Blog

China’s ESG Trends for 2026 as Spring Festival Dawns<figure id="figure-cwk4683o1gmkf5nnfb"><img id="cwk4683o1gmkf5nnfb" src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/8wbsdkwaGWzSyGjYi8ovAnzkFiiieWQSGz4fhWcvJaIt0QH7RgmtMrwYjom4sdN2.png" alt="Year of the horse china 2026 ESG Consultancy ESG Academy ESG Employment Global Boutique Consultancy" title="Year of the horse china 2026 ESG Consultancy ESG Academy ESG Employment Global Boutique Consultancy" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 70% 70%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="70%" data-positiony="70%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/covers/8wbsdkwaGWzSyGjYi8ovAnzkFiiieWQSGz4fhWcvJaIt0QH7RgmtMrwYjom4sdN2.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 70% 70%;"></figure> A Time of Renewal and Strategic Repositioning As the Spring Festival approaches and China enters a new annual cycle, renewal is not only cultural but strategic. For organizations operating in China, 2026 represents a decisive inflection point in the country’s ESG trajectory. Sustainability is no longer framed as voluntary alignment or reputational signaling; it is becoming a structured, enforceable component of corporate governance, industrial policy, and capital allocation. As we have a regional headquarter in China, we observe these developments from inside the ecosystem across regulation, industry, finance, and operational practice.&nbsp; What is emerging is not a Chinese version of Western ESG, but a distinct, system-oriented ESG model that combines regulatory discipline, industrial scale, and digital infrastructure. 1. ESG Regulation: From Guidance to Enforcement China’s ESG framework is moving decisively from soft guidance to binding obligation. From January 2026, listed companies on the Shanghai and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges are required to disclose ESG information alongside their annual financial statements. This requirement affects more than 5,000 listed entities and signals that sustainability data is now expected to meet standards of structure, consistency, internal control, and traceability comparable to financial reporting. In parallel, regulatory scrutiny is tightening. The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) has strengthened requirements around the credibility of ESG disclosures, while the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC) has intensified oversight of misleading or unsubstantiated sustainability claims. Third-party verification and audit-ready documentation are increasingly becoming the norm rather than the exception. At the sub-national level, ESG is being operationalized through municipal policy. Cities such as Shenzhen and Suzhouare integrating ESG objectives directly into industrial planning, urban development, and green finance mechanisms. Shenzhen’s roadmap targeting a 30% reduction in industrial carbon intensity by 2027 illustrates how ESG is being embedded into economic performance metrics at city level &nbsp; What this signals: ESG in China is no longer a communications exercise. It is a governance and compliance discipline that requires systems, controls, and accountability. 2. Industrial Transformation Driven by ESG Imperatives China’s ESG agenda is materially reshaping industrial systems. High-emission sectors such as steel, cement, chemicals, and heavy manufacturing are being integrated into the national carbon market, which now covers approximately 60% of national emissions. Emissions pricing, combined with policy incentives, is accelerating the adoption of process optimization, carbon capture technologies, hydrogen pathways, and electrification. At the same time, green finance is scaling rapidly. ESG-linked investment funds and sustainability-linked lending are expanding, with capital increasingly allocated based on transition credibility rather than stated ambition. Financial institutions are embedding ESG metrics into risk assessment and pricing models, linking access to capital directly to verified performance. Technology plays a central role in this transformation. AI-driven ESG platforms, blockchain-based supply-chain tracking, and automated data validation systems are reducing compliance friction while improving data reliability. In China, ESG is becoming digitally structured by default, reflecting the country’s broader digital governance approach. What this signals: ESG is no longer parallel to industrial competitiveness. It is becoming one of its core drivers. 3. ESG as a Core Governance Mechanism ESG in China has moved decisively into the boardroom. More than three-quarters of A-share listed companies have established ESG or sustainability committees, and close to half link executive remuneration to ESG performance indicators. Sustainability considerations are increasingly embedded into procurement, R&amp;D, supply-chain management, and technology governance, rather than treated as a standalone function. This shift is reinforced by global due-diligence expectations. As international markets tighten requirements on supplier transparency, human-rights risk, and environmental impact, Chinese exporters are formalizing ESG assessments and supplier training to maintain market access. &nbsp; What this signals: ESG is becoming a structural risk-management and strategy function, not an auxiliary reporting task. 4. Global Alignment and Strategic Divergence China’s ESG evolution is unfolding within a fragmented global regulatory landscape. While Europe is tightening disclosure and due-diligence regimes and the United States experiences regulatory uncertainty, China is advancing national ESG evaluation standards that balance international comparability with domestic strategic priorities such as industrial upgrading, technological self-sufficiency, and regional development. Chinese companies are increasingly using ESG alignment as a strategic enabler for global market access, particularly in the context of carbon border measures, supply-chain scrutiny, and sustainability-linked procurement requirements. What this signals: Organizations operating in China must navigate regulatory divergence while recognizing China’s growing role in shaping global ESG practice. 5. Structural Challenges Shaping 2026 Two challenges will significantly influence the pace and quality of ESG implementation:Data consistency: ESG metrics remain uneven, particularly among SMEs, though AI-enabled platforms are rapidly improving reliability and lowering compliance costs. SME integration: A majority of smaller enterprises lack ESG capacity, making regional support hubs, shared infrastructure, and technical assistance essential for scaling ESG beyond large corporates. How effectively these gaps are addressed will determine whether ESG adoption remains concentrated or becomes system-wide. &nbsp; &nbsp; Conclusion: Renewal as Strategic Discipline The Spring Festival symbolizes renewal but in 2026, renewal in China’s ESG landscape is structural rather than symbolic. ESG is moving from aspiration to architecture: embedded in regulation, enforced through governance, operationalized in industry, and priced into capital. For organizations with a regional headquarters in China, this moment presents both responsibility and opportunity. Those that invest early in credible data systems, governance alignment, and operational integration will not only manage compliance risk, but position themselves for long-term resilience and competitiveness in a rapidly transforming global economy. 2026 is the year ESG in China becomes irreversible. &nbsp;

