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 of ecosystem health, the importance of biodiversity, and Yuexiu Property’s strategic positioning, we have selected 10 cities for biodiversity assessment in the first phase.

Note: The 10 cities in the first phase account for 75.4% of Yuexiu Property's total land bank in 2024 (including land bank of projects under construction and not yet built).

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 ompleted in 2024. Based on the theory of “atypical biological manipulation”, the project aims to stablish a complete, healthy, stable, and longlasting 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.