BEC Monthly Features
Submissions to the Environmental Protection Department and Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited
On 5 October 2015, BEC made a submission to the Environmental Protection Department in response to the Legislative Proposals on Regulation of Edible Fats and Oils and Recycling of "Waste Cooking Oils” and invited the public to provide views on the proposed regulatory framework. BEC strongly supports the proposal to regulate the use and disposal of edible fats and oils. It shares the Government’s views on the importance of high food safety standards in relation to locally produced fats and oils as well as imported products.
On 17 September 2015, BEC made a submission to Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (“HKEx”) in response to the Consultation Paper on Review of the Environmental, Social and Governance Reporting Guide (the “Guide”). BEC supports HKEx’s proposed changes to the Guide with the aim of strengthening environmental, social and governance (“ESG”) disclosure requirements and encouraging more widespread and standardised ESG reporting amongst issuers. The full submission is available on BEC website.
BEC Participates in Eco Expo Asia 2015
BEC will participate in the Eco Expo Asia 2015, which is to be held at AsiaWorld-Expo, Lantau during 28 – 31 October 2015. Please visit our booth, located at 3-D32, Hall 3, with your colleagues and friends during the Expo.
Eco Expo Asia is one of the leading exhibitions showcasing the latest environmental protection technologies, services and products. It is also an excellent platform for industry players, business executives and environmental experts to explore cooperation opportunities. Please click here for full details about Eco Expo Asia 2015.
BEC Upcoming Events
BEC, the European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao, the Consulate-General of France in Hong Kong & Macau, the German Consulate-General in Hong Kong and the British Consulate-General in Hong Kong will jointly organise an event on 20 October 2015, to discuss the significance of the 21st session of the Conference of the Parties (“COP21”): the importance of reaching an agreement to tackle climate change, the possible outcomes of COP21 and implications for business and the wider community. The discussion will also cover what Hong Kong should do about climate change and what business can do in advance.
The following speakers and panelists will share their views on COP21:
- Ms. Christine Loh, Under Secretary for the Environment
- Ms. Vicky Pollard, First Counsellor Environment & Climate Change, Delegation of the EU to China and Mongolia
- Ms. Lilas Bernheim, Deputy Consul General, Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macau
- Dr. Jeanne Ng, Director – Group Sustainability, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited
- Mr. Gavin Edwards, Director of Conservation, WWF Hong Kong
Please contact Ms. Jill Chow (T. 2784 3942 | E. jill@bec.org.hk) for registration. For more information, please visit BEC website (http://bec.org.hk/events-current/climate-change-crunch-time-in-paris---whats-at-stake-in-paris-prospects-implications-and-possible-outcomes).
27 November 2015: BEC EnviroSeries Conference “Eco-innovation in the Transition to a Low Carbon and Resource Efficiency Economy”
Hong Kong ranks 11th on a recent Global Innovation Index covering 141 economies globally. How is Hong Kong performing in terms of eco-innovation? Transition to a low carbon sustainable economy brings considerable business potential to develop new products and implement new technologies. What is the role of the government in supporting and accelerating eco-innovation? How can the business community work together to grasp these opportunities?
The upcoming BEC EnviroSeries Conference will bring together industry experts, policy makers, business leaders and academics to discuss and explore innovative solutions and technologies that can reduce carbon footprints, save energy and increase resource efficiency in buildings and transport, as well as facilitate sustainable development of our city and contribute to the strength of Hong Kong’s economy.
For sponsorship and speaking opportunities, please contact Ms. Phoebe Hung (T. 2784 3968 | E. phoebe@bec.org.hk).
BEC News
BEC Won Gold Award in GREENPLUS Award 2015
On 22 September, BEC was awarded the Gold Award in the ‘Bank and Office’ category of CLP’s GREENPLUS Award 2015. The Award recognised BEC’s efforts towards energy saving and encouraging environmentally friendly behaviour in the workplace.
BEC Past Events
17 September 2015: BEC Anniversary Dinner 2015
BEC hosted the 2015 Anniversary Dinner to celebrate another successful year with members and partners at JW Marriott Hong Kong. The Dinner attracted about 380 guests including senior government officials, business executives and industry experts.
Mr. K S Wong, Secretary for the Environment, delivered a keynote speech at the Dinner to recognise BEC’s efforts in promoting environmental excellence.
18 September 2015: BEC Industry Visit to Green Management Facilities in Olympian City
Participants visited an in-building hydropower system which supplies electricity to the lighting system of the building. Representatives of Sino Group demonstrated the process of turning food waste into fertilizer with food waste decomposer as well as the grease and waste oil collection procedure. Participants were impressed by various waste management measures and energy-saving facilities implemented by the company.
5 October 2015: BEC Industry Visit to Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel
Hong Kong Disneyland Resort introduced the company’s sustainability initiatives which help save water, energy and food waste. The participants were inspired by such efforts.
