The city can play a bigger role in channelling international funds into decarbonisation projects in China if it sets its bar higher to meet the requirements of a broader range of international investors, said Civic Exchange research analyst Bon Cheung.

Hong Kong needs to build a battery-recycling facility as it faces the challenge of sustainably processing 6,000 tonnes of used batteries by 2026 amid a surge in electric vehicles, experts say.

China should set a clear timetable to expand the scope and robustness of its carbon trading market, as its progress has been disappointing, expert says.

CEO of Circ, part of Nan Fung Group’s The Mills Fabrica incubator, says its technology addresses the largest waste stream in the textile industry.

Hong Kong business magnate Peter Lee Ka-kit seeks role in Saudi Arabia’s green economy as the oil-driven country diversifies and aims at net-zero carbon emissions status by 2060.

Hong Kong can leverage its vibrant ecosystem for global family offices and asset owners and become a hub for impact investing, estimated at US$1.16 trillion globally, as sustainability awareness increases after the coronavirus pandemic.

Spurred by financial incentives and a desire to help fight climate change, some restaurant and mall owners are sending leftovers to the government’s pilot processing and recovery centre in North Lantau, where it can be converted to biogas to generate power.

Green certified buildings are giving developers and landlords a competitive edge as occupiers demand sustainability features, essential to meet a host of business and environmental goals.

Significant gap remains between listed firms’ climate commitments and their carbon emissions according to MSCI’s Net-Zero Tracker, says analyst Sylvain Vanston.

Hong Kong has approved grants for green and sustainable finance debt instruments with underlying issuances worth more than US$71.5 billion, according to Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Christopher Hui Ching-yu.

Financing flows into emerging markets in Asia for meeting climate change and other social challenges are far from enough, and potential investors should not wait because both financial and social objectives can be achieved, an impact investing conference has heard.

Adoption of the impending ISSB framework will be a ‘game-changer’ that accelerates climate-mitigation efforts, says Helge Muenkel.

Regulators and manufacturers intensify battle against greenwashing, a practice which could create disincentives for society to take decarbonisation and other sustainability actions seriously.

Hong Kong companies should conduct a thorough assessment of their assets and operations’ exposure to climate-change risks, even if the city’s financial markets are yet to price them in, according to an analytics provider.

Baosteel will invest US$437.5 million for a 50 per cent stake in the proposed joint venture with Saudi Aramco and PIF. The partners aim to make project the world’s ‘most competitive low-carbon emission thick steel plates’ plant.

Multiple technologies like carbon dioxide capture and energy-efficient iron ore reduction are being trialled amid decarbonisation efforts, according to McKinsey.

Of the 200 or so ‘globally significant’ institutions with formal policies restricting investment in coal-related projects, only three are from China, according to the Ohio-based Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis.

Poaching is on the rise to fill roles such as chief sustainability officer and sustainability director, with those changing jobs getting salary increments of up to 30 per cent, search firms say.

A CBRE report cites the scale of Hong Kong’s financial industry and its talent pool as key advantages, while a narrowing office-rent gap tightens the race between the perennial rivals.

With regulators in the Asia-Pacific region poised to take action against greenwashing by companies, asset managers must step up the scrutiny of climate impact and sustainability disclosures, a panel discussion has heard.

China’s Greater Bay Area is promoting several decarbonisation projects that will embrace international disclosure and verification standards as it seeks to draw more green financing to help fund the country’s plan of achieving carbon neutrality by 2060.

Readers discuss investing in emerging markets, Hong Kong Marathon numbers, and a proposed MTR station.

Global efforts like the quality assessment framework to enhance voluntary carbon markets’ integrity will improve transparency and boost credit buyers’ confidence, analysts say.

Fintech, blockchain and artificial intelligence will all help companies face the challenge of meeting more stringent international and local standards, Earth Forum speaker says.

The US experiences resistance from many quarters on ESG-driven investment while investors in China are unanimous in their push.

Effort would boost the region’s economic output by up to 6.3 per cent, with households facing higher prices and higher taxes, Asia Society Policy Institute says.

The Nature Conservancy is studying various environmental initiatives in Asia-Pacific, with the aim of turning them into projects investors can get behind.