Shui On Land has earned global recognition after being named to TIME’s inaugural World’s Most Impactful Companies 2026 list. The company is the first and only Chinese real estate developer included in the ranking, which recognizes businesses whose core operations create measurable positive impact while supporting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The recognition highlights Shui On Land’s long-term focus on sustainable urban development, community building, and environmental responsibility.
Recognition Based on Measurable Business Impact
TIME developed the World’s Most Impactful Companies 2026 ranking in partnership with Statista. Instead of evaluating companies based only on corporate social responsibility programs, the list measures the positive impact created through their core business activities.
The assessment uses The Upright Project’s Net Impact Model, which analyzes information from more than 200 million scientific articles and public databases. The model draws data from respected organizations, including the World Bank, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). Companies are evaluated across four areas: society, environment, health, and knowledge.
According to Shui On Land, the recognition reflects its commitment to creating long-term value through sustainable city development and community-focused projects.
Xintiandi Communities Drive Sustainable Urban Development
Shui On Land said its Xintiandi Communities model played an important role in earning the recognition. The company develops mixed-use communities that combine residential, commercial, cultural, and public spaces while preserving local heritage and improving urban environments.
Its Xintiandi Communities are located in Shanghai, Wuhan, Chongqing, and Foshan. The developments include several community formats, such as the Greater Xintiandi Community, Neighbourhood Community, Urban Retreat Community, and Knowledge Community. Each project is designed to meet local needs while encouraging economic activity, cultural preservation, and community engagement.
The company describes its approach as creating vibrant neighborhoods rather than simply constructing buildings, with a focus on improving the quality of urban living.
Leadership Highlights Long-Term Vision
Stephanie Lo, Vice Chairman of Shui On Land, said thriving communities are built through long-term planning rather than individual buildings.
She said the company remains committed to developing resilient and culturally diverse communities where people can live, work, and connect across generations. Lo added that the recognition from TIME reinforces Shui On Land’s vision of balancing heritage preservation with sustainable urban growth while creating lasting value for residents and cities.
Sustainability Strategy Supports Climate Goals
Shui On Land said its sustainability efforts are guided by its 5C Sustainability Strategy, which focuses on Community, Clean, Culture, Care, and Corporate Governance.
The company has adopted science-based climate targets and continues to introduce measures that reduce emissions across its developments. These initiatives include increasing the use of renewable electricity and adopting low-carbon construction materials.
According to the company, Shanghai Xintiandi has operated on 100% renewable electricity since July 2024. Shui On Land also partnered with the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to introduce what it describes as China’s first Deep Green Lease, encouraging landlords and tenants to work together to reduce carbon emissions.
The company further reported that, compared with its 2019 baseline, it had reduced Scope 1 and Scope 2 carbon intensity by 57% and Scope 3 tenant carbon intensity by 32% by 2025. These figures were shared by Shui On Land as part of its sustainability progress.
Strengthening Communities Beyond Construction
Beyond environmental initiatives, Shui On Land said it continues to invest in cultural, educational, and sports programs that strengthen community connections. The company believes that successful urban regeneration should improve everyday life while preserving local identity and supporting long-term economic growth.
As cities continue to face challenges related to sustainability and urban expansion, Shui On Land said it will continue developing projects that combine environmental responsibility, cultural preservation, and community well-being.
The inclusion in TIME’s World’s Most Impactful Companies 2026 list marks an important milestone for Shui On Land and reflects international recognition of its approach to sustainable urban development. By integrating environmental goals with community-focused planning, the company has positioned itself among businesses working to create measurable positive impact through their core operations.
