Cordiant’s capacity in terms of ESG Appraisal and Management in being able to control, reduce, and mitigate material risks lies in our underlying procedure of integrating ESG as part of the In-Depth Due Diligence process. The DDQ and ESG form the core of the Investment Memorandums, decision-making process, and the loan agreements. This ensures a robust management system.
A clear understanding of the potential risks and impacts allows Cordiant to assess which IFC Performance Standard applies to a specific business strategy, and thereafter systematically engage in a discussion on the risk-profile of the firm.
As a means to do so, Cordiant has developed sectoral technical guidance documents for an in-depth due diligence that touches upon and aligns with the relevant certifications and principles of sustainable practices on the ground. That way, it is able to consistently and systematically apply best impact and risk management practices across sectors, industries and commodities. This is both time-effective and creates a lot of value for the borrowers, as through our investments, they become aligned with the applicable international standards that are relevant for their operations.
As such, the first due diligence questionnaire, which is based on all SASB, IFC, and IRIS metrics, provides a consistent framework through which to screen the compliance of a potential borrower.
The results of the Due Diligence reflects the potential investee’s commitment to development impact and good ESG management. This is relevant to the issue of “Green Washing” whereby some firms speak the language of impact and ESG as a way of securing financing, but are not committed to either in practice. Hence, Cordiant conducts an internal E&S briefing as a final step in the Due Diligence.
If concerns seem highly material, consultants will be hired to evaluate and monitor environmental and social risks so that Cordiant can effectively recommend an appropriate action plan. Where necessary, the consultant will provide Cordiant with input on the risks and the steps necessary to mitigate these risks during the investment phase.
During the Gap Analysis, Cordiant reviews the DD Report and determines the requirements and mitigants necessary for closing the identified gaps. This stage is critical, as it highlights the firm’s performance in managing its own E&S risks relative to an alignment with international standards (IFC).
This gap analysis also serves as the basis for the subsequent ESMS & Action Plan. Indeed, the team uses the report to determine the relevant remediation mechanisms (ESMS) that will be included in the Action Plan.
This action plan includes all necessary measures to mitigate adverse outcomes. This Action Plan will be incorporated in the Loan Agreement package (or the structure around it). It will clearly outline how ESG matters will be handled during the life of the investment in order to meet the Cordiant’s requirements and expectations.
Monitoring & Evaluation are vital aspects of the process to ensure that the borrower’s actions are consistent with the agreed- upon ESG plan. Monitoring is conducted either on a bi-annual or yearly basis- depending on the materiality of risks- and throughout the life of the loan. Cordiant conducts a yearly monitoring of the firms’ performance through (i) the Annual Monitoring Report (AMR) which quantifies risks E&S indicators; (ii) the Action Plan which forms the compliance indicators and loan agreement; and (iii) the Developmental Impact Baseline Survey.
- Monitoring & Measurement of the Developmental Impacts
- Monitoring of Compliance with Action Plan & Mitigation Measures: Cordiant is responsible for developing an Action Plan (AP) with the borrower that will serve as a benchmark which is then used as a basis for monitoring compliance and progress.
As such, covenants and conditions prior to disbursement include that borrowers;
- Comply with all Applicable National Laws
- Comply with Applicable IFC Performance Standards
- Regular monitoring: Cordiant will stay informed and respond to new developments and/or risks by building on the relationship established during DD
- Commitment to Monitoring & Evaluation: The Borrower will agree to allow Cordiant to conduct baseline surveys & supervisory Monitoring & Evaluations (M&E), so to as to measure the firm’s performance or underperformance of sector-specific impact & ESG performance indicators. Those include;
- Annual Monitoring Report Compliance
- Action Plan’s Monitoring Indicators
- Agree to report on performance: This will serve towards Performance Evaluation Reports, as well as to assist the company to ensure its ongoing compliance with applicable standards, implementation of ESG Action plan and improvement of ESG performance.