Domestic ESG News

  • HKICPA refocuses its annual Awards to recognize organizations integrating CG & ESG practices and highlights findings of brief research on ESG assurance of Hang Seng Index companies

With the increasing demand for ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) information by investors pursuing long-term investment in sustainable and socially responsible companies, as well as other stakeholders, the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants (HKICPA) is pleased to be launching the Best Corporate Governance and ESG Awards. Previously known as the Best Corporate Governance Awards, they were first organized in 2000 and, since then, have become among Hong Kong’s most prestigious and sought-after awards.

Reference: https://www.hkicpa.org.hk/en/News/News-Release/BCG-and-ESG-Awards-2021

  • Do firm-level sustainability targets drive environmental innovation? Insights from BRICS Economies

The study finds that embedding environmental targets in corporate strategy does encourage corporate managers to design and develop eco-friendly products and services, and such firm-level commitments at the top motivate managers to promote, market, and label environmentally friendly products. The findings call for greater emphasis on aligning executive compensation with sustainability targets rather than focusing too much on short-term accounting and market-based measures of firm performance.

Reference: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jenvman.2021.112754

  • Large-scale afforestation is causing a negative ecological environment in the Gobi region

It was found that large-scale afforestation in the gobi region is an ecological disaster for these very drylands. Without a proper understanding of scientific greening within the general public, blindly planting trees in unsuitable areas is causing environmental problems. One of the most important causes of these issues is the implementation of national policies on subsidies for planting trees in desert areas, which led to unsustainable planting practices of businessmen in Gobi region. It was proposed that to solve this issue, planted trees should be monitored over a long time period instead of just 3 years and tree planting should be planned according to the local conditions and respecting the laws of nature.

Reference: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-93948-5

  • China announces new regulation on data security sanctions

The Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) has opened an unprecedented investigation into Didi Chuxing and published a draft regulation to revamp privacy and data security sanctions only two weeks after the world’s largest app-based ride-hailing services company’s initial public offering (IPO) on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Reference: https://www.osborneclarke.com/insights/china-announces-new-regulation-data-security-sanctions/

  • Alibaba and Tencent-backed pre-owned e-commerce firms enjoy second spring thanks to China’s decarbonisation push

Low prices used to be a major factor driving Chinese consumers of second-hand products, but now they have one more reason to be frugal – fighting climate change by reducing the carbon footprint of their lifestyles.

Reference: https://www.scmp.com/business/article/3141095/alibaba-and-tencent-backed-pre-owned-e-commerce-firms-enjoy-second-spring

  • China launched the World’s Largest Emissions-Trading Programme

On 16 July, 2021, China launched its long-planned national emissions-trading programme, which is the world’s largest carbon market. The Programmes will initially involve over 2,200 companies in the power sector, which are responsible for a seventh of global carbon emissions from fossil fuel combustion.

Reference: https://www.wsj.com/articles/chinas-national-emissions-trading-set-to-begin-11626247709

  • DHL-SCMP Hong Kong Business Awards kick off 2021 search for corporate, management and executive achievements

The 2021 DHL-SCMP Hong Kong Business Awards (HKBA) kicked off the nomination process to honour outstanding management, corporate and entrepreneurial achievements over the past 12 months, when the city was mired in recession amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Reference: https://www.scmp.com/business/companies/article/3141460/dhl-scmp-hong-kong-business-awards-kick-2021-search-corporate

Global ESG News

  • EU climate action is ‘global model for greening the planet’

In order to meet the target of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by at least 55% by 2030, the European Commission (EC) has this week accepted a host of changes to the EU’s climate plans on energy, land use, transport and tax systems.

Reference: https://esgclarity.com/eu-climate-action-is-global-model-for-greening-the-planet/

  • Corporate solar interest surges as companies exit pandemic and turn focus to ESG issues

As the COVID-19 emergency has waned, interest in renewables surges and ESG issues drive more corporate decisions. A total of corporate funding for the solar sector reached $13.5 billion in the first half f 2021 compared with $4.6 billion lsat year; and a record 24.7 GW of solar projects were acquired globally in the second quarter of this year. Experts see growth fueled not just by pent up demand, but also growing attention to ESG considerations and renewables’ financial advantages over fossil fuels.

