HKEx urges more compliance with WWF environmental objectives
Drive to increase compliance on environmental practices outlined by WWF is being stepped up
Listed companies are being urged by the stock exchange to report on their compliance with "environmental, social and governance" (ESG) practices - such as turning off lights after working hours - from January.
Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing (HKEx) issued a guide, produced by the wildlife organisation WWF Hong Kong, in August to advise listed companies on how to include ESG practices in their annual reports.
The practices also include turning off air conditioning after work, using environmentally friendly toilet paper and eating sustainable seafood in company canteens.
The 115 listed companies that agreed to follow the guide and donated money to WWF have become part of the WWF-Hong Kong Corporate Membership Programme, with members receiving awards at a ceremony yesterday in Tsim Sha Tsui.
Ellie Pang King-ling, HKEx assistant vice-president, said the ESG guide covers four areas.
The first is workplace quality, including the health, safety and development of staff. The second is environmental protection, dealing with issues such as emissions and use of resources.
The third is operative practices, such as supply chain management, product responsibility and anti-corruption. The final one is community involvement.