Cross-agency steering group revamps website to boost sustainable efforts

The website also now features sustainability-related data, regulations, news, events, training, and internship opportunities. 

The Green and Sustainable Finance Cross-Agency Steering Group said it has made changes to its website which are aimed at providing a comprehensive green and sustainable finance information hub for various stakeholders.

Formed in May 2020, the steering group is co-chaired by the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Securities and Futures Commission. 

Its members include various governmental bodies and regulatory authorities – including the Insurance Authority of Hong Kong.

The Climate and Environmental Risk Questionnaire for Non-listed companies, originally launched in 2022, has been digitalised through the Sustainability Disclosure e-Portal. 

This questionnaire serves as a template to facilitate sustainability reporting, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The digitalisation of this tool streamlines reporting processes and promotes broader consent-based data sharing between corporates and financial institutions.

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In collaboration with the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, the steering group has developed two tools to support GHG emissions calculation and estimation. 

The calculation tool assists SMEs in calculating their GHG emissions based on actual activity levels, while the estimation tool aids financial institutions in estimating GHG emissions associated with their investments or loans, especially when data on underlying companies is limited.

The CASG website now features sustainability-related data, regulations, news, events, training, and internship opportunities. 

These resources are easily accessible with user-friendly browsing and search functions, providing stakeholders with comprehensive information on green and sustainable finance initiatives.