C-MER Eye Care Holdings Limited
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023)
Reporting Period: 2018
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental protection
- Social involvement
- Stakeholder engagement
- Sustainable development
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions from 1,038.56 tonnes of CO2e in 2018 to 661.34 tonnes of CO2e in 2017. Lowered emission per floor area and intensity of non-hazardous waste in 2018 compared to 2017.
- Reduced clinical waste generated per surgery from 0.0010 tonnes in 2017 to 0.0008 tonnes in 2018.
Social Achievements
- Organized over 170 volunteer activities in Hong Kong and the PRC, contributing over 4,320 volunteer hours.
- Provided induction training for new staff and regular performance reviews.
- Offered mentoring to new physicians and nurses.
- Provided monthly training to clinical staff in Hong Kong and regular technical training to medical staff in the PRC.
Governance Achievements
- Established a comprehensive medical dispute handling procedure.
- Formulated an “Anti-bribery Policy” and provided whistleblowing channels.
- Complied with all relevant laws and regulations related to anti-corruption, intellectual property rights, and data protection.
Climate Goals & Targets
Environmental Challenges
- Reducing greenhouse gas emissions
- Reducing paper consumption
- Conserving water resources
- Handling medical disputes effectively
Mitigation Strategies
- Educating employees on energy efficiency and implementing energy-saving measures (e.g., using electronic copies, double-sided printing, economic mode on printers).
- Implementing water-saving practices (e.g., regular checks for water leaks, reminders to turn off taps).
- Establishing a comprehensive medical dispute handling procedure and a “Medical Dispute/Accident Mediation Team”.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: Rigorous assessments based on quality, source of products, reputation, price, and delivery time. Verification of licenses and permits (business licenses, GMP and/or GSP Certificates).
Responsible Procurement
- Selection of environmentally friendly drugs with high-quality standards.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting Guide (Appendix 27 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited)
Reporting Period: 2019
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental protection
- Social involvement
- Stakeholder engagement
- Sustainable development
Environmental Achievements
- Decreased emission per floor area and intensity of non-hazardous and hazardous waste in 2019 compared to 2018.
- Decreased intensity per floor area and per capita of electricity consumption in 2019 compared to 2018.
- Decreased intensity of water consumption in 2019 compared to 2018 (for Shatin, Kwun Tong clinics, Shenzhen and Beijing hospitals).
Social Achievements
- Organized over 291 volunteer activities, contributing over 12,935 volunteer hours.
- Provided induction training for nurses and medical staff.
- Offered regular performance reviews and mentoring for employees.
- Provided monthly training for clinical staff in Hong Kong.
- Provided regular technical training for medical staff in PRC.
Governance Achievements
- Established a comprehensive medical dispute handling procedure.
- Implemented a “Medical Complaint/Dispute/Accident Handling Procedures” in Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai, and Kunming eye hospitals.
- Established a “Medical Dispute/Accident Mediation Team” to handle unresolved disputes.
- Established a “Handling Client Enquiries and Complaints” procedure in Hong Kong.
- Complied with all relevant laws and regulations related to anti-corruption.
Climate Goals & Targets
Environmental Challenges
- Scarcity of natural resources.
- Inability to collect and disclose water usage records for all offices and clinics in Hong Kong (except Shatin and Kwun Tong).
Mitigation Strategies
- Established energy-efficiency measures (e.g., selecting energy-efficient devices, turning off lights and air conditioners during non-office hours, using blinds to insulate heat).
- Established water-saving practices (e.g., regular checks for water leakage, reminders to turn off water taps).
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: Rigorous assessments based on quality, source of products, reputation, price, and delivery time. Checks for licenses and permits (business licenses, GMP and/or GSP Certificates).
Responsible Procurement
- Selection of environmentally friendly drugs with high-quality standards.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting Guide (Appendix 27 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited)
Reporting Period: 2020
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental protection
- Social involvement
- Stakeholder engagement
- Sustainable development
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced greenhouse gas emissions from 1,431.56 tonnes of CO2e in 2019 to 1,566.38 tonnes of CO2e in 2020 (increase attributed to increased operations despite improved resource efficiency)
- Decreased electricity intensity per floor area and per capita for the year ended 31 December 2020 compared to 2019
- Decreased water intensity per floor area and per capita for the year ended 31 December 2020 compared to 2019
Social Achievements
- Organized over 104 volunteer activities, contributing over 2,592 volunteer hours
- Donated over HK$343,000 to community organizations
- Implemented pandemic prevention measures to safeguard employee health and safety
Governance Achievements
- Established a comprehensive medical dispute handling procedure
- Formulated an Anti-bribery Policy and provided whistleblowing channels
- Complied with all relevant laws and regulations related to anti-corruption, intellectual property rights, data protection, and advertising
Climate Goals & Targets
Environmental Challenges
- Increased greenhouse gas emissions due to increased operations
- Data limitations on water usage due to inclusion of water charges in management fees for some branches
Mitigation Strategies
- Implemented energy-efficiency measures (e.g., purchasing energy-efficient devices, turning off lights and air conditioners during non-office hours)
- Implemented water-saving practices (e.g., regular checks for water leakage, reminders to turn off water taps)
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: Rigorous assessments based on quality, source of products, reputation, price, and delivery time; checks for licenses and permits (e.g., business licenses, GMP, GSP Certificates)
Responsible Procurement
- Selection of environmentally friendly drugs with high-quality standards
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting Guide (Appendix 27 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited)
Reporting Period: 2021
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental protection
- Social involvement
- Engagement with stakeholders
- Sustainable development
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced greenhouse gas emission intensity (tonnes per floor area) despite an increase in total emissions.
