The publication of Chinachem Group’s second sustainability report marks a shift in the company’s approach to an issue that affects us all. Acutely aware that value creation through property development, particularly in Hong Kong, has impacts on the environment, community, and health, the company’s leadership is significantly increasing its focus on a more sustainable approach.

The Group understands that doing business has consequences for the world around us. That’s why the most important role of a leader is to ensure that the impact they have is always a positive one.

In 2021, the Group adopted the globally recognized Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) reporting recommendations across the organization. Created by the Financial Stability Board (FSB), the TCFD aligns the types of information responsible companies should report to investors, lenders, and underwriters. Chinachem has committed to this market transparency, even though, as a private company, they are not required to report in this form.

“Having well-defined targets helps everyone in the company understand what we’re trying to achieve,” explains Priscilla Wong, General Manager of Building Services and a long-time sustainability specialist. “In fact, they now train all of their new recruits in sustainability. That’s alongside new company-wide programs focusing on health and well-being.” The positive impact of the company’s refreshed and more ambitious sustainability activities is already being recognized across the industry, with 23 related awards added to their trophy cabinet.

But it’s the human stories where Chinachem aims to make the greatest impression. Through outreach programs and activities supporting the underprivileged, the elderly, people with disabilities, students, and many others, the Group’s Donation and CSR Manager, Emily Shek, stays busy.

The pandemic was on everyone’s minds last year, and the workforce rallied to help the community through this challenge. The Group donated laptops to disadvantaged students who had to learn online and brought young and old together through the “Care for the Elderly Ambassador Programme,” a three-year initiative supporting thousands of senior citizen neighbours.

Looking to the future, the Group hopes to break the records they have already set, establish even more ambitious goals, and deliver an even greater positive impact to the community, that allows them to describe their developments as "Places With Heart."