Reference: https://www.utilitydive.com/news/corporate-solar-interest-surges-as-companies-exit-pandemic-and-turn-focus-t/603073/

  • Government of Canada confirms ambitious new greenhouse gas emissions reduction target

The Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, formally submitted Canada’s enhanced Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the United Nations, committing Canada to cut its greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) by 40‑45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030. Canada has joined over 120 countries to commit to net-zero emissions by 2050 and its ambitious new NDC for 2030 keeps the country on course. It builds on a whole-of-government plan, “Canada’s Strengthened Climate Plan: A Healthy Environment and Healthy Economy”, that includes Canadians in all regions and all economic sectors.

Reference: https://www.newswire.ca/news-releases/government-of-canada-confirms-ambitious-new-greenhouse-gas-emissions-reduction-target-801306925.html

  • Oatly faces claims and accusations by Spruce Point of inflating revenue and greenwashing

The activist short-seller accused Oatly of shady accounting practices and misleading consumers about its green credentials. Allegations of greenwashing and overstated revenue were raised, stating that Oatly has been manipulating its financials in its prospectus and ‘cherry picking’ sustainability data.

Reference

https://www.google.com.hk/amp/s/www.cnbc.com/amp/2021/07/14/oatly-accused-of-overstating-revenue-and-greenwashing-by-activist-short-spruce-point-.html

  • European Commission Adopts New Sustainable Finance Strategy and Proposes European Green Bond Standard

The European Commission adopted measures to expand its level of ambition on sustainable finance and initiatives to tackle climate change and challenges.

–              Extend the existing sustainable finance toolbox to facilitate access to transition finance

–              Improve the inclusiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises, and consumers, by giving them tools and incentives to access transition finance.

–              Enhance the resilience of the economic and financial system to sustainability risks

–              Increase the contribution of the financial sector to sustainability

–              Ensure the integrity of the EU financial system and monitor its orderly transition to sustainability

–              Develop international sustainable finance initiatives and standards, and support EU partner countries

Regulation on a voluntary European Green Bond Standard

–              The funds raised by the bond should be allocated fully to projects aligned with the EU Taxonomy

–              Full transparency

–              EU green bonds must be in compliance with the Regulation and that funded projects are aligned with the Taxonomy

–              External reviewers must be registered with and supervised by the European Securities Markets Authority

Reference: https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/detail/en/ip_21_3405

  • Climate policy takeaways from the G20 finance meeting

G20 members recognised that due to vaccines and continued policy support, the global outlook has improved. However, the G20 will continue its efforts to steer the global economy toward strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth. They reiterate their agreement on a more stable and fairer international tax architecture, by reallocating profits of multinational enterprises and having an effective global minimum tax. Moreover, tackling climate change remains an urgent priority, concluding that closer international coordination on climate action is needed, integrating the G20 global risk monitoring and preparedness into future policy discussions, such as green investments in sustainable infrastructure and innovative technologies that promote decarbonisation and circular economy. G20 also recognised that advanced and well-functioning digital infrastructure is an important driver for economic recovery and will continue to foster collaboration between the public and private investors to mobilize further investment in infrastructure.

Reference: https://home.treasury.gov/news/press-releases/jy0269

Publication of ESG Reports in Hong Kong (2021.7.12 – 7.16)

Disclaimer: The ESG news and analysis cannot be relied upon to cover specific situations and the information in the news and analysis is not suggested to be used without obtaining specific professional advice. Greenco and its directors, employees and agents do not accept or assume any liability or duty of care for any loss arising from any action taken or not taken by anyone in reliance upon the information in this news and analysisor for any decision based on it.

免責聲明: 本ESG分析不能用作涵蓋特定情況且不建議在未獲得專業建議的情況下使用其中的信息。勤創永續及其董事、員工和代理人對由於任何人依賴本分析中的信息而採取或不採取的任何行動所造成的任何損失不承擔任何責任或義務。

  • Materials

GDH Guangnan (Holdings) Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0712/2021071200241.pdf

Lee Kee Group

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0712/2021071200800.pdf

Newton Resources Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0712/2021071201054.pdf

Yip’s Chemical Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0713/2021071300209.pdf

Da Ming International Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0713/2021071300353.pdf

Ximei Resources Holding Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071601208.pdf

  • Property & Construction

Kin Shing Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0712/2021071200395.pdf

