还款方式。

项目开发生命周期是指开发和执行一个项目的整个过程。它包括一个项目场址的设计
和规划、建造、生产、关闭、停运和修复，以及采购用品、取得许可、准许和发牌，
以及融资和偿还款项。从指标上看，生命周期从简单项目的一年到大型项目的 15 年
（或更长）不等。

项目融资是一种贷款人将项目的产值作为主要偿还贷款的资金来源和安全保障的融资
方式。该类融资方式通常适用于大型、复杂和成本高的项目，例如发电厂、化工厂、
煤矿、运输系统基础设施、环境和通信基础设施。在这类交易中，合同中项目的产值
通常单独或完全支付给贷款人，例如发电厂供电的产值。客户通常是一个带有特殊目
的的实体，除了开发、拥有和运作项目外，不允许其拥有任何其他职能。偿还主要取
决于项目的现金流量和项目资产的担保价值。更多信息请参考：《巴塞尔银行监管委
员会，统一资本计量和资本标准的国际协议（“巴塞尔 II”）》，2005 年 11 月。采

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掘业基于储备的融资是一种无追索权的融资，其项目收益用于开发储备（例如油田或
煤矿），它被视为一种项目融资交易，包含于赤道原则中。

项目融资咨询服务是指在开发过程中，为潜在融资提供咨询意见，该潜在融资形式可
能是项目融资。

与项目关联的公司贷款是指公司贷款，提供给与项目相关的商业实体（可以是私有企
业、上市公司、国有企业或控股企业），项目可以是兴建项目或扩张项目（例如有扩
张迹象），与项目相关的资金用途为下列某项：

a. 贷款人主要将项目产值作为还款来源（如项目融资）和担保形式为公司或母公

司担保；

b. 贷款文件表明大部分的贷款将用于项目。该类文件可能包括条款书、信息备忘

录、贷款协定或其他客户提供的关于贷款使用意向的陈述。

它包括向政府拥有的公司和其他由政府设立的代表政府进行商业活动的法人实体提供
贷款。对于所有A类项目和适当的B类项目，与项目关联的公司贷款应包括向国家、地
区或地方政府、政府部门和机构提供贷款。

与项目关联的公司贷款应包括买方信贷形式的出口融资，但不包括卖方信贷形式的出
口融资（因为客户没有实际经营控制权）。此外，与项目关联的公司贷款不包括不为
基础项目提供融资的其他金融工具，如资产融资、对冲、租赁、信用证、用于一般公
司用途的贷款和用于维持公司运营的一般营运资本支出贷款。

再融资是用新贷款替代现有贷款的过程，在现有贷款尚未到期或没有违约的情况下，
新贷款将用于支付（偿还）现有贷款。

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范围 1 排放量是指物理项目边界内设施的温室气体排放量。

范围 2 排放量是指与项目进行非现场生产所使用的能源相关的温室气体间接排放量。

敏感地区是指具有国际、国家或地区重要性的地区，例如湿地、具有高生物多样性价
值的森林、具有重要考古或文化价值的地区、对原住民或其他弱势群体具有重要价值
的地区、国家公园和其他由国家或国际法律设定的保护区。

利益相关者的参与是指国际金融机构绩效指标中关于外部交流、环境和社会信息披露、
参与、通报协商和投诉机制的条款。对赤道原则而言，利益相关者的参与还指原则 5
中描述的全部要求。

卖方信贷是一种中/长期，由出口方提供给国外买方的出口融资信贷。

TCFD 建议是气候相关财务信息披露工作组于 2017 年 6 月 15 日发布的建议。有关更多

信息，请参阅 https://www.fsb-tcfd.org/。

《联合国商业和人权指导原则》（UNGPs）：可作为“工商业与人权：实施联合国‘保 护、
尊重和补救’框架指导原则”，纽约和日内瓦，2011 年参考 HR/PUB/11/04。

工人是指客户直接或间接雇用到工程地点工作的所有工人，包括全职和兼职工人、承
包商、分包商和临时工。

33
附件 II：在环境和社会评估文件中会涵盖的潜在环境和社会问题的示例清单

以下列表总结了评估文件中可以包含的问题。请留意，该列表仅起说明作用。各项目
的评估流程可能不会包括所有应列问题、或者并非每一项问题均与每个项目相关。

评估文件的内容会涵盖以下问题（如适用）：

1. 对基本环境和社会状况的基本面评估
2. 对环境和社会有利而可行的替代方案的考虑
3. 东道国法律和法规、适用的国际条约和协议的规定，包括2015年《巴黎气候变
化协定》
4. 生物多样性的保护和保全（包括变迁过的栖息地、 自然栖息地和关键栖息地中
的濒危物种和敏感生态系统）和受法律保护地区的认定18
5. 可持续性管理和使用可再生自然资源（包括通过适当的独立认证系统进行可持
续资源管理）
6. 危险物质的使用和管理
7. 重大危险源的评估和管理
8. 高效生产：每产出比例因子所消耗的能源总量19，能源的输送和使用
9. 污染防治、废物减少和污染控制（废液和气体排放）及废弃物管理
10.温室气体排放水平和排放强度
11.用水情况、用水强度、水源
12.土地覆盖、土地利用实践

