The APAC region faces unique sustainability challenges, ranging from climate vulnerability and biodiversity loss to diverse social and governance issues. These complexities are often not addressed by traditional green certifications. Thus, green certifications are evolving to incorporate regional environmental risks, governance standards, social equity and circular economy principles to better serve APAC’s diverse markets while still aligning with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and SDGs.
Why does this evolution matter?
Evolving certifications provide businesses with hands-on, trustworthy frameworks that are sensitive to in-country conditions. They help organisations respond to climate risks, improve social impact, navigate various regulations, and promote resource efficiency, all of which are crucial for sustainable development in APAC.
What are some key ways certifications are adapting?
- Addressing regional environmental risks: Protection measures relevant to APAC’s vulnerable geographies, like climate resilience and ecosystem protection measures, are now required by certifications.
- Embedding social and governance priorities: Certifications have enhanced ESG criteria, and thus more effectively promote fair labour, community engagement, and transparent governance aligned with regional needs.
- Navigating diverse regulations: Flexible frameworks enable companies to better comply with diverse local laws while maintaining resource scarcity complexities.Â
- Promoting circular economy practices: New certifications have a significant focus on waste reduction, material reuse, and sustainable supply chains, tackling resource scarcity challenges.
- Leveraging digital tools: Digital platforms ensure real-time monitoring and transparent reporting, fostering trust and accountability.
How can Strategy&Ops help?
- Tailoring certification strategies to local contexts: At Strategy&Ops, we educate organisations on the newest updates in green certification standards and help them align their sustainability initiatives with region-specific ESG priorities.
- Navigating regulatory and market complexities: Our multidisciplinary team ensure certifications meet both local requirements and global expectations, by supporting companies in managing compliance across diverse APAC jurisdictions, and global standards.
- Enhancing data management and reporting: We ensure the implementation of digital solutions for robust emissions tracking, impact assessment, and transparent stakeholder collaboration.
- Building capacity and stakeholder engagement: By facilitating inclusive dialogue and knowledge sharing, we empower companies to effectively embed social and governance considerations within their sustainability strategies.
By embracing evolving green certifications, organisations can better address APAC’s sustainability challenges, build stakeholder trust, and unlock new opportunities. Ready to align your sustainability efforts with APAC’s unique needs?Â
Contact us at info@strategyandops.net.
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References
Abatable. (2025) Ecosperity Week 2025 Summary. Available at: https://abatable.com/blog/ecosperity-week-2025-summary/Â
Environmental Finance. (2025) Environmental Market Rankings 2024–2025. Available at: https://www.environmental-finance.com/content/awards/environmental-market-rankings-2024-2025/Â
Green Building Council of Australia (GBCA). (n.d.) Future Focus: The evolution of Green Star. Available at: https://new.gbca.org.au/green-star/evolution/future-focus/Â
Guangzhou Carbon Peak and Neutrality Innovation Center (GZCP). (n.d.) ESG. Available at: https://gzcp.org/esgÂ
Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL). (n.d.) The next frontier for green building certifications. Available at: https://www.joneslanglasalle.com.cn/en/trends-and-insights/research/the-next-frontier-for-green-building-certificationsÂ
KPMG. (2024) Evolution of sustainability reporting in Asia Pacific: Beyond the horizon. Available at: https://assets.kpmg.com/content/dam/kpmgsites/xx/pdf/2024/11/evolution-of-sustainability-reporting-in-asia-pacific-beyond-the-horizon-report.pdfÂ
Mordor Intelligence. (n.d.) APAC Green Buildings Market – Growth, Trends, and Forecasts (2024 – 2029). Au