Yuexiu REIT, the real estate investment trust (Reit) platform of Yuexiu Group, has completed its first green club loan worth HK$4.8 billion (US$614 million) for financing the acquisition of Yuexiu Financial Tower.

DBS Hong Kong is appointed as the green loan adviser, financial advisor, placing agent, lead arranger and lending bank of Yuexiu REIT in this acquisition.

Valued at 7.8 billion yuan (US$1.23 billion), the transaction is set to enhance the overall quality of Yuexiu REIT’s portfolio, making it the largest listed REIT in Hong Kong and Singapore with a Chinese portfolio.

Yuexiu Financial Tower is a 68-storey premium grade-A office building strategically located in Zhujiang New Town, the central business district and the commercial hub of Guangzhou, and one of the ten tallest skyscrapers in Guangzhou.

The green club loan requirement for financing the acquisition includes the building being awarded the US Green Building Council certification of a gold or above Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating, which assesses its efficiency and management in water, waste and energy.

The acquisition is a milestone of Yuexiu REIT’s pivot towards green financing, the company says. “Our first green club loan underscores our commitment to make the ecological environment of Guangzhou a priority and help strengthen the city’s competitiveness and build a resource-saving and eco-friendly society,” adds Lin Deliang, chairman, executive director and CEO, Yuexiu REIT.