Latest news with #ESG-aligned
The Wire
9 hours ago
- Business
- The Wire
RBI's Rs.10 Lakh Crore Credit Unlock a Major Boost for the Sustainable Blue Economy: Kings Infra
Kochi, 23rd June 2025: Kings Infra Ventures Ltd. welcomes the Reserve Bank of India's decisive policy to reduce provisioning norms for infrastructure lending — a silent yet powerful enabler that unlocks over Rs.10 lakh crore in credit for India's future-ready sectors. This reform comes at a pivotal time for India's infrastructure ambitions — especially in nutritional infrastructure, a new and urgent category focused on building clean, sustainable, and traceable food systems. As a leading developer of land-based aquaculture and seafood supply chains, Kings Infra is uniquely positioned to leverage this opportunity. 'This reform is a silent catalyst,' said Mr. Shaji Baby John, Chairman of Kings Infra. 'It gives us the financial flexibility to fast-track our aquaculture infrastructure, unlock value from our land banks, and contribute significantly to India's Blue Economy and food security goals.' Through its subsidiary Kings Maritech Eco Parks Ltd. (KMEPL), the company is building large-scale, ESG-aligned aquaculture clusters — combining hatcheries, precision farm units, cold-chain logistics, and export hubs across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka. The RBI's move to reduce provisioning for under-construction infrastructure from 5% to just 1% is expected to: • Free up capital for faster rollout of sustainable infrastructure • Improve bankability of greenfield aquaculture and logistics projects • Accelerate land monetization across Kings Infra's coastal land portfolio This also strengthens Kings Infra's strategic roadmap to transform underutilized coastal lands into high-impact assets supporting: • Clean protein exports • Climate-resilient farming systems • Rural employment • Nutritional self-sufficiency As India powers ahead with its Rs.1.4 trillion National Infrastructure Pipeline, this credit unlock ensures that blue economy sectors — from mariculture and clean aquaculture to traceable seafood exports — receive the financial backing they need. Kings Infra is actively engaging with institutional investors, sustainability-focused funds, and strategic partners to co-develop this next generation of aquaculture infrastructure. (Disclaimer: The above press release comes to you under an arrangement with NRDPL and PTI takes no editorial responsibility for the same.).
Sinar Daily
12 hours ago
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Green sukuk and Malaysia's climate leadership: An Islamic finance response to decarbonisation
Unlike conventional green bonds, green sukuk are underpinned by tangible assets, providing a unique layer of risk mitigation and investor confidence. By MUHAMMAD IRWAN ARIFFIN 23 Jun 2025 12:25pm Illustrative image by Sinar Daily MALAYSIA has made headlines with its recent announcement of RM43 billion in investment to upgrade the national power grid and facilitate offshore carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiatives. These efforts, aligned with Malaysia's commitment to achieve net-zero carbon emissions by 2050, mark a pivotal shift in energy and climate policy. Yet, such ambitions come with substantial financial demands. In navigating this challenge, Malaysia is uniquely positioned to champion a homegrown solution rooted in Islamic economics: the issuance of green sukuk. Green sukuk are Shariah-compliant bonds earmarked to finance environmentally sustainable projects. They combine ethical investing with Islamic principles, ensuring that proceeds are used exclusively for climate-positive and socially beneficial purposes. Unlike conventional green bonds, green sukuk are underpinned by tangible assets, providing a unique layer of risk mitigation and investor confidence. Malaysia has already been a pioneer in this domain. In 2017, it became the first country to issue a sovereign green sukuk to fund renewable energy projects. Since then, the sukuk market has grown steadily, but it remains underutilised in major public infrastructure and climate finance strategies. The RM43 billion decarbonisation initiative presents an ideal opportunity to reinvigorate this instrument. Illustrative image by Sinar Daily The benefits are twofold. First, issuing green sukuk diversifies funding sources and attracts both domestic and international investors seeking ESG-aligned and Shariah-compliant returns. Malaysia can tap into the growing appetite for ethical finance across the Middle East, Europe and Southeast Asia. Second, green sukuk provide a tangible demonstration of Islamic finance's role in advancing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in clean energy (SDG 7), climate action (SDG 13), and sustainable cities (SDG 11). Furthermore, the alignment between maqasid al-shariah (objectives of Islamic law) and environmental stewardship is evident. Islam promotes the protection of life, wealth and the environment. In this light, decarbonisation becomes not only an economic imperative but a moral and religious one. To move forward, policymakers should create incentives for green sukuk issuers, streamline regulatory processes, and strengthen verification frameworks to avoid greenwashing. Public-private partnerships, particularly with Islamic banks and waqf institutions, could further amplify the positive impact of green sukuk. In a world searching for climate solutions that are both ethical and inclusive, Malaysia has an opportunity to lead. Green sukuk could well be its powerful tool because it is financially sound, spiritually aligned and globally relevant. Assoc Prof Dr Muhammad Irwan Ariffin is attached to the Department of Economics, Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences, International Islamic University Malaysia. The views expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Sinar Daily. More Like This
Pembrokeshire Herald
10-06-2025
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Pluto Finance backs 56 new homes in west Wales with £8.9m loan package
