Index
Hong Kong Business Sustainability Index
About the index
This index, first launched in 2015, shows the composite score of the annual sustainability performance of the 50 Hang Seng Index constituents. The assessment aims to provide companies with an objective evaluation of their practices and provide a meaningful comparison with their peers which have the largest market capitalization in the Hong Kong stock market.
HKBSI is compiled annually, assessing the CSR practices in the preceding fiscal or calendar year of the index companies. Starting from the 4th HKBSI (Assessment Year 2017), the top 10 ranking companies were announced and tiers of all companies will be announced from the 5th (Assessment Year 2018).
HKBSI is compiled annually, assessing the CSR practices in the preceding fiscal or calendar year of the index companies. Starting from the 4th HKBSI (Assessment Year 2017), the top 10 ranking companies were announced and tiers of all companies will be announced from the 5th (Assessment Year 2018).
Past Results
Scoring & Tiers
The scoring is based on the 4 aspects under the VPI model, namely Value, Process (Management & Practice) and Impact, to assess business sustainability from all angles. The respective weight is as shown.
The index companies are categorized into 6 tiers based on the scores attained, with each tier representing the level of achievement in their sustainability journey.
Scores
BELOW 50
50 - 59
60 - 69
70 - 79
80 - 89
90 - 100
Sustainability Achieved
Explorer There is evidence that this firm is starting to implement business sustainability approaches in an ad-hoc and episodic fashion. This firm has put effort into sustainability approaches, e.g., employee benefits and investor profits, but still has great potential to improve. This firm is encouraged to continuously develop its responsible practices and set standard procedures for CSR management.
Practicer There are a number of signs that this firm has begun to put substantial resources into business sustainability approaches such as philanthropy and employee welfare. However, most of these approaches are episodic and focus on limited social issues. This firm is encouraged to continue to advance its corporate social responsibility practices, develop long-term responsible programs and set standard procedures for CSR management.
There is evidence that this firm is actively involved in business sustainability approaches, having set responsible programs for sustainable development, including philanthropy, community care programs and environmental protection programs. This firm has also developed some standard procedures for socially responsible management. The firm is encouraged to engage in systematic socially responsible management and continuously monitor, coordinate and evaluate its socially responsible practices.
Achiever This firm has put not only sustainable development into its operations but also a comprehensive social responsibility management system for the continuous coordination and evaluation of its social responsibility performance. This firm is encouraged to continue its current practices and then develop long-term social responsibility programs, as well as taking further steps to evaluate the impacts on its stakeholders.
Pace-setter This firm has built a mature socially responsible management system and adopts a comprehensive business sustainability approach; its social responsibility performance has been substantially above average for a firm. This firm is encouraged to take further steps to measure and record the impacts of its responsibility.
Exemplar This firm has thoroughly integrated socially responsible practices into its business model and balances various stakeholders’ needs effectively. Its progressive CSR strategy and implementation provides an excellent example to other firms.
Hong Kong Business Sustainability Index SME
About the index
SMEs in Hong Kong contribute significantly to the local and global economy in value creation and employment. Their economic, social and environmental performance has profound impacts on our community.
Since 2012, the Hong Kong SME Business Sustainability Index (HKSMEBSI) has been compiled from assessments of the CSR performance of a group of Hong Kong’s small and medium enterprises that are most proactive in their CSR practices. The index aims at encouraging SMEs to take up socially responsible practices that contribute to sustainable development and inclusive growth in business and society.
The assessment is conducted every two years, capturing the development and performance in the previous year and corresponding with SMEs’ operation characteristics. It reflects the trends and achievements of these SMEs in CSR practices and serves as a benchmark of business sustainability for the sector.
Since 2012, the Hong Kong SME Business Sustainability Index (HKSMEBSI) has been compiled from assessments of the CSR performance of a group of Hong Kong’s small and medium enterprises that are most proactive in their CSR practices. The index aims at encouraging SMEs to take up socially responsible practices that contribute to sustainable development and inclusive growth in business and society.
The assessment is conducted every two years, capturing the development and performance in the previous year and corresponding with SMEs’ operation characteristics. It reflects the trends and achievements of these SMEs in CSR practices and serves as a benchmark of business sustainability for the sector.
Past Results
Scoring & Tiers
The scoring is based on the 4 aspects under the VPI model, namely Value, Process (Management & Practice) and Impact, to assess business sustainability from all angles. The respective weight is as shown.
