SUSTAINABILITYKEY HIGHLIGHTSNATURAL RESOURCES AND BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION
NATURAL RESOURCES AND BIODIVERSITY PROTECTION
Natural Resources and Biodiversity Protection

Yuexiu Property actively implements the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework to assess risks and opportunities related to natural resources, enhancing the protection of natural resources, especially in the context of ecological and biodiversity protection during real estate development. Yuexiu Property continuously monitors the risks associated with the quantification of natural resource losses and effectively manages financial risks and opportunities related to natural resources.

In 2024, guided by the TNFD recommended framework, Yuexiu Property completed a biodiversity assessment across its entire value chain and in ten major project cities. At the value chain level, we systematically applied the LEAP methodology to analyse the natural dependencies and impacts of Yuexiu Property over short, medium, and long-term operational cycles. The Company assessed not only the direct ecological footprint of its business activities but also extended the analysis boundary to include the entire lifecycle of upstream and downstream processes. Through a multidimensional analysis, we established a monitoring system encompassing 22 themes of natural dependency and 11 themes of natural impact.

Yuexiu Property Value Chain Natural Dependency and Impact Heat Map

Yuexiu Property Biodiversity Assessment

Yuexiu Property laid out in 27 cities in 2024. Based on considerations such as ecosystem health, the importance of biodiversity, and Yuexiu Property’s strategic positioning, we have selected 10 cities for the first stage of biodiversity assessment.

    Note: The 10 cities in the first stage accounted for 75.4% of Yuexiu Property's total land bank in 2024 (including land bank of under-construction and undeveloped proiects).

    Yuexiu Property Natural Resources and Biodiversity Protection Targets
    2030
    Reach net zero loss by 2030

    (i.e. minimising biodiversity loss in the course of business, balanced by gains elsewhere)

    100% of land will undergo biodiversity assessments before land development by 2030

    2060
    Achieve positive biodiversity impacts by 2060

    (i.e. gains outweigh losses)

    Yuexiu Property Ecosystem Protection Commitment
    Commitment to Prioritising
    Brownfield Development
    The development of brownfield sites holds dual significance for Yuexiu Property’s ecological protection efforts. On one hand, by prioritising brownfield development, Yuexiu Property reduces the occupation of undeveloped green land, thereby minimising damage to natural ecosystems and protecting biodiversity and natural resources. On the other hand, brownfields typically require environmental restoration and pollution remediation. During the development process, Yuexiu Property actively employs ecological restoration techniques, which not only enhance land value but also improve the regional ecological environment. In areas with soil contamination issues, such as abandoned industrial sites, we engage in proactive communication and collaboration with government departments. We conduct environmental assessments of contaminated sites as required, implement soil remediation plans, and only proceed with compliant brownfield projects after obtaining verification from third parties. This development model exemplifies Yuexiu Property’s balance between ecological protection and urban development, setting a standard for sustainable urbanisation and eco-friendly development.
    Commitment to Avoiding
    Greenfield Development
    Yuexiu Property is committed to avoiding greenfield development. We will not undertake any construction in UNESCO World Heritage Sites or in IUCN categories I-IV protected areas. Before project initiation, we will strictly adhere to relevant laws and regulations, conducting comprehensive risk assessments and evaluations, including biodiversity surveys prior to land use, to avoid encroaching on farmland and green spaces. If urban planning necessitates some impact on green spaces that cannot be completely avoided, we will ensure that construction is carried out according to green building standards, following approval from relevant authorities. Throughout the subsequent development process, we will minimise the impact on green spaces and surrounding ecosystems, actively improving, optimising, and rectifying environmental issues related to the project site, while effectively carrying out ecological protection and restoration efforts.
    Case
    The Moon Lake Ecological Restoration Project at Yuexiu World Garden
    The Moon Lake Ecological Restoration Project at Yuexiu World Garden is set to be completed in 2024. Based on the theory of “Atypical Biological Manipulation”, the project aims to stablish a complete, healthy, stable, and long-lasting clearwater ecological system comprising “filter-feeding fish - zooplankton - submerged plants - benthic animals - microbial communities”, thereby enabling the water body to achieve sustainable self-purification functions. Through the five steps of “early-stage improvement project, construction of submerged plant system, transparency improvement project, construction of aquatic animal system, and construction of floating leaf landscape plants”, a beautiful lake view with clear water and shimmering sunlight reflections was created supported by sustainable natural development.
    Case: Brownfield Renovation of Yongtai Passenger Terminal Project

    The plot of Yongtai Passenger Terminal is located in Baiyun District, Guangzhou, where soil arsenic exceeds the content standard due to geological reasons. The Group has formulated special restoration and control methods in accordance with relevant policies such as national “Guidelines for Building a Modern Environmental Governance System”and the “Work Plan for Strengthening the Prevention and Control of Soil Pollution for Transferred Reserved Land in Guangzhou”. Allowing for the overall idea of future development and construction plans and design elevation of buildings, the local shallow soil with excessive arsenic was excavated and restored, and was identified as general solid waste through hazardous waste identification and transported to the cement kilns for coordinated disposal. All soil contaminated by organic pollutant polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon is used as clean soil until the content standard was met after excavation and restoration; soil that was not excavated or with arsenic exceeding the content standard in depth was not disturbed, and risk management and control were applied accordingly.

    Before and After Renovation of Yongtai Passenger Terminal
    Case: Guangzhou Pazhou Shade — Practicing Ecological Civilisation with Special Action for Ancient Tree Protection

    To thoroughly implement Xi Jinping’s ecological civilisation thought and practice the development concept that “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”, we aim to enhance tree protection in Guangzhou and fulfill the requirements for tree protection in urban renewal projects. We adhere to the principles of “protection first, graded protection, full-process protection, and rational use”, with the goal of safeguarding trees and their habitats.


    Protection First: Minimise the occupation of green spaces and the relocation or felling of trees.

    Graded Protection: Ancient trees must be protected on-site, with subsequent resources from ancient trees generally also protected on-site. Large trees and other trees will be avoided and protected to the greatest extent possible.

    Full-Process Protection: Tree protection measures will be implemented throughout the entire project process, including pre-construction, during construction, and post-construction protection and maintenance measures.


    According to surveys, the project site area is 11,222 square meters, with the original topography being that of an open area. The site contains 24 trees, including 5 ancient tree resources and 19 large tree resources. No existing green spaces, contiguous forests, ancient trees, or other trees were found on the site. Based on the conditions of the trees and relevant regulations, 4 large-leaved banyan trees are relocated, while the remaining 20 trees are protected on-site. The relocation site has good land conditions, with generally consistent soil types, fertile soil, and no signs of soil pollution or construction waste, making it suitable for planting large trees.