 | | During the Environment & Sustainability Committee meeting on 10 July 2025, Andy Cornish and Michael Lau from Hong Kong Biodiversity Expert Group discussed the recent public consultation launched by the Government to update the strategic areas and actions for the next phase of Hong Kong’s Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (BSAP), as well as the recommendations submitted to the Government.
The Hong Kong Biodiversity Expert Group – comprising 130 experts from 67 organizations – met over a six-month period to advise on suitable priorities for the next BSAP in the coming years. In its report to the Government, 75 priority recommendations and 65 supporting recommendations have been made.
Dr Cornish and Dr Lau highlighted five priority areas of those recommendations, including initiative large-scale restoration of both terrestrial and marine ecosystem, significant scaling up of protection for Hong Kong’s coastal and marine ecosystems, increasing safeguards to protect Hong Kong’s most endangered species, mainstreaming biodiversity in business to engage the private sector in biodiversity conservation, and strengthening regulations on both legal and illegal wildlife trade.
In view of the latest developments in global and regional conservation initiatives, as well as considering the current local situation, and conditions and opportunities in the national context, the updated BSAP will strengthen Hong Kong’s position in biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
| | 2025/07/10 |
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 | | The Environment & Sustainability Committee organized a visit to IESG Digital Economy and Sustainability Laboratory on 8 May 2025 to explore the latest technologies and innovations for environmental excellence, climate resilience and sustainable economy.
Committee Chairman Prof Ir Steve Wong introduced to participants the background of IESG Digital Economy and Sustainability Laboratory and how this platform and solutions can help organizations in achieving their decarbonization and sustainability goals and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, followed by case sharing by IESG staff of practical application of these new technologies.
All sectors are undergoing major transformations as a result of the significant growth in the breadth and depth of proactive and innovative applications of artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. The insights gained from this visit will shape future strategies in the application of technologies for sustainable development.
| | 2025/05/08 |
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 | | Following the committee meeting on April 10, members attended a seminar titled "Synergies Across the Value Chain: Making Scope 3 Decarbonization Progress for Buildings and Infrastructure" co-organized with French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong (FCCIHK) to explore the latest insights into decarbonization strategies for Scope 3 emissions in the buildings and infrastructure sectors.
Our Keynote speaker, Arthur Lee, Commissioner for Climate Change, Environment and Ecology Bureau, presented Hong Kong’s progress, carbon neutrality targets and decarbonization strategies. The panel also featured Jasper Chan, Senior ESG Manager of Towngas; Pascaline Hayoun, Chief Executive Officer of Saint-Gobain Hong Kong & Macau; and Wallace Lin, General Manager, Facilities Management & Sustainable Development of Swire Properties Limited. The session was expertly moderated by Melanie Kwok, Vice Chairman, Environment & Sustainability Committee of Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and Deputy General Manager (Sustainability & Innovation) of Sino Group, along with Jonathan Chiu, Co-President of the Smart City Committee at the French Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Hong Kong and President, Schneider Electric Hong Kong. Key discussion points included a detailed analysis of successful case studies and the role of innovative technologies in reducing emissions. The panel speakers also highlighted the challenges faced and the solutions that could facilitate progress in decarbonization efforts.
The seminar provided a comprehensive overview of the future trends in sustainable buildings and construction as well as the expectations of industry leaders to achieve carbon neutrality.
| | 2025/04/10 |
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.jpg) | | On January 17, Christine Lau, Vice President of Listing Policy and Secretariat Services at Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), outlined the key features of HKEX's Climate Disclosure Requirements, which will take effect for financial years commencing in January 2025. Lau discussed the international alignment of these requirements and their broader market implications, and provided an update on HKEX initiatives following the release of the Conclusions on Climate Disclosure Requirements.
The requirements aim to enhance transparency and accountability in the capital markets, with an implementation roadmap and regulatory guidance to facilitate compliance. Lau highlighted HKEX's ESG journey, the adoption of ISSB standards in Hong Kong and details regarding implementation reliefs. These reliefs assist issuers in meeting the new climate-related disclosure requirements without imposing undue burdens and address various challenges they may encounter due to limited resources or expertise.
Additionally, members were briefed on the proposed Committee Year Plan. They actively engaged by expressing their interests in specific topics and visits they would like to explore further.
| | 2025/01/17 |
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