- Reduced hazardous waste intensity (tonnes per surgery performed).
Social Achievements
- Implemented pandemic prevention measures to safeguard employee health and safety.
- Provided regular training and development programs for employees (66% of employees trained).
Governance Achievements
- Established a governance structure with Board oversight of ESG risks and opportunities.
- Implemented an anti-corruption policy and whistle-blowing procedures.
Climate Goals & Targets
- Reduce or maintain the intensity of clinical waste generated between 90% to 130% of the 2021 level.
- Reduce or maintain electricity consumption per floor area between 90% to 130% of the 2021 level.
- Reduce or maintain water consumption per floor area between 90% to 130% of the 2021 level.
- Reduce or maintain the intensity of paper consumption between 90% to 120% of the 2021 level.
- Reduce or maintain total greenhouse gas emission intensity between 90% to 120% of the 2021 level.
Environmental Challenges
- Increased greenhouse gas emissions and hazardous waste due to new hospital openings and easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
- Increased electricity and water consumption due to new hospital openings and easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
Mitigation Strategies
- Implemented energy-efficient measures (e.g., using energy-efficient devices, turning off lights and air conditioners during non-office hours).
- Implemented water-saving practices (e.g., regular checks for water leakage, reminders to turn off taps).
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- Rigorous assessment of suppliers based on quality, source of products, reputation, price, and delivery time; preference for environmentally friendly products.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Extreme weather conditions (flooding, typhoons)
- Sustained elevated temperature
Transition Risks
- Changes in environmental regulations
- Emerging technologies
Opportunities
- Increased business opportunities from environmentally friendly laser eye surgery.
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: HKEX ESG Reporting Guide
Reporting Period: 2022
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- environmental protection
- social involvement
- engagement with stakeholders
- sustainable development
Environmental Achievements
- No confirmed non-compliance incidents or grievances were noted by the Group in relation to environmental issues.
- Reduced clinical waste intensity per surgery performed (0.0007 tonnes per surgery in 2022 vs 0.0010 tonnes in 2021).
- Reduced paper consumption intensity per floor area (0.0002 tonnes per sq.m. in 2022 vs 0.0003 tonnes in 2021).
Social Achievements
- Launched the “Stars of Hope – China Ophthalmologists and Optometrists Elite Programme” to nurture talents in ophthalmology and optometry.
- Established the C-MER International Eye Research Centre of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen.
- Organised and participated in a total of 524 volunteering activities with over 648,510 volunteer hours.
Governance Achievements
- Established a governance structure with Board oversight of ESG-related risks and opportunities.
- Set up an ESG working group to support the Board in implementing ESG strategies and targets.
- Complied with all applicable labour laws and regulations.
Climate Goals & Targets
- Reduce and maintain the intensity of clinical waste generated between 90% to 130% of the 2022 level.
- Reduce and maintain the intensity of paper consumption between 90% to 120% of the 2022 level.
- Reduce and maintain energy consumption per floor area in sq.m. and capita between 90% to 130% of the 2022 level.
- Reduce and maintain water consumption per floor area in sq.m. and capita between 90% to 130% of the 2022 level.
- Reduce and maintain total greenhouse gas emission intensity between 90% to 120% of the 2022 level.
Environmental Challenges
- Increased greenhouse gas emissions due to business expansion and increased electricity usage.
- Increased clinical waste generation due to expansion of medical services.
- Increased water consumption due to acquisition of dental service and expansion of operations.
Mitigation Strategies
- Regular vehicle maintenance to improve fuel efficiency.
- Employee education on energy efficiency.
- Implementation of water-saving practices (regular checks for water leakage, reminders to turn off taps).
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: 726/year
Responsible Procurement
- Rigorous assessments based on product quality, source, industry reputation, price, and delivery time.
- Checking for licenses and permits (business licenses, GMP, GSP certificates).