ESG-aligned funding will support low-carbon developments in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire PLUTO FINANCE has completed its first two residential development loans in Wales, totalling £8.9 million, from the Welsh Pension Partnership (WPP) investment sleeve. The funding will support the construction of 56 energy-efficient homes in Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire, delivered by Obsidian Homes. The two schemes will provide a mix of open-market and affordable housing targeted at local people and key workers, including those in healthcare, education, and emergency services. The first loan, for £4.35 million, supports Phase One of a 37-home scheme in Llanarth, Ceredigion, close to a popular holiday destination. The phase includes 16 open-market homes and five affordable properties, which will be sold at 70% of market value. A second phase—comprising 14 more open-market units and two affordable homes—will follow once sales progress. The second loan, for £4.57 million, funds a new development in Kilgetty, Pembrokeshire. This project will deliver 15 open-market houses and four affordable apartments. The affordable units will be acquired directly by the local authority. Construction is already underway, with Pluto stepping in to complete the lending package within two weeks of credit approval. Both councils have shown strong support for the developments, which prioritise affordability, sustainable construction, and homes for local families. Designed to high environmental standards, the homes feature timber-frame construction, photovoltaic panels, and low-carbon heating systems. All units are expected to achieve an EPC A rating, and developers estimate lifetime carbon savings of up to 92%. Jonathan Scott, Lending Director at Pluto Finance, said: 'These developments are exactly the kind of projects Pluto is proud to support—high-quality, low-carbon homes that meet genuine local need. We're especially pleased to be working with Obsidian Homes, who share our values and commitment to sustainable placemaking. Our flexible approach and deep understanding of regional markets continue to support a growing pipeline of projects across Wales.' Paul Rees of Obsidian Homes added: 'Pluto has been a reliable and pragmatic funding partner throughout the process, enabling us to move forward with these important West Wales schemes. We're already seeing strong demand, with two homes reserved ahead of formal marketing.' The two loans form part of Pluto Finance's broader strategy to drive regeneration, boost local economies, and address housing imbalances in communities where second homes often outnumber primary residences.
Time of India
09-06-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Blue Energy Motors delivers 8 LNG-powered trucks to Inland World Logistics
Mumbai: Truck maker Blue Energy Motors on Monday said it has delivered eight LNG-powered heavy-duty trucks to Inland World Logistics , marking the logistics giant's first step into sustainable transportation . These trucks were handed over to the company at a ceremony held at the Chakan manufacturing plant in Pune last week, Blue Energy said. With zero compromise on payload or power, these LNG trucks offer 30 per cent lower carbon emissions and drastically reduced operating costs, making them a game-changer for fleets seeking ESG-aligned efficiency, it said. The company also said it has over 800 such trucks operating in the fleet of CONCOR, Greenline and other logistics operators.
Business Standard
07-06-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Indha: Redefining Sustainability Through Design Innovation; Training Rural Women To Become Eco-Entrepreneurs
PNN New Delhi [India], June 7: In a world increasingly defined by conscious consumerism and sustainability, Indha, a homegrown social enterprise, is emerging as a powerful model of how design, innovation, and rural empowerment can intersect to drive meaningful business and social at empowering women from underserved communities with skills that help them economically sustain themselves and live a life of dignity, Indha has trained and impacted 10,000 women and over 100 rural families positively. Founded in 2005 by World's First Woman Airbus-300 Commander, Captain Indraani Singh, Indha began as a small initiative in Village Daulatabad, Gurgaon, to create sustainable livelihoods for underserved women. Today, it has evolved into ten full-fledged production and design units that repurpose CPUs, tablets, packaging wood, glass bottles, fabric waste, cardboard, and more, turning them into home decor, stationery, utility bags, and corporate gifts, all while preserving handmade excellence and traditional art. "We've always looked inward - finding beauty, utility, and purpose in what's already around us," says Capt. IndraaniSingh, Founder of Indha and Literacy India. "Our design thinking is rooted in frugal innovation - from making bags out of newspapers, using old sarees for children's dresses, or converting waste wood into art. This ethos eventually led us to set up our own paper recycling unit. For us, sustainability isn't a trend - it's our foundation." Indha's artisans - primarily women from rural and peri-urban communities - are more than just skilled craftswomen; they are producers, mentors, and eco-entrepreneurs. From managing production lines and developing new product concepts to training newcomers in embroidery, printing, papercraft, and stitching, these women play a central role in shaping Indha's creative output. Their collaboration extends beyond the physical workspace - WhatsApp groups serve as vibrant design forums where artisans and design leads share patterns, exchange ideas, and offer daily encouragement. Leveraging technology, including AI-powered design tools, Indha has built a dynamic, interconnected ecosystem where innovation and knowledge flow seamlessly across centres--fostering creativity, skill-sharing, and a strong sense of community. Endorsed by Corporates: Conscious Gifting Goes Mainstream In recent years, KPMG India, Orange, Dell, Intach, Teleperformance, Sita India, BioDerma, and other responsible businesses have partnered with Indha for sustainable corporate gifting and employee engagement initiatives. These partnerships not only support local artisans but also reflect the growing corporate shift towards ESG-aligned, purpose-led procurement. Through a growing presence via exhibitions and institutional collaborations, Indha has established itself as a scalable, replicable model of circular economy that puts women, innovation, and responsible designing at its core. As India deepens its focus on sustainability, skill-building, and climate resilience, stories like Indha's serve as a powerfulreminder: solutions can come from the grassroots.
