Green Bonds Simulation

• Reviewing environmental goals and capital needs

• Designing green bond frameworks and selecting eligible projects

• Working with certifiers to validate green credentials

• Structuring bond terms and preparing marketing materials

• Engaging in simulated investor pitches or roadshows

• Reacting to regulatory, media, or market developments

• Producing impact reports and post-issuance updates

Participants will strengthen their ability to:

• Align financing strategy with sustainability goals

• Design a green bond that meets both investor and regulatory expectations

• Apply global green bond standards and verification processes

• Assess financial and non-financial risks in ESG investment products

• Build transparent and defensible ESG communications

• Navigate the tension between environmental integrity and market realities

• Collaborate across finance, strategy, and sustainability functions

• Defend decisions under pressure from multiple stakeholders

1. Receive a Brief: Begin with a mandate to finance a green initiative (e.g., renewable energy project, climate resilience infrastructure).

2. Analyse and Design: Assess the project's impact and eligibility, choose structure, pricing, and external verification path.

3. Make Decisions: Submit bond design, including use of proceeds, terms, framework, and communication strategy.

4. Interact: Respond to simulated investor, rating agency, or NGO feedback.

5. Review Outcomes: Evaluate issuance success, investor response, and reputational impact.

6. Repeat: Adjust for future issuances with refined approaches.

• Do participants need prior knowledge of ESG finance? No. The simulation is guided and suited for both beginners and experienced learners.

• Is this based on real green bond frameworks? Yes. The simulation incorporates current ICMA Green Bond Principles and market trends.

• Can it reflect corporate and sovereign contexts? Yes. Cases can be adjusted for different issuers, including corporates, banks, or governments.

• How technical is the financial modeling? Moderate. The focus is on structuring and decision-making more than formulaic modeling.

• Are investor profiles included? Yes. Participants engage with varied investor types – from climate funds to traditional asset managers.

• Can we include external shocks (e.g., climate risk, regulation)? Absolutely. Additional rounds can introduce market volatility or regulatory changes.

• Is it team-based or individual? Both formats work well. Teams mirror real ESG issuance committees.

• How is performance assessed? Based on bond success, stakeholder feedback, and clarity of communication.

• Is it customizable for local markets? Yes. The simulation can reflect region-specific ESG standards and market practices.

• Can it be used in short workshops? Yes. It can run as a 90-minute session or be expanded into multi-day learning formats.

• Quality of the green bond framework and alignment with goals

• Stakeholder management and communication

• Responsiveness to feedback and evolving context

• Final outcome in terms of bond pricing, uptake, and reputational impact

• Peer or instructor feedback on team collaboration

The simulation can include written components (e.g., investor memos, ESG disclosure drafts) and group presentations to encourage integrated learning.