On the morning of 12 June, BritCham Shanghai’s ESG Committee hosted the Sustainability & Innovation Best Practice Sharing event at the University of Manchester China Centre.
The event brought together award-winning companies from the 2025 Sustainability & Innovation Awards and industry leaders to showcase pioneering ESG initiatives and discuss actionable strategies for sustainable business transformation.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Stephan Baron, Head of Reputational & Sustainability Risk at HSBC China and Vice-Chair of BritCham Shanghai’s ESG Committee.
Award-Winning Best Practices
Four award-winning companies shared their groundbreaking initiatives:
Circular Economy Award Winner: Shanghai Re-mall Environmental Protection New Material Co., Ltd.
Liz Lin, Assistant to Vice General Manager at Shanghai Re-mall Environmental Protection New Material Co., Ltd., highlighted their work in building a high-value circular ecosystem that transforms plastic waste into premium products while reducing environmental impact and carbon emissions. Through innovative low-carbon technologies, the company creates commercial value by developing high-value applications and enhancing brand value with eco-conscious solutions. Re-mall collaborates with stakeholders to innovate business models, improve resource efficiency, and support environmental initiatives like marine conservation, driving both ecological and economic benefits.
Partnership Award Winner: WildChina
Aki Yang, General Manager at WildChina Shanghai Office, discussed sustainable tourism models, including rural community partnerships and purpose-driven travel experiences that educate tourists while preserving local ecosystems. Their flagship Qielongzhongzhai Project in Honghe, Yunnan protects Hani ethnic heritage and UNESCO-listed rice terraces while boosting rural livelihoods through voluntourism, indigenous red rice marketing, and community-led climate adaptation. Key impacts include renovated cultural centers, improved infrastructure, gender-inclusive governance, digital skills training, and expanded market access—demonstrating how tourism can drive equitable, sustainable development.
Innovation Award Winner: SYP Glass Group
Sun Dahai, Dean of R&D Institute at SYP Glass Group delivered energy-efficient glass solutions for near-zero energy buildings, addressing stringent new requirements in construction (enforcement of carbon emission calculations, mandatory renewable energy use, and enhanced energy-saving designs for both new and existing structures). The presentation showcased innovative glass technologies including passive energy-saving solution with near-zero energy-saving glass and active energy-generating solution with BIPV (Building Integrated photovoltaic) evolving from “energy-saving” to “energy-generating” concepts. Case studies like The World Laureates Forum Permanent Venue (globally first dual LEED+WELL Platinum venue), Beijing Grand Canal Museum (3-Star Green Building), Xiamen Xiang’an Airport (China’s largest terminal PV system) Hainan Boao Conference Center corridor, and Wuhan State Grid demonstrated real-world applications, highlighting SYP’s leadership in sustainable building solutions across China’s major infrastructure projects.
Sustainable Consumer Engagement Award Winner: Sodexo Greater China
Julie Koch, Sustainability Specialist at Sodexo Greater China, showcased the company’s long term sustainability journey in China, anchored by its Better Tomorrow 2025 strategy. With 250+ ESG KPIs tracking progress across employer, service provider, and corporate citizen roles, Sodexo delivers measurable health, environmental and social impact through its integrated food and facilities management services. Their three-pillar framework (FOOD/SPACE/MIND) organises initiatives like low-carbon culinary innovation (“Cook for Change”), eco-cleaning (90% water reduction via microfiber mops), and hunger relief (“Stop Hunger”), aligning with SDGs while tracking progress through tools like SEA. With a 2028 roadmap underway, Sodexo emphasises measurable actions—from supply chain decarbonisation to employee engagement—showcasing how operational efficiency (e.g., food waste tracking) translates to long-term planetary and community benefits.
Panel Discussion: Key Takeaways
Moderated by Stephan Baron, the panel explored pressing themes in sustainable business:
Companies face growing demands from clients and investors to disclose emissions and adopt circular practices. “Multinationals now require suppliers to prove decarbonisation progress,” noted Julie Koch. SYP Glass’s Sun Dahai added that “green certifications are critical to compete globally.”
Panelists emphasised scalable solutions, from WildChina’s rural tourism models to Shanghai Re-mall’s closed-loop recycling solution. Liz Lin mentioned: “Innovation isn’t just about products—it’s rethinking entire service models.”
While ESG investments may require upfront costs, Julie Koch argued they “also enable to gain business by aligning with client values.” Stephan Baron highlighted financial incentives, such as cheaper renewable energy and preferential financing for sustainable projects in China.
Sodexo and SYP Glass shared tactics to influence suppliers, from audits to collaborative decarbonisation roadmaps. “We mentor smaller partners to meet our net-zero targets,” said Koch.
Looking Ahead
The event closed with a call to action from Stephan Baron: “Sustainability is a journey, and innovation is the vehicle. Let’s translate today’s insights into bold actions.”
Attendees left equipped with practical strategies and connections to advance their sustainability goals. BritCham Shanghai’s ESG Committee will continue this momentum with upcoming events, including:
To learn more about the Sustainability & Innovation Awards 2025 and its finaslits, please view the e-brochure here.
