Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited announced on Thursday that it achieved carbon neutrality across its operations by the end of 2024, marking a key milestone in its sustainability strategy.
The exchange operator, which had previously set a carbon neutrality target, said it had taken multiple steps to decarbonize its operations. These included enhancing energy efficiency, prioritizing low-carbon procurement and investing in high-quality carbon projects.
Paul Chow, HKEX group chief sustainability officer, said: “We are delighted as a group to have achieved carbon neutrality in 2024, fulfilling our pledge in the world’s ongoing sustainability journey. This sets an important example for Hong Kong’s broader listed issuer community.”
Steps Towards Carbon Neutrality
As of December 2024, approximately 99 percent of HKEX’s global office and facility space was powered by renewable electricity through direct purchases or renewable energy certificates.
To offset remaining emissions, HKEX applied about 55,000 tonnes of carbon credits from afforestation and revegetation projects in Mainland China via its Core Climate marketplace.
Broader Sustainability Initiatives
In October 2022, HKEX launched Core Climate, Hong Kong’s first carbon marketplace offering Hong Kong Dollar and Renminbi settlement for international voluntary carbon credit trading. The initiative aligns with HKEX’s broader goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040, announced in November 2023.
HKEX has also introduced climate-related disclosure principles aligned with the International Sustainability Standards Board’s Climate Standard, set to take effect in 2025.
HKEX said it would continue to expand its sustainability initiatives, focusing on further emissions reductions, renewable energy adoption, and partnerships to drive systemic change.
