Regardless of the type of financing solution your company requires, a loan can be structured as green provided that the aim of the financing meets SEK’s green criteria that is based on the loan being in line with the EU Taxonomy for sustainable activities. Financing can be offered to exporters, subcontractors and projects that contribute to reduced climate and environmental impact or more effective use of resources. This can, for example, include new technology and innovation that contribute to the transition.

The loan does not need to be connected to an export transaction, however, there must be a direct or indirect link to exports in the company’s operations or a clear connection to Sweden’s transition. This means that suppliers to exporting companies are also eligible for green loans.

Financial solutions eligible for green loans

• Export credits
• Working capital
• Factoring services
• Loans in local currencies
• Project finance
• Guarantees

Green loans are financed via SEK’s green bonds and classified in accordance with SEK’s framework for green bonds. The market for green bonds is a tool with which to earmark capital for a climate-smart transition of the economy. Green bonds are in demand from investors who wish to invest in projects that combat climate change or are eco-friendly in another way.

“Offering green loans is a way for us to guide financing for operations that contribute to reducing climate emissions. At the same time, they can be offered to the customer at a more advantageous price. This is a win-win for all parties, but particularly the climate.”

Jens Hedar, Head of Client Relations at SEK

Criteria for green loans

1. Meet ESG criteria (Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance)
   Your company is required to fulfill ESG criteria, which differentiate depending on the industry. The criteria concern the managing and governance of environmental issues, social conditions and anti-corruption.
2. Calculable green measures
   Your company must be able to display positive, calculable environmental measures in projects or in the technology that is financed, in accordance with internationally established methods.
3. Projects or operations that contribute to at least one of the EU’s six environmental objectives
   1. Limitations of climate change. Examples:
      Fossil-free transportation solutions
      Renewable energy
   2. Adaptations to climate change. Examples:
      Construction of flood protection
      Developing drought-tolerant crops
   3. Sustainable use of water protection and marine resources. Examples:
      Minimizing the use of fresh water in production
      Restoring marine environments and ecosystems
   4. The transition to a circular economy. Examples:
      Reusing factory waste material for production
      Circular product design and servicification
   5. Preventing and limiting pollution. Examples:
      Eliminating superfluous transportation to avoid transport emissions.
   6. Protection and recovery of biological diversity and the ecosystem. Examples:
      Favoring suppliers that promote and recover the ecosystem
      Expanding forest areas and green urban areas