Link REIT Wins Asian CSR Award

(Hong Kong, 26 October, 2010) The Link REIT ("The Link") won an Asian CSR Award for its green community programme "Eco Terrace". It was named an Excellence Awardee for Environmental Excellence of the Asian CSR Awards recognizing that the creative green community programme is among the best in the region.

Organised by the Asian Institute of Management, the Asian CSR Awards are Asia's premier and largest awards for Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The Awards honour companies in Asia for outstanding, innovative and world-class products, services, projects and programmes related to CSR. Awards are granted in five categories, namely Environmental Excellence, Best Workplace Practices, Concern for Health, Poverty Alleviation and Support and Improvement of Education. The 2010 Awards attracted 141 entries from 15 countries and economies.

Accepting the Award from Her Excellency Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor, First Lady of Malaysia, at the gala presentation ceremony in Kuala Lumpur, Ms Vivien Chan, Head of Corporate Communications of The Link Management Limited said, "As part of The Link's endeavour to contribute to a greener future, Eco Terrace took a lead in creating green space at an urban shopping mall, engaged the community in organic plantation activities, enhanced the community's green awareness and understanding of sustainable green living, and re-discovered local historical and cultural heritage."

"We are encouraged by the strong public interests in our green activities, and feel greatly honoured by this recognition in this renowned regional CSR award programme. Leveraging on The Link's extensive property network in Hong Kong, we will continue to look for innovative ways to explore green space and environmental friendly projects at our 180 properties and promote community awareness on low-carbon lifestyle for sustainable living."

First Lady of Malaysia, Her Excellency Datin Paduka Seri Rosmah Mansor said, "It was indeed remarkable to witness the evolvement of the CSR in Asia over the last decade from mere philanthropy efforts to sustainable business practices. On the global front, CSR initiative has since moved, slowly but surely, from the margin and into a mainstream of corporate agenda. Not only has it advanced beyond charity and legal compliance, but has also transcended into addressing core business issues including risk management, value creations, and innovations."

The Link, together with over ten green partners, organised the green community project Eco Terrace from May through July 2010 at Lok Fu Plaza, showcasing Hong Kong's first-ever green terrace at a major shopping mall in urban district with over 3,000 pots of nearly 10,000 sets of organic vegetables planted at the mall's outdoor podium and stairs.

Eco Terrace has received strong support from the neighborhood and general public. The project has attracted tens of thousands of participants through a series of green activities that include a dozen of heritage walks within the district, multiple Green Academy sessions, several rounds of Farmers' Market, various Planting Workshops, a series of Green Tai Chi classes and two large-scale community harvest events.

The Link is implementing green initiatives and environmental policies in a holistic manner across its portfolio, with a view to reducing the carbon footprint in its properties. Pitching in the efforts of carbon dioxide reduction and energy conservation in commercial buildings, The Link has saved over 18 million kilowatts of electricity in its properties during the last financial year, through various measures in its daily operations. This is equivalent to cutting the release of 10.2 million kilograms of carbon dioxide. The Link is also using its extensive portfolio of retail facilities to promote environmental awareness across the territory.

To keep up on the organic green momentum, Eco Terrace will be re-launched at Lok Fu Plaza in October 2010, featuring for the first time an allotment field programme for the community to grow their own field at an urban shopping centre. This autumn-winter version of Eco Terrace will showcase a series of winter organic plants and more innovative community activities on green promotion.