Natixis Collaborates with Ivanhoé Cambridge and Callahan Capital Properties to Issue First “Green Bond” CMBS with a Rake Tranche Backed by 85 Broad Street in Downtown Manhattan, New York

As part of the CSAIL 2017-C8 CMBS Securitization, a $72 million green-specific tranche (the 85 Broad Street Loan-Specific Certificates) was issued to refinance part of a $358,600,000 fixed-rate, first mortgage loan provided by Natixis to Ivanhoé Cambridge for the acquisition of 85 Broad Street in New York.

Natixis commissioned oekom research, one of the world’s leading rating agencies in the field of sustainable investment, for a Second Party Opinion on this green tranche. oekom research AG analyzed the 85 Broad Street Loan-Specific Certificates against the Green Bond Principles (ICMA*) and its own green bond analysis framework as adapted to green buildings. The specialized agency confirmed the alignment of the 85 Broad Street Loan-Specific Certificates with the Green Bond Principles' Green Use of Proceeds Securitized Bond’s formal concept and provided a positive opinion in terms of the sustainability quality (benefits and risks avoidance) of the property and overall sustainability quality of the original lender.

In January 2017, the property obtained a “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Platinum Certificate for Existing Buildings: Operation & Maintenance.” LEED® Platinum is the highest rating level obtainable under the LEED® rating system. Originally constructed in 1983, 85 Broad Street is a 1.1-million-square-foot office tower situated on the full block of Broad Street between South William and Pearl Streets.

The green tranche received very strong interest from the major green investors both in the US and overseas and was oversubscribed.

With this transaction, Natixis extends its strategy in Green financing to the US commercial real estate securitization market. The $72 million tranche is a first step in the CMBS market which will contribute to diversify the green investment opportunities for investors, while maintaining the high green and transparency standards that Green Bond Principles are trying to safeguard. Furthermore, Natixis is convinced of the growing role securitization formats will take in Green financing.

Benjamin Sirgue, Managing Director, Head of Natixis Global Finance Americas, said, “With nearly $20 billion of loans securitized since 1999, Natixis is a proven leader in the CMBS market. Natixis endeavors to bring real assets to investors and is pleased to bring to the CMBS market the opportunity to invest in recognized sustainable investments.”

Nathalie Palladitcheff, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at Ivanhoé Cambridge said, “This financing is a great example of how like-minded global players are able to work together to bring new green initiatives to the market, which is right in line with Ivanhoé Cambridge’s commitment towards sustainability.”

“In addition to its attractive valuation, as the first CMBS security with both a second party opinion and a dedicated impact report, we are better positioned to assess and communicate to our own investors the environmental benefits of investing in 85 Broad Street, a Platinum LEED® certified office building,” said Stephen M. Liberatore, CFA, Managing Director/Lead Portfolio Manager – Responsible Investment Fixed Income, TIAA Investments, an affiliate of Nuveen Investments.

*International Capital Market Association