Business Environment Council (BEC) hosted its 18th Anniversary Gala Dinner with the Hon Mr Edward Yau JP, Secretary for the Environment of the HKSAR Government, as the Guest of Honour. Joining him were 180 policy makers, business and community leaders from local Hong Kong and mainland China in celebration of the milestone. "The BEC has been a valuable partner of the Government in promoting sustainable development and fostering environmental and social responsibility among the business sector," highlighted Mr Yau in his keynote speech.
"Over the years, the Council has taken the lead in encouraging enterprises to uphold practices that help reduce waste, conserve resources and prevent pollution. BEC now has 150 members with a network of over 20,000 organizations in Hong Kong and the Mainland China."
"Faced with increased competition from around the world, many enterprises are on the one hand making every effort to cut costs and increase profits. In the increasingly conscience-focused marketplaces, enterprises are on the other hand obliged to respond to the demand for more environment friendly business processes and actions. By offering professional advice and practical guidance, BEC has not only helped its members realize that a good environmental and social practice is not a burden on businesses, but also empowered them with the capability to achieve savings and improve corporate image by acting green," continued Mr Yau.
"Environmental performance is a rising measure of business success and forward-thinking management. On this front, it is encouraging to witness the pioneering groundwork laid by the Business Environment Council over the past years." Mr Stephen Fong, BEC's Chairman highlighted the indispensable magnitude of sustainability. "There are many reasons to celebrate, additional partnerships, the forging of mainland initiatives and our rewarding journey as our corporations 'walk the talk' together."
Presenting Sponsor, Mrs Elizabeth Lam, President of Du Pont China Limited characterized Du Pont's journey: "Now, we see ourselves in a new phase of sustainability growth, characterized by a holistic approach that is fully integrated into our business models. Late last year, Du Pont announced the 2015 Sustainability Goals. With this new set of goals, we broaden our commitment beyond just resetting our footprint goals to a more stringent level, to include market-facing goals to address safety, environment, energy and climate challenges in the global marketplace."
Dr Andrew Thomson, Chief Executive Officer of BEC, gave an update of BEC's latest development. "As we celebrate 18 years of BEC's achievements, it is crucial that we continue to grow and enhance our offerings. He highlighted BEC's recent initiative, including expansion of operation into the mainland China, in areas such as climate change, and in establishing IAQ (Indoor Air Quality) Solutions Centre in early 2007."
In the celebration of this significant milestone, BEC also revitalized it corporate face with the new Sun logo. The logo's six flares denote sustainability - the 21st Century Agenda which embraces Economic Growth, Eco Efficiency, Social Equality, Partnership and Action.
"BEC has not only served as an information and advisory centre but also a focal point of know-how transfer, exchange of experience and learning from proven cases of best practices. The atmosphere of mutual encouragement, motivation and competition among members is of utmost importance. The good business practices are the most valuable contributions to be shared throughout the business community." Dr Thomson concluded.
About the Business Environment Council (www.bec.org.hk)
The Business Environment Council (BEC) is an independent, non-profit organization set up by business for business as an environmental solutions provider. BEC's services include consultancy, research, training and award programs for companies across all sectors and at any stage of their corporate sustainability journey. BEC is a membership organization based in Hong Kong with offices in Beijing and Shenzhen.
BEC's Council Members include CLP, China Resources Enterprise, Gammon Construction, Great Eagle Company, Hongkong Electric Company, HSBC, Hongkong International Terminals, Jardine Pacific, Kowloon-Canton Railway, KMB, PCCW, Shell, the Swire Group, Modern Terminals and Wheelock. BEC's broader membership extends to a network of more than 20,000 companies.