Over the past several years, the research team from Department of Data and Systems Engineering, The University of Hong Kong (HKU) has participated in an ITF platform project entitled “nD Blockchain for ESG Reporting” aiming to promote ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) projects for the apparel and garment industry.

From data collection by Internet of Things (IoT) technologies and processing to the final ESG report generation, through the collaboration of HKU and Logistics and Supply Chain MultiTech R&D Centre (LSCM) team, along with the support of industry representatives, sponsors, and associations, our research team successfully designed and developed the platform with several technological research achievements. These include the application of nD Blockchain at the data acquisition and operation level, the Dual ESG Index (DESGI) for handling indexes analysis of different ESG subgroups and detailed key performance index (KPI) items, and the use of multi-dimensional Smart Contracts combined with DESGI data and artificial intelligence (AI) technology to assist in providing the final ESG report content.

Furthermore, from the collaborative companies in the first phase to the pilot companies in the second phase, a total of thirteen companies have joined our research in stages. These companies represent different business sectors, covering raw material suppliers, garment manufacturers, and brand representatives / buying office, connecting the entire industry supply chain.

Our research team members have also been able to strengthen their skills and capabilities from development to the implementation throughout the project, expanding from the initial focus on technology research and development to practical industry implementation. In line with the important directions of the national and Hong Kong SAR governments, we aim to realise the value of technological research in practical industry applications by taking the ESG in apparel industry as initial stage. We also would like to contribute to the promotion of ESG-related work in Hong Kong SAR and the Greater Bay Area by providing valuable and effective preparations for society and businesses to sustainable and green development.

Prof Ray Zhong, Associate Professor at the Department of Data and Systems Engineering, The University of Hong Kong