117 Companies Recognized for Taking a Low-Carbon Route

117 Hong Kong companies, which pledge their support to actively enhance energy efficiency and reduce carbon emissions, were recognized at the “CarbonSmart Forum cum Partner Commendation Ceremony” today (30 October 2013).

Ms Christine Loh, Under Secretary for the Environment of the HKSAR Government, was the guest-of-honour at the Commendation Ceremony. Representing the organizers, other officiating guests included Mr Tony Lam, Acting Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC); Miss Linda So, Director-General of the Federation of Hong Kong Industries (FHKI); Miss Shirley Yuen, CEO of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC); Mr Cary Chan, member of Board of Directors and Executive Committee of the Business Environment Council (BEC); and CarbonSmart Project Management Committee members Mr Daniel Cheng, Mr Lee Ping-kuen and Dr William Yu.

With the funding support from the Environment and Conservation Fund, the 30-month CarbonSmart Programme commenced in March last year, which includes the Carbon Audit Pilot Fund. To date, 117 companies have successfully applied for the Fund under which around 200 companies from office-based operations, retail, catering and other industry sectors will receive subsidy of up to $30,000 to conduct carbon audit. The Fund is currently open for applications.

Mr Lam said, “Carbon audit is only the first step towards a low carbon future. Sustaining efforts in carbon reduction is more important. In many ways, Hong Kong environmental service providers can play a key role to assist businesses. CarbonSmart offers a platform for more collaboration between environmental industries and businesses.”

Jointly launched by HKPC, FHKI, HKGCC and BEC, the Programme also includes creating a business carbon emission repository, compilation of a carbon management and best practice guide, assistance to companies in identifying suitable environmental service providers, seminars and workshops.

For more information about CarbonSmart and the full commendation list, please visit the website: www.carbonsmart.hk, or contact the programme secretariat at tel.: (852) 2788 6038 or email: carbonsmart@hkpc.org. For other media enquiries, please contact Mr Felix Chan of HKPC’s Corporate Communications Division at tel.: (852) 2788 5036 or email: felixchan@hkpc.org.

* * *

Mr Jonathan Ho 

General Manager

Corporate Communications Division

Hong Kong Productivity Council

Tel: (852) 2788 6390 

Fax: (852) 2788 5056

Email: jonathanho@hkpc.org

Website: www.hkpc.org

30 October 2013

Christine Loh, Under Secretary for the Environment of the HKSAR Government (fourth from right), poses a photo with CarbonSmart organizer representatives and project management committee members