SATO launches Green Finance Framework

SATO has launched a Green Finance Framework that integrates sustainable development and action against climate change with the Group’s investments and related financing solutions. The Framework is based on the company’s strategy and its Sustainability Programme published last year.

Published last year, the SATO Sustainability Programme for 2019–2022 emphasises carbon-neutral cities and the well-being of residents and neighbourhoods.  SATO is responding to climate change by cutting emissions from its operations and by reducing the carbon footprint over the entire life cycle of properties as well as by providing residents with opportunities for environmentally friendly everyday housing solutions.

“We promote sustainable development through our activities, and sustainability is an essential element in our long-term value creation for investors and other stakeholders. We’re now publishing a Green Finance Framework that integrates our company’s sustainability targets with our financing arrangements,” says Group Treasurer Janne Runsamo from SATO.

The Framework aims to provide investors and finance providers with a description of SATO's operations and goals that support the transition to a sustainable and low-emissions economy. Within the Framework, SATO may issue green bonds, green commercial papers and other debt instruments to (re-)finance, for example, energy-efficient buildings, repair investments improving energy efficiency as well as projects relating to renewable energy or waste management.

The Framework is based on and in line with the Green Bond Principles 2018 and the Green Loan Principles 2018. SATO’s adviser in the development of the Framework was Swedbank. The independent external evaluation of the Framework was conducted by CICERO, the leading provider of second opinions on green bonds. SATO’ Framework was graded as medium green in the CICERO Shades of Green Second Opinion. The Framework and the Second Opinion are available on the SATO website at: https://www.sato.fi/en/finances-investors/green-financing

SATO has been rated by Standard & Poor’s as BBB with a stable outlook.

For more information please contact:
SATO Corporation, Janne Runsamo, Group Treasurer, phone +358 45 671 3567, janne.runsamo@sato.fi
SATO Corporation, Markku Honkasalo, CFO, phone +358 50 598 8728, markku.honkasalo@sato.fi
www.sato.fi

_SATO is one of Finland's leading rental housing providers. SATO aims to offer a comprehensive choice of rental housing and an excellent customer experience. At year-end 2019, SATO owned over 26 000 apartments in Finland's largest growth centres and in St Petersburg.

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_We promote sustainable development and initiative through our operations and work in open interaction with our stakeholders to generate added value. We operate profitably and with a long-term view. We increase the value of our housing stock through investments, divestments and repairs.

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SATO Group's net sales in 2019 were EUR 296 million, operating profit EUR 726 million and profit before taxes EUR 671 million. The value of SATO's investment assets is roughly EUR 4,7 billion.