2 Mar 04 - Press Release
Business Sectors Commit to Joint Action on Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development
Today, 33 organisations including private corporations, industry associations, consulates and universities, pledged their support for environmental protection and sustainable development by joining the Business Environment Council (BEC) as Council, SME and Associate members.
At the Welcoming Ceremony for BEC New Members, Mr Andrew Long, Chairman of BEC was pleased to announce that BEC membership extends to 67 organisations, and encouragingly an increasing number of SMEs and SME related associations. He said, “Small and medium enterprises are key to the strength of Hong Kong’s economy. Over the years, BEC has supported many SME initiatives and current programmes include Project Acorn to assist SMEs to develop cost effective environmental management systems, operation of a Green Restaurant hotline, and development of information brochures and bilingual website targeted to SMEs.”
Honourable keynote of the ceremony, Ms Chang King Yiu, JP, Deputy Director of Administration of HKSAR Government explained that the essence of sustainability is to bring together concerned parties with a view to mapping out the long-term goals for the common good of the society.
She added, “We have worked with a number of stakeholders, in particular BEC, on a number of projects aimed at building community awareness of the principles of sustainable development. Besides, regarding to the recent launching of the Sustainable Development fund, we received more than 120 applications from organisations and individuals in this first round of application, which also suggests that there is increasing public awareness of the importance of sustainable development.”
Mr Graig Bradbrook, Head of Safety, Security, Environmental & Planning Services of Airport Authority Hong Kong, emphasized that one of their commitments to achieving excellence is “care for the environment”, which is part of the broader goal of achieving “sustainable growth” at the airport. He said, “Sustainable growth means that in pursuing our economic goals we also ensure that the social and environmental “costs and benefits” of what we do are understood and integrated into the way we carry out our business.”
Mr Joe Ng, Managing Director of California Air Limited pointed out, “Our Company has the mission to create better living environment in Hong Kong. Joining BEC allows us to share the experience amongst all members within the Council and other relevant parties to take part in environment improvement programmes for the benefit of the community, and explore business opportunities in respect of environmental issues.”
Mr Daniel Cheng, Managing Director of Dunwell Enviro-Tech (Holdings) Limited, said, “Believing environmental industry has a promising future, Dunwell acquired the only waste oil re-refinery plant in Yuen Long Industrial Estate in 1993, when environmental protection seemed to be an odd subject for Hong Kong.” Mr Cheng stated that by joining BEC as one of the SME members, Dunwell could contribute from the majority SMEs to the sustainable development of Hong Kong.
Mr Thomas Yeung, Director of Environmental International Limited, said, "Realising that prevention is better than cure, our company provide wide ranging environmental solutions ranging from oil/chemical spill control and preventative consultation, to a new advanced line of Bio-cleaning solutions which are eco-alternatives to the vast volumes of chemicals which flow in and around our planet, causing environmental impact and presenting hazards to animal and wildlife."
Dr John Chai, Executive Director of Fook Tin Technologies Limited, stated that the company views the accomplishment in their environmental performance as an engagement in a long-term commitment to environmental protection and conservation. He added, “The accomplishment could not have been achieved without the dedication of all employees, cooperation of our customers and venders, participation by our local community and invaluable advice given by our auditors.”
Mr Peter Sun, Chairman of Kingdom Fine Metal Limited, emphasised that environmental protection is one of the key elements in their “Corporate Success”. He added, “During the years, Kingdom has actively involved in many workshops, seminars and experience sharing programs with our suppliers and within our industries sector. Also, we have spent effort to provide ECO-solution to our customers. To improve the awareness of environment protection to our next generation, we have arranged many site visits for the teenager and we hope they can learn the Green Earth Concept in a more interesting approach.”
Mr James Kwan, JP, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited, emphasized that their mission is to provide customers with a safe, reliable supply of gas and the caring, competent and efficient service they expect, while working to preserve, protect and improve the environment. He believed, “Our commitment to work towards sustainable development through effectively managed environmental enhancement programmes has contributed to Towngas’ emergence as an industry leader within Hong Kong and forms one of the core values upon which we operate.”
Miss Wong Lai Chun, Executive Director of Hong Kong Housing Society, said, “We believe participation from the community is vital to the preservation of nature. Thus, we promote environmental awareness among our residents actively through various activities, both on our own and in conjunction with the green groups.” Miss Wong added that by joining BEC, Housing Society could reinforce their commitment to caring for the environment and enhancing their social responsibility.
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