In a significant step towards sustainable event management in Hong Kong, three industry leaders joined forces to develop a framework and methodology for carbon neutral event management. This strategic partnership has established the carbon neutral event management (CNEM) service.
The pioneering initiative was spearheaded by Dr Raymond Wong, Project Committee Convener of iRecycle Charity Foundation, Mr. Oswald Au, Managing Director of Riskory Consultancy Limited, and Ms Miranda Kwan, Director of SGS Hong Kong Limited, working together to introduce a new chapter in sustainable event management in the city.
Large events generate considerable greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and although the 2024 Paris Olympics achieved a remarkable 54.6% reduction on their carbon footprint (compared to the previous Grames in London and Rio), the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) has emphasized the urgent need for events to reduce their carbon footprints.
Event organizers in Hong Kong have previously focused primarily on waste management but have long been aware of the need to incorporate carbon neutrality and sustainability measures across all aspects of an event. As the "Events Capital of Asia", with 93 mega events scheduled in the first half of 2025 alone, the need for a collaborative approach is more urgent than ever. The three organizations have jointly developed a comprehensive framework and methodology for carbon-neutral event management, with iRecycle Charity Foundation serving as the award body, Riskory Consultancy Limited as the carbon auditor, and SGS Hong Kong Limited as the verification body.
The CNEM service provides a comprehensive solution for sustainable event management through pre-event consultations, carbon audits, and verification. Upon successful completion, event organizers will receive a commitment certificate and a detailed carbon audit report, while all event participants will be acquired participation certificates recognizing their contributions to environmental sustainability.
Benefits of the CNEM framework
Organizations that adopt the CNEM framework will benefit from demonstrating their commitment to environmental responsibility, strengthening their market reputation, and aligning with the government's Carbon Reduction Action campaign and goals for carbon neutrality by 2050.
CNEM made its debut at the ESG 3-on-3 Basketball Corporate Invitational Tournament, organized by iRecycle Charity Foundation on January 11, 2025, with its official launch scheduled for March 21, 2025, during the iRecycle ESG Award Ceremony 2025 Season 1.
Contact us for more information about the CNEM service.
ESG 3-on-3 Basketball Corporate Invitational Tournament, organized by iRecycle Charity Foundation on January 11, 2025, was the first event adopting CNEM framework
The Carbon Neutral Event Management Programme Kick-off Ceremony, part of the iRecycle ESG Award Presentation Ceremony 2025 Season 1, took place on March 21, 2025
(From left to right) Prof. Leung Wing Mo - Meteorologist, Former assistant director of the Hong Kong Observatory, Mr. Raymond Young, GBS, JP - Former Permanent Secretary of Home Affairs Bureau, Mr. Wong Kam Sing, GBS, JP - Chairman of Wu Zhi Qiao (Bridge to China) Charitable Foundation and Former Secretary for the Environment, Mr. Oswald Au - Managing Director of Riskory Consultancy Limited, Dr. Raymond Wong - Project Committee Convener of iRecycle Charity Foundation, Mr. Ron Ng - Director of iRecycle Charity Foundation, Ms. Miranda Kwan - Director of Business Assurance of SGS Hong Kong Limited, Hon. Tang Fei, MH, JP - Member of the Legislative Council, Vice-president of Hong Kong Federation of Education Workers
About iRecycle Charity Foundation
iRecycle Charity Foundation aims to achieve a sustainable future by promoting the principles of green procurement, waste management, circular economy, and sustainable development.
Mission & Vision: (i) Promote Carbon Neutrality: Support all sectors of society in implementing carbon neutrality, with a commitment to achieving Hong Kong’s carbon neutrality goals by 2050. (ii) Enhance Public Awareness: Increase public attention to environmental protection and sustainable development. (iii) Advocate Sustainable Living: Encourage the adoption of sustainable lifestyles. And (iv) Educate the Next Generation: Facilitate the understanding and practice of environmental protection and sustainable development concepts among the youth.
The Foundation actively collaborates with various stakeholders to launch and support diverse green initiatives. We aim to optimize ESG education, environmental philanthropy, and green certification to enhance stakeholders' understanding of environmental protection, carbon neutrality, and sustainable development issues, thereby improving living environments and benefiting society.
About Riskory Consultancy Limited
Riskory is a professional Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) consulting firm providing sustainability advisory, Carbon Neutral Event Management (CNEM), and Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) services. The company has obtained ISO9001:2015 certification and is among the first companies in Hong Kong to receive SBTi validation for committing to the 1.5°C near-tem target. Since 2022, Riskory has participated in CDP for three consecutive years and is rated among the top 7% of companies globally by EcoVadis. The consulting team consists of experienced professionals holding various internationally recognized qualifications, including CESGA, CFA Sustainable Investing Certificate, and Trader of Carbon Emissions from the Shanghai Environment and Energy Exchange. The team also includes the ESG Technical Advisor of the International Chamber of Sustainable Development and reviewers of the Hong Kong Institute of Certified Public Accountants' Best Corporate Governance and ESG Awards.
About SGS
SGS is the world’s leading Testing, Inspection and Certification company. We operate a network of over 2,500 laboratories and business facilities across 115 countries, supported by a team of 99,500 dedicated professionals. With over 145 years of service excellence, we combine the precision and accuracy that define Swiss companies to help organizations achieve the highest standards of quality, compliance and sustainability.
Our brand promise – when you need to be sure – underscores our commitment to trust, integrity and reliability, enabling businesses to thrive with confidence. We proudly deliver our expert services through the SGS name and trusted specialized brands, including Brightsight, Bluesign, Maine Pointe and Nutrasource.
SGS is publicly traded on the SIX Swiss Exchange under the ticker symbol SGSN (ISIN CH1256740924, Reuters SGSN.S, Bloomberg SGSN:SW).
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