BEC Partnership Programmes
BEC Biodiversity Ambassador Training Programme: Marine Biodiversity Conservation
In October 2015, BEC initiated its first advocacy programme on biodiversity conservation, entitled “BEC Biodiversity Ambassador Training Programme: Marine Biodiversity Conservation”. The Programme is funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund and the Environmental Campaign Committee, and with the support from the Ocean Park Conservation Fund Hong Kong.
BEC members are welcome to join the Programme and become ambassadors to take part in various activities including the marine biodiversity conservation day, BEC Biodiversity Ambassador workshops, roving exhibitions on “Marine Biodiversity Conservation” and BEC Biodiversity Ambassadors’ sharing sessions.
For further information about the Programme, please contact Ms. Sylvia Mok (T. 2784 3941 | E. biodiversity@bec.org.hk), or visit BEC website (http://bec.org.hk/our-professional-services/bec-biodiversity-ambassador-training-programme-marine-biodiversity-conservation).
BEC Low-carbon School – Eco Expo Asia 2015
Funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund and the Environmental Campaign Committee, “BEC Low-carbon School – Eco Expo Asia 2015” aims to raise awareness on environmental protection and sustainability, as well as promote low-carbon behaviour to secondary school students in Hong Kong. A series of activities, including Dialogue with Secretary for the Environment, guided tours during Eco Expo Asia 2015, Inter-school Low-carbon Living Micro-film Competition, winter fun fair and seminars, will be organised from July 2015 to March 2016.
For more information, please contact Ms. Joanne Chan (T. 2784 3975 | E. bec.lcs@bec.org.hk) or Ms. Sze Yuen (T. 2784 3916 | E. bec.lcs@bec.org.hk), or visit BEC website (http://bec.org.hk/our-professional-services/bec-low-carbon-school).
Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material/event do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, the Environment and Conservation Fund and Environmental Campaign Committee.
Information for BEC Members
BEC Supports the First Biodiversity Festival in Hong Kong
BEC is pleased to be a supporting organisation of the first Biodiversity Festival in Hong Kong.
To raise public interest in local biodiversity, the Environment Bureau, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department, local universities and non-governmental organisations jointly organise Hong Kong Biodiversity Festival 2015. More than 120 activities will be offered from late August to November. With the theme of "Cherish Nature", the festival will feature activities ranging from a carnival, family days, exhibitions, public lectures and seminars, to workshops, nature tours, competitions and voluntary service that are suitable for members of the public of different ages. Please click http://www.afcd.gov.hk/hkbf for further details.
Services for BEC Members and Companies
Venue Hire at BEC Headquarters
To facilitate the sharing of knowledge and best practices, venues and facilities at BEC Headquarters are available for members and companies for organising events relating to environmental protection and sustainability. To know more about the rates and other details, please visit BEC website (http://bec.org.hk/files/images/aboutus/Office_location/BEC_Venue_Rate_Card_August2015.pdf) or contact BEC Events and Communications Team (T. 2784 3942 | E. venue@bec.org.hk).
Green Technology Corner – Showcase at BEC Headquarters
The Green Technology Corner at BEC Headquarters offers opportunities for members to showcase their green technologies and products to business leaders and sustainability professionals. Please contact Ms. Bonnie Ho (T. 2787 3951 | E. bonnie@bec.org.hk) to secure the showcasing opportunity.
BEC IEE Training Courses
BEC Institute for Environmental Education ("BEC IEE") will organise various environmental training courses during November 2015 to January 2016 as follows:
Towards Sustainability – Best Practice for Sustainable Procurement (6 November 2015) – Sustainable procurement has become one of the key components among businesses in achieving sustainability. The course is suitable for those who are responsible for procurement policy as well as those who engage in procurement on a day-to-day basis. Participants can learn how to implement best practices of sustainable procurement in business operations with a straightforward and cost-effective manner.
Innovative Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Monitoring (4 December 2015) – Traditionally, the IEQ assessment requires a pool of professionals, technical equipment and a series of complex numerical equations. A user-friendly IEQ benchmarking calculator mobile application has been developed to simplify the assessment process. By inputting basic information, users can have a preliminary idea of the IEQ of their building premises and benchmark against similar types of environment. This course covers the design, development and application of this innovative IEQ benchmarking calculator.
Towards Sustainability – Sustainable Building Management (2nd Intake) (8 January 2016) – Effective sustainable property management practices are very important for maximising efficiency on energy and water use in both new and existing buildings. This course offers up-to-date information and best practices on sustainable building management.
Best Practices for Energy Management (22 January 2016) – Hong Kong currently has over 40,000 existing buildings that account for 92% of total electricity demand in the territory. Good practices in energy management are necessary for reducing electricity consumption and save costs. This 3-hour course offers an overview on current practices for achieving effective energy management.