China’s ESG Trends for 2026 as Spring Festival Dawns

<figure id="figure-pqdhuruycomkf4nlm2"><iframe id="pqdhuruycomkf4nlm2" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V8stwS-G4Cs" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/V8stwS-G4Cs" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/V8stwS-G4Cs" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>We’re now mid-January, and before the year really accelerates, I want to pause and explain something I’m often asked.Many people see consultancy, education, and training as separate things in ESG. In reality, they only work when they’re connected.That’s why we built an ESG ecosystem. ESG Consultancy translates strategy into real-world systems. ESG Academy builds capability and understanding. ESG Employment connects the right people to the right roles. And when you see Ricky, our dachshund mascot, know this: he represents continuity across everything we do — learning, strategy, and execution. ESG doesn’t work in silos. It works as a system. And that’s how we start this year.

ESG is an ecosystem

This past week, our Founder &amp; CEO, Drs. Francine Carron, had the honor of speaking at the China Air Cargo &amp; Logistics Forum in Shanghai — one of the most important gatherings for aviation and logistics leaders in Asia.Her keynote focused on the growing role of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) strategies in shaping the future of the air cargo industry. With climate regulations tightening, customer expectations shifting, and innovation accelerating, ESG is no longer a “nice to have” but a strategic driver of competitiveness.From reducing emissions and integrating renewable energy, to aligning with international frameworks like CORSIA, Green ATM, and ICAO LTAG, Francine highlighted how forward-thinking companies are already embedding sustainability at the core of their operations. She also underlined the importance of collaboration — between airports, airlines, ANSPs, and cargo operators — to create resilient, low-carbon supply chains.Rewatch the Recording &nbsp;If you missed the session live, you can rewatch the full recording here: <a data-mce-href="https://youtu.be/CzHyA-cyzsQ?si=RS3_x951kmrQ8ycL" href="https://youtu.be/CzHyA-cyzsQ?si=RS3_x951kmrQ8ycL">https://youtu.be/CzHyA-cyzsQ?si=RS3_x951kmrQ8ycL</a>Whether you’re an aviation professional, logistics manager, or sustainability practitioner, this session provides practical insights you can apply immediately.Download the Free ESG in Air Cargo Guidebook &nbsp;Alongside the event, we’ve released our ESG in Air Cargo Guidebook — a free resource designed to help industry leaders navigate:✅ Key ESG frameworks and reporting requirements ✅ Practical steps to decarbonize operations ✅ Emerging trends in sustainable logistics ✅ How to future-proof business models against climate risk &nbsp;📘 Scan and download your free copy here &nbsp;Check the QR codeLooking Ahead &nbsp;As the aviation and logistics sector continues to transform, ESG will remain at the center of its evolution. At ESG Consultancy, we are proud to be leading that transformation — guiding airports, airlines, ANSPs, and cargo operators worldwide toward measurable, verifiable, and credible sustainability.Together, let’s chart a greener flightpath for air cargo. 🌍✈️

