Tenant Spotlight – Navigating Emerging Sustainability-related Trends

We are pleased to feature insights from Edward Au, the Southern Region Managing Partner of Deloitte China. A Deloitte veteran of over 30 years, Edward shares his thoughts on driving sustainability within the firm while also discussing important trends shaping the industry. Having spent two decades at the One Pacific Place office, Deloitte has established a significant presence, occupying six floors, and also demonstrates strong commitment to sustainability in the workplace.

Please introduce your role at Deloitte and the firm’s sustainability-related efforts.

Edward:

I lead Deloitte’s professional services transformation and business growth across the fast-evolving Greater Bay Area. As part of our China Management Team, I review and approve climate strategies and objectives, monitor progress and oversee execution efforts.

Since launching our WorldClimate initiative in 2021, we’ve continued to move towards fulfilling our carbon peaking and neutrality goals— driving responsible climate actions and fostering collaboration across our wider ecosystem to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Our commitment extends to supporting clients on their sustainability journeys, integrating green and low-carbon principles into business transformation and delivering measurable climate action.

How does Deloitte advise clients to navigate emerging sustainability-related trends and regulatory requirements?

Edward:

Deloitte supports clients with integrated sustainability solutions that align operational priorities with compliance needs. In addition to guidance on ESG frameworks (such as HKEX, ISSB and CSRD), our participation in standard-setting bodies and associations allows us to offer unique insights into complex issues. By providing regular publications, seminars and training we help clients stay ahead of evolving requirements.

Beyond compliance, we advise on embedding sustainability into core operations—from net-zero strategies and renewable energy procurement to linking ESG performance metrics with executive incentives and board oversight, we help to foster a culture where sustainability is integral to decision-making. Additionally, by applying technologies like ESG data management tools, our clients are empowered to measure and manage progress.

Looking ahead, what sustainability trends are shaping the future?

Edward:

Upcoming trends that are expected to shape corporate sustainability reporting and governance include:

• Greater focus on financial materiality: As Hong Kong moves towards the adoption of ISSB Standards, listed companies will need to update their corporate reporting, including sustainability and financial reporting, to comply with these guidelines and to demonstrate how sustainability affects a company’s value and financial performance.
• Third-party assurance of sustainability data: As with financial statements, sustainability data will be expected to adhere to rigorous standards and be subject to independent assurance. This may also result in increasing registration or licensing requirements for sustainability assurance providers.

What inspired Deloitte to become part of Swire Properties’ GPP, and how has the GPP helped your initiatives?

Edward:

Managing our footprint is a critical step towards building a future-ready, resilient organisation, and we all know that achieving this requires partnership. When it came time to renew our lease at One Pacific Place, we embedded a green clause, signalling a long-term, strategic partnership with Swire Properties.

The GPP’s smart meters now enable data tracking and analysis of our electricity and water usage through user-friendly dashboards and benchmarking. We have integrated the recycling of items such as plastics, glass, metals, food waste and WEEE (waste electrical and electronic equipment) and benchmarked ourselves against peer tenants.  A key driver of our progress has been the lighting systems overhaul, where all six office floors at One Pacific Place were upgraded to high-efficiency LEDs, supported by advanced monitoring tools.  As a result, we achieved a 15% reduction in office electricity use intensity over the past year.

The GPP’s analytics enable us to improve performance, validate progress and plan smarter interventions —supporting our shift from compliance to continuous improvement. With support from Swire Properties and collaboration with like-minded tenants, we’ve built a community focused on continuous improvement. This partnership allows us to extend our impact beyond the organisation and inspire positive change at the individual level.

How do you view sustainability at an individual level?

Edward:

In reflecting on my personal journey, I believe that it is important to embed responsible practices into daily life. From embracing our paperless operation system to championing office green features like food waste recycling and energy-generating workout stations, I believe small changes build powerful habits. At our office’s electronic bike station, you can charge your laptop while exercising and taking in views of the Victoria Harbour. That’s a win for the planet, for the body, and the mind – a big hit with our younger team members.

And the impact doesn’t end at the office door. As Secretary-General of Deloitte Foundation Hong Kong, I lead community clean-ups, tree-planting drives and environmental volunteering. Change starts with the choices we make—daily, locally, collectively.

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.