SmarTone Telecommunications Holdings Limited
Climate Impact & Sustainability Data (2016-07 to 2017-06, 2017-07 to 2018-06, 2018-07 to 2019-06, 2020-07 to 2021-06, 2021-07 to 2022-06, 2023-07 to 2024-06)
Reporting Period: 2016-07 to 2017-06
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental protection
- Employment and labor practices
- Health and safety
- Development and training
- Supply chain management
- Product responsibility
- Customer data privacy and security
- Anti-corruption
- Community engagement
Environmental Achievements
- Deployed new generation radio base station equipment with lower power consumption and higher temperature tolerance to reduce power consumption in cell sites.
- Converted some cell sites to non-air-conditioned sites using latest base station equipment.
- Raised upper temperature tolerance level for air-conditioned cell sites and deployed inverter-type air conditioners to reduce power consumption.
- Conducted research studies to automatically lower power consumption of cell sites during low-traffic times.
- Adopted a "paperless" retail process to minimize paper use.
- Replaced T8 fluorescent tubes with LED lighting in the headquarters office.
- Implemented energy-saving mechanisms in the Engineering office (automatic switch-off of lighting/air-conditioning during non-office hours).
Social Achievements
- Conducted an Employee Engagement Survey to understand employee satisfaction and engagement.
- Organized various sports and recreational activities for employees to promote work-life balance.
- Provided on-boarding training and orientation for new recruits.
- Organized numerous internal training programs covering various topics.
- Established a "Learning Hub" on the intranet for staff self-learning.
- Sponsored employees to participate in external work-related training.
- Implemented a "Job Attachment Programme" to broaden employee experience and knowledge.
Governance Achievements
- Implemented policies and procedures to ensure ethical conduct and prevent bribery and conflicts of interest.
- Established a Whistle Blowing Policy to provide a confidential channel for reporting malpractice.
Climate Goals & Targets
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- Conducting competitive bidding/tendering for purchases. Giving credit to vendors with corporate green policies.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: Environmental, Social and Governance Report Guide under Appendix 27 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited
Awards & Recognition
- eCommAs Awards 2017 Marketing Magazine Best E-Commerce Merchant (Telecommunications) — Gold, Best Omni-Channel Process — Silver
- Smiling Enterprise Award 2016/17 — Telecommunications Sector, Mystery Shopper Service Association Smiling Employer Outstanding Award, Outstanding Smiling Supervisor, Smiling Supervisor Outstanding, Smiling Staff (2 awards), Smiling Staff (3 awards), Smiling Enterprise Merit Award
- Consumer Caring Scheme 2016 GS1 Hong Kong Consumer Caring Company
- 2016 CAHK STAR Awards Communications Association of Hong Kong (CAHK) The Best Mobile Network Operator — Gold Award, The Best Brand Campaign — Silver Award, The Best Enterprise Service — Silver Award
Reporting Period: 2017-07 to 2018-06
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental Protection
- Social Responsibility
- Governance
Environmental Achievements
- Deployed new generation radio base station equipment with lower power consumption to reduce base station power consumption.
- Converted some cell sites to non-air-conditioned sites using equipment with higher ambient temperature tolerance.
- Raised upper temperature tolerance levels for air-conditioned cell sites and deployed inverter-type air conditioners.
- Conducted research to automatically lower cell site power consumption during low-traffic periods.
- Implemented energy-saving measures in headquarters, including LED lighting and reduced lighting in non-working areas.
- Increased use of high energy-efficient appliances.
- Implemented wireless customer management system in retail shops, reducing paper usage.
- Implemented various paper reduction measures (duplex printing, print-on-demand, scanning instead of copying, etc.).
- Participated in waste recycling schemes.
Social Achievements
- Implemented Flexi Working Hours to accommodate employee needs.
- Launched staff programs including health talks, casual dress Fridays, and additional family leave.
- Created a family-friendly work environment.
- Maintained an equal opportunity employment policy.
- Provided a healthy and safe work environment with first aiders and safety information on the intranet.
- Offered various training and development opportunities, including on-boarding, internal training, and external training sponsorships.
- Ran the “To be a Leader” program to develop frontline talents.
- Organized cross-sector visits for staff development.
- Implemented a Job Attachment Programme for cross-divisional experience.
- Adhered to labour standards and prohibited child or forced labour.
