Crystalbrook Collection Hotels and Resorts Secures Australia’s First Hotel Sustainability-Linked Loan

Demonstrating continued sustainability leadership in Australia's hospitality sector, Crystalbrook Collection has become the first known hotel brand in the country to secure a Sustainability-Linked Loan, supported by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia (CBA). This innovative financial product underscores the growing importance of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors in corporate finance and marks a significant milestone in the Australian hotel landscape.

The Sustainability-Linked Loan, a relatively new concept in the financial world, is designed to incentivise and support companies that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainability. Unlike traditional loans, these financial instruments tie the borrower's cost of debt directly to their sustainability performance, incentivising the company to achieve ambitious predetermined environmental or social targets.

Geoff York, CEO of Crystalbrook Collection, expressed enthusiasm about the deal, stating, "This loan is a testament to our unwavering commitment to sustainability leadership in the hospitality industry. It not only provides us with the financial flexibility to further our sustainability initiatives but also validates our efforts to date."

York also highlighted the business implications of this recognition: "Increasingly, companies require evidence of sustainability policies as a precursor to engagement and we hope CBA’s recognition of our sustainability commitment will help to support both sustainability and business outcomes."

The loan's structure requires Crystalbrook Collection to meet sustainability performance targets. Crystalbrook’s targets are focused on minimising water usage and waste, reducing carbon emissions, and enhancing energy efficiency across the hotel chain's properties.

Chris Williams, Executive General Manager of Major Client Group at CBA, commented on the significance of the deal: "We are delighted to support Crystalbrook’s sustainability initiatives with this Sustainability-Linked Loan. Crystalbrook is already setting industry standards and we are proud to continue our partnership as they set even more ambitious sustainability targets.” 

Crystalbrook Collection has already made a name for itself in the sustainable hospitality space. The brand has implemented numerous sustainability initiatives across its properties, including the use of recycled materials in construction, digital check-ins to reduce paper waste, and partnerships with local, sustainable food producers. For the past three years, Crystalbrook has used Earth Check, an independent measurement platform, to benchmark their environmental performance across the industry. This rigorous assessment has validated their leading position, with multiple Crystalbrook hotels in the 100th percentile across key performance metrics, specifically in emissions, energy, and water usage.

Crystalbrook hopes that the deal will encourage other players in the Australian hospitality industry, potentially spurring a wave of sustainability-focused investments and initiatives. It also highlights the growth of sustainable finance amongst a more diverse set of businesses.

As Australia grapples with the challenges of climate change and environmental degradation, financial products like Sustainability-Linked Loans are proving to be a powerful tool in supporting corporate Australia to accelerate its transition to more sustainable business practices.

Crystalbrook Collection Hotels & Resorts, 1^st October 2024