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

Chief Executive Officer, Donald Choi explains, “We all know that doing business has its consequences on the world around us. That’s why, my most important role as CEO of Chinachem Group, is to make sure the impact we have, is always a positive one.”

2021 saw a groupwide adoption of the globally recognised Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) reporting recommendations. Created by The Financial Stability Board (FSB), the TCFD aligns the types of information responsible companies should report to investors, lenders and underwriters. And this commitment to market transparency has been adopted by Chinachem, despite them not being require to report in this form, given that the Group is not publicly listed.

“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 long-time sustainability specialist. “In fact, we now train all of our new recruits in sustainability. That’s alongside new company wide programmes which focus on health and well-being.” And the positive impact of the company’s refreshed and more ambitious sustainability activities is already being recognised across the industry, with 23 related awards being added to their trophy cabinet.

But it’s the human stories where Chinachem looks to make the greatest impression. With outreach programmes and activities that sought to support the underprivileged, the elderly, the disabled, students, and many more, the Group’s Donation and CSR Manager, Emily Shek, is constantly busy.

“The pandemic was on all of our minds last years, and the workforce really rallied to help the community through this challenge. We donated laptops to disadvantaged students forced to learn online. And we’ve been bringing young and old together in our “Care for the Elderly Ambassador Programme” which is a three-year long programme supporting thousands of our senior citizen neighbours.”

Donald Choi explains, “It’s this concentration on protecting and enhancing people, prosperity and planet, coupled with setting new standards every year, that ensures everyone benefits. And as we touch the lives of many hundreds of thousands every day, we take this responsibility very seriously.”

Looking to the future, CEO Choi adds, “By this time next year, we hope to have broken the records we’ve already set, created some more ambitious goals, and delivered even greater positive impact to the community we love.”

And it’s this focus on always putting the community first that sets the company apart, and allows them to describe their developments as ‘Places With Heart”.