Rewatch the recording ESG as a Catalyst for Air Cargo

Young female on online therapy with psychologist, psychotherapist

We Made the News:<a href="https://esgacademy.education" target="_blank" data-mce-href="https://esgacademy.education">ESG Academy</a> Is Redefining How Professionals Learn SustainabilityAt <a data-mce-href="https://esgacademy.education" href="https://esgacademy.education" target="_blank" rel="noopener">ESG Academy</a>, we always believed that ESG knowledge should be practical, accessible, and tailored — not generic, outdated, or disconnected from real-world pressure.Now, that belief is making headlines.🗞️ SME News just featured ESG Academy in their spotlight article “Binge-Learning Sustainability, One Industry at a Time” — recognizing our platform as a game-changing force in ESG education.👉 Read the full article here:<a data-mce-href="https://www.sustainabilitymenews.com/environmental-social/esg-academy-binge-learning-sustainability-one-industry-at-a-time" href="https://www.sustainabilitymenews.com/environmental-social/esg-academy-binge-learning-sustainability-one-industry-at-a-time"> https://www.sustainabilitymenews.com/environmental-social/esg-academy-binge-learning-sustainability-one-industry-at-a-time</a>What sets ESG Academy apart?🎓 Netflix-style learning: Weekly ESG course drops you can binge anytime, anywhere. 🛫 Sector-specific focus: ESG for aviation, cargo, logistics, finance, HR, and more. 🧠 From compliance to competitive edge: Our trainings help companies own ESG internally. 🔁 Continuous updates: Courses evolve alongside regulations and real-world challenges.Our flagship course — ESG in Air Cargo — is the first of its kind globally. It’s designed to help cargo operators embed ESG into daily decisions and use sustainability as a driver of innovation, not just reporting.“Companies can no longer outsource ESG knowledge. They must own it from the inside.” — Francine Carron, FounderWe’re proud to be closing the ESG skills gap, one episode at a time.Are you ready to binge-learn your way into the future?

ESG Academy: Binge-Learning Sustainability, One Industry at a Time

This week, the aviation and logistics world gathers in Shanghai for the China Air Cargo &amp; Logistics Forum 2025— one of the most important events shaping the future of our industry.Click here to see the conference: <a data-mce-href="https://www.wernosa.com/col.jsp?id=107" href="https://www.wernosa.com/col.jsp?id=107">https://www.wernosa.com/col.jsp?id=107</a>Our CEO and founder, Drs. Francine CARRON will be speaking on ESG in air cargo, a topic that has quickly moved from optional to essential. Regulations are accelerating, clients are demanding transparency, and companies are under pressure to deliver measurable sustainability results.<figure id="figure-8qimd5y6gwmfm2owjz"><img id="8qimd5y6gwmfm2owjz" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3aeoV4gCdTpzJg6mccPrZplMlGa3Xzsyw5t5UDxsidwwZPtganmanvaaIVtUwep8.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3aeoV4gCdTpzJg6mccPrZplMlGa3Xzsyw5t5UDxsidwwZPtganmanvaaIVtUwep8.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>It is clear: ESG is no longer just a reporting exercise. It is a business-critical skill that every aviation and logistics company must build inside their teams.That is why we created the <a data-mce-href="https://esgacademy.education" href="https://esgacademy.education">ESG in Air Cargo course at ESG Academy</a> — launched in time for this Forum. This program is designed to give companies the tools they need to:<ul><li>Understand the latest ESG regulations</li><li>Apply practical sustainability measures in daily operations</li><li>Train staff to reduce reliance on costly external consultants</li><li>Turn ESG into a long-term competitive advantage</li></ul>Our goal was simple: to make ESG knowledge accessible, practical, and actionable for the aviation and logistics sector. Enroll now: <a data-mce-href="https://esgacademy.education/courses/" href="https://esgacademy.education/courses/">https://esgacademy.education/courses/</a>As the conversations in Shanghai this week highlight, the future of air cargo will be sustainable, skills-driven, and innovation-led. ESG Academy is proud to provide the training platform that helps companies lead this transition.The journey towards sustainable air cargo starts with knowledge. And knowledge begins with training your people.The course is available in English, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, French, German, Italian, Spanish and Portugese.Hope to see you all at the China Air Cargo &amp; Logistics Forum 2025 and if you cant attend we will place the recording online.<figure id="figure-n9tod2z7admfm2s1go" class="selected"><iframe id="n9tod2z7admfm2s1go" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1gP8kVaahLk" class="w-full bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" allowfullscreen="" data-url="https://youtu.be/1gP8kVaahLk" data-corners="default" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1gP8kVaahLk" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></iframe></figure>

ESG in Air Cargo: Live from Shanghai

Certification and standardization process, iso certified business, conformity to international standards and quality assurance concept. Person touching certificate icon...