The index companies are categorized into 6 tiers based on the scores attained, with each tier representing the level of achievement in their sustainability journey.
Scores
Below 50
50 - 59
60 - 69
70 - 79
80 - 89
90 - 100
Sustainability Achieved
Learner There is evidence that this firm is starting to implement business sustainability approaches in an ad-hoc and episodic fashion. This firm has put effort into sustainability approaches, e.g., employee benefits and investor profits, but still has great potential to improve. This firm is encouraged to continuously develop its responsible practices and set standard procedures for CSR management.
There are a number of signs that this firm has begun to put substantial resources into business sustainability approaches such as philanthropy and employee welfare. However, most of these approaches are episodic and focus on limited social issues. This firm is encouraged to continue to advance its corporate social responsibility practices, develop long-term responsible programs and set standard procedures for CSR management.
There is evidence that this firm is actively involved in business sustainability approaches, having set responsible programs for sustainable development, including philanthropy, community care programs and environmental protection programs. This firm has also developed some standard procedures for socially responsible management. The firm is encouraged to engage in systematic socially responsible management and continuously monitor, coordinate and evaluate its socially responsible practices.
Follower This firm has put not only sustainable development into its operations but also a comprehensive social responsibility management system for the continuous coordination and evaluation of its social responsibility performance. This firm is encouraged to continue its current practices and then develop long-term social responsibility programs, as well as taking further steps to evaluate the impacts on its stakeholders.
Follower This firm has put not only sustainable development into its operations but also a comprehensive social responsibility management system for the continuous coordination and evaluation of its social responsibility performance. This firm is encouraged to continue its current practices and then develop long-term social responsibility programs, as well as taking further steps to evaluate the impacts on its stakeholders.
This firm has thoroughly integrated socially responsible practices into its business model and balances various stakeholders’ needs effectively. Its progressive CSR strategy and implementation provides an excellent example to other firms.
Greater Bay Business Sustainability Index
About the index
With the growing economic importance and international interest in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the CBS launched the Greater Bay Area Business Sustainability Index in 2019. The index assesses the sustainability performance of listed companies operating in this new economic zone and aims to encourage and support companies to thrive responsibly and sustainably, contributing to sustainable growth in the region.
The index, compiled annually, will evaluate the CSR practices of the 66 constituents of the Hang Seng Stock Connect Hong Kong Big Bay Area Index. The scope of the assessment will be CSR practices, supported by publicly available information, in the preceding fiscal or calendar year of the index companies. The top 10 ranking and the ratings of all companies will be announced.
The index, compiled annually, will evaluate the CSR practices of the 66 constituents of the Hang Seng Stock Connect Hong Kong Big Bay Area Index. The scope of the assessment will be CSR practices, supported by publicly available information, in the preceding fiscal or calendar year of the index companies. The top 10 ranking and the ratings of all companies will be announced.
Scoring & Tiers
The scoring is based on the 4 aspects under the VPI model, namely Value, Process (Management & Practice) and Impact, to assess business sustainability from all angles. The respective weight is as shown
The index companies are categorized into 6 tiers based on the scores attained, with each tier representing the level of achievement in their sustainability journey.
Scores
BELOW 50
50 - 59
60 - 69
70 - 79
80 - 89
90 - 100
Sustainability Achieved
Explorer There is evidence that this firm is starting to implement business sustainability approaches in an ad-hoc and episodic fashion. This firm has put effort into sustainability approaches, e.g., employee benefits and investor profits, but still has great potential to improve. This firm is encouraged to continuously develop its responsible practices and set standard procedures for CSR management.
Practicer There are a number of signs that this firm has begun to put substantial resources into business sustainability approaches such as philanthropy and employee welfare. However, most of these approaches are episodic and focus on limited social issues. This firm is encouraged to continue to advance its corporate social responsibility practices, develop long-term responsible programs and set standard procedures for CSR management.
There is evidence that this firm is actively involved in business sustainability approaches, having set responsible programs for sustainable development, including philanthropy, community care programs and environmental protection programs. This firm has also developed some standard procedures for socially responsible management. The firm is encouraged to engage in systematic socially responsible management and continuously monitor, coordinate and evaluate its socially responsible practices.
Achiever This firm has put not only sustainable development into its operations but also a comprehensive social responsibility management system for the continuous coordination and evaluation of its social responsibility performance. This firm is encouraged to continue its current practices and then develop long-term social responsibility programs, as well as taking further steps to evaluate the impacts on its stakeholders.
