The economic growth of both Hong Kong and the Pearl River Delta (PRD) and deterioration in air quality are inextricably linked due to the resources and energy consumed to fuel growth resulting in air pollution. Hong Kong suffers from its own power and transport sectors as well as from the downstream air pollution effects from many of the pollution sources in the PRD.
To tackle the air pollution problem, BEC formed the Air Pollution Committee and Business-led Initiative on Air Pollution to identify the issues and solutions from the business perspectives. Our Shenzhen operation offers clean tech, energy efficiency and corporate social responsibility solutions to manufacturers in the Pearl River Delta, in partnership with Shenzhen Energy Saving Association, China Association of Environmental Protection Industry, Jiangsu Province Renewable Energy Association, Peking University and China Environmental Culture Promotion Association of Ministry of Environmental Protection. In addition, we measure, certify and help improve the performance of signatories as part of the certification program of Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce's Clean Air Charter. We also advise and support the FHKI 1-1-1 Environmental Project Program.
There are strong business reasons why Hong Kong must improve its air quality:
- To reduce the costs associated with healthcare and loss of productivity
- To avoid commercial losses in sectors affected by air pollution, like tourism and property
- To maintain investor confidence and regional competitiveness
- To ensure Hong Kong's long-term sustainable development
The main air pollutants are sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen oxides (NOX), respirable suspended particulates (RSP) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These come from the combustion of fossil fuels to produce energy and to meet transport needs. Sources of air emissions are stationary sources (like power plants) and mobile sources (such as vehicles, shipping and aircraft) respectively. Hong Kong also contributes to air pollution through the running of its buildings and infrastructure; many of these problems could be avoided through better energy efficiency and conservation practices.
For more information on air pollution, visit the following pages in this section or feel free to contact Ms Konnie Yu at (852) 2784 3921.