Listed below are columns and interviews that BEC contributed to Chinese and English media.


Achieving a low carbon festival together
Capital: Entrepreneur, P.57 (December Issue 2009)

Estrid Wai, BEC’s Head of Communications and Marketing contributed to the magazine's regular column on ideas we can readily adopt to make our Christmas and New Year celebrations green and friendly to our environment. Four major strategies have been raised in the passage: eco-friendly meal, green purchasing, energy efficient decorative lights and forest-saving Christmas trees. It is high time for us to keep abreast with the trend of low carbon living by greening our festival.


Quality of air: Let’s create an international city together
Capital: Entrepreneur, P.57 (November Issue 2009)

Estrid Wai, BEC’s Head of Communications and Marketing contributed to the magazine's regular column on methods we may adopt to improve our air quality and maintain our competitiveness as an international city. In 2006, World Health Organization experts warned that current air pollution in the world is damaging our health. It is estimated that 2 million people around the globe died each year out of disease caused by air pollutants. Details from the consultation document on air quality issued by the government were explained as well.


Climate change: crisis and business opportunities
Capital: Entrepreneur, P.57 (October Issue 2009)

Estrid Wai, BEC's Head of Communications and Marketing contributed to the magazine's regular column on supporting business to grab the opportunity in addressing the challenges and crisis associated with climate change. Finland, the first country who introduced carbon tax to discourage emission in 1990s has been used as example to explain those who took a step ahead to address the issue. In 2007, global tax on carbon emission was urged in the United Nations while the World Bank reported a growing market of US$64 billion in the global carbon market the same year. The commitment that Hong Kong leading corporations has showed by joining 500 companies from around the world in signing The Copenhagen Communiqué recently was also mentioned.


Leading business towards sustainability
Graphic Arts Association Bulletin, P.18-21 (October Issue 2009)

Estrid Wai, BEC's Head of Communications and Marketing was interviewed and featured in the monthly bulletin of Graphic Arts Association of Hong Kong. She shared her experience in educating business the idea of corporate sustainability and how it could go hand in hand with business development. The story also described the work and vision of BEC, the 3P (Profit, Planet and People) concept in sustainability as well as the change in people’s perception towards sustainability over the years.


Business Environment Council: No Free Lunch for Environmental Protection
Hong Kong Economic Journal, (11 September 2009)

Andrew Thomson, BEC’s CEO expressed his views over the air pollution of Hong Kong in this half-page supplement. He supports for the government’s consultation on Air Pollution Index and says that he is concerned about the road-side pollution situation. He reminds the public that there is no free lunch in protecting our environment and the cost should be shared by everyone in society. An increase in bus fare to improve the environmental performance of our bus fleet is quoted as an example.


Building an ideal green city
Capital: Entrepreneur, P71 (August Issue)

Estrid Wai, BEC's Head of Communications and Marketing contributed to the magazine's regular column on building an ideal green city by moving towards a sustainable built environment. The current situation is unsatisfying with – heat island, walled effect, inadequate ventilation, and energy inefficiency exist widely. To maintain the competitiveness of Hong Kong, we have to consider the sustainability of an entire neighborhood while doing new development projects.


Buy green, buy less
PEAK Magazine, P36 (August Issue)

Estrid Wai, BEC's Head of Communications and Marketing contributed to the magazine's regular column on sustainable consumption – buy green and buy less. She shares her experience as a regular consumer of organic and locally manufactured green products. Benefits, in terms of environmental and health aspect were highlighted.


BEC advocates environmental protection and producer responsibility
e-brand awards supplement (August)

Justin Li, BEC’s Head of Environmental Management was interviewed and shared his insights on the growing business opportunities in low-carbon economy and responsible production. He reminds that corporate end-users and retailers in Western countries are growing more environmental conscious and the trend will increase further, particularly after the Copenhagen Communiqué. He states that early conversion to better producer responsibility enable business to step ahead of the others in capturing this emerging market.


