Kuala Lumpur, 23 September 2021 – Bursa Malaysia Berhad (“Bursa Malaysia” or the “Exchange”), today announced its ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2022 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050 across its entire operations, in line with the global drive for decarbonisation.
Under this new set of commitments, Bursa Malaysia will systematically manage its carbon footprint across the Exchange's entire business activities, while reducing emissions in line with a net zero future. Additionally, Bursa Malaysia will participate in the global campaigns “Business Ambition for 1.5°C1” and “Race to Zero2”, to support the transition to a climate resilient and inclusive economy.
“Climate change poses a significant threat to our planet and society. It is in everyone's best interests to work towards a systemic change that prevents a climate catastrophe,” said Tan Sri Abdul Wahid Omar, Chairman of Bursa Malaysia. “I believe it is important for all companies regardless of size, industry and operating models to scale-up their climate contributions with firm commitments and concerted actions towards achieving a climate resilient future.”
“Climate change has always been a priority for the Exchange. In 2018, we became a supporter of the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations, and have since carried out numerous climate education initiatives with our listed issuers and the broader capital market ecosystem,” said Datuk Muhamad Umar Swift, CEO of Bursa Malaysia. “With this new set of climate commitments, we pledge to do our part for the environment by actively decarbonising our business activities and accelerating the transition to net-zero through collaborative actions with our stakeholders.”
The Exchange has identified eight key initiatives to support its climate ambitions;
- i) Setting science-based emission reduction targets in accordance with the Science Based Targets initiative's (SBTi)3 criteria and recommendations. The Exchange will submit its climate targets to the SBTi for validation;
- ii) Conducting an energy audit to identify key improvements to maximise the energy efficiency of its buildings, as well as developing an asset improvement plan;
iii) Offsetting emissions from our electricity consumption, employee travel to work and paper consumption, and other relevant emission sources beginning next year. This will be accomplished by supporting nature-based solutions that remove carbon from the atmosphere;
- iv) Implementing a Workplace Carbon Conscious Programme to encourage responsible workplace practices and lifestyle choices amongst its employees;
- v) Undertaking independent assurance of our climate-related data;
- vi) Participating in external climate change assessment to improve the quality of our climate disclosures and practices;
vii) Ensuring greater transparency by aligning our climate-related disclosures in our sustainability reports with the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD) recommendations; and
viii) Advocating net zero emissions and strong climate action through our stakeholder engagements and education initiatives.
Bursa Malaysia will be transparent in reporting carbon emissions from its operations and value chain across Scopes 1, 2, and 34to complement the new climate ambitions. In addition to these goals, the Exchange will report its progress in meeting climate commitments and significant achievements in all future sustainability reports.