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03
BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE
AND A GREENER WORLD
8 ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE AND A GREENER WORLD 9
GOVERNANCE REPORT 2020
03 BUILDING A BRIGHTER FUTURE

AND A GREENER WORLD

The world today is facing an existential crisis of unprecedented proportions. As the challenge of environmental and
climate change becomes increasingly severe, a growing number of people are recognising the urgent need to cut
carbon emissions, reduce waste and use resources more responsibly. Digital
Transformation

How we cope with this challenge along with that of ageing populations across our world will define our future and The Facts
the wellbeing of generations to come. • The world is becoming increasingly connected online

• 5G , artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, the Internet of Things (IoT) and big data are
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At Towngas, we have been monitoring and responding proactively to megatrends. We believe that resolving fundamentally transforming our world
the challenges we face is within our capabilities, particularly through the use of innovation and technology. It is
our hope that through the actions we are taking we can manage our risks and opportunities and contribute to Risks and Opportunities
sustainable development.
• Companies must innovate to survive and meet customers’ expectations
• Data privacy is a primary concern for customers; data leaks can damage corporate reputation
• Technology can help Towngas manage energy more efficiently and serve customers better

Towngas’ Response

• Develop a smart energy business by harnessing digital technologies, such as big data, AI
and the internet, to enhance energy efficiency for our customers

Climate • Isolate sensitive customer information according to our dedicated Data Privacy Standing
Emergency Committee
• Implement AI in areas such as maintenance work and processing customer inquiries to
improve service efficiency and quality
The Facts
• The world needs more energy to meet the needs of growing populations
• Average temperature increase must be limited to well below 2 degrees Celsius above
pre-industrial levels, pursuing efforts to limit to 1.5 degrees Celsius, to avert environmental
catastrophe
Ageing
• The scarcity of resources is a growing concern
Population
Risks and Opportunities The Facts
• The world is experiencing an increase in extreme weather events
• People aged 65 and above will comprise over 30% of the population of Hong Kong and
• Countries are introducing new climate-related policies, regulations and environmental mainland China by 2050
pledges, such as China’s commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060
• Taking on the challenge of sustainable energy presents opportunities for business growth Risks and Opportunities
• An ageing workforce is a challenge for Towngas’ succession plans and knowledge transfer
Towngas’ Response • Older customers have special needs on our service and products, especially with regard to
• Expand our waste-to-energy business to help create a circular economy safety

• Strengthen our emergency preparedness and modify our facilities to withstand extreme • Attract young people to retain essential skills
weather conditions
Towngas’ Response
• Conducted a study to identify climate transition risks and opportunities under various
scenarios and assessed Towngas’ climate resilience • Launched Career in a Nutshell programme to make a career in the gas industry more
attractive to young people
• Develop new training programmes to build a sustainable talent pipeline

• Launched cooking appliances with an anti-scorch function for the elderly
• Introduce tailored community programmes that meet the needs of the elderly in the community

1 The fifth generation of wireless technology