The atmosphere has no borders and the fallout from bad environmental practices – as well as returns on good ones – quickly spread across the globe.

Noting that global impacts call for global solutions, three leading institutions work towards a sustainable future.

APAC universities tackle green challenges

Ireland was historically a farming country, and agriculture remains an important industry there though financial services, especially fintech, have since come to the fore. Conversely Hong Kong went from trade to manufacturing before becoming a global financial services centre.

In terms of population and economy, Hong Kong and Ireland are the same size but took very different paths – both now aim for destination net zero by 2050.

Financing journey to net zero

Noting the steady stream of disposable cutlery going to Hong Kong landfills, an architect turned industrial designer developed a pocket-friendly dining set for take-away eating city dwellers.

An architect turned designer brings the practice sustainable living to city-dwelling office workers.

Cutting down disposable plastics

Governments around the world have announced commitments and deadlines for achieving net-zero carbon dioxide emissions. Enterprises must keep pace with the times and adapt to a low-carbon business ecosystem. Businesses worldwide are adopting environment, social and corporate governance (ESG) policies, and investors need to take these issues into account when allocating funds.

Reducing carbon dioxide emissions has broad support, but turning words into action can be challenging for SMEs.

SMEs target carbon tally

“Elephants can be eaten in small pieces” is a saying that comes to mind, when faced with the task of moving Mainland China’s economy on to sustainable footing and achieving the stated goal of net-zero by 2060.

Industry leaders discussing the cost of curbing climate change emissions come up with eye-watering numbers and stress the importance of standards.

Elephantine task for financiers

As a leading international financial hub Hong Kong keeps abreast of developments in the financial universe, and green finance has moved firmly into the spotlight.

As the leading annual event returns to physical format, sustainability features strongly on the agenda, reflecting the importance the financial world places on the issue.

AFF launches green finance year

The global energy crisis and concerns over climate change have been concentrating minds on green transport – all the more so in Hong Kong where the clock is ticking on fossil-fuel driven cars, which will need to be off the road within 13 years.

Renewable energy stole the limelight at this year’s Eco Expo Asia in Hong Kong, as economies strive for carbon neutrality.

Green innovators stream in

The 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27) was held at the appropriate venue of Sharm El Sheikh in Egypt, an extremely sunny resort at the southern tip of the Sinai Peninsula.

Power derived from sunshine and hydrogen moved up the agenda at the recent COP27 summit, boosting the outlook for equipment exporters.

Solar prospects shine bright

Food and fashion fulfil people’s fundamental needs – something that’s recognised by Hong Kong-based innovation platform The Mills Fabrica, which is focused on cultivating start-ups engaged in these two fields.

A go-to solutions platform that accelerates techstyle and agrifood innovations for sustainability and social impact has partnered with Fashion Hong Kong to support Hong Kong fashion designers.

Building a better tomorrow

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s commitment to bring forward the ban on in-house single-use plastic tableware and plastic foam food containers to the final quarter of next year is good news for the environment. It also presents plentiful opportunities for companies and start-ups offering sustainable alternatives.

As the ban on throwaway plastic in Hong Kong restaurants looms, a producer of compostable utensils is eyeing a burgeoning market.

Dining takes a sustainable direction

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) principles are seen as more than moral imperatives for businesses. They are also essential considerations for investors considering fund allocation across portfolios. This webinar will focus on techniques for evaluating sustainable commercial practices and duly rewarding such environmentally responsible behaviour as a means of promoting a low-carbon business ecosystem.

An HKTDC research webinar explains how to track and reward carbon saving.

Road to net zero

Themed “Green Innovations for Carbon Neutrality”, Eco Expo Asia is the leading fair in Asia for promoting innovative green technologies and a global trade platform for the environmental protection industry showcasing the latest green products, equipment and state-of-the-art technology. The fair provides B2G, B2B and B2C opportunities for green industry through its strong support from Hong Kong, Mainland China as well as international government authorities and industry associations.

Environmentally friendly product and service firms showcase the latest technologies in the fast-developing field.

Eco Expo Asia 2022

Inspired by the heat-resistant silver ants found in the Sahara Desert, Hong Kong start-up i2Cool Technology has developed iPaint, a patented cooling paint that can greatly reduce building power consumption and accelerate the city’s efforts to achieve carbon neutrality.

Inspired by insects, a sustainability-focused start-up sees bright prospects on the rooftops of the Greater Bay Area and beyond.

Painting a greener picture

With projects such as the Zero-carbon Building in Kowloon Bay (main picture), Hong Kong is rapidly taking a more sustainable route – and Mainland China provides much of the hardware for the renewable energy revolution.

HSBC is offering finance options to drive sustainable business practices across the Greater Bay Area

Finance rides the green wave

Two years ago, Mainland China set 2025 as a target for half its power capacity to come from renewable resources, a landmark the economy has already reached two years ahead of schedule.

Solar, hydro and wind now account for half the mainland’s generating capacity.

Renewable target hit 2 years early

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Environmental Protection