Workshop B
Nature as a Business Solution: Inspirations for Hong Kong Companies
11 Sep (Fri) Day 2 : 13:45 – 15:00
Nature-based solutions have moved from niche environmental concept to proven business strategy – delivering measurable returns on operational resilience, cost reduction, stakeholder trust, and regulatory readiness. Yet CGI HK’s research finds that nature remains largely a nascent topic from Hong Kong boardrooms, with limited awareness of how nature-related risks and opportunities connect to core business performance.
This workshop shifts the conversation from compliance to competitive advantage. Hosted by CGI HK in collaboration with leading sustainability specialists, the session showcases real-world examples of how Hong Kong and regional companies have deployed nature-based solutions to solve tangible business challenges – from urban heat management and water resilience to biodiversity-linked asset value and supply chain durability. Following the case study showcase, participants work in small groups to identify which nature-based approaches are most relevant and actionable for their own sector and context. Collective insights will be shared with the CGI HK community.
Session Learnings:
- Understand how leading companies in Hong Kong and the region are deploying nature-based solutions to address real operational, reputational, and financial challenges
- Discover the business case for nature across different sectors – including built environment, financial services, hospitality, and logistics – with concrete examples and outcomes
- Learn how nature-related frameworks (including TNFD considerations) can be practically integrated into corporate strategy without requiring deep technical expertise at the outset
- Leave with sector-specific ideas and a peer network to support your organisation’s first steps toward nature-positive action
Post-Event Actions:
- Share case study inspiration with colleagues and leadership – positioning nature-based solutions as a business opportunity, not a reporting obligation
- Identify one nature-related risk or opportunity most relevant to your organisation and explore what a first assessment might look like
- Connect with case study presenters for follow-up conversations on sector-specific applications
- Engage with CGI HK’s ongoing nature governance resources and peer learning network
Speakers
Moderator
Spencer Liu
Executive Director
Climate Governance Initiative Hong Kong Chapter
Spencer Liu
Climate Governance Initiative Hong Kong Chapter
Executive Director
Spencer Liu is Executive Director of the Climate Governance Initiative Hong Kong Chapter (CGI HK), a non-profit initiative dedicated to empowering board directors to exercise effective climate governance. In this role, Spencer works with business leaders and governance professionals to strengthen boardroom capabilities and embed climate oversight across Hong Kong’s corporate landscape, influencing through practical guidance, cross-sector engagement, and original research to support decision-making in the climate transition.
Beyond CGI HK, Spencer has founded Riverwood Climate Solutions, where he advises corporations and startups across Asia on climate technologies, with a focus on strategy and venture building in sustainable transportation and circular economy.
Earlier in his career, Spencer spent eight years at McKinsey & Company, where he co-led sustainability and green business building in Greater China as an Associate Partner. He is a CFA charterholder, CESGA holder, and LEED Green Associate.
My Sustainability Goals for 2026:
Deepen tradeoff discussions in sustainability-embedded business decisions in the board room
Speaking at 2026 sessions:
Day 2
Nature as a Business Solution: Inspirations for Hong Kong CompaniesClimate Governance in Practice: Decisions Shaping Climate Outcomes
Karen Ho
Head of Corporate and Community Sustainability
WWF-Hong Kong
Karen Ho
WWF-Hong Kong
Head of Corporate and Community Sustainability
Karen Ho is the Head of Corporate and Community Sustainability for WWF-Hong Kong. She works with stakeholders across public and private sectors as well as civil society to make Hong Kong a sustainable city; explores collaboration opportunities for community-based environmental protection projects and advancing sustainable development goals (SDGs); advises on strategies and best practices of setting science-based target, measurement, reporting and verification (MRV), environmental, social and governance (ESG) disclosure, low-carbon transformation, nature-based solutions (NbS) and net-zero circular economy. Under her leadership, the Low Carbon Manufacturing Programme (LCMP) and LOOP PLUS have helped hundreds of companies establish their baseline, take actions and improve climate /ESG performance. An accomplished senior executive, Karen held senior management positions in several Fortune 500 companies prior to joining WWF.
My Sustainability Goals for 2026:
- To raise awareness of the interconnectedness of climate action, nature conservation, and sustainable development, and
- To support and contribute to a whole-of-society approach that systemically integrates climate and biodiversity considerations into all relevant policies, strategies, and practices.
Speaking at 2026 sessions:
Day 2
Nature as a Business Solution: Inspirations for Hong Kong Companies
Patrick Ho
Head of Sustainable Development / Member of TNFD
Swire Properties Limited
Patrick Ho
Swire Properties Limited
Head of Sustainable Development / Member of TNFD
Patrick is responsible for formulating and executing the Sustainable Development 2030 Strategy for Swire Properties’ global operations across Hong Kong, Chinese Mainland and U.S.A. portfolios. Through engaging stakeholders, setting science-based targets and developing action plans, he leads a team to manage the full spectrum of the Company’s environmental, social and economic impact and to integrate ESG considerations into every facet of the Company’s business.
My Sustainability Goals for 2026:
- Guided by the Sustainable Development 2030 Strategy, continue to pioneer sustainable business practices, adopt innovative technologies, and actively share best practices with the business community.
- Engage actively with stakeholders in HK and the broader region to foster partnerships and develop collective solutions for the net-zero and nature-positive transitions.
Supported by
Climate Governance Initiative Hong Kong Chapter
The Climate Governance Initiative Hong Kong Chapter (“CGI HK”) is a local Chapter of Climate Governance Initiative (“CGI”).
CGI empowers board directors on every continent to take climate action by enhancing their knowledge and skills in climate governance. Our rapidly growing network of Chapters in over 70 countries reaches more than 100,000 board directors.
Our sustainability goals for 2026:
- To mobilise boards to accelerate the transition to net zero and build climate resilience
- To help Hong Kong companies address their climate transition journeys and identify value in making their businesses more sustainable