Herbert Smith Freehills has advised the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) on its A$160 million sustainable finance investment in the Australian real estate debt market.

The CEFC, alongside Real Estate Credit Partners IV managed by Goldman Sachs Alternatives, will co-invest in construction debt facilities, primarily for residential and commercial office projects. This investment aims to improve carbon and climate outcomes throughout the project lifecycle by measuring and mitigating carbon within projects, improving operational efficiency and mitigating physical climate risks.

The Herbert Smith Freehills team comprised special counsel Yorick Ng and partner Fiona Smedley.

Yorick Ng said, “Congratulations to the CEFC on this milestone investment. This marks yet another success for the CEFC and highlights their continued commitment to carbon and climate leadership.”

Fiona Smedley added, “We are proud to continue our relationship with the CEFC, this time advising on an industry-leading sustainable finance investment in the real estate sector.”

The Herbert Smith Freehills team has advised the CEFC across a range of equity investments, including in Mirvac’s build to rent venture, the Pacific Equity Partners’ Secure Assets Fund II, Adamantem’s Environmental Opportunities Fund, Macquarie Infrastructure and Real Asset’s infrastructure platform, the Australian Renewables Income Fund, the Morrison & Co Growth Infrastructure Fund, the transforming farming platform managed by Gunn Agri Partners, the Investa Commercial Property Fund, and the Mirvac Wholesale Office Fund.