• More than 40 trades completed, by over 20 Core Climate participants, in first four weeks since launch, representing around 400,000 tonnes of carbon credits
• More than 30 international projects now available on the platform
• Carbon credits denominated in both HKD and RMB, driving accessibility and ensuring flexibility for participants

Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) celebrated the first four weeks of trading on Core Climate, Hong Kong’s new international carbon marketplace at HKEX Connect Hall.

Since Core Climate launched on 28 October 2022, it has generated significant momentum for voluntary carbon trading in the region. The platform recorded more than 40 trades in less than a month between 28 October and 24 November 2022, representing a total volume of around 400,000 tonnes of carbon credits.

A full house at #HKEXConnectHall today to celebrate the early momentum for #CoreClimate, Hong Kong’s new international carbon marketplace. It has only been four weeks since Core Climate was launched, and we have seen building momentum for voluntary #carbon trading in the region! pic.twitter.com/MpKZp6MW9h

— HKEX 香港交易所 (@HKEXGroup) November 24, 2022

HKEX Chairman Laura M Cha said: “At HKEX, we are fully committed to playing a leading role in creating a low-carbon, climate-resilient global economy. With its proximity to Mainland China, the world’s largest carbon market, Hong Kong has both a unique role to play in China’s carbon action plan and as a sustainable finance hub for the region. Core Climate is a ground-breaking new initiative that will help expedite the low-carbon transition journey at scale in Hong Kong, Mainland China, Asia and beyond.”

HKEX CEO Nicolas Aguzin said: “The world needs transformational change to fight climate change and capital markets have a key role to play in driving the pressing global climate agenda. The launch of Core Climate is a significant milestone in our journey to develop Hong Kong into Asia’s premier carbon trading hub. Since its launch, the platform has been very well received by the market, attracting wide participation from different regions and sectors. Thank you for joining us on this exciting and meaningful journey as we work together to secure a sustainable future for us and for generations to come. ”

Core Climate is currently the only carbon marketplace that offers HKD and RMB settlement for the trading of international voluntary carbon credits, driving accessibility to the market and further enhancing Hong Kong’s role as a world-class offshore RMB hub and premier green and sustainable finance centre.

Quality carbon credits come from more than 30 internationally-certified projects that are now available on the platform, generated from forestry, solar, wind, hydropower and biomass initiatives in Asia, South America and West Africa. All projects available on Core Climate, including carbon avoidance, reduction and removal projects, are verified against the Verified Carbon Standard by Verra.

Today’s ceremony brought together more than 100 participants, including Hong Kong Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury Christopher Hui, HKEX Chairman Laura M Cha, HKEX Chief Executive Officer Nicolas Aguzin, other senior HKEX executives, delegates of corporate participants completing the first batch of trades on Core Climate, inaugural members of the Hong Kong International Carbon Market Council and other friends and partners in the carbon and ESG space.

HKEX Co-Head of Markets Glenda So said: “We are very pleased with the very positive reaction from the market towards Core Climate and are especially encouraged by the diverse portfolio of companies that have joined our platform. On behalf of HKEX, I would like to express our thanks to Core Climate participants and members of the International Carbon Market Council, whose input and support has and continues to be, instrumental to the growth of the carbon community.”

Core Climate has attracted more than 20 corporate entities from a wide range of sectors in Hong Kong, Mainland China and internationally. The participants include:

Looking ahead, HKEX will continue to work closely with the Hong Kong International Carbon Market Council and all key stakeholders across the climate value chain to further enhance Core Climate, supporting the growth, vibrancy and maturity of the carbon ecosystem in the region.

Source: HKEX