BCG x GPP – Global Goals To Local Impact

Recently, we had a chance to chat with Ted Chan, Managing Director & Senior Partner at Boston Consulting Group (BCG)  Hong Kong. Ted wears many hats at BCG—he is the BCG Hong Kong Office Head, in addition to co-leading the firm’s Climate and Sustainability Practice and heading up recruitment in Asia Pacific.

In this issue, Ted offers insights on BCG’s substantial global sustainability efforts and how Swire Properties and the Green Performance Pledge (GPP) help to enhance the company’s local initiatives to deliver on a global strategy.

What is sustainability to BCG?

Ted:

Sustainability is a fundamental aspect of BCG's business and our corporate responsibility efforts. Our Climate and Sustainability practice is one of our top global priorities, reflecting our dedication to helping clients harness climate innovation, embed sustainability at scale into their business and capture the value they create. This practice was our fastest-growing practice globally last year. In 2023 alone, we supported clients on more than 1,500 climate and sustainability projects, engaging 4,300 consultants and achieving 56% year-on-year growth.

Beyond our own pledge to achieve Net Zero by 2030, we have developed emission-tracking digital platforms and created a standalone software company that offers sustainability management software solutions to help large organisations measure and reduce their emissions. And our involvement in sustainability extends beyond consulting - we participate in global coalitions and industry collaborations to drive decarbonisation. This includes launching the Aviation Climate Task Force with major global airlines and supporting the Global Centre for Maritime Decarbonisation.

How has joining the GPP provided value and innovation for BCG?

Ted:

The GPP provides BCG with invaluable tools and a platform for continuous improvement. While we have substantial internal expertise, the GPP’s Sustainable Fit-out Programme and Smart Waste Reduction Challenge, for example, helped us identify performance gaps and enhance our sustainability efforts.

The GPP fosters cross-sector learning and idea exchange—crucial for a firm like BCG. Regular meetings with and insights from other tenants allow us to adopt best practices and drive innovation. Workshops also offer valuable knowledge-building and networking opportunities, enabling us to connect with like-minded tenants and pursue collective progress.

The GPP has a broad impact within BCG’s business. Through the GPP, BCG has exposure to bespoke technology, innovations and office guidelines that once successfully implemented in Hong Kong, can be shared with other offices. For example, the Smart Waste Reduction Challenge in the Hong Kong office has inspired similar programmes in other regions. This cross-regional influence is vital for fostering a culture of sustainability across our global offices.

What makes BCG’s Two Taikoo Place office design special?

Ted:

Our office at Two Taikoo Place exemplifies our commitment to sustainable and innovative design. Notable features include: 

• Environment – We have implemented centralised sorting stations and removed individual waste bins to encourage colleagues to think twice before disposing of waste. To conserve energy, we have installed occupancy sensors and smart meters for lighting and small power systems. In addition, we utilise energy-efficient appliances including computers, monitors, printers, fridges and water dispensers.
  
  
• Wellness – Wellness is also a priority. All our workstations have a direct line of sight to natural light. We also take indoor air quality management seriously, with a sensor system monitoring PM2.5, total volatile organic compounds, temperature, relative humidity and CO2.
  
  
• Collaboration – One standout feature in our office is the expansive "social heart" - a remarkable space that offers stunning harbour views and serves as a venue for discussions and events for up to 150 people. This vibrant area fosters a sense of community and collaboration among employees and extends its welcoming atmosphere to the broader community.

We are proud to receive the highest Three Seed rating in the GPP Sustainable Fit-out Scheme and the Gold award in the GPP Sustainable Office Operations Scheme just one year later. These recognitions highlight our efforts to implement green design elements while striving to lower the environmental impact of our operations.

What strategies does BCG use to encourage employee engagement in sustainability?

Ted:

Employee engagement is a cornerstone of BCG's sustainability strategy. We recruit individuals who are passionate about environmental and social impact for roles across the firm, fostering a corporate community where employees feel empowered to take initiative.

Colleagues from various departments volunteer to join the BCG Green Team Network, where they drive local initiatives such as eco-tours and marketplaces for farmers.  Clear communication is essential to inspire and scale progress. As such, regular sharing sessions including Friday Townhalls and weekly office lunches are planned to keep employees informed about initiatives across regional offices.

At BCG, as at many other firms in our industry, business travel makes up a substantial part of our total emissions. Our BCGreen App encourages employees to track their footprint and earn points, making sustainability efforts interactive and rewarding. Using a global dashboard and guidelines to set targets and monitor emissions, each partner receives a monthly email detailing personal and team emissions to stay on track. These are just some of the ways we drive engagement when it comes to sustainable practices.

Looking forward, what are your key expectations for the GPP?

Ted:

As we move forward, our expectations for the GPP will continue to evolve. We anticipate that the GPP will set higher standards each year, challenging us to continually improve. We also hope that the GPP will keep us informed of emerging sustainability trends and key focus areas to ensure that our practices remain at the forefront of innovation.

The GPP is our flagship programme towards achieving our SD 2030 Strategy and longstanding commitment to fighting climate change, in joint efforts with our office tenants in Hong Kong and the Chinese Mainland. Learn more about the programme on the GPP Website.