NICK WILLIAM

NICK
Yes!! Call me Bond, Green Bond. 
WILLIAM
Green bond! Nice try, but the name’s already taken.
NICK
Nope. Pretty sure I just invented it.

WILLIAM
Think again, buddy! The bank beat you to it. A green bond is actually a type of bond - a loan if you like. Except the money that is raised goes towards financing green projects. 
			
NICK
Green projects?
WILLIAM
Yes. Like building a wind farm, or financing research in eco-friendly engines, thermal insulation, renewable energy... kind of stuff. 
				
NICK
So, it’s a bit like when I took out a loan to replace my oil boiler with a heat pump?
			
WILLIAM
Exactly!

NICK
OK, I got it. And you get tax breaks, right? 

WILLIAM 
No, but green projects are more appealing to investors because of their positive impact on the environment.
It’s also highly regulated to make sure the projects funded by green bonds meet the criteria of the United Nations Charter. 
				
NICK
And how do we know that these green bonds are actually being used for green projects? 
				
 WILLIAM
Trust me, there are loads of checks to make sure there’s no greenwashing going on and prevent investors who invest in green projects because it looks good, but in the end don’t invest there at all. It would be like getting a tax break for replacing your oil boiler with a coal boiler. 
				
NICK
Do all companies do green bonds?
				
WILLIAM
It’s actually fairly recent. It’s only been around for 10 or 12 years, but it’s really starting to take off.

NICK
Is it a good investment? Does it work? 

WILLIAM
Yes. People are more environmentally conscious these days. Companies also use green bonds to promote their business, particularly in projects the public doesn’t know about. It's a good way to boost their image and reputation.


NICK 
Do you think I could issue a green bond? You know, to boost my image.

WILLIAM
No, you can’t. It’s only for businesses.
As for your image, watch this: hole in one! Call me Bond, Green Bond.