<h2>Introduction to Carbon Accounting</h2>In recent years, the demand for accurate carbon accounting has skyrocketed as businesses and governments strive to meet climate goals. Carbon accounting enables organizations to measure and manage their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions effectively. Two significant frameworks have emerged to guide this process: the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol.<figure id="figure-os07wgj0qmffdtsvq"><img id="os07wgj0qmffdtsvq" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/37prTdh4JbPJ71VLBoeUnaWpM05fjZrPEfXa78cH9Jf3xKksVag4zt3OEzp9xf7B.jpeg" alt="carbon accounting" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/37prTdh4JbPJ71VLBoeUnaWpM05fjZrPEfXa78cH9Jf3xKksVag4zt3OEzp9xf7B.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>What is the ISO Standard?</h2>The International Organization for Standardization, known as ISO, offers a set of international standards designed to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency across various industries. In carbon accounting, ISO provides a structured approach to measuring and managing GHG emissions, particularly through standards like ISO 14064.ISO 14064 is a comprehensive tool that helps organizations quantify and report their GHG emissions, providing a clear methodology for achieving transparency and consistency in emissions reporting. This standard has become the backbone for many companies aiming to establish robust environmental strategies.<h2>The Role of the GHG Protocol</h2>Complementing ISO standards, the GHG Protocol offers widely recognized guidelines for measuring and managing GHG emissions. Jointly developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) and the World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD), the GHG Protocol provides a framework for businesses to understand and manage their emissions effectively.The protocol emphasizes three scopes of emissions: direct emissions from owned or controlled sources, indirect emissions from the generation of purchased energy, and other indirect emissions that occur in a company’s value chain. This comprehensive approach ensures that businesses consider all aspects of their carbon footprint.<figure id="figure-hc21wo553lmffdtx7z"><img id="hc21wo553lmffdtx7z" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/37prTdh4JbPJ71VLBoeUnaWpM05fjZrPEfXa78cH9Jf3xKksVag4zt3OEzp9xf7B.jpeg" alt="environmental strategy" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/37prTdh4JbPJ71VLBoeUnaWpM05fjZrPEfXa78cH9Jf3xKksVag4zt3OEzp9xf7B.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>The Union of ISO and GHG Protocol</h2>Recently, there has been a significant push towards harmonizing ISO standards with the GHG Protocol to streamline carbon accounting practices globally. By uniting these two frameworks, organizations can benefit from a more cohesive approach to emissions management, leading to greater accuracy and consistency in reporting.This collaboration aims to eliminate confusion arising from differing methodologies and terminologies used by each framework. The integration allows businesses to align their sustainability efforts more effectively and contributes to a unified global standard for carbon accounting.<h3>Benefits of Harmonized Standards</h3>The integration of ISO standards with the GHG Protocol offers several benefits:<ul><li>Consistency: A unified approach reduces discrepancies in emissions data.</li><li>Efficiency: Streamlined processes save time and resources.</li><li>Global Acceptance: Harmonized standards are more likely to be accepted worldwide.</li></ul><figure id="figure-qz3w2phq3cmffdu5to"><img id="qz3w2phq3cmffdu5to" src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/11uoJPXAxulBZH2JmPUf46pX2RcbJo5IhtiwmwD8GzXrXoUcDvtLm8O9M9rthUsJ.jpeg" alt="global standards" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-lg md:rounded-xl lg:rounded-2xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/getty/11uoJPXAxulBZH2JmPUf46pX2RcbJo5IhtiwmwD8GzXrXoUcDvtLm8O9M9rthUsJ.jpeg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9;"></figure><h2>Implications for Businesses</h2>For businesses, adopting harmonized carbon accounting standards means easier compliance with international regulations. It also enhances their ability to participate in global markets that prioritize sustainability. Companies can leverage this alignment to improve their sustainability credentials and gain a competitive edge.Moreover, with a unified framework, businesses can better communicate their environmental impact to stakeholders, including investors, customers, and regulatory bodies. This transparency is crucial in building trust and reputation in today's environmentally conscious market.<h2>The Path Forward</h2>The union of ISO and the GHG Protocol marks a pivotal moment in carbon accounting, paving the way for more robust and reliable emissions management. As organizations worldwide adopt these harmonized standards, we can expect a significant reduction in global emissions, propelling us closer to our collective climate goals.The journey towards a sustainable future is ongoing, but with cohesive frameworks like ISO and the GHG Protocol leading the way, there's hope for meaningful progress. Businesses that embrace these standards will not only contribute positively to the environment but also position themselves as leaders in sustainability.

Blog

China’s ESG Trends for 2026 as Spring Festival Dawns

ESG is an ecosystem

Rewatch the recording ESG as a Catalyst for Air Cargo

ESG Academy: Binge-Learning Sustainability, One Industry ...

ESG in Air Cargo: Live from Shanghai

ISO and GHG Protocol Unite: A New Era in Carbon Accounting