CSR Initiatives for Green Buildings: Perspectives of Hong Kong Financial Institutions

Abstract

High carbon emissions from buildings are causing Hong Kong’s air quality to diminish.1 Massive amounts of energy are used by buildings,2 and Financial Institutions (FIs) are among the largest occupants of commercial building space in Hong Kong. As a consequence, FIs are well placed to reduce building-related power use and mitigate the environmental damage caused by it. This chapter focuses on the demand side for environmentally friendly building options, where pressure is beginning to form.3 Eight Hong Kong-based FIs are interviewed to find out their perspectives on initiatives for green buildings. The findings show that FIs are very serious about environmental CSR and it has become a normal part of doing business in the banking sector.