(Yicai) Jan. 30 -- Under the guidance of China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC), Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) recently released three annexes to the guide on compilation of sustainability reports, covering topics of pollutant emission, energy utilization, and water utilization. The annexes are available to the public in both Chinese and English languages.

Green development is a defining feature of Chinese modernization. The Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th CPC Central Committee calls for efforts to accelerate the comprehensive green transition of economic and social development and to build a Beautiful China. To fully act on the new development philosophy, the SSE has made years of efforts to improve sustainability disclosure framework, guide listed companies to uphold and practice the idea “lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets”, and enhance their sustainability disclosure quality and sustainability performance.

The year 2026 marks the inaugural year of the 15th Five-Year Plan and also the first assessment year of the ESG disclosure from SSE-listed companies. The three new annexes, together with the previously released No. 2: Response to Climate Change, will offer a systematic guidance on green transition-related topics, featuring wide coverage of critical and challenging issues including risk assessment, work procedures, and calculation process and methods for commonly disclosed data. By highlighting standardization and allowing industry-specific considerations, they will assist listed companies in navigating the first mandatory reporting period, thereby laying the ground for full-on sustainable development and high-quality growth of SSE-listed companies during the 15th Five-Year Plan period. 

The SSE had solicited public comments on the draft version of the three annexes and received over 80 submissions. The feedback shows wide acknowledgement of the three annexes’ guiding role. With regard to specific suggestions, the SSE has carefully evaluated and incorporated them into the revision. Moving forward, the SSE will organize training on an ongoing basis, and attentively gather suggestions and comments from all parties to develop guidance on additional topics based on market demand in due course. The SSE will step up efforts to build a high-quality sustainability disclosure framework, thereby enhancing the quality of listed companies.

Editor: Martin Kadiev