Thelloy Development Group Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0712/2021071200409.pdf

Tesson Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0712/2021071200538.pdf

Emperor International Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0712/2021071200745.pdf

Sinolink Worldwide Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0712/2021071200747.pdf

China Overseas Grand Oceans Group Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0712/2021071200916.pdf

Wai Hung Group Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0712/2021071201056.pdf

Dragon Rise Group Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0713/2021071300399.pdf

Zhong Ao Home Group Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0713/2021071300854.pdf

Eminence Enterprise Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0714/2021071400346.pdf

China Electronics Optics Valley Union Holding Company Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0714/2021071400540.pdf

Regal Real Estate Investment Trust

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0714/2021071400599.pdf

Safety Godown Company, Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0714/2021071400924.pdf

Central China New Life Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0714/2021071401098.pdf

Yau Lee Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0715/2021071500389.pdf

Golden Ponder Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0715/2021071500474.pdf

Jiayuan Services Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071600491.pdf

Lotus Horizon Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071600587.pdf

Zhenro Services Group Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071600754.pdf

Sunshine 100 China Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071600870.pdf

Jiande International Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071601194.pdf

  • Consumer Goods

Glorious Sun Enterprises Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0712/2021071200776.pdf

China Healthwise Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0712/2021071201010.pdf

Sky Lights Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0712/2021071201050.pdf

RemeGen Co., Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0713/2021071300275.pdf

Suga International Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0713/2021071300407.pdf

Mediwelcome Healthcare Management & Technology Inc.

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0713/2021071300806.pdf

Speed Apparel Holding Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0714/2021071400324.pdf

China-Hongkong Photo Products Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0714/2021071400328.pdf

Vitasoy International Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0714/2021071400506.pdf

STELUX Holdings International Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0715/2021071500587.pdf

Computime Group Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0715/2021071500653.pdf

Elegance Optical International Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071600015.pdf

Sa Sa International Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071600457.pdf

China Yurun Food Group Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071600640.pdf

Kingmaker Footwear Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071600972.pdf

Morris Home Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071601042.pdf

Intron Technology Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071601070.pdf

Lee’s Pharmaceutical Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071601094.pdf

Carpenter Tan Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071601196.pdf

Wuling Motors Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071601228.pdf

  • Industrial Goods

eprint Group Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0714/2021071400340.pdf

Sany Heavy Equipment International Holdings Company Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0714/2021071400418.pdf

Precision Tsugami (China) Corporation Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0715/2021071500466.pdf

Kingboard Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0715/2021071500745.pdf

Kingboard Laminates Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0715/2021071500747.pdf

Pan Asia Environmental Protection Group Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071600410.pdf

  • Services

Emperor Entertainment Hotel Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0712/2021071200637.pdf

S.A.I. Leisure Group Company Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0713/2021071300754.pdf

China MeiDong Auto Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0713/2021071300794.pdf

The Sincere Company, Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0714/2021071400001.pdf

Clear Media Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0714/2021071400682.pdf

Hypebeast Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0715/2021071500846.pdf

National United Resources Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0715/2021071501095.pdf

Asiaray Media Group Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0715/2021071501255.pdf

Vobile Group Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071600101.pdf

Jiahua Stores Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071600213.pdf

Anxian Yuan China Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071600240.pdf

Sino-Life Group Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/gem/2021/0716/2021071600436.pdf

CCT Fortis Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071600768.pdf

Best Mart 360 Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071601045.pdf

  • Information Technology

CMON Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0714/2021071400009.pdf

Bairong Inc

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0715/2021071501147.pdf

Kuaishou Technology

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071600876.pdf

  • Financials

LFG Investment Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0712/2021071200420.pdf

China Bohai Bank

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0714/2021071400238.pdf

Bright Smart Securities & Commodities Group Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0715/2021071500683.pdf

G-Resources Group Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071600450.pdf

  • Utilities

Beijing Jingneng Clean Energy Co., Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0712/2021071200397.pdf

CGN New Energy Holdings Co., Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0712/2021071200449.pdf

China Nuclear Energy Technology Corporation Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0712/2021071200467.pdf

Canvest Environmental Protection Group Company Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0714/2021071401200.pdf

Beijing Enterprises Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071600684.pdf

Tonking New Energy Group Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/gem/2021/0716/2021071601078.pdf

  • Telecommunications

Pangaea Connectivity Technology Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071600672.pdf

GBA Holdings Limited

https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2021/0716/2021071600782.pdf