The Hong Kong ESG Reporting Awards (HERA) 2021, the first non-profit ESG reporting awards in Hong Kong, came to a successful close. Speakers representing the government, regulator, ESG industry, institutional investors, senior practitioners and industry associations hosted a number of keynote speeches and panel discussions to shed light on the latest development for the ESG industry. The grand awards winners were congratulated on the NASDAQ MarketSite, in Times Square, New York, demarcating their long-standing support towards HERA as the pioneer of renowned ESG reporting accolades in Greater China. The winners of HERA 2021 can be found on https://hkesgawards.com/winners/winners-list/. Sponsored by InvestHK, HERA 2021 is co-organised by Alaya Consulting, supported by the Environment Bureau, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. The Awards witnessed two keynote speeches by Joseph Chan, JP, Under Secretary for Financial Services and The Treasury, The Government of Hong Kong SAR and Stephen Philips, Director-General of Investment Promotion, InvestHK, who both informed all stakeholders the facts and figures of the fast-growing ESG sector in Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area. Tony Wong, Director of Hong Kong ESG Reporting Awards Limited and Founder of Alaya Consulting, stated: “Coming to the fourth year of HERA, we have witnessed ESG has been getting the attention from investors, regulators, corporates, as well as the general public more than ever before. We are extremely excited to be a part of this irreversible trend, contributing to the best practices of ESG reporting. Looking forward, we are committed to collaborating with industry stakeholders to contribute to Hong Kong as a regional hub in green finance.” This year’s ceremony is a carbon neutral event. Emissions generated by the attendees’ transportation were offsetted using High Integrity CCERs (Chinese Certified Emissions Reductions) thanks to the guidance and support by Ben McQuhae & Co., an ESG-focused law firm and AEX Markets Ltd in Hong Kong. Ben McQuhae, founder of Ben McQuhae & Co, stated: “Having designed and recently executed the first ever offshore trade of high-integrity CCERs, it’s encouraging to see other Hong Kong businesses join us in taking the initiative. It is really important that we demand only high-quality carbon credits. We support HERA’s leadership in promoting ESG best practices in Hong Kong and enjoyed working with AEX and HERA to help HERA reach their climate ambition of hosting a carbon neutral 2021 event. Congratulations HERA, let’s hope your leadership will help generate real momentum in Hong Kong.” Jeff Huang, CEO of AEX Holdings,Ltd., commented ‘“We at AEX are glad to assist HERA in offsetting its carbon footprint with CCER credits that meet international standards. AEX continues to work with stakeholders towards building a liquid and regulated market for high integrity CCERs targeting corporate net-zero emissions buyers in Hong Kong and beyond. Our thanks to Ben McQuhae & Co for your guidance and continuing support on the development of a robust international carbon market in Hong Kong. Congratulations to HERA for a great and successful 2021 ESG awards ceremony.” Since its inaugural edition in 2018, HERA has been committed to recognising organisations at the forefront of exemplary ESG reporting, fostering a platform for stakeholders of the industry to exchange their views and strike collaborations. As an important ESG event in Hong Kong, HERA is highly regarded by the ESG industry and the business community. To revisit the event, please visit HERA’s website at www.hkesgawards.com About HERA Hong Kong ESG Reporting Awards is a not-for-profit initiative that recognises ESG reporting leaders, aiming to build trust among stakeholders. The Awards welcome applications from companies in Asia that strive for outstanding practices in sustainability reporting. Whether you are a small organisation or a large conglomerate, the HERA will be able to showcase your corporate sustainability initiatives.