Green finance gives Walker buildings star power
- Written by Nick Marshall-McCormack
Walker Corporation have made their six star commercial assets even more sustainable with new green loans for Parramatta Square in Sydney and Collins Square in Melbourne.
Walker Corporation Executive Chairman Lang Walker said sustainability is at the core of the company’s ethos.
“We are proud to have our flagship commercial buildings in Parramatta and Melbourne leading the way in environmental standards which gives us access to the green finance market,” Mr Walker said.
“3 and 4 Parramatta Square have extended the terms of their green finance loans while Collins Square has now converted its existing loan into a green loan.”
Tenants in both precincts were actively seeking environmentally friendly, sustainable buildings for their staff and Walker has been able to deliver these green targets to a long list of Federal and State Government tenants, as well as ASX listed financial firms, insurers and professional services companies.
“Green loans are a mutual win-win for companies and communities as we all work together to make our planet more sustainable,” Mr Walker said.
“Climate focused investment is on the rise with big demand to participate in loans which have helped finance green buildings and assets like Walker’s, which feature clean and renewable energy, carbon emission reduction, as well as recycling and initiatives to reduce energy usage.”
3 and 4 Parramatta Square are rated 6 star Green Star by the Green Building Council of Australia and 4PS boasts a 5.5 star NABERS rating for energy.
Collins Square was recently confirmed as an Australian market leader for indoor environment quality after receiving 6 stars NABERS Indoor Environment ratings on all four towers owned and operated by Walker Corporation.
ANZ Managing Director, Corporate Finance Christina Tonkin said ANZ is pleased to have advised Walker Corporation on the successful conclusion of its latest green property loan, underpinning the company’s commitment to an ambitious sustainability strategy.
“As the first private company to issue a green loan in Australia, Walker Corporation leads the industry with its highly energy efficient office buildings and precincts that are strongly valued by tenants and corporate Australia.” Ms Tonkin said.
“Sustainable financing solutions such as green loans play a key role in mobilising capital to support the transition of customers such as Walker Corporation to a more sustainable economy.”
Commonwealth Bank’s Group Executive of Institutional Banking and Markets, Andrew Hinchliff, said the bank was proud to act as Joint Sustainability Coordinator for Walker’s Green Loans as sustainability finance is an important tool CBA can offer to support Australia’s transition to a more sustainable future.
“Walker Corporation is to be commended for its commitment to developing best-in-class sustainable, energy-efficient urban infrastructure that will be used and enjoyed by current and future generations of Australians,” Mr Hinchliff said.
“We see sustainable finance as a key tool in helping Australian businesses build our future economy, and we’re extremely proud to support Walker with this Green loan that will help them further demonstrate their strong ESG commitments.”
