Chinachem Group has People, Prosperity and Planet at heart

More than a mere property developer, Chinachem Group embraces strong corporate values, and is dedicated to maximizing positive impact by creating better environments, stronger communities and shared value in all its endeavours

As one of Hong Kong’s largest real estate developers, Chinachem Group boasts a unique standing independent of public or family ownership, allowing it to enjoy the freedom of placing social and environmental values on an equal footing to profit.

Chinachem Group positions itself as a ‘purpose-driven enterprise’ that aligns profit with a purpose to make long-lasting, positive impacts on society behind everything it does.
To achieve this, it adopts a ‘Triple Bottom Line’ that puts People, Prosperity and Planet as equally important factors, facilitating long-term business development while creating positive value for society.

As a conscientious developer, Chinachem seeks to grow its business under sound corporate governance and build for a quality lifestyle and environment, serve the community and accumulate resources for charity and public benefit. Its ultimate goal is to create a better tomorrow not only for itself, but also for its partners and the communities it serves.

Sustainability objectives steer greener operations

Aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs), as well as its own sustainability objectives, the Group pledges to cut carbon emissions by 51.8 percent by 2030. Its ‘Carbon Reduction Roadmap – CCG 3050+’ includes a series of long-term decarbonisation strategies with the increased use of renewable energy. Chinachem Group is the second real estate developer in Hong Kong to have committed to setting science-based targets (SBT) that would help limit global warming to 1.5°C, which provides a clearly-defined path to reducing emissions in line with the Paris Agreement goals and mitigating the worst impacts of climate change.

To reduce waste generation at source, regular reviews of materials consumption are made with priority on the use of eco-friendly materials. The Group has set a ‘Sustainable Procurement Policy’ with departments formulating their own guidelines for practical implementation of sustainable procurement.

Utilizing green investment and financing

The Group has implemented ESG investment guidelines since 2021 which adopt the MSCI ESG rating system, and exclude non-ESG friendly sectors, such as tobacco and wine, casino and gaming, weapons and military, in its investment portfolio. It has also exemplified the significance of ESG factors towards portfolio management by incorporating ESG ratings into investment selections.  

Moreover, a mechanism is in place that uses Sustainability-linked or Green Loans whenever funding is needed, with a target of green project loans in its investment portfolio to reach 90 percent in three years.

Purposeful projects driven by the ‘Triple Bottom Line’

Focusing on People, Prosperity and Planet, “Triple Bottom Line” guides Chinachem Group to create positive impacts that extend beyond the property itself – engaging the community, integrating environmental considerations in its development, addressing social needs and building a sustainable society.

Modular construction at Tonkin Street

The Tonkin Street Redevelopment Project is the first private residential project in Hong Kong by a private developer to adopt concrete Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) technique, an innovative construction method by which modulars are assembled in a factory and installed on site.

The environmental benefits of MiC are numerous. Paring on-site construction significantly cuts carbon emissions with an expected reduction of 68 percent in construction waste and 75 percent in noise.

MiC also facilitates construction progress as it reduces 70 percent on-site manpower. Buildings can be completed faster, achieving a win-win situation for construction workers, developers and prospective buyers.

The Tonkin Street Redevelopment Project has attained the Grand Award in ‘New Buildings Category: Projects Under Construction and/or Design – Residential’ of HKGBC Green Building Awards 2021. It aims to attain Gold Rating in BEAM Plus New Buildings and WELL Building Standard.

Preserving Hong Kong’s disappearing rural heritage

Chinachem Group steps in and joins the ‘Same Roots, Same Origins’ project by the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark (HKUGGp) to empower rural communities, support their revitalization and conserve their roots, which would otherwise be lost without a systematic record of their cultural heritage.

Supported by the Group, Lai Chi Wo Story Room was opened in 2021. The Story Room showcases the colorful culture, including the daily life, wedding customs, traditional medicine and folk songs of seven Hakka villages collectively known as the Hing Chun Alliance.

Managed by village residents themselves, the Story Room records the collective memories of villagers and strengthens the ties to their heritage. A spin-off from this conservation project is the allure created for visitors with its rustic scenery and organic farming produce. There are strong potentials for the development of green tourism which indirectly benefits the area in terms of improved facilities, infrastructure and accessibility.

Interesting happenings are in the pipeline to raise awareness on safeguarding cultural heritage and sustainable models of heritage conservation.

Revitalizing Central Market

Chinachem has breathed new life into Central Market by reinventing the Grade III heritage building into a ‘Playground for All’, a vibrant community hotspot with three core themes of “Approachable,” “Energetic,” and “Gregarious”.

Featuring an interior design concept that grounds on a boundary-less spatial concept, Central Market interweaves food experience, retail-tainment, co-working nature and cultural experience into one magical hub where people can truly enjoy themselves.

The revitalized building has also made the most of advanced technology, and is Hong Kong’s first facility to adopt a total end-to-end digital customer experience from ordering and payment to delivery. Additionally, the Group actively supports the local start-up ecosystem by incorporating an innovative “Plug-to-Operate” model.

Central Market is set to be the next-generation hub that fosters meaningful connections with partners. Plans are in place to hold up to a myriad of 250 exciting events there, including tours, workshops, exhibitions and performances. Parents must not miss out on the fun initiatives to promote the study of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Mathematics (STEAM) and stimulate students’ creative thinking.