In this file photo dated April 27, 2022, a woman walks past Exchange Square which houses the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in Hong Kong. (PHOTO / AFP)

HONG KONG — Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) on Monday announced commitments to achieving carbon neutrality and net zero by 2024 and 2040 respectively.

To realize the 2040 net-zero goal, HKEX said it is committed to decarbonizing its operations by improving energy efficiency, using electricity from renewable sources, and exercising low-carbon procurements where possible.

HKEX said in a statement that it will also continue to work with its business partners throughout its value chain to support them

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"Our commitment to achieve net zero by 2040, 10 years ahead of our original target, reflects our ongoing determination to address climate change in a timely manner," said Laura Cha, chairperson of the HKEX.

HKEX said in a statement that it will also continue to work with its business partners throughout its value chain to support them in setting science-based targets for decarbonization.

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To achieve carbon neutrality by 2024, HKEX will expand the group's carbon offsetting policy to cover all remaining emissions through the purchase of high-quality certified carbon credits.