Category A Project

Definition

A Category A Project represents greater environmental and/or social risks, and EPFIs are required to impose correspondingly more stringent compliance and reporting obligations on Clients engaged in Category A Projects.

• Environmental and Social Impact Assessment required.
• Assessment of Human Rights risks and impacts required. Climate Change risks assessment required.
• Review and confirmation required on how the Project and transaction meet each of the Equator Principles (with support from Independent Environmental and Social Consultant).
• Client required to develop/maintain Environmental Social Management System and Environmental and Social Management Plan.
• Client required to demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement commensurate with potential risk to affected communities, including Indigenous Peoples where relevant.
• Client required to establish effective grievance mechanisms for use by affected communities and workers, scaled appropriately.
• Independent Environmental and Social Consultant to carry out review of all mechanisms assessing compliance with the Equator Principles.
• Client required to covenant to:
  • comply with Environmental and Social Standards (as further detailed below), including relevant host country laws,
  • comply with management/action plans to ensure relevant Equator Principles compliance,
  • report on and document compliance with relevant environmental and social obligations and local law, and
  • decommission facilities appropriately.
• Independent monitoring and reporting required.
• Client required to report on various environmental and social metrics, including greenhouse gas emissions and Human Rights.