Waste management tops ESG focus in Hong Kong construction

Eight in 10 firms practice waste recycling.

Waste recycling (89.1%) stands as the most common environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) action amongst participating construction firms in the Recognition Scheme.

This is likely because firms view waste management (76.4%) as a top ESG indicator, followed by energy and water consumption (70.9%) and health and safety (47.3%).

Other ESG actions commonly done by firms include energy and water consumption (70.9%) and health and safety (47.3%).

Hong Kong Construction Association (HKCA) data showed that nearly 70% of frontline practitioners have adopted the ESG Recognition Scheme.

The scheme rewards practitioners who establish environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) work mode through the "ESG BUILD FUN" mobile app.

Since its launch in December 2022, 106 sites have joined the programme, and the mobile app has recorded over 200,000 engagements.

In a survey of firms in the scheme, 90% agreed that ESG advances industry development.

In line with this sentiment, 56.4% believe that enhancing promotions by the government and industry is the most effective way to improve ESG performance, followed by incentive provision (51.8%) and comprehensive training (51.8%).