- Maintained a fair and open vendor process with consideration for green policies.
- Complied with laws and regulations related to health and safety, advertising, labelling, and privacy.
- Implemented anti-corruption policies, including a whistle-blowing policy.
- Actively engaged in community service activities (volunteering, workshops, charity events).
Governance Achievements
- Implemented policies and procedures to ensure high standards of conduct and integrity.
- Established a whistle-blowing policy for reporting malpractice.
Climate Goals & Targets
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- Conducting competitive bidding/tendering for purchases. Giving credit to vendors with corporate green policies.
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: Environmental, Social and Governance Report Guide under Appendix 27 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited
Awards & Recognition
- Smiling Enterprise Award 2017/18
- Telecom Asia Awards 2018 Questex Asia Best E-commerce Service
- Quality Tourism Services (QTS) Scheme 15-year QTS Merchant Recognition
- Caring Company Scheme (every year from 2002/03)
Reporting Period: 2018-07 to 2019-06
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental protection
- Employment and labor practices
- Health and safety
- Supply chain management
- Customer data privacy and security
- Product responsibility
- Anti-corruption
- Community engagement
Environmental Achievements
- Deployed new generation radio base station equipment with lower power consumption
- Converted some cell sites to non-air-conditioned sites
- Raised upper temperature tolerance level for air-conditioned cell sites and deployed inverter-type air conditioners
- Conducted research studies to automatically lower power consumption of cell sites during low traffic times
- Replaced T8 fluorescent tubes with LED lighting
- Reduced lighting in non-working areas
- Gradually deployed intelligent fan coil units in central air-conditioning systems
- Installed energy-saving mechanisms in certain offices
- Used electrical fans instead of additional air-conditioning during winter overtime
- Encouraged staff to switch off unnecessary equipment
- Encouraged staff to unplug chargers when not in use
- Used suppliers with recognized environmental-friendly certificates
- Purchased office equipment with Grade 1 energy-saving labels
- Used printing paper made from 100% plantation fiber and 100% chlorine-free bleached
- Implemented default duplex printing
- Encouraged printing multiple pages on a single sheet
- Used print-on-demand system
- Used scanning instead of copying
- Used fax server to reduce paper printing
- Reduced paper newspaper/magazine ordering
- Encouraged digital presentations for meetings
- Used recyclable printer toners
- Participated in waste recycling schemes
Social Achievements
- Provided an engaging, respectful, and caring work environment
- Conducted regular employee surveys
- Provided training and development platform
- Implemented Flexi Working Hours
- Built staff lounges/breastfeeding rooms
- Granted a half-day paid “Family Leave” every quarter
- Held staff activities (health talks, happy Friday drinks, etc.)
- Offered equal employment opportunities
- Maintained a discrimination-free workplace
- Introduced a new Learning Management System “SmarLearn”
- Implemented a Job Attachment Programme
Governance Achievements
- Established policies, procedures, codes, and guidelines to ensure high standards of conduct and integrity
- Implemented a Whistle Blowing Policy
- Installed a cybersecurity framework with multi-layered defense (People, Processes, and Technology)
- Provided regular security awareness and technical trainings
- Set up an Information Security Committee
- Carried out regular internal and external information security assessments
- Deployed state-of-the-art technology to protect data
- Provided internal training on legal matters to sales and marketing staff
Climate Goals & Targets
Supply Chain Management
Responsible Procurement
- Vendors with corporate green policy given credit
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: Environmental, Social and Governance Report Guide under Appendix 27 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited
Awards & Recognition
- 2018–19 Smiling Enterprise Award
- Smiling Employer Outstanding Award
- Outstanding Smiling Supervisor
- Smiling Supervisor
- Outstanding Smiling Staff
- Smiling Staff
- 2018 Service & Courtesy Award
- Supervisory Level Gold Award – Telecommunications Category
- Junior Frontline Level Silver Award, Bronze Award, Outstanding Performance Award – Telecommunications Category
- Retail Excellence Award Bronze Award
- Excellent Service Star
- 2018–2019 Retail Ambassadors
- CAHK STAR Awards 2018
- MARKies Awards 2019
- Asia Smart App Awards 2018/2019
- Caring Company Scheme (every year from 2002/03)
Reporting Period: 2020-07 to 2021-06
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental Protection
- Customer Service
- Employee Well-being
- Supply Chain Management
- Data Privacy and Security
- Community Engagement
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced electricity consumption of newly built or upgraded radio base stations by approximately 25%
- Reduced paper consumption through wireless customer management system and e-documents
- Implemented various energy-saving measures (LED lighting, intelligent fan coil units, etc.)
