The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the Exchange), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEx), published a consultation paper last week to seek views on its proposed Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Reporting Guide (the ESG Guide)...The Consultation Paper proposes to introduce an ESG Guide to encourage reporting. The proposed ESG Guide, drafted as an easy-to-use guide, complements international disclosure guidelines and is a first step towards Hong Kong issuers adopting best practices. It is divided into four areas: Workplace Quality, Environmental Protection, Operating Practices and Community Involvement. Each of the areas is divided into three sections: aspect, general disclosure recommendations and key performance indicators...“Our long term goal is to create a culture for companies to integrate ESG issues into their business practices and to report them,” said Mark Dickens, HKEx’s Head of Listing...The deadline for replies to the Consultation Paper is 9 April 2012.