Highlights of ESG Roundtable: Exploring the Future of ESG – Trends in China and Beyond

The session brought together ESG professionals and industry representatives from Edrington, Deloitte, Aden Group, Be-CAuse, Modern Water China, the Duke of Edinburgh Awards, Rentokil, Knight Frank (Shanghai) Property Consultant, the University of Manchester China Centre, and DBT of British Consulate-General Shanghai.

The roundtable was chaired by Guoxiong Zhang, Chair of the ESG Committee and Managing Director at Deloitte China, who opened the session by highlighting the continued evolution of ESG in both China and global markets, setting the tone for a dynamic and thought-provoking exchange.

China vs. Global ESG Landscape

• Participants noted that while ESG has receded from the top of China’s policy agenda, it remains integrated within long-term national goals such as dual-carbon targets. In contrast, S. companies face political pushback, while European firms maintain strong ESG commitments.
• Chinese Gen Z and Millennials are environmentally conscious but less willing to pay a premium for sustainable products—highlighting a perception gap between values and consumer behavior.

Opportunities on the Horizon

• Companies are starting to tie ESG to profit strategies, especially in supply chain efficiency.
• EU-China dialogues may lead to harmonized ESG frameworks and standards.
• Biodiversity and natural capital are becoming increasingly important, though measurement tools are still evolving.
• Promote ESG literacy in schools and training programs to build long-term understanding.
• Engage with regulators to develop clearer ESG reporting frameworks.

Looking Ahead

The session concluded with a clear message: despite economic headwinds, ESG remains a long-term strategic imperative. The path forward lies in collaboration, innovation, and measurable impact.

BritCham Shanghai extends heartfelt appreciation to all participants for their valuable insights and contributions. We encourage members to continue leveraging BritCham Shanghai’s platforms to showcase best practices and inspiring ESG success stories. Stay engaged with us throughout 2025 as we continue to drive impactful ESG conversations and initiatives.