Visit BEC website now for outlines and schedules of BEC IEE courses. Please contact Dr. Veronica Chan (T. 2784 3937 | E. beciee@bec.org.hk) for registration and enquiry.
BEC Members Corner
Research Shows Fans Save Energy Cost
According to a white paper jointly released by Big Ass Fans and Mason & Hanger Group Inc., overhead fans can reduce the consumption of air conditioning without sacrificing comfort. The study of Campbellsville High School in the USA concluded that two large-diameter fans in the auditorium were proved to thoroughly distribute comfortable airflow and reduce expensive air conditioning by increasing temperature set point, while decreasing the stress on the aging HVAC system. The white paper can be obtained with the link at http://info.bigassfans.com/l/11152/2015-07-22/38m62f.
"BEC Members Corner" is dedicated to BEC members for the purpose of introducing their recent achievements, success stories, innovative ideas or solutions on environmental sustainability. Members are invited to provide us with an English write-up with about 100 words, which BEC will reserve the rights of editing and publishing. The submission deadline for the next E-newsletter is 30 October 2015 (Friday).
Please contact Ms. Joey Hui (T. 2784 3958 | E. joey@bec.org.hk) if you are interested in contributing an article.
BEC Members Update
Please join us in welcoming the following new members:
Corporate Members
Mott MacDonald Hong Kong Limited
Shun Tak Holdings Limited
Waihong Environmental Services Limited
General Members
Aquaculture Technologies Asia Limited
Farbo Uniforms
Legend World Technology Development Limited
Pyrofoe Engineers Limited
Turret Technical Service Limited
BEC Supporting Events
| Date | Event | Organiser |
| 22 August – 15 November 2015 |
Hong Kong Biodiversity Festival 2015 http://bec.org.hk/events-current/hong-kong-biodiversity-festival-2015 |
Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department |
| 19 September - 21 November 2015 |
Hong Kong Cleanup http://bec.org.hk/events-archives/hong-kong-cleanup-2015 |
Ecozine and The Nature Conservancy |
| 15 October 2015 |
Inaugural Zero Carbon Building Conference http://bec.org.hk/events-current/inaugural-zero-carbon-building-conference |
Construction Industry Council and Zero Carbon Building |
| 28 - 31 Oct 2015 |
Eco Expo Asia 2015 http://bec.org.hk/events-current/eco-expo-asia-2015 |
Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd |
| 29 – 30 October 2015 |
The WorldGBC Congress 2015 Hong Kong “Thinking Beyond: Pathway to Future Sustainable City Development” http://bec.org.hk/events-current/the-worldgbc-congress-2015-hong-kong-thinking-beyond-pathway-to-future-sustainable-city-development |
Construction Industry Council and Hong Kong Green Building Council |
| 30 October 2015 |
Launching Ceremony on Hong Kong Product Carbon Footprint Label http://bec.org.hk/events-current/launching-ceremony-on-hong-kong-product-carbon-footprint-label |
The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong |
| 1 – 2 November 2015 |
Social Enterprise Summit 2015 http://bec.org.hk/events-current/social-enterprise-summit-2015 |
Hong Kong Social Entrepreneurship Form and The Hong Kong Policy Research Foundation Limited |
| 14 November 2015 |
Hong Kong Youth Environmental Summit 2015 http://bec.org.hk/events-current/hong-kong-youth-environmental-summit-2015 |
Conservation International and The Nature Conservancy |
| 16 November 2015 | 30th BEAM Pro Training & Examination | BEAM Society Limited |
| 24 November 2015 |
Global Leader Series Talk - The New World of Energy: digital, local, consumer focused and more sustainable http://bec.org.hk/events-current/global-leader-series-talk---the-new-world-of-energy-digital-local-consumer-focused-and-more-sustainable |
CUHK Business School |
| 3 – 5 December 2015 |
11th HKTDC InnoDesignTech Expo http://bec.org.hk/events-current/11th-hktdc-innodesigntech-expo |
Hong Kong Trade Development Council |
| 5 December 2015 |
CEEAA 20th Anniversary Conference “Development vs Conservation: Is Engineering a Solution?” http://bec.org.hk/events-current/ceeaa-20th-anniversary-conference |
The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Civil and Environmental Engineering Alumni Association |
| 2014 – 2015 |
"Let's Save 10L Water" Campaign |
Water Supplies Department, Hong Kong SAR Government |
| 2014 – 2015 |
HSBC Water Programme for Industrial Water Management http://bec.org.hk/events-current/hsbc-water-programme-for-industrial-water-management |
Hong Kong Productivity Council |
| December 2015 – February 2016 | 2015-16 Hong Kong & Shenzhen Bi-City Biennale of Urbanism/ Architecture (Hong Kong) | The Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation, The Hong Kong Institute of Architects, Hong Kong Institute of Planners, Hong Kong Designers Association, Shenzhen Biennale of Urbanism/