The WorldGBC Asia Pacific Regional Network (APN) is working to accelerate sustainable finance in the built environment by strengthening the connection between green building practice and emerging sustainable finance frameworks. To support this, APN has released a new set of resources that analyse how green building rating tools across the region align with the ASEAN Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance. 

Developed with the support of OCBC, this work provides clarity for investors, policymakers, and industry on how current certification systems contribute to climate-aligned outcomes — and where further development is needed to unlock capital for high-impact projects. 

Key publications 

These three reports offer a comprehensive, evidence base for strengthening the role of buildings and construction within sustainable finance systems: 

• Unlocking Capital: Alignment Analysis
  A detailed review of 16 rating tools from across the region, assessing their alignment with the ASEAN Taxonomy’s technical screening criteria and “Do No Significant Harm” requirements.
  👉Download”Unlocking Capital: Alignment Analysis”

• Technical Appendix
  A full set of underlying data that maps individual credits from each tool to the taxonomy criteria, providing transparency for financial institutions, governments, and certification bodies.
  👉 Download “Technical Appendix”

• APN Taxonomy: Insights Report
  A concise summary of the findings, highlighting opportunities to strengthen alignment and enhance the role of rating tools in directing sustainable finance.
  👉 Download “APN Taxonomy: Insights Report”

Why this matters 

Sustainable finance plays a critical role in accelerating the transition to a low-carbon, resilient built environment. By improving the alignment between green building standards and sustainable finance taxonomies, this work helps: 

• Build confidence for investors seeking credible, high-quality projects.

• Inform policymakers developing national regulations and taxonomies.

• Support Green Building Councils as they evolve rating tools to reflect regional pathways to net zero.