How Urban Spring, a Certified B Corp, is Driving Sustainability in HK through Innovative Water Solutions
Collaborating with like-minded socially conscious businesses helps Urban Spring achieve impactful innovation, measurable results, and long-term benefits for communities across Hong Kong. Due to an unwavering commitment to sustainability and partnerships with socially driven partners, Urban Spring has saved 22M bottles from landfill to date.
At Urban Spring, we believe businesses have the power to create positive change. As a Certified B Corp since 2020, we are proud to be one of the earliest members in the B Lab Hong Kong network. This global movement connects businesses that balance purpose and profit, striving to improve lives, protect the environment, and support communities. Our belief that business success and social impact go hand-in-hand is further recognised by the likes of the Shared Value Initiative, where Urban Spring was announced as an awards finalist in July 2025.
Shared Purpose: A Competitive Edge
“Shared purpose is not just about doing good—it also offers a real competitive edge for businesses.” – Ronald Li, CEO Urban Spring
Let us showcase some of our key partnerships, showcasing how socially-minded collaboration drives innovation, creates measurable impact, and delivers long-term value.
1. Promoting Sustainable Habits with Zero2 Rewards
Our partnership with Zero2 Rewards is an excellent example of how collaboration can foster eco-friendly behaviours.
Zero2 is a sustainable rewards platform that motivates people to make greener choices. Users earn points by refilling reusable water bottles at Well井 dispensers, which can then be redeemed for rewards from brands like Circle K, Tai Hing, and Hong Kong Disneyland.
This collaboration goes beyond promoting sustainability – it also supports local businesses. Zero2 users visiting Urban Spring refill stations at locations such as Citywalk, Lee Gardens, and Hysan Place contribute to increased foot traffic for these partners, allowing all parties to benefit from our collaboration.
Supporting WELL Building Standards
Urban Spring’s Well井 dispensers help properties achieve WELL Building Standards, earning up to three WELL points under categories like W04 and W06 that encourage clean water access. Initiatives like our partnership with Zero2 Rewards are further recognised as innovative strategies that support additional certification goals.
Green-certified buildings improve employee happiness and productivity.2. Sustainable Spaces Boost Business
Sustainability is not just ethical, it’s also financially smart. Certifications such as BEAM Plus, LEED, and
WELL Building Standards demonstrate that green-certified buildings reduce costs, attract high-value tenants, and increase property value in the long run. Studies from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health show employees in green buildings experience a 26% boost in cognitive function and take 30% fewer sick days.
Urban Spring’s Role in Sustainable Spaces
Urban Spring supports sustainable offices with Well井 dispensers, which reduce single-use plastics, lower carbon emissions, and provide clean, filtered water. Our partnerships with property and hospitality groups like Hysan Place, Sino Group, and Dorsett Hospitality help to meet UNSDG goals while creating productive, eco-friendly environments. Since 2023, Urban Spring has seen a 50% increase in water dispenser installations, driven largely by hotels aiming to achieve green certifications and circumvent increasing regulations on single-use plastics.
3. Driving Innovation Through Partnerships
Collaborating with businesses that value social impact pushes us to think creatively and improve.
An example of this is Sino Group’s Supplier Climate Alliance, which unites suppliers to create a green supply chain.
This initiative drives meaningful, long-term sustainability through knowledge sharing and partnership.
Making Impact Visible
Transparency is essential in today’s business world. Our collaboration with Dream Impact resulted in the
Impact Dashboard, which tracks metrics like water use, plastic savings, and carbon reductions. This empowers businesses to measure and share their sustainability efforts clearly. Tools like the Impact Dashboard are invaluable for fulfilling ESG reporting requirements.
Product Innovation with The Ritz-Carlton
Our partnership with The Ritz-Carlton has pushed us to innovate further. The hotel aimed to showcase its sustainability impact in real-time, even with non-IoT water dispensers. In response, we created an entirely new product by adapting our proprietary Smart Hub with a bespoke visualiser display, upgrading a non-IOT-connected water dispenser to a smart water dispenser with real-time impact tracking.