Hong Kong Institution of Certified Auditors and HKPC Join Hands to Promote Sustainable Development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Successful Launch of “Certification Scheme on Maturity of ESG Implementation Across Organisations” cum “One Exam, Two Certificates” Guangdong-Hong Kong Carbon Personnel Qualification Project

(Hong Kong, 16 April 2026) The launch of “Certification Scheme on Maturity of ESG Implementation Across Organisations” cum Kick-off Ceremony of “One Exam, Two Certificates” Guangdong-Hong Kong Carbon Personnel Qualification Project with Seminar co-organised by the Hong Kong Institution of Certified Auditors (the Institute) and the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), was successfully held on 15 April 2026. The national “15th Five-Year Plan” explicitly calls for “working actively and prudently toward peaking carbon emissions, and improving the green and low-carbon technology testing, assessment, and verification system.” It also aims to actively bring in more international standardisation organisations to promote the advanced technical standards of Chinese Mainland globally. The HKSAR Government is also responding at full speed, leading Hong Kong to proactively align with the nation’s dual-carbon goals.

At the event, the Institute and HKPC unveiled the “Certification Scheme on Maturity of ESG Implementation Across Organisations” developed with reference to the international standard ISO IWA 48 (ESG Implementation Principles). The scheme encourages enterprises to progressively integrate ESG elements, enhance transparency, and promote long-term sustainable development. In addition, a credential alignment mechanism for carbon emission management personnel between Guangdong and Hong Kong was launched at the ceremony. Through the “One Exam, Two Certificates” approach, the initiative facilitates environmental professionals with expertise and experience to align their qualifications between Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong. This actively advances sustainable development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) and supports the nation and Hong Kong in achieving carbon neutrality.

Ir Dr Tommy LO, President of the Institute, said, “the ‘Certification Scheme on Maturity of ESG Implementation Across Organisations’ is a certification system developed with reference to the international standard ISO IWA 48 (ESG Implementation Principles), designed to help enterprises address challenges including the lack of ESG standards and certification. We are also delighted to have the support of the Human Resources and Social Security Department of Guangdong Province in kicking off the ‘One Exam, Two Certificates’ Guangdong-Hong Kong Carbon Personnel Qualification Project, which promotes credential alignment of professional qualifications in GBA.”

Dr Lawrence CHEUNG, Chief Technology Officer of HKPC, said, “HKPC has always been innovation-driven and remains committed to supporting corporate ESG development and carbon neutrality management. This further strengthens Hong Kong’s role as an international ESG hub and facilitates the alignment of national green standards with international standards. Through developing various innovative green technologies and carbon neutrality management solutions, as well as the ‘ESG One’ platform to build an ESG ecosystem for local enterprises, we help enterprises address sustainable development challenges and comply with international standards. By adopting a multiple-track approach, we assist enterprises in deeply integrating sustainable development concepts into their core operations, injecting momentum into the green and low-carbon transformation of both the nation and Hong Kong.”

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Ir Dr Tommy LO, President of the Institute, delivers the opening address.

Dr Lawrence CHEUNG, Chief Technology Officer of HKPC, delivers the welcome address.

Ir Dr Tommy LO, President of the Institute; Dr Lawrence CHEUNG, Chief Technology Officer of HKPC; The Hon Christine FONG, Member of Legislative Council; Ms Grace KWOK, Chairman of the Environmental Campaign Committee; Ir Frankie FUNG, Principal Assistant Secretary (Project Capability and Strategy) of the Development Bureau; and representatives of supporting organisations launch the “Certification Scheme on Maturity of ESG Implementation Across Organisations”.

Ir Dr Tommy LO, President of the Institute; Dr Lawrence CHEUNG, Chief Technology Officer of HKPC; representatives of the Human Resources and Social Security Department of Guangdong Province; and other officiating guests kick off the “‘One Exam, Two Certificates’ Guangdong-Hong Kong Carbon Personnel Qualification Project”.