Catalysing Net Zero Pathways with Green Technology

Jenny is the Deputy Secretary General for Hong Kong Green Finance Association (HKGFA), primarily responsible for leading strategic multi-stakeholder engagement across its diverse 160 institutional member firms, private and public sector, regulator and government to advance Hong Kong’s position as a leading sustainable financial and green tech center. Jenny contributes to the CASG Centre for Green and Sustainable Finance capacity building and data analytics workstreams, AIGCC, FC4S, Partnership of Biodiversity and The Finance, and co-developed the HKGFA – HKUST and HKGFA-HKFSI Certificate in Sustainable Finance.

Jenny left a two-decade career in investment banking and consulting to pursue her desire to make a positive impact, shifting the focus of her business and finance experience into sustainability. She co-founded Development Finance Asia and is a life-long learner and passionate about creating a green and sustainable ecosystem, inclusive of finance, ESG and technology.

Jenny previously worked at Goldman Sachs, Credit Suisse and JPMorgan in equity derivatives and prime brokerage, working with alternative asset managers to grow their business, raise capital and access financing. She has lived in London, New York, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

• Support industry capacity-building efforts to develop and implement transparent, credible science-based transition plans, leveraging emerging green technologies and green fintech solutions and innovations.
• Promote industry collaboration and engagement to better understand nature, biodiversity, and their impact on businesses and the economy.

Rich Ford has an outstanding reputation for agile and innovative thinking, leading development teams across markets and sectors within the UK and Europe. Known for delivering complex yet rewarding solutions, Richard has outstanding commercial and technical experience in Sustainability, Sustainable energy and utility infrastructure.

In 2019, driven by a passion for sustainability and innovation, Rich founded Vision Zero Consult. Starting with its sustainable offices in rural England as a shining example, the company quickly expanded its influence. Vision Zero Consult began its journey by providing Sustainability and Sustainable Energy consultancy services to a range of prestigious clients globally.

Rich’s commitment to addressing the evolving demands of the market led to the creation of Vision Zero Connect. This initiative provides an innovative solution for managing ESG futures, recognising the complexities and global scope of ESG requirements. Vision Zero Connect developed ESG Navigate, a bespoke software solution that sets a unique benchmark for ESG management and reporting.

Both Vision Zero Consult and Vision Zero Connect have established growing reputations in their respective market sectors. With offices in Nottingham, London, Hong Kong, and Sydney, these companies embody Rich’s vision for a sustainable and innovative future. His journey reflects a deep dedication to creating impactful solutions that address the critical challenges of sustainability and energy management in today’s world

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

Goals are to: Lead clients on successful Net Zero pathways across various markets and sectors, focusing on reduced carbon travel and integrating better practices that encourage reduced carbon travel strategies. Continue to champion the integration of new agile technologies that transform standard approaches, delivering better performance and enhanced sustainability credentials in Hong Kong. Bring experiences from market and sector projects in the UK and Europe to the Hong Kong market. Also, change the approach and thinking towards ESG reporting, utilising performance data proactively to support decarbonisation efforts.

Sam has over 10 years’ experience in business & corporate sustainability. At Swire Pacific, Sam is responsible for managing a Group Sustainable Development Fund, supporting trials and roll-out of cleantech innovation within the business. In addition to advising senior management of key developments and policies related to sustainable development, he is responsible for supporting the implementation of the Group’s sustainability strategy, SwireTHRIVE, with a focus on waste & circularity, and nature related impacts and opportunities through the setting of relevant targets and policies, and monitoring progress.

Sam has extensive experience on ESG disclosures, stakeholder engagement and strategy development. Prior to his role at Swire Pacific, he worked for Swire Coca-Cola and Finlays (B2B coffee & tea supplier) in commercial, logistics and sustainability roles. He also worked for the UN on climate and multilateral diplomacy topics. Sam is an MBA candidate at IE Business School in Madrid, holds two Master’s degrees including an MA in International Affairs from the Graduate Institute Geneva, and a Bachelor’s degree in Chinese Studies from the University of Oxford.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

I would love to see more private and public spaces taking on aspects of biophilic design in Hong Kong. Biophilia, the instinctual tendency to seek connection with nature, and urban forestry, build climate resilience and positively affect our wellbeing. I’d like to see a biophilia revolution in the city for humans and other animals to enjoy!