Open AccessEnvironmental Impact Bonds: a common framework and looking ahead
Author(s) -
M. van den Brand,
Kimberly J. Quesnel,
P. C. Saksa,
Nícola Ulibarrí,
Arne Bomblies,
Lisa Mandle,
Maura Allaire,
Oliver Wing,
John Tobinde la Puente,
Edward A. Parker,
Jean Le Nay,
BF Sanders,
David V. Rosowsky,
J Lee,
Kris Johnson,
Napoleón Gudiño-Elizondo,
Newsha Ajami,
Nick Wobbrock,
Peter Adriaens,
Stanley B. Grant,
Steven Wright,
Todd Gartner,
Zach Knight,
J. P. Gibbons
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
environmental research: infrastructure and sustainability
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2634-4505
DOI - 10.1088/2634-4505/ac0b2c
Subject(s) - toolbox , government (linguistics) , work (physics) , private sector , set (abstract data type) , environmental impact assessment , business , field (mathematics) , finance , environmental planning , environmental resource management , political science , computer science , engineering , economics , economic growth , geography , mechanical engineering , philosophy , linguistics , programming language , mathematics , law , pure mathematics
A frequent barrier to addressing some of our world’s most pressing environmental challenges is a lack of funding. Currently, environmental project funding largely comes from philanthropic and public sources, but this does not meet current needs. Increased coordination and collaboration between multiple levels and sectors of government, in addition to private sector funding, can help address the environmental funding challenge. New financial tools and strategies can enable this transition and facilitate uptake of innovative solutions. One such mechanism, the Environmental Impact Bond (EIB), is an emerging financial tool with the potential to transform the environmental funding landscape. However, these financial instruments are not well understood or recognized beyond those actively involved in EIB projects or in the field of conservation finance. As EIBs gain momentum, there is a clear need for a common framework, including definitions and nomenclature, research needs, and outlook for the future. In this paper, we define EIB mechanics, elucidate the difference between EIBs and Green Bonds, and propose a common vocabulary for the field. Drawing on first-hand experience with the few EIBs which have been deployed, we review and assess lessons learned, trends, and paths for the future. Finally, we propose a set of future targets and discuss research goals for the field to unify around. Through this work, we identify a concrete set of research gaps and objectives, providing evidence for EIBs as one important tool in the environmental finance toolbox.