JUDGING PROCESS
A structured, multi-stage assessment overseen by an independent Judging Panel - ensuring fairness, sector relevance, and credibility across all participating companies.
Whether climate change is embedded in board-level governance - including board oversight of climate risk and opportunity, management accountability structures, and the integration of climate into executive remuneration or performance incentives.
01
Board Governance on Climate
The completeness and rigour of the company's GHG inventory (Scope 1, 2, and 3 where applicable), the science-basis of emissions reduction targets, and alignment with recognised frameworks such as the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) or the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance.
02
GHG Emissions Measurement and Target-Setting
Whether the company has a credible, time-bound transition plan - covering capital allocation, technology deployment, operational changes, and interim milestones — that supports its stated net-zero target.
03
Net-Zero Transition Planning
The quality, completeness, and assurance of climate-related disclosures, including alignment with HKEX mandatory climate disclosure requirements (ISSB IFRS S2) and the consistency of data reported year-on-year.
04
Sustainability Reporting and Disclosure
Whether the company has assessed its exposure to physical climate risks (acute and chronic), integrated those risks into business planning, and developed adaptation measures where material.
05
Physical Climate Risk Management
Part 2 — Sector Core Criteria
Part 1 - Common Criteria
THE ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK
70%
Applied to all participating companies
regardless of sector.
Part 1 assesses the foundational elements of a credible net-zero strategy across five areas:
30%
THE ASSESSMENT FRAMEWORK
Sector-specific criteria applied on top of Part 1.
These address the material climate transition issues most relevant to each industry. The five sectors and their core focus areas are:
Green building performance, embodied carbon, tenant engagement, climate physical risk
Property
Energy transition assets, renewable deployment, capital expenditure alignment, infrastructure resilience
Infrastructure & Utilities
Green and transition finance portfolio, financed emissions (Scope 3), HK Taxonomy alignment, climate risk in credit and investment processes
Financial
Fleet electrification, supply chain Scope 3, last-mile decarbonisation, supplier engagement
Trading & Logistics
Portfolio-level net-zero strategy, subsidiary transition plans, consolidated GHG reporting, group governance
Diversified
Total scores (Part 1 + Part 2) determine the recognition band awarded:
Clear pledge and set up the right foundations to start cutting their emissions
Net Zero Commitment
How Scores Translate to Recognition
Net Zero Progress Leader
Strong, practical actions and showing solid, measurable progress on their net-zero journey
RECOGNITION BANDS
Outstanding leadership and have advanced,
highly effective net-zero strategies
Net Zero Pioneer
Companies scoring below 50 will receive a detailed assessment report identifying specific areas for improvement.
This can serve as a structured roadmap for future submissions.
THE ASSESSMENT PROCESS
Step by Step
Contact the NZAfE Secretariat at nzafe@greencouncil.org to confirm eligibility and register. Upon receipt of an authorised company signature and payment, the assessment form is issued. The form is not publicly available.
Register and Pay
1
Energy transition assets, renewable deployment, capital expenditure alignment, infrastructure resilience
Complete the Online Assessment
2
The NZAfE Secretariat reviews all submissions for eligibility and completeness. Incomplete submissions may be returned for supplementary information before the assessment deadline.
Eligibility and Completeness Review
3
Complete submissions are reviewed by the independent Judging Panel. Panel members assess each submission against the published criteria, independently of each other and of the Green Council. All information submitted is held in strict confidence and used solely for assessment purposes.
Independent Panel Assessment
4
Shortlisted companies may be invited to present to the Judging Panel for clarification or elaboration on specific areas of their submission. Details will be communicated to shortlisted companies directly.
Shortlisting and Presentation
(if applicable)
5
The Judging Panel convenes for a final review. Results are determined by the panel and are final and binding.
Recognised companies will be notified prior to the Award Ceremony.
Final Review and Results
6
Recognised companies are announced and celebrated at the NZAfE Award Ceremony, scheduled for the second quarter of 2027.
Award Ceremony
7
Independent Judging
All panel members are selected for their domain expertise and their independence from the companies under assessment. They operate independently of the Green Council in their assessment role.
Strict Confidentiality
All information submitted through the Green Council online platform is held in strict confidence. It is used solely for assessment purposes, is not shared with any third party, and is handled in accordance with the NZAfE Privacy Policy. Confidentiality is a condition of participation.
Independence and Confidentiality
OUR COMMITMENTS
Plan your submission journey with confidence.
CURRENT STAGE
JUL 2026
APPLICATION OPENS
Applications open for corporate or organisations to enter the Awards.
Submission Stage
-
Submit Application Form
-
Submit Confirmation Form
-
Complete Payment
DEC 2026
Submission Deadline
All entries and supporting materials must be submitted by 18 Dec 2026.
Submission Stage
-
Complete Online Assessment with Supporting Document
First Quarter of 2027
Shortlist &
pRESENTATION
Submitted entries will be reviewed and evaluated based on the judging criteria.
Judging Stage
-
Await for the Screening,
further judging and presentation arrangement
First Quarter of 2027
Final Review & Announcement
Participating corporates will be informed of the results before the award ceremony.
Judging Stage
-
Provide an organisation profile for the e-brochure
Second Quarter of 2027
Award Ceremony
Award recipients will be announced and recognised at the ceremony.
Announcement Stage
-
Attend the Award Ceremony with Other Excellence
Key Dates
PLAN AHEAD