Johannesburg’s 2014 green city bonds scheme has secured finance for investments in a suite of projects mitigating climate change and creating a more resilient city.
As the first emerging market city to issue green city bonds, Johannesburg is a front-runner in finding innovative funding sources for climate action. The $143 million in green bonds sold in 2014 fill gaps in much-needed development finance for projects within energy, water, waste, and transportation. The funding will help implement the city’s climate change mitigation strategy and accelerate projects, such as a rollout of 42,000 building smart meters, 43,000 solar water heaters, deployment of 152 hybrid buses as well as conversion of buses from diesel to natural gas.
One project financed by the bonds is a 16km extension of the Rea Vaya Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system, which will result in 10 new stations, and 5km of walking and cycling lanes. Due to the successful 2014 issuance, the city has become a global role model and has shared its approach to green bonds with cities across the world. Johannesburg is planning to issue new green bonds to finance further climate action.
15% CO2 reduction in Johannesburg achieved through mitigation projects from 2013 to 2016
The challenge
Cities across the world are experiencing difficulties in securing financing for green urban development, resulting in unrealized projects. Green bonds have helped Johannesburg overcome this barrier by providing access to additional funding and tapping into a new base of socially responsible investors. According to the World Bank, investors are increasingly looking to green bonds, with investments in these programs tripling to $35 billion between 2013 and 2014.
Co-benefits
Economic Johannesburg’s green bonds have reduced the costs of realizing the city’s green projects. As the bond auction in 2014 was 150% oversubscribed, the city sees even bigger potential for future issuances.
Environmental The extensive installation of solar water heaters will save the equivalent of 22.5 GWh of electricity a year, enough to power a small town.
Social Green bond-financed projects to increase recycling separation at the source targets 470,000 households and will help job creation in Johannesburg.
About Johannesburg
Johannesburg is the largest city in South Africa and is one of the 50 largest urban areas in the world, but while Johannesburg is not one of South Africa’s three capital cities, it is the seat of the Constitutional Court.