Corporate social responsibility is an important business management strategy
Ming Pao, E2 (29 July 2009)

Justin Li, BEC's Head of Environmental Management was interviewed by Ming Pao and shared his views on the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) trends in a special supplement. “Striking a good balance between these three aspects: environment, economy and society are the key in a successful CSR strategy”, he said. Profit was considered to be the prime focus of businesses, but now the situation is no longer the same. Businesses have begun to realize that climate change is an important area that they need to address. There are both risks and opportunities that they need to respond or address proactively. They are seeing combating climate change, reducing greenhouse gas emissions as part of their overall corporate sustainability vision or efforts. He highlighted the benefits from the commitment both in terms of tangible gain (e.g. 30% electric charges will be saved by using energy saving bulb) and intangible gain (i.e. brand image, employee’s loyalty, corporate culture etc.). The support from top management as an important factor contributing to the success of a CSR policy is also emphasized.


Corporate environmental management must not be neglected
Capital Entrepreneur, P.91 (July Issue 2009)

Estrid Wai, BEC's Head of Communications and Marketing contributed to the magazine's regular column on the rising importance of corporate environmental management. She pointed out that environmental management system is a most useful but much neglected tool to help maintain a robust green operational system to save energy costs, office resources as well as improving efficiency and conserving our environment.


Environmental Performance Grand Award
NowTV (8, 11 & 12 July 2009)

Justin Li, BEC's Head of Environmental Management explained why, what and how corporations can do to introduce and implement effective environmental and social responsibility programs as part of their business strategies that meet their economic and development needs while sustaining resources for future generations. Shining examples from outstanding green businesses was part of the sharing.


Lean, Green Businesses
CNN (Available online since 5 July 2009)

Dr. Andrew Thompson, BEC's CEO, highlighted that wise green investment will save money for a longer term in a CNN interview (2:34 mins) on its internet about green business. He talked about why, how and what business have done, can do and should do as a business case for sustainable development.


High and Dry (IAQ solutions centre)
SCMP, C7 (12 June 2009)

The team at Indoor Air Quality solutions centre, runs by BEC offers 12 daily tips to minimize the moisture content at home or office. For instance, put clothes away dry because storing damp clothes is likely promote mould growth etc.


Green Business in Hong Kong
RTHK (8 May 2009)

Dr. Andrew Thomson, CEO of BEC was interviewed by a RTHK programme – Pulse that aired in ATV World and TVB Pearl. “If we can do green buildings in the right way, we’re going to stimulate a lot of green jobs, and stimulate a green economy. That’s very clear. Energy efficiency is one dimension, water conservation, green roof and solar power are some of the focus areas,” said Thomson. (For the program archive, please visit: http://www.rthk.org.hk/rthk/tv/thepulse/20090508.html)


Green is Good
HK Magazine, P.12 (4 May 2009)

David Brown, Head of Building & Energy Efficiency at BEC shared his views on growing trend of Green Building in a story of HK Magazine. “Businesses are taking initiative and work with us to improve the environmental aspect in their building projects. Now, International companies are looking to set up their offices in green buildings, so it’s in the developers’ interests to follow the trend and maintain their competitiveness,” said Brown.

The number of green buildings in Hong Kong is steadily increasing. There are at least 170 noted green buildings in Hong Kong, comprising 7.2 million sq.ft. office space and 36,000 residential units.


Business Environment Council celebrates its 20th anniversary, leading business towards environmental protection and a green city
Prime Magazine, P.90-91 (May Issue 2009)

BEC co-organized the Prime Awards for Eco-Business Award and helped with the assessment. In the 2-page story, Dr. Andrew Thomson, CEO of BEC, said that one of the key focus areas of BEC this year will be green building as BEC and BEAM Society are part of the founding members of the Hong Kong Green Building Council. He also highlighted the business opportunities and gain by adopting green strategies in building.


Paperless office becomes a trend
Capital Weekly, P.52-53 (25 April 2009)
Capital, P.74 (May Issue 2009)

Justin Li, Head of Environmental Management of Business Environment Council was interviewed for the story on paperless office in Hong Kong. Paper consumption is high due to easy printing. Yet, the mindset has now changed, “Many companies reduce paper consumption voluntarily now,” he said. Consumption of paper leads to carbon emission and one of the focuses of BEC this year is on the promotion of paperless office.


