Climate change is one of the most urgent global challenges of our time, posing unprecedented threats to the well-being of people, communities, and businesses. Through the Paris Agreement of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, the global community commits to limit global average temperature rise this century well-below 2°C above pre-industrial levels and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase even further to 1.5°C. Hong Kong has acceded to the Paris Agreement and hence has an obligation to develop a long-term decarbonisation strategy. Being a key player in society, the business community also has a key role to play in Hong Kong’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

With the support of business leaders and the Environment Bureau, the BEC Low Carbon Charter has been launched since March 2019 to mobilise companies in the property and construction value chain to collectively contribute towards Hong Kong’s long-term decarbonisation through their pledge to set and achieve carbon reduction targets. The Charter has expanded since the beginning of 2020 to welcome companies from all sectors.

Riding on the success of the BEC Low Carbon Charter, we has further developed the BEC Net-zero Charter, which aims at mobilising companies and organisations to collectively contribute towards Hong Kong’s long-term decarbonisation journey through their pledge to set targets and actions for a net-zero future.

BEC will organise events regularly to support signatories and businesses in setting, operationalising, and achieving their emission reduction targets. Signatories will be invited to share their insights and experience in these co-learning activities. Besides, signatories are required to self-report their progress and achievements through a standard form once a year.

For the list of signatories of the BEC Low Carbon Charter, you may find the list via here.