Pace-setter This firm has built a mature socially responsible management system and adopts a comprehensive business sustainability approach; its social responsibility performance has been substantially above average for a firm. This firm is encouraged to take further steps to measure and record the impacts of its responsibility.
Exemplar This firm has thoroughly integrated socially responsible practices into its business model and balances various stakeholders’ needs effectively. Its progressive CSR strategy and implementation provides an excellent example to other firms.
Index Design and Methodology
VPI Model
Our assessments are based on the innovative VPI (Values-Process-Impact) model, by which companies are assessed in three aspects: CSR values (Values), management and practices (Process), and the company’s contributions to economic, social and environmental sustainability (Impact).
The VPI assessment model is an interactive and progressive model to guide enterprises to achieve business sustainability through continuous improvement. It not only captures one static facet of a firm’s responsible practice, but also reflects the dynamic change sequence of business sustainability.
The innovative system was designed to inspire companies to adopt CSR as a progressive business model to achieve business sustainability and have a positive impact on society. Practicing CSR enables companies to build and strengthen their organizational capacity to enhance corporate reputation, employee commitment, competitiveness, environmental management, risk management, and ultimately financial performance.
The innovative system was designed to inspire companies to adopt CSR as a progressive business model to achieve business sustainability and have a positive impact on society. Practicing CSR enables companies to build and strengthen their organizational capacity to enhance corporate reputation, employee commitment, competitiveness, environmental management, risk management, and ultimately financial performance.
Business sustainability value refers to the philosophical orientation of a CSR-caring organization. This should be reflected in vision and mission statements that indicate a well-defined sense of the direction the firm will take.
Impact refers to the positive contribution of a business' activities on society, the environment and the various stakeholders. Measuring its impact enables a firm to gauge the results of its CSR effort, thus helping it to recognize the relationship it has with its stakeholders and to make adjustments as necessary.
Process focuses on the management and practice of CSR. Management refers to the company’s CSR management structure, including its goals, plan, program and budget. Practice includes the company’s practices to stakeholders and as in key strategy.
Research Process
Data Collection Extra
Data collection through the online platform*
1
2
Data Verification
Sample check by 3rd party
Scoring & Scaling
Scoring, scaling & normalization by CBS
3
4
Scores Review
Scores reviewed by CBS Management Committee
Result
Result announcement and recognition ceremony
5
6
Assessment
Individual Assessment Report
1
Data Collection Extra
Data collection through the online platform*
2
Data Verification
Sample check by 3rd party
3
Scoring & Scaling
Scoring, scaling & normalization by CBS
4
Scores Review
Scores reviewed by CBS Management Committee
5
Result
Result announcement and recognition ceremony
6
Assessment
Individual Assessment Report
A. Questionnaire previews and reporting guidance
The questionnaire consist of eleven sections, categorized based on the VPI model. Both quantitative and qualitative analysis are applied in the assessment. The questions are reviewed regularly to keep abreast of the development and changes in environmental, economic and social context.
The answers provided should be supported by relevant publicly available information as disclosed in the company’s ESG/ CSR /sustainability / annual report / company’s official website.
The answers provided should be supported by relevant publicly available information as disclosed in the company’s ESG/ CSR /sustainability / annual report / company’s official website.
B. Scoring
The scoring is based on 4 aspects under the VPI model, namely Value, Process (Management & Practice) and Impact, to assess business sustainability from all angles.
Each aspect of the model covers a number of criteria. Initial scores are determined with reference to those of the previous year, which allow our assessment to capture the changing norm. The scaling and normalization method is also applied to ensure the reliability and validity of the results. Scaling will also be adjusted based on factors such as industry, nature of business, firm size, etc.
The BSI companies are categorized into 6 ratings based on the scores attained, with each representing the level of achievement in their sustainability journey.
Each aspect of the model covers a number of criteria. Initial scores are determined with reference to those of the previous year, which allow our assessment to capture the changing norm. The scaling and normalization method is also applied to ensure the reliability and validity of the results. Scaling will also be adjusted based on factors such as industry, nature of business, firm size, etc.
The BSI companies are categorized into 6 ratings based on the scores attained, with each representing the level of achievement in their sustainability journey.
