The legacy of human civilization has always been carried forward through stories. Global consensus often begins with vivid sharing of real-world practice. Amid intensifying global challenges, ranging from climate change and ecological degradation to uneven social development, Chinese companies are taking firm actions to fulfill their social responsibilities and writing a new chapter in sustainable development through innovative initiatives.

The Stories of Corporate Social Responsibility in China series remain true to its founding mission to uncover real actions and amplify positive narratives. By crafting stories that are deep in insight and broad in perspective as well as resonate with warmth, we aim to build a bridge for China to engage with the global community and showcase the credible, appealing, and respectable aspects of China through these stories.

The 20th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) emphasized the urgency of accelerating the development of China’s discourse and narrative systems to better tell China’s stories and make China’s voice heard. This sets a clear direction for corporate social responsibility (CSR) communication. As the core driver of national economic and social development, companies are not only key participants in global value chains but also vital representatives of China’s national image. In today’s world where sustainable development has become a prevailing global consensus, CSR has evolved from an optional addition into an essential component of corporate competitiveness. It now serves as a conduit for cross-cultural dialogue and a foundation for shared values. In recent years, Chinese companies have continued to deepen their CSR practices, covering ecological protection, rural vitalization, technological innovation, and social welfare. The growing number of innovative exemplary cases has provided fertile ground for impactful storytelling.

A good CSR story carries the power to touch people’s hearts. It adheres to the following principles: 

1) grounded in facts: using verifiable data and tangible changes to illustrate real contributions;

2) infused with emotion: conveying humanistic care through real-life experiences; 

3) shaped by brand: reflecting the company’s core philosophy and unique character;

4) framed in a global context: interpreting China’s practices through universal values; 

5) illustrated with narrative flow: maintaining engagement through the dynamic tension between challenge and breakthrough, tradition and innovation; and 

6) guided by value: centering on harmony between man and nature while embodying the pursuit of business for good. 

These principles both summarize past communication experience and define the value orientation of CSR storytelling in the new era.

This story collection particularly focuses on the CSR practices of State Grid Corporation of China (State Grid), which carry profound historical significance and contemporary relevance. As the green energy transition becomes a global consensus in addressing climate change and advancing sustainable development, China has taken the lead by building the world’s largest renewable energy system. Behind this achievement stands the robust support of State Grid: from the “green power highway” of ultra-high-voltage transmission lines to smart grids that solve new energy accommodation challenges; and from distributed PV systems empowering rural vitalization to virtual power plants shaping intelligent energy ecosystems. Through technological innovation and a strong sense of responsibility, State Grid has laid a solid foundation for China’s clean energy transformation.

As one of China’s earliest central state-owned enterprises to publish CSR reports, State Grid has long embedded social responsibility into its development strategy and daily operations. Guided by the philosophy of “grounded in shared social responsibility”, State Grid has consistently pioneered innovation in practice, becoming a benchmark and leader in the industry. 

The stories in this collection vividly capture the diverse dimensions of State Grid’s CSR performance. In Zaozhuang, green power has transformed what was once a “Corridor of Floods” into “Land of Milk and Honey”, where barren hills now thrive as “lush mountains”, painting a vibrant picture of ecological prosperity. In Hefei, the “5G + quantum encryption” virtual power plant ensures precise coordination of green energy. In Jiangning, the Green Energy “Synergy Ring” enables smart microgrids to deliver low-carbon and integrated energy for industrial parks. In Huangyan, AI-powered flood prevention radar system and waterproof power equipment safeguard communities from heavy rainfall. In Luqiao, Taizhou, the “Dual-Carbon Brain” and “Electricity Steward” have empowered the new energy vehicle industry to cut costs and accelerate its transformation. In Wuxi, the “Carbon Fashion” platform has converted citizens’ low-carbon actions into tangible rewards. In Xuzhou, the “electric sky eyes” have coordinated with social organizations to forge a lifeline network for drowning prevention. In Tiantai, the “Village-Grid Collaboration” platform has integrated multiple stakeholders to upgrade rural power facilities and introduce the “Three-Color Management” to reduce hazards in the rural market and make everyday life safer. 

These stories span a broad spectrum, from energy supply, ecological protection, industrial empowerment, rural vitalization, to people's livelihood. They not only highlight State Grid’s technological strength and the scale of the world’s largest public utility company but also reflect its spirit of innovation and deep sense of human care.

Beyond State Grid, this collection also features excellent CSR stories from other sectors. Alibaba Health, for instance, tackles the “market failure” of special medical formula for children with rare diseases by blending philanthropic efforts with business innovation, creating a sustainable assistance system for “lemon babies”. Ansteel Mining has devoted itself to ecological restoration over the past two decades. It has transformed the “wasteland of rocks” of a century-old mine into a thriving eco-park filled with fruits and greenery. This transformation stands as a testament to the harmonious coexistence of industrial civilization and ecological conservation.

These stories come from a wide range of industries and sectors, yet they share the same core values of people-oriented development, green growth, and shared success. Together, they paint a diverse and dynamic picture of how Chinese companies fulfill social responsibility. In today’s interconnected world, every CSR story from a Chinese company serves as a window through which the world can better understand China. Through these stories, we aim to showcase the true image of Chinese companies: not merely as drivers of economic growth, but also as guardians of the environment, contributors to society, and pioneers of innovation.

Enduring success is achieved not through solitary excellence, but through collective efforts and shared prosperity. We believe these stories will inspire more companies to embrace their CSR to advance their own development while contributing Chinese wisdom and solutions to global challenges. We also hope these stories transcend borders and cultures, enabling the world to better understand the commitment of Chinese companies and appreciate China’s dedication to sustainable development. Through these efforts, we can gather powerful and collaborative momentum worldwide to jointly create a brighter future where humanity and nature coexist in harmony.

Source: 2025 Stories of Corporate Social Responsibility in China