Taxonomies

We offer expert guidance in designing sustainable taxonomies, supporting over 30 national and regional governments. We help create clear definitions and science-based criteria for green economic activities, aligned with national priorities and the Paris Agreement.

We work closely with governments, international organisations, multilateral development banks, development agencies, regulators, and local experts to ensure each taxonomy is tailored to its specific context, while promoting global interoperability. 

As leaders in green taxonomy development, we’ve focused on mitigation for years. In 2024, we expanded our scope to include adaptation and resilience within our Taxonomy.

As a trusted authority, we help countries develop taxonomies that connect financial markets with sustainability goals. Our work ensures taxonomies are practical tools that create real-world impact.

A comprehensive guide for identifying assets and projects aligned with a net-zero trajectory by 2050 and aligned with the goals of the Paris Agreement. The Climate Bonds Taxonomy fosters common green definitions across global markets, supporting the growth of a cohesive and thematic bond market. This encourages investment in a low-carbon economy and aligns with global efforts for a greener financial system.

Institutional investors are increasingly focused on addressing climate change, but there are limited tools to ensure investments achieve significant impact, especially in debt-based markets. The Climate Bonds Taxonomy provides independent, science-based guidance on which assets and activities support the transition to a low-carbon economy.  

First released in 2013, the Taxonomy is updated regularly to incorporate new climate science, technological advances, and evolving sector-specific criteria. Contributions from our sector-specific Technical and Industry Working Groups ensure it remains relevant and effective in driving the low-carbon transition. 

The Climate Bonds Taxonomy includes detailed Sector Criteria outlining the assets eligible for Climate Bonds Certification. This ensures bonds and loans meet the highest standards for low-carbon financing, aligning with the goal of net-zero emissions by 2050. 

Climate Bonds Initiative has long been at the forefront of developing taxonomy-based frameworks to guide sustainable investing. The Climate Bonds Resilience Taxonomy is a key tool we offer to drive finance towards climate-resilient investments, supporting both public and private sector efforts to adapt to climate challenges. 

The Climate Bonds Resilience Taxonomy provides a consistent, transparent, and systematic approach to identifying and defining resilience-focused investments. By clarifying which assets are fit for a climate-resilient future.  It empowers investors to direct capital where it is needed most, enabling projects and assets to secure the funding required for long-term sustainability.