Projects Development
- 5th HKBSI Result Announcement
- Scoring tier of all companies to be revealed
- Launch the 1st Greater Bay Area BSI
Jan2020
- Announced the 4th HKBSI Result and revealed Top 10 ranking for the first time
- Launched the Strategic Sustainability Benchmarking Scheme
2019
2019JUL
Launched the new online assessment platform
1st HKBSI introduced by SMRC
2015
2018
Project transferred to the Centre for Business Sustainably at the Chinese University of Hong Kong
Published the academic paper on the design and development of Business Sustainability Index
2014
2014
Launched the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Platform supported by the Sustainable Development Fund
2012
HKSMEBSI Introduced by the Sustainability Management Research Centre at The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (SMRC)
Benchmark
Strategic Sustainability Benchmark Scheme
About the index
The Strategic Sustainability Benchmark Scheme (SSBS) is a joint effort between the CBS and SGS Hong Kong Limited (SGS), leveraging on the expertise of the CBS' recognized business sustainability research methodology and framework, and SGS' independent assessment. Based on such strong synergy, the SSBS provides a streamlined and efficient tool to gauge your company’s business sustainability performance.
Scoring & Tiers
The scoring is based on the 4 aspects under the VPI model, namely Value, Process (Management & Practice) and Impact, to assess business sustainability from all angles. The respective weight is as shown
The index companies are categorized into 6 tiers based on the scores attained, with each tier representing the level of achievement in their sustainability journey.
Scores
Below 50
50 - 59
60 - 69
70 - 79
80 - 89
90 - 100
Sustainability Achieved
Explorer
There is evidence that this firm is starting to implement business sustainability approaches in an ad-hoc and episodic fashion. This firm has put effort into sustainability approaches, e.g., employee benefits and investor profits, but still has great potential to improve. This firm is encouraged to continuously develop its responsible practices and set standard procedures for CSR management.
There is evidence that this firm is starting to implement business sustainability approaches in an ad-hoc and episodic fashion. This firm has put effort into sustainability approaches, e.g., employee benefits and investor profits, but still has great potential to improve. This firm is encouraged to continuously develop its responsible practices and set standard procedures for CSR management.
Practicer
There are a number of signs that this firm has begun to put substantial resources into business sustainability approaches such as philanthropy and employee welfare. However, most of these approaches are episodic and focus on limited social issues. This firm is encouraged to continue to advance its corporate social responsibility practices, develop long-term responsible programs and set standard procedures for CSR management.
There are a number of signs that this firm has begun to put substantial resources into business sustainability approaches such as philanthropy and employee welfare. However, most of these approaches are episodic and focus on limited social issues. This firm is encouraged to continue to advance its corporate social responsibility practices, develop long-term responsible programs and set standard procedures for CSR management.
Performer
There is evidence that this firm is actively involved in business sustainability approaches, having set responsible programs for sustainable development, including philanthropy, community care programs and environmental protection programs. This firm has also developed some standard procedures for socially responsible management. The firm is encouraged to engage in systematic socially responsible management and continuously monitor, coordinate and evaluate its socially responsible practices.
There is evidence that this firm is actively involved in business sustainability approaches, having set responsible programs for sustainable development, including philanthropy, community care programs and environmental protection programs. This firm has also developed some standard procedures for socially responsible management. The firm is encouraged to engage in systematic socially responsible management and continuously monitor, coordinate and evaluate its socially responsible practices.
Achiever
This firm has put not only sustainable development into its operations but also a comprehensive social responsibility management system for the continuous coordination and evaluation of its social responsibility performance. This firm is encouraged to continue its current practices and then develop long-term social responsibility programs, as well as taking further steps to evaluate the impacts on its stakeholders.
This firm has put not only sustainable development into its operations but also a comprehensive social responsibility management system for the continuous coordination and evaluation of its social responsibility performance. This firm is encouraged to continue its current practices and then develop long-term social responsibility programs, as well as taking further steps to evaluate the impacts on its stakeholders.
Pace-setter
This firm has built a mature socially responsible management system and adopts a comprehensive business sustainability approach; its social responsibility performance has been substantially above average for a firm. This firm is encouraged to take further steps to measure and record the impacts of its responsibility.
This firm has built a mature socially responsible management system and adopts a comprehensive business sustainability approach; its social responsibility performance has been substantially above average for a firm. This firm is encouraged to take further steps to measure and record the impacts of its responsibility.
Exemplar
This firm has thoroughly integrated socially responsible practices into its business model and balances various stakeholders’ needs effectively. Its progressive CSR strategy and implementation provides an excellent example to other firms.
This firm has thoroughly integrated socially responsible practices into its business model and balances various stakeholders’ needs effectively. Its progressive CSR strategy and implementation provides an excellent example to other firms.