I.T Limited
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2015-03 to 2016-02, 2017-03 to 2018-02)
Reporting Period: 2015-03 to 2016-02
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental Sustainability
- Social Sustainability
- Governance
Environmental Achievements
- Implemented energy-saving measures (maximising natural light, energy-saving lighting, optimized zoning for AC and lighting, energy-efficient equipment, etc.)
- Minimized greenhouse gas emissions through business trip policy, video conferencing, and green driving tips for logistics contractors.
- Adopted water-saving measures in "Sweet Monster" stores.
- Implemented waste reduction measures (3R principles, paperless workplace, recycling, reuse of packaging).
Social Achievements
- Maintained a diverse workforce (Female to Male ratio of 6:4 in Hong Kong).
- Adhered to all applicable labor legislations (no violations recorded).
- Offered competitive compensation packages and benefits.
- Provided various training opportunities (average training hours: 21.4 for managerial, 20.8 for general, and 16.7 for part-time staff in Hong Kong).
- Implemented a comprehensive safety management system (no injury cases in Hong Kong office, injury rates below industry average in shops and warehouses).
Governance Achievements
- Established a Code of Business Conduct and whistleblowing policy.
- Complied with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance.
- Implemented systematic product quality inspection procedures.
- Maintained close dialogues with suppliers to ensure sustainable practices.
- Actively involved in charities and community services (donations to environmental awareness, children's development, and people in need).
Climate Goals & Targets
Environmental Challenges
- Volatile financial markets and heightened geopolitical tensions.
- Excessive depreciation of major Asian currencies against the US dollar.
- Dampened consumer spending momentum, particularly in Hong Kong.
- Warmer than usual winter months in 2015.
- Shift in Chinese consumers’ shopping pattern from Mainland China/Hong Kong to overseas markets.
- Promotionally driven markets causing downward pressure on retailers’ margins.
- Cost inflation in operating retail channels (especially rentals).
Mitigation Strategies
- Leveraged a multifaceted business model with inherent adaptability and flexibility.
- Geographically diversified exposure offsetting diminished earnings from Hong Kong.
- Reinforced fashion platform and strengthened leading position through brand portfolio enhancement and innovative store layouts.
- Implemented prudent control over shop portfolio in Hong Kong.
- Capitalized on growth opportunities in Mainland China and Japan.
- Focused on implementing long-standing business strategies and exploring growth opportunities.
- Leveraged strong merchandising and innovative product design capabilities.
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- Supplier management system to monitor compliance with social and environmental aspects.
- Evaluation of suppliers’ performance according to procurement guidelines.
- Close dialogues with suppliers to share sustainability approaches.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Reporting Period: 2017-03 to 2018-02
Environmental Metrics
Total Carbon Emissions:36,830 tonnes CO2e
Total Energy Consumption:44,544,000 kWh
Water Consumption:3,412,000 L
Waste Generated:68.2 tonnes paper (3.6 tonnes recycled, 21.5 tonnes to landfill); 928 tonnes paper and plastic packaging materials
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental Sustainability
- Social Responsibility
- Governance
Environmental Achievements
- Adopted over 80% LED lighting and maximised nature lighting in offices; reduced overall electricity consumption to approximately 44,544,000 kWh, equivalent to approximately 36,830 tonnes CO2e emissions; reduced paper consumption to about 68.2 tonnes, disposed 21.5 tonnes to landfill and recycled approximately 3.6 tonnes of paper waste; recycled over 220 pieces of furniture and 210 pieces of toner cartridges; implemented ITeSHOP to reduce packaging materials; complied with the Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags.
- Launched an I.T Business Trip Policy to reduce carbon emissions from business trips; collaborated with logistic contractors to improve delivery efficiency and minimize GHG emissions.
Social Achievements
- Maintained a positive and competent workforce through offering attractive remuneration and benefits, ensuring workplace health and safety, and providing a thriving environment for continuous career and personal development; offered comprehensive and competitive remuneration and welfare packages; reviewed individual performance fairly and offered promotion opportunities and salary adjustments; gave discretionary performance bonus to staff; offered fringe benefits such as marriage leave, maternity and paternity leaves; adopted flexible working hours; offered staff discount on products; supported youth development in the fashion industry through sponsoring the Graduation Fashion Show 2017 and offering internships.
Governance Achievements
- Implemented good corporate governance practices and emphasised transparency and accountability; established four Committees (Audit, Remuneration, Nomination, and Executive) to oversee particular aspects of the Company’s affairs; adopted a board diversity policy; adopted the Model Code for Securities Transactions by Directors of Listed Issuers; ensured compliance with the CG Code and disclosures in the Corporate Governance Report; established a risk management and internal control system based on the COSO framework; maintained harmonious relationships with stakeholders.
Climate Goals & Targets
Environmental Challenges
- Varying levels of performance across operating regions; negative comparable store sales growth in Hong Kong in the first half of the financial year; decrease in comparable store sales growth on the Mainland in the fourth quarter; uncertain macroeconomic conditions and geopolitical tensions; competitive retail landscape.
Mitigation Strategies
- Uplifted brand image and gross margin through a controlled discount initiative; upgraded operating profitability through cost efficiency measures such as store consolidation in Hong Kong; focused and innovative marketing initiatives; brand awareness investments; enhancement of brand portfolio; rationalised store distribution network in Hong Kong; continued expansion in Mainland China; further extended the reach of brands in overseas markets; introduced a new multi-brand store concept, “i.t blue block”; held back major end-of-season promotional activities to safeguard margins and strengthen brand integrity; improved store design to offer a more inspiring shopping experience; innovative marketing initiatives and collaborative activities.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: Over 80% of suppliers audited
Responsible Procurement
- Suppliers required to comply with relevant laws and regulations relating to environmental and social aspects; suppliers required to value and respect human rights and social justice standards; evaluation of suppliers’ performance according to pre-defined procurement guidelines and criteria.