Hang Lung Leads Industry Dialogue on Net Zero Transition with Groundbreaking Discussion Paper
- Written by Telegraph Magazine
Hang Lung presents an innovative in-depth analysis of its potential journey to net zero as a model for the real estate sector, calling for greater transparency and improved benchmarks to drive real estate decarbonization
HONG KONG SAR & SHANGHAI, CHINA - Media OutReach Newswire - 24 March 2025 - Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) (the "Company" or "Hang Lung") has published a first-of-its-kind discussion paper, "Our Journey to Net Zero: Our Scenarios and Actions to Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions to 2050."While many companies have made net zero commitments, few have carefully examined how to achieve these commitments. Hang Lung has risen to this challenge, adopting an innovative approach based on a decarbonization model with more than 1,000 internal and external data inputs. From this thorough analysis, it has developed two main scenarios to understand potential pathways for the Company to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to 2050.
From a starting point of around 1,000,000 tonnes of GHG in 2023, Hang Lung's emissions could drop to fewer than 100,000 tonnes by 2050—and even go as low as 16,000 tonnes. The scale of new construction and the emissions intensity of available construction materials will play a critical role in shaping this reduction.
The Journey to Net Zero paper concludes that the Company has the potential to fully achieve net zero by 2050. However, doing so will require consistent effort and sustained focus, including strategic collaboration with suppliers. The Company will also need to leverage advancements in technologies.
While the paper's analysis is based on a close examination of Hang Lung's emissions pathways, it also raises issues applicable to peers and standard setters. For instance, the paper highlights overlooked sources of emissions, discusses key carbon accounting issues for the sector, and calls for greater transparency and standardized benchmarking for construction materials.
"The real estate sector has a responsibility to reduce its carbon emissions," Mr. Adriel Chan, Chair of Hang Lung Properties and Chair of the Sustainability Steering Committee, said. "But we need to form a long-term vision together. By addressing key issues head-on—including the impact of business expansion, decarbonization of construction supplies and energy, and emissions blind spots—Hang Lung is demonstrating in this paper that we take our net zero commitment seriously. We also encourage our peers and partners to embrace greater transparency, so we can all learn from and collaborate with one another."
Illustrating its commitment to catalyzing change in real estate, Hang Lung has outlined eight key actions it is pursuing to support its long-term journey to net zero emissions by 2050:
- Advancing energy efficiency
- Expanding renewable energy procurement
- Improving material efficiency
- Reducing the GHG intensity of construction materials
- Collaborating with suppliers
- Exploring ways to repurpose existing properties
- Improving lifecycle refrigerant management practices; and
- Collaborating with tenants to reduce emissions.
Expert Reactions
"This effort is truly a milestone and a commendable example for the real estate sector." – Wei Li, Principal, RMI China.
"Candid, collaborative and practical, this report redefines how companies should report on net zero progress." – Raefer Wallis, Founder and Chief Executive Offier, GIGA/RESET Standard.
"I believe methodologies and insights from this report can effectively enhance capacity and encourage industry action." – Da Zhang, Associate Professor, Institute of Energy, Environment and Economy, Tsinghua University.
"The scenario-based approach is very enlightening, with open analysis of uncertainty rather than strategizing with the hope of a magically smooth curve down to zero carbon emissions." – Jenny Zhang, Director of Sustainability, APAC, Urban Land Institute.
Note to Editors:
Hang Lung's sustainability achievements:
With support from top management and a long-term vision, Hang Lung aims to become one of the most sustainable real estate companies in the world. Through clear and measurable sustainability goals, including 25 Targets to be achieved by 2025, 2030 Sustainability Goals and Targets, and net zero targets validated by the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), the Company has gained recognition from stakeholders for its pioneering sustainability initiatives in real estate. Hang Lung obtained more than 45 ESG awards in 2024.
The Company is on the CDP "Corporate A List," with an "A" rating for Climate Change and an "A-" rating for Water Security. Since 2021, Hang Lung has received a 4-star performance rating for standing investments from the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB), and maintained an "AA" rating in the MSCI ESG Ratings assessment and a "low ESG risk" rating from Sustainalytics. The Company has also been a constituent stock of the FTSE4Good Index Series and the Hang Seng Corporate Sustainability Index (Mainland and Hong Kong) since 2021 and 2010 respectively.
Hang Lung has also demonstrated its sustainability leadership in renewable energy, low carbon construction and tenant partnerships. Since April 2024, 50% of Hang Lung's operating properties in mainland China have been powered by renewable energy. For low carbon construction, Plaza 66 Pavilion Extension's building structure in Shanghai is Hang Lung's first Mainland project to use almost 100% low carbon emissions steel. And the Company has partnered with 49 tenants representing 11% of its total leasable area on sustainability initiatives through its nationwide Changemakers Program for all tenants, and its first-of-its-kind sustainability collaboration with LVMH Group in 2022.
For more details, please visit: https://www.hanglung.com/en-us/sustainability
Hashtag: #HangLungProperties
The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.
About Hang Lung Properties
Hang Lung Properties Limited (SEHK stock code: 00101) creates compelling spaces that enrich lives. Headquartered in Hong Kong, Hang Lung Properties develops and manages a diversified portfolio of world-class properties in Hong Kong and the nine Mainland cities of Shanghai, Shenyang, Jinan, Wuxi, Tianjin, Dalian, Kunming, Wuhan and Hangzhou. With its luxury positioning under the "66" brand, the company's Mainland portfolio has established its leading position as the "Pulse of the City." Hang Lung Properties is also recognized for leading the way in enhancing sustainability initiatives in the real estate industry, all the while pursuing sustainable growth by connecting customers and communities.
At Hang Lung Properties – We Do It Well.
For more information, please visit www.hanglung.com.
