Top Industry Players Leading China’s Sustainable Transformation in 2024
By
Anqi Wen
Published on
February 3, 2025
In 2024, sustainability emerged as a defining global trend, heavily influenced by China’s recent ambitious environmental initiatives that shaped practices and strategies across various sectors. According to the China Green Development Index Report 2024, the country reduced carbon intensity by 34.4%, sustaining an annual GDP growth of 6.6% with only a 3.0% increase in energy consumption.
This year also marked a pivotal shift, as China’s ‘dual carbon’ strategy—aiming to peak emissions by 2030 and achieve carbon neutrality by 2060—transitioned from conceptual exploration to commercial implementation, positioning China as a leader in sustainable development.
Beyond technological advancements in green energy and circular economy models, Chinese companies are increasingly integrating social equity and economic resilience into their strategies, signaling a more comprehensive approach to sustainability. There is a growing emphasis on human-centered corporate social responsibility (CSR), addressing the needs of specific consumer groups and communities.
Here, Jingzhi Chronicle highlights the most forward-thinking brands and enterprises leading China’s sustainable transformation in 2024. These companies are driving green transitions across industries and demonstrating China’s diverse and evolving sustainability paths.
Hang Lung Properties x LVMH: A Blueprint for Sustainable Retail Spaces
In 2024, Hang Lung Properties and LVMH Group co-hosted the second Real Estate & Climate Forum. They released the 2024 Common Charter —a milestone collaboration launched in 2022 that redefined how landlords and tenants integrate sustainability into daily operations.
Covering over 28,000 square meters and 90 retail stores across 26 LVMH brands, this initiative set new benchmarks in energy efficiency, sustainable material selection, and collaborative climate action between landlords and luxury retailers. The 2024 Common Charter outlined significant progress in renewable energy procurement and green building design, positioning Hang Lung as one of the first real estate companies in China to align tenants with climate action goals.
Further reinforcing its commitment, Hang Lung introduced the Changemakers Circle podcast, featuring discussions with industry experts on topics such as inclusive design, climate-resilient architecture, and sustainable sources. These collaborative efforts highlight how sustainability is reshaping real estate and luxury retail in China and how such partnerships can drive lasting environmental change and enhance market competitiveness.
Kering at CIIE: Sustainability Meets Localization
As a leader in global sustainability, Kering took its commitment to the next level at the 2024 China International Import Expo (CIIE). The brand infused traditional Chinese aesthetics into its exhibition space, drawing inspiration from classical gardens and scroll paintings to reinforce its localization strategy.
Beyond product and design innovations, Kering played a key role in organizing the Sustainable Lifestyles and Consumer Industry Innovation Forum, fostering industry-wide discussions on sustainability. The group also took a significant step in education by launching a new MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) in collaboration with Tsinghua University and the Institut Français de la Mode (IFM), enhancing sustainability education accessibility to students and professionals worldwide.
By integrating material innovation, cross-sector collaboration, and talent development, Kering’s China strategy exemplifies how brands can drive sustainability from both global and local perspectives.
Anta Zero: China’s First Carbon-Neutral Sports Store
On April 22, World Earth Day, ANTA launched its first-ever carbon-neutral store—Anta Zero—marking a major step in its sustainability journey. The concept store embodies a closed-loop production model that prioritizes recycling and upcycling in sportswear design.
In December 2024, Anta hosted China’s first Sustainable Sports Fashion Show at its “Zero Carbon Mission” store, showcasing upcycled apparel made from deadstock fabrics. The brand broke conventional runway boundaries by incorporating sports activities such as skiing, cycling, and city walking, demonstrating the dynamic intersection of sustainability and urban lifestyle.
Through Anta Zero, the company reinforced its leadership in sustainable retail, setting an industry benchmark for circular fashion and green supply chain management. These initiatives contributed to Anta securing the top spot on the Green Supply Chain CITI Index for two consecutive years, underscoring its commitment to sustainable manufacturing and consumer education.
