Environmental and Social Framework

Environmental and social sustainability is a fundamental aspect of the Bank's support for infrastructure development and enhanced interconnectivity in Asia. The Bank's Environmental and Social Framework (ESF) is a system that supports the Bank and its clients in achieving environmentally and socially sustainable development outcomes. It does so by integrating good international practice on environmental and social planning and management of risks and impacts into decision-making on, and preparation and implementation of, Bank supported Projects.

In view of the recent amendments to the Environmental and Social Framework (ESF), two versions of the ESF are posted on this website, one as amended through February 2019 (2019 ESF) and the other, as amended through May 2021 (2021 ESF). The version applicable to a given AIIB-financed project (Project) depends on when the Project enters or entered AIIB’s investment pipeline.

2021 ESF. The 2021 ESF applies to all Projects that are included in AIIB’s investment pipeline on or after October 1, 2021. It may be applied to Projects that are included in the investment pipeline prior to this date, at the discretion of Management.

2019 ESF. All other Projects are governed by the 2019 ESF.

This Directive aims to facilitate the implementation of the Bank’s Environmental and Social Policy, including the Environmental and Social Standards and Environmental and Social Exclusion List.