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Extreme weather conditions (flooding, typhoon)
- Sustained elevated temperature
Transition Risks
- Changes in environmental regulations
- Emerging technologies
Opportunities
- More low-emission energy sources
- Increased demand for environmentally friendly options (refractive surgery).
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: HKEX ESG Reporting Guide
Awards & Recognition
- Standard Chartered Corporate Achievement Awards 2022 – Greater Bay Area Corporate Outstanding Award
- JRJ Navigating China “GoldenWis Award” 2022 – Outstanding Growth Enterprise Award
- Most Valuable Companies in Hong Kong Awards 2022
- Best Investor Companion Award
- Shenzhen Top 500 Enterprises 2022
- Hong Kong Premier Service Brand
- The Most Influential Brand in the Greater Bay Area 2022
- 2022 Most Trusted Brand by Netizens
- Social Capital Builder Awards 2022 – SCB Logo Awards
- 2021–2022 National (Shenzhen) Excellent Enterprise with Foreign Investment – Harmonious Labour Relations Promotion Award
- Happy Company Award 2022
- Best Employers in Shenzhen – Special Award “Employer Culture Award”
Reporting Period: 2023
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental protection
- Social involvement
- Stakeholder engagement
- Sustainable development
Environmental Achievements
- Maintained exhaust gas emissions within a range of 90% to 120% of the 2022 levels.
- Maintained total greenhouse gas emissions intensity between 90% and 120% of the 2022 levels.
- Maintained hazardous waste intensity between 90% and 130% of the 2022 levels.
- Maintained non-hazardous waste intensity between 90% and 120% of the 2022 levels.
- Maintained total energy consumption intensity (per HK$’000 revenue) level between 90% and 120% of the 2022 levels.
- Maintained water consumption per HK$’000 revenue between 90% and 130% of the 2022 levels.
Social Achievements
- No work-related fatalities in the past three years.
- Provided 28,317.41 hours of training to 1,127 employees (34%).
- Reduced employee turnover rate from 34% in 2022 to 24% in 2023.
- Organized and participated in a total of 595 volunteering activities in Mainland China, with employee contribution of 3,468.50 volunteer hours.
Governance Achievements
- Established a governance structure for effective management of ESG issues.
- Established an ESG working group to support the Board in implementing ESG strategies.
- Complied with all applicable labour laws and regulations.
- Complied with all relevant laws and regulations regarding bribery, extortion, fraud, and money laundering.
- No concluded legal cases regarding corrupt practices were brought against the Group or its employees during the reporting period.
Climate Goals & Targets
- Not disclosed
- Not disclosed
- Maintain or reduce the total greenhouse gas emissions intensity between 90% to 120% of the 2023 level.
- Maintain or reduce the intensity of clinical waste generated between 90% to 130% of the 2023 level.
- Maintain or reduce the intensity of paper consumption between 90% and 120% of the 2023 level.
- Maintain or reduce the energy consumption per HK$’000 revenue between 90% to 130% of the 2023 level.
- Maintain or reduce the water consumption per HK$’000 revenue between 90% to 130% of the 2023 level.
Environmental Challenges
- Increase in greenhouse gas emissions due to increased business operations after the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Increase in hazardous waste due to increased surgeries after the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Slight increase in total energy consumption due to increased business operations after the easing of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Slight increase in total water consumption compared to the previous year.
Mitigation Strategies
- Implemented robust measures to reduce exhaust gas emissions, including regular vehicle inspections and minimizing unnecessary vehicle use.
- Re-examined the root causes of hazardous waste generation and implemented measures to reduce or maintain its intensity.
- Implemented energy-efficiency measures, such as using energy-efficient electronic devices, turning off lights and air conditioners when not in use, and using blinds to insulate heat.
- Implemented water-saving practices, such as regular inspections of water pipes and taps, and reminders to staff to turn off taps when not in use.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: 863/year
Responsible Procurement
- Rigorous supplier assessments based on product quality, service status, price, reputation, and delivery time.
- Requirement for licenses and permits to operate, such as business licenses, GMP, and/or GSP Certificates.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Extreme weather conditions (flooding, typhoons)
- Sustained elevated temperatures
Transition Risks
- Changes in environmental regulations
- Emerging technologies
Opportunities
- Development of energy-efficient products and services
- Shift of consumer preference to more environmentally friendly options
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: HKEX ESG Reporting Guide
Certifications: Null
Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Not disclosed
Not disclosed
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Laser eye surgery (as a more ecologically sustainable alternative to contact lenses)
Awards & Recognition
- Golden Lion Rural Revitalization (China Fortune)
- Golden Lion ESG Leading Entrepreneur (Li Xiaoting)
- Most Investor-Focused Award (Valuable Capital Community)
- Asia-Pacific Eye 100 – Most Influential Ophthalmologists 2022 (Dr. Dennis Lam)