18
有些地区的项目可能无法接受融资，但特别为保护该地区而设计的项目可能除外。在评估关键栖息地
时应确定这些地区，并在融资过程中尽早提请 EPFI 注意。它们包括：联合国教育、科学及文化组织
（UNESCO）的自然和混合世界遗产；以及符合零灭绝联盟（AZE）指定标准的地点。请参阅国际金融公 司
（IFC）绩效标准指南注释 6（2019 年 2 月）。
19
此修改和与 10)- 13)相关的修改受 TCFD 实施附件第 8 页的影响。

34
 13.考虑物理气候风险和适应机会，以及在变化的天气模式/气候条件下运作项目的
可行性
14.对现有项目、拟建项目和预计日后兴建的项目的累计影响
15.考虑实际的或潜在的不利人权影响，如果没有发现，则解释是如何确定没有人
权风险的，包括在分析中考虑到了哪些利益相关者群体和弱势群体（如果存在
的话）
16.劳工问题（包括四项核心劳工标准）和职业健康和安全
17.项目设计、审查和执行过程中受影响群体的协商和参与
18.社会和经济影响
19.对受影响社区、易受伤害群体或弱势群体产生的影响
20.性别和性别失衡影响
21.土地征用和非自愿搬迁
22.对原住民和其独有文化体系和价值观的影响，其中包括对属于传统所有权或习
惯用途的土地和自然资源的影响
23.对文化财产和遗产的保护
24.对社区健康、安全和保障（包括项目使用保安人员的风险、影响和管理）的保
护
25.防火和生命安全

附 件 III：国际金融公司环境和社会可持续性绩效标准及世界银行集团环境、
健康和安全指南

赤道原则将国际金融公司可持续发展框架的两个单独部分作为“当时适用标准”并列
于原则 3中。

1. 国际金融公司绩效标准（PS）

35
截至 2012 年 1 月 1 日，适用的国际金融公司绩效标准20包括：

PS1 -环境和社会风险和影响的评估和管理
PS2 -劳工和工作条件
PS3 -资源效率和污染预防
PS4 -社区健康、安全和保障
PS5 -土地征用和非自愿迁移
PS6 -生物多样性的保全和可持续自然资源的管理
PS7 -原住民
PS8 -文化遗产

各项绩效标准均附有指南注释。EPFI 不正式采用这些指南注释但在 EPFI 和客户寻求

绩效标准的进一步指引或诠释时，可以指南注释作为有用的参照。这些产品可能偶尔
会被更新（例如 2019 年 2 月更新的指南注释 6）。

国际金融公司绩效标准、指南注释和行业具体指南可于国际金融公司网站查询。

2. 世界银行集团环境、健康和安全（EHS）指南

世界银行集团环境、健康和安全（EHS）指南21是技术性参考文件，它包含了国际金融
公司绩效标准中所描述的良好的产业惯例 （GIIP）的范例。它们包含了通常被视为适
用于非指定国家可接受项目的绩效等级和措施，同样在新建设施中也可通过现有技术
和合理的成本达成指南中的要求。使用两种指南：

20
请参阅 www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/Topics_Ext_Content/IFC_External_Corporate_Site/Sustainability-At-
IFC/Policies-Standards/Performance-Standards/。
21
请参阅 www.ifc.org/wps/wcm/connect/topics_ext_content/ifc_external_corporate_site/sustainability-at-
ifc/policies-standards/ehs-guidelines。

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一般环境、健康和安全指南

该类指南包含可能适用于所有行业部门的交叉环境、健康和安全问题的信息。分组如
下：
• 环境
• 职业健康与安全
• 社区健康和安全
• 建设
• 停运

它们应该与相关的行业指南一起使用。

行业指南

该类指南包含行业具体影响和绩效指标的信息及行业活动的一般说明。分组如下：

农业综合企业/食品生产 • 制糖
• 作物年产量 • 植物油生产加工
• 水产养殖
• 啤酒厂
• 乳品加工
• 鱼类加工
• 食品和饮料加工 化工业
• 哺乳动物家畜饲养 • 煤炭加工
• 肉类加工 • 大容量无机化合物
• 栽培作物生产 • 制造业和煤焦油蒸馏
• 禽肉加工 • 大容量油基有机化学品生产
• 禽肉生产 • 天然气加工

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• 氮肥制造
• 油脂化学品制造 采矿业
• 农药配方、制造和包装
• 石油炼制
• 油基聚合物制造
• 医药品和生物技术制造
• 磷肥制造

林业
• 木板和粒料产品
一般制造业 • 森林采伐作业
• 基本金属冶炼和精炼 • 纸浆和造纸厂
• 水泥和石灰制造 • 锯木加工和木制品
• 瓷砖和卫生洁具制造
• 施工材料制造 石油和天然气
• 铸造厂 • 液化天然气（LNG）设施
• 玻璃制造 • 海上石油和天然气开发
• 综合钢铁厂 • 陆上石油和天然气开发
• 金属、塑料、橡胶制品制造
• 印刷业 基础设施
• 半导体和电子产品制造 • 航空公司
• 制革和皮革涂饰 • 机场
• 纺织品制造 • 原油和石油产品终端
• 煤气输配系统
能源 • 卫生保健设施
• 电力传输和输配 • 港口、港口和码头

• 地热发电 • 铁路

• 火力发电 • 石油零售网络

• 风能 • 航运

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• 通信 • 水和卫生设施
• 收费公路
• 旅游和酒店开发
• 废物管理设施

35