The Link Real Estate Investment Trust (“The Link”; Hong Kong stock code: 823) will continue to be a constituent of the FTSE4Good Index, following the latest round of index review. This marks the second consecutive year that The Link has been included in the highly regarded index series, which measures the performance of companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards. In addition to being the first Hong Kong-listed REIT included in the index, The Link is the first Hong Kong-based business enterprise to be included in the FTSE4Good Index since 2009.
George Hongchoy, CEO of The Link Management Limited, said, “Sustainability is at the core of our strategy and operations. Apart from reaffirming The Link’s compliance with internationally recognised social responsibility standards, our inclusion in the FTSE4Good Index recognises the progress we have made in advancing our mission of improving the lives of those around us. By embracing a wide range of related initiatives in our daily operations, we are creating value for the community as a whole, and building relationships with our stakeholders.”
“Through our signature charity and community engagement project − The Link Together Initiatives – in 2013, we donated over HK$10 million to 10 community projects throughout Hong Kong, benefitting about 100,000 people. While embarking on a HK$200 million programme to enhance barrier-free access facilities at our properties, we recently partnered with the Hong Kong PHAB Association to build Hong Kong’s first Barrier-free Access Experience Centre, which will serve as a training ground for industry professionals and an education platform to promote social inclusion. As we progressively enliven fresh markets in our portfolio, we are working to rejuvenate Hong Kong’s unique food culture.”
The Link has also participated in a number of international charters in recent years, including the United Nations Global Compact and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development’s Manifesto for Energy Efficiency in Buildings, underscoring its commitment to improving its sustainability performance by following global best practices.
The FTSE4Good Index Series is one of the world’s most credible indices measuring the performance of companies that meet globally recognised corporate responsibility standards. Transparent management and criteria make the FTSE4Good Index a valuable tool for the investment community when assessing or creating responsible investment products.