Cartier Woman’s Initiative: Empowering Female Entrepreneurs
In 2024, Cartier held the annual Cartier Women’s Initiative awards ceremony in Shenzhen, reaffirming its commitment to female empowerment as a crucial part of its sustainability narrative. Themed “Forces for Good,” the event recognized women-led startups dedicated to addressing social and environmental challenges.
During the ceremony, Cartier announced a new partnership with the Cheung Kong Graduate School of Business (CKGSB) to support female entrepreneurs through funding, mentorship, and global networking opportunities. Brand ambassadors Guo Jingjing and Karlie Kloss were among the high-profile attendees, reinforcing Cartier’s advocacy for gender equity and inclusivity.
Additionally, Cartier launched the Women’s Perspectives podcast in 2023, featuring interviews with thought leaders, including media figure Meena Harris. The initiative goes beyond immediate financial support, focusing on long-term impact and systemic change in gender-inclusive entrepreneurship.
Hilton’s “Travel with Purpose”: A Blueprint for Sustainable Hospitality
As global travel demand rebounded, sustainability became a key differentiator in the hospitality industry. Hilton continued to lead with its Travel with Purpose strategy, integrating sustainability across its operations and community initiatives.
Hilton’s China division expanded localized ESG efforts, including energy-efficient property designs in Jiuzhaigou and Yunnan, and community-driven initiatives such as a soap recycling program that repurposed used hotel toiletries for donation. These programs reinforced Hilton’s commitment to both environmental sustainability and social impact.
By the end of 2024, Hilton retained its title as “Best Workplace in Greater China” for the fourth consecutive year. With over 93% of its hotel general managers being Chinese nationals and 2.55% of its workforce comprising employees with disabilities, Hilton demonstrated a localized approach to sustainability that goes beyond environmental responsibility.
Cainiao’s Green Logistics: Scaling Sustainable Supply Chains
With China’s logistics sector surpassing RMB 360 trillion in 2024, sustainability became a top priority for leading players like Cainiao. The Alibaba-backed logistics company reported a 458,000-ton reduction in carbon emissions for the year, implementing innovative green initiatives such as electric vehicle (EV) fleets and AI-driven supply chain optimization.
Cainiao’s “Global 5-Day Delivery” program successfully balanced speed with sustainability. It achieved a 99% EV delivery rate while reducing packaging waste by over 101,000 tons. By incorporating solar-powered warehouses and circular packaging solutions, Cainiao reinforced its position as a pioneer in sustainable logistics.
Tesla’s Shanghai Megafactory: Powering the Future of Energy Storage
Tesla made a significant leap in China’s clean energy sector by completing its Shanghai Energy Storage Megafactory in December. As the first of its kind outside the U.S., the facility spans 200,000 square meters and is expected to produce 10,000 battery storage units annually, providing over 40 GWh of storage capacity.
With China’s EV market projected to reach 14 million units by 2025, Tesla’s energy storage expansion is critical in stabilizing renewable energy grids and accelerating the nation’s transition to sustainable power solutions.
Youngor’s HAI 550: Reinventing Sustainable Retail Spaces
In August, Youngor partnered with Tiamuli to launch HAI 550, China’s first large-scale sustainable retail complex in Shanghai’s Huaihai Road district. The project, which spans just 7,158 square meters, redefines commercial space by prioritizing interactive experiences over traditional retail transactions.
With a focus on upcycling, experiential retail, and modular space design, HAI 550 introduces a “micro-city” model where sustainability meets lifestyle innovation. The space houses slow-fashion boutiques, refillable retail stations, and educational workshops, creating a new model for eco-conscious urban commerce.
As China continues to lead in sustainability, the fusion of environmental action with localized cultural initiatives will shape the next phase of corporate responsibility. From policy-driven innovation to grassroots movements, sustainability is evolving into a key driver of both business and societal transformation.
