BUSINESS | SUSTAINABILITY | NEWS
Taiwanese retail operator Jing-Jan Retail Business Co., Ltd., which operates the Qsquare shopping complex, has received two distinctions at the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards (APEA) 2026 Taiwan, recognising its corporate performance and governance practices amid efforts to reduce the environmental impact of its retail operations.
The company was recognised in the Corporate Excellence and Corporate Integrity and Governance Excellence categories, highlighting the growing importance of environmental performance, transparency and responsible management within Asia’s retail sector.
According to the company’s announcement, Qsquare reduced its greenhouse gas emissions by 12.11% in 2025. It also purchased 792,000 kilowatt-hours of renewable electricity annually, representing 7.15% of its electricity consumption.
The figures reflect the company’s efforts to incorporate environmental considerations into its operations, although the announcement does not specify the emissions baseline, reporting scope or independent verification methodology.
Sustainability Beyond the Supply Chain
While fashion’s environmental debate frequently centres on materials, manufacturing and textile waste, the physical infrastructure supporting the industry represents another area of environmental responsibility.
Shopping centres and department stores consume significant amounts of energy through lighting, air conditioning and daily commercial operations. As retailers face increasing expectations to measure and reduce their environmental impact, the management of commercial spaces is becoming an important consideration in broader sustainability strategies.
Qsquare accommodates more than 700 brand counters, placing its operational decisions within a commercial environment that includes fashion and lifestyle retail.
Its reported investment in renewable electricity illustrates one approach to reducing the environmental footprint of large-scale retail facilities. However, the proportion of renewable electricity remains relatively modest, suggesting further opportunities to expand the transition towards lower-carbon operations.
Governance and Retail Innovation
Beyond its environmental initiatives, Qsquare has introduced digital tools to support commercial performance and internal oversight.
The company uses big data and artificial intelligence for targeted marketing and membership management through an Online-Merge-Offline (OMO) retail model, which it credits with improving customer engagement and contributing to increased foot traffic in 2025.
Its governance framework includes independent director oversight, audit and remuneration committees, and an automated internal control dashboard designed to monitor operational risks and compliance.
Qsquare also reported an average of 8.3 training hours per employee, alongside sustainability-focused workshops intended to strengthen environmental awareness across its workforce.
Founded in 2007, the Asia Pacific Enterprise Awards recognise entrepreneurship, innovation and corporate leadership across Asian markets. The programme is organised by Enterprise Asia.
For the wider fashion and retail industry, Qsquare’s recognition illustrates how environmental management and corporate governance are increasingly being considered alongside commercial performance. Nevertheless, the company’s reported emissions reductions and renewable energy use represent operational progress rather than evidence of sustainability improvements across the fashion products sold within its stores
For more information, please visit Enterprise Asia.
