​The 25th anniversary of the Green Council marks an important milestone in both the organisation’s development and Hong Kong’s sustainability journey. Established at a time when environmental initiatives were largely voluntary, the Green Council has evolved into a trusted partner supporting the advancement of environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices across the community.

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Since its establishment, the Green Council has played a pioneering role in developing credible environmental standards. The launch of the Hong Kong Green Label Scheme (HKGLS) 香港環保標籤計劃 in 2000 laid the foundation for market‑recognised environmental benchmarks. Today, the Scheme has certified over 300 products across 10 criteria, providing reliable sustainability signals to the market and supporting the early development of sustainable procurement practices.

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Over the past 25 years, the Green Council has established robust and internationally aligned frameworks to drive measurable sustainability outcomes. The Green Council Certification Scheme (GCCS) 環保促進會認證計劃, accredited by the Hong Kong Accreditation Service, ensures system certifications meet recognised international standards. Through the Hong Kong Green Awards 香港綠色企業大獎, more than 1,500 companies and projects have been recognised, translating ESG commitments into concrete actions and contributing to Hong Kong’s 2050 Climate Vision.

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The Green Council also connects local action with global sustainability priorities. As an accredited non-governmental organisation of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and a participant in United Nations Climate Change Conferences, the organisation serves as a bridge between international sustainability frameworks and local implementation. Since its launch in 2021, the UNSDG Achievement Awards Hong Kong 聯合國可持續發展目標香港成就獎 has engaged over 300 corporations and SMEs, aligning Hong Kong’s business community with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

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Delivering tangible community impact remains central to the Green Council’s work. Initiatives such as International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) 國際海岸清潔運動, launched in 2008, has mobilised over 40,000 volunteers to remove over 96,000 kg of marine debris from our coastline. Meanwhile, the Enterprises Cherish Water Campaign (ECH2O) 「商約」惜水大獎 has collectively reduced water consumption by approximately 1.6 million cubic metres. The GREEN@HAPPY VALLEY Recycling Store 綠在跑馬地回收店 collects an average of 40 tonnes of recyclables each month, providing convenient recycling services while supporting government waste‑reduction strategies. In addition, the Green Run fundraising programme engages the public through sport and community participation, generating resources to support environmental education and sustainability initiatives.

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Education is fundamental to long‑term environmental progress. Guided by the belief that “Conservation Begins with Education,” the Green Council has, for many years, invested in youth and capacity‑building programmes. Through initiatives such as the Green School Programme, Captain Green Scheme, Green Carnival, Eco‑model Tournament and Hong Kong Green Day, the organisation continues to nurture environmental awareness, creativity and leadership among young people.

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Looking ahead, the need to accelerate progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals is increasingly urgent. The Green Council will continue to strengthen collaboration with corporations, communities and government, enhance ESG support, foster innovation, facilitate knowledge sharing and ensure alignment with evolving global sustainability frameworks. This milestone not only reflects past achievements but also reaffirms the organisation’s commitment to shaping a resilient, inclusive and sustainable future for Hong Kong.​

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Ir Linda W P Ho

Chief Executive Officer