Reducing emission brings high return at low risk
Hong Kong Economic Journal, P.33 (14 April 2009)

Dr. Andrew Thomson, CEO of Business Environment Council, shared with Hong Kong Economic Journal his experiences in running green-promotion business over the past 20 years. He said that in the 80’s, companies do environmental protection passively for the sake of regulatory demand, and they only focused on the manufacturing process. In the 90’s, environmental protection is being widely promoted, and now, sustainability efforts are being recognized by society. Enterprises are viewing it from the context of business ethics and public relations, and respond the social demand proactively.

The story also covered how he promote corporate sustainability, and encourage companies to adopt green concepts, “Climate Change is one of the issues that catch the eyes of enterprises in Hong Kong, However, rooms are still there for businesses learn about the risk and opportunities arising from climate change.” he said.


Carbon conscious calculations lead to low carbon lifestyles and business models
Cable TV (4 April 2009)

Dr. Andrew Thomson, CEO of Business Environment Council, was interviewed by Cable TV on carbon emission reduction. Thomson commented that the Hong Kong Government’s procedure to calculate carbon emissions might not be an accurate measurement. The program also featured BEC member Cary Chan from Swire Properties, and Joe Ng from California Air who both shared business cases on carbon emission reduction.


Business sector adopts measurements to reduce carbon emissions
am730, P.13 (2 April 2009)

Ciara Shannon, Director of Climate Change Business Forum said that many enterprises have been working out their measurements on emission reductions. She is looking forward to seeing more green jobs, like energy auditors and engineers, as the understanding of energy efficiency as a cost saving strategy among enterprises increased. The environment will benefit from it, and we will soon achieve a “low carbon Hong Kong”.


Business Environment Council Builds Eco Education Centre and Celebrates its 20th Anniversary
Capital Entrepreneur, P.42-43 (April Issue 2009)

Dr. Andrew Thomson, CEO of BEC, shared BEC’s plan for its 20th Anniversary, including: 1) renovating Jockey Club Environmental Building to establish an eco-education centre, showcasing the latest green technology 2) EnviroSeries in mid September 3) 20th Anniversary Gala Dinner in the 4th quarter. He also mentioned that BEC would engage in activities and education projects to promote sustainability.


Green Mindset – Implement Corporate Social Responsibility and tap the untapped business opportunities
Media Planet - HKEJ Supplement Green Business (11 March 2009)

Hong Kong Economic Journal published a supplement of 12 pages on “Green Enterprises” with the foreword by Dr. Andrew Thomson, the CEO of Business Environment Council. The story included the ideas and works of BEAM and a few members of BEC such as Jebsen and Alliance Construction Materials.


Businesses strives to reduce carbon to regain blue skies
Capital Magazine, P.98-100 (March Issue 2009)

Ciara Shannon, director of Climate Change Business Forum, looked forward to the success of the COP 15th (the 15th meeting of Conference of the Parties that will be held in Copenhagen in December) in reaching a consensus to further combat global warming. She thinks Hong Kong can consider introducing carbon tax as well as becoming a carbon trade centre.


The greenest office: No office at all?
CNN.com (18 Jan 2009)

One idea gathering momentum for greening office space is to retrofit them to make them more energy-efficient. "But costs vary greatly, says Andrew Thomson, chief executive officer of the Hong Kong-based Business Environment Council (BEC). The point is what work is actually being done. "There is always cost, but the question is what the payback is".

Green events in Asia -CEI Asia's sustainability experts
CEI Asia, pp35 (Dec/Jan 2009)

Carbon and the events industry
CEI Asia, pp45 (Dec/Jan 2009)

The growth of sustainability business
CEI Asia, pp52 (Dec/ Jan 2009)

Leading the way with caring heart
The Record, P10-17 (6 Jan 2009)

When green stepped onto the catwalk
The Peak Hong Kong Magazine, P33 (January 2009)
In this one-page column, Dr Andrew Thomson, CEO of BEC shares his views on green fashion and various initiatives including its carbon neutrality.