As an ESG Captain, Mary Zhao brings environmental sustainability to life at one of our offices in China. From energy-saving habits to reusable handkerchiefs, she loves to connect colleagues through shared purpose.
Meet Mengyu (Mary) Zhao, Office Specialist and ESG Captain in our Shanghai office. From championing energy-saving habits to gifting reusable handkerchiefs, she leads by example, showing how small changes can spark broader impact.
Mary is part of a growing network of ESG Captains across Simon-Kucher: local changemakers who turn global ESG ambitions into meaningful action. Their efforts, whether reducing waste, building awareness, or connecting colleagues through shared purpose, help embed sustainability into our everyday work.
At Simon-Kucher, ESG is both a strategy and a movement powered by individuals like Mary, who make a difference in their offices and beyond.
What’s your name, role at Simon-Kucher, and where are you based?
My name is Mengyu (Mary) Zhao. I work as an office specialist in the Shanghai office and also serve as an ESG Captain here.
What motivated you to become an ESG Captain for your office?
I have participated in numerous ESG-related activities in the past. Through these experiences, I have gained an understanding of how ESG initiatives can influence individuals and reshape public awareness.
The initial planning of ESG activities highlights the importance of teamwork. Through this process, I have also built meaningful connections and friendships. This is one of the reasons why I agreed to participate when Simon-Kucher called for ESG Captains.
What’s something unique or special about ESG efforts in your location?
Energy conservation is increasingly emphasized in our office discussions. Given the distinct hot and cold seasons each year, energy consumption tends to fluctuate with temperature change. We ensure monthly monitoring of energy usage, compare this with the previous year, and if any unusual pattern is detected, a polite reminder is sent out to the office.
What’s been the most rewarding or inspiring part of being an ESG Captain so far?
An increasing number of team members are participating in ESG-related activities, and they occasionally provide valuable suggestions. The greater the awareness of the impact among team members, the better the outcomes we achieve.
What’s your favorite sustainability tip or habit, something you personally live by?
I use a reusable handkerchief instead of disposable tissue paper after washing my hands. The repeated use of handkerchiefs can help reduce tissue consumption. I also prepare some handkerchiefs as small gifts for friends.
If you could launch any ESG initiative tomorrow (no budget limits), what would it be?
If feasible, traditional energy sources could be replaced by newly developed renewable energy, thereby reducing pollution and minimizing waste generation.