Research report on the sustainability trends of Hong Kong listed companies

July 2022

Addressing global climate change requires extensive economic and social systemic changes, as well as the engagement of stakeholder groups across society, which is critical in building a sustainable community and realising the century-long plan of reducing emissions. To facilitate this mission, guidance from regulatory policies, support of investment and financing in the financial market, transformation of industry production methods and individuals’ consumption patterns are all essential. In this regard, Environmental, Social and Governance has become a key focus area for enterprises.

PwC fully recognises the importance of listed companies’ taking action and practicing sustainability. Through a study of ESG reports from Hong Kong-listed companies, this report seeks to provide an in-depth analysis of corporate’s ESG management philosophy as well as development trends in ESG. We call on all stakeholders to take urgent action to jointly combat climate change and practice the values of sustainable development, to collaborate towards a future where society and nature can thrive. We welcome your valuable opinions and suggestions on this publication, and hope you will join us in the continued work of refining and implementing relevant sustainability initiatives.

In this study, our main focus is on companies’ performance relating to six ESG trends:

• ESG strategy and governance
• Stakeholder engagement
• ESG target setting
• Response to climate change
• ESG data and assurance
• ESG and green finance

The study was conducted through online questionnaires and key case studies. We invited a large number of Hong Kong listed companies to complete online questionnaires, with 205 responses received from various sectors including real estate and construction, TMT, retail, manufacturing, banking, energy, healthcare and others (asset management, automotive, etc.). At the same time, we invited companies to share their best practices on ESG implementation, as reference points for the implementation of enterprise ESG management.