Hong Kong Sustainability Benchmark
Understand SSBS. Prepare with Confidence.
A practical guide to the Strategic Sustainability Benchmarking Scheme and the work required to prepare for assessment.
What is SSBS?
The Strategic Sustainability Benchmarking Scheme (SSBS) is a Hong Kong-focused benchmark for evaluating business sustainability performance.
SSBS is a joint effort between the Centre for Business Sustainability at CUHK Business School, the scheme owner, and SGS, the technical partner. It combines CBS's sustainability research methodology with SGS's independent assessment expertise.
The VPI Model
SSBS applies the Values-Process-Impact (VPI) model across four dimensions at both strategic and operational levels.
Values
The corporate principles, commitments and governance that set the direction for sustainability.
Management Process
The systems and structures that translate values into sustainability management practice.
Practice Process
The day-to-day practices and programmes that put sustainability into action.
Impact
The measurable outcomes for stakeholders, society and the environment.
Rating Levels
SSBS scores are grouped into six rating levels, each representing a company's achievement in its sustainability journey.
Below 50
Explorer
50–59
Practitioner
60–69
Performer
70–79
Achiever
80–89
Pace-setter
90–100
Exemplar
What SSBS Can Help You Understand
- Your sustainability performance in comparison with other organisations.
- The strengths and priorities within your current sustainability approach.
- Opportunities for continuous improvement and stronger CSR risk management.
- How Sustainable Development Goals can inform a practical sustainability plan.
How ESGMA Supports Your Preparation
ESGMA helps organisations prepare the knowledge, evidence and internal capability needed before an official assessment.
- VPI model and SSBS readiness training for management and working teams.
- ESG data inventory and supporting-evidence preparation.
- Gap analysis across all four VPI dimensions.
- A prioritised improvement roadmap and mock questionnaire preparation.
The SSBS Assessment Process
The SSBS assessment follows three main stages.
1. Verification
SGS supports questionnaire completion or conducts sampling verification of a completed questionnaire.
2. Assessment and Benchmark Report
CBS conducts the assessment and delivers the benchmark report after the initial assessment.
3. Results
CBS delivers the certificate, scheme logo and rating symbol following completion of the final assessment and report.
Start with a Readiness Conversation
Discuss your current ESG maturity and identify the information your team needs to prepare for SSBS.
Talk to ESGMA