- Increased paper recycling
Social Achievements
- Received numerous service awards from various organizations
- Implemented Flexi Working Hours and Family Leave to support work-life balance
- Launched Employee Assistant Program for psychological support
- Organized various staff activities (health talks, virtual reunion, etc.)
- Supported employees' participation in COVID-19 testing and vaccination programs
Governance Achievements
- Established a robust Information Security framework with multi-layered defense
- Implemented a Whistle Blowing Policy for reporting malpractice
- Adherence to applicable labor standards and prohibition of child or forced labor
- Fair and open vendor selection process
Climate Goals & Targets
- Not disclosed
- Not disclosed
- Not disclosed
Environmental Challenges
- Potential increase in energy consumption from 5G deployment
- Extreme weather events affecting daily operations
- COVID-19 pandemic impacting operations and employee well-being
Mitigation Strategies
- Partnered with Ericsson for energy-efficient 5G solutions
- Implemented emergency plans to respond to disruptions
- Arranged remote work, adjusted office hours, and strengthened cleaning measures during COVID-19
- Supported employees' COVID-19 testing and vaccination
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: Not disclosed
Responsible Procurement
- Competitive bidding/tendering, consideration of vendors with corporate green policies
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Extreme weather events
Transition Risks
- Not disclosed
Opportunities
- Not disclosed
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: Environmental, Social and Governance Report Guide under Appendix 27 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited
Certifications: Null
Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Not disclosed
Not disclosed
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- SmartWorks (worker safety solution)
Awards & Recognition
- Various service awards, Caring Company Scheme award
Reporting Period: 2021-07 to 2022-06
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental protection
- Customer service and satisfaction
- Employment and labor practices
- Health and safety
- Development and training
- Supply chain management
- Customer data privacy and security
- Product responsibility
- Anti-corruption
- Community
Environmental Achievements
- Reduced total GHG emissions from 52,407 to 45,631 tonnes CO2e
- Reduced total GHG emissions intensity from 0.012 to 0.010 tonne CO2e/service revenue HK$’000
- Reduced total energy consumption intensity from 0.025 to 0.023 MWh/service revenue HK$’000
- Reduced paper consumption from 19,695 kg to 14,139 kg
- Increased paper recycling from 26,522 kg to 15,876 kg
- Deployed new generation of radio base station equipment with lower power consumption (expected 25% reduction)
- Replaced traditional chiller systems with Oil-Free Variable Speed chillers (30%-50% efficiency improvement)
- Optimized data center ambient temperature for maximum energy saving
- Partnered with HKBR for recycling of all Waste Lead Acid Batteries
Social Achievements
- Implemented Flexi Working Hours
- Built staff lounges/breastfeeding rooms
- Grant a half-day paid “Family Leave” once every quarter
- Implemented an Employee Assistant Program
- Organized health talks, Chinese New Year Reunion, and provided surprise gifts to staff
- Provided rapid antigen test (RAT) kits to employees during COVID-19 pandemic
- Arranged non-frontline employees to work remotely during COVID-19 peak
- Provided paid leave for employees after COVID-19 vaccination
- Contracted with CUHK Medical Centre to provide health check service for COVID-19 vaccination
- Launched “5G STEM Classroom” program for local school students
- Supported “Jockey Club Digital Support Project for the Elderly”
- Donated free data cards and 5G Broadband service to underprivileged students
- Organized various volunteer activities (visits to the elderly, meals for the needy, Christmas party for kids, care packs for families in need)
Governance Achievements
- Established anti-corruption training for all new employees
- Implemented a Whistle Blowing Policy
- Installed a cyber security framework
- Set up an Information Security Committee
- Regular security awareness and technical trainings provided to staff
- Well-documented Information Security Policy in place
- External and internal information security assessments carried out regularly
Climate Goals & Targets
- Year-on-year reductions in total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity and total energy consumption intensity
- Not disclosed
- Not disclosed
Environmental Challenges
- Potential increase in energy consumption of mobile networks with 5G deployment
- Extreme weather events affecting daily operations
- COVID-19 pandemic impacting operations and employee well-being
Mitigation Strategies
- Incorporated energy efficiency in the design and operations of cell sites, switching centers, and data center
- Implemented emergency plans to respond to disruptions
- Arranged non-frontline employees to work remotely during COVID-19 peak
- Provided RAT kits, strengthened cleaning and sanitizing measures, and implemented various risk management practices during COVID-19 pandemic
- Provided paid leave and health check services for COVID-19 vaccination
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: Not disclosed
Responsible Procurement
- Competitive bidding/tendering
- Credit given to vendors with corporate green policy
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- Extreme weather events
Transition Risks
- Not disclosed
Opportunities
- Not disclosed
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: Environmental, Social and Governance Report Guide under Appendix 27 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited
Certifications: Null
Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Not disclosed
Not disclosed
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- Not disclosed
Awards & Recognition
- CAHK STAR Awards 2021
- e-Brand Award 2021
- Quality Service Programme Awards 2021
- Marketing Excellence Awards 2021
- Caring Company Scheme (every year since 2002/03)
Reporting Period: 2023-07 to 2024-06
Environmental Metrics
ESG Focus Areas
- Environmental protection
- Customer service and satisfaction
- Employment and labor practices
- Health and safety
- Development and training
- Supply chain management
- Customer data privacy and security
- Product responsibility
- Anti-corruption and whistle blowing
- Community
Environmental Achievements
- Achieved a 36% overall energy efficiency improvement by modernizing base station hardware and software and utilizing an AI-based solution.
- Improved Coefficient of Performance (COP) by 6.15% and reduced power consumption by 6% with new carbon film coating technology on chiller units.
- Partnered with HKBR for recycling of Waste Lead Acid Batteries (WLAB), reusing over 90%.
Social Achievements
- Received numerous awards recognizing superior service and network performance (GSMA GLOMO Awards, CAHK STAR Awards, Service Talent Award, Quality Trusted E-Shop Award, Loyalty Engagement Awards, Best of IT Award).
- Implemented Flexi Working Hours and a half-day paid “Family Leave” to support work-life balance.
- Launched an Employee Assistance Program for psychological, work, and family consultations.
- Organized various staff activities (health talks, festival gatherings, surprise gifts, interest classes).
- Launched Hong Kong’s first “Staff Verification Code” to combat phone scams.
Governance Achievements
- Maintained high standards of corporate governance, with deviations from the CG Code disclosed and explained.
- Established an ESG Taskforce to drive continuous improvement in ESG performance.
- Performed a materiality review based on peer review and stakeholder engagement.
- Received ISO/IEC 27001 certification for its Information Security Management System and complies with PCI DSS.
Climate Goals & Targets
- Year-on-year reductions in total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions intensity and total energy consumption intensity.
- Not disclosed
- Not disclosed
Environmental Challenges
- Intense competition in the Hong Kong mobile market leading to pricing pressure and increased marketing costs.
- Risk of cyber-attacks against information technology systems.
- Need for compliance with highly regulated mobile industry.
- Uncertainty of tax deductibility of spectrum utilization fee.
- Difficulties in delivering top-quality service in Macau.
Mitigation Strategies
- Disciplined cost management framework.
- Investment in network security and cybersecurity solutions for customers.
- Vigorous defense of its position and pursuit of tax deduction of spectrum utilization fee.
- Returning the operating license in Macau and focusing resources on the Hong Kong market.
- Transferring Macau customers to a reputable local operator and ensuring smooth staff transition.
Supply Chain Management
Supplier Audits: Not disclosed
Responsible Procurement
- Competitive bidding/tendering, vendor registration process considering green policies
Climate-Related Risks & Opportunities
Physical Risks
- extreme weather events
Transition Risks
- Not disclosed
Opportunities
- Not disclosed
Reporting Standards
Frameworks Used: Appendix C2 of the Rules Governing the Listing of Securities on The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited
Certifications: ISO/IEC 27001
Third-party Assurance: Not disclosed
UN Sustainable Development Goals
- Not disclosed
Not disclosed
Sustainable Products & Innovation
- SmarTransport solution, 5G Home Broadband
Awards & Recognition
- GSMA Global Mobile (GLOMO) Awards, CAHK STAR Awards, Service Talent Award, Quality Trusted E-Shop Award, Loyalty Engagement Awards, Best of IT Award