Wang Feng, Deputy Party Secretary and President of CRRC Group Co., Ltd., outlined CRRC’s approach to integrating ESG into its business at the Fourth ESG Innovation Annual Conference, held at Shougang Park in Beijing on September 19.
Jointly organized by the China Enterprise Reform and Development Society and Shougang Group Co., Ltd., the conference explored how value creation and industry collaboration can advance ESG practices in China. It brought together representatives from government, business, and academia.
In his keynote address, Wang described ESG as an important means of advancing high-quality development, with support for national strategies and improvements in people’s wellbeing at its core. Drawing on CRRC’s experience, he outlined four priorities:
Embedding ESG throughout governance and operations. CRRC has established a coordinated, three-tier governance structure, supported by strategies, policies, and indicators tailored to its business. By extending ESG management across its subsidiaries and to suppliers, the company is moving from reactive compliance toward proactive value creation.
Advancing the green transition through innovation. CRRC promotes lightweight design, green materials, intelligent operations and maintenance, and recycling throughout the product life cycle. These efforts connect research and development, manufacturing, operations, and recycling in a closed loop, supporting more sustainable products and processes.
Strengthening collaboration across the industry ecosystem. As a leading enterprise in the rail transit equipment supply chain, CRRC supports joint initiatives and coordinated development among suppliers. It also contributes to research on industry ESG standards and promotes Chinese equipment standards and green development practices through Belt and Road projects.
Keeping people’s needs at the heart of its ESG strategy. Guided by its ESG goal of “Leading a Better Life,” CRRC incorporates everyday needs into product innovation and supports major national projects and public wellbeing. Its priorities also include protecting employee rights, supporting rural communities, and strengthening local participation in its overseas operations.
The conference released the 2026 Corporate ESG Practices Report, which recognized a case study from CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles Co., Ltd. as an outstanding practice. The case highlighted how its Chongqing operations support urban–rural integration through rail services that help farmers carry produce to market, providing a practical example of CRRC’s commitment to serving communities.
Participants also discussed ESG disclosure, collaboration across industry value chains, policy implementation, and technological innovation. Looking ahead to the 15th Five-Year Plan period, CRRC will continue strengthening ESG management throughout its value chain, supporting sustainable development and advancing its mission of “Connecting the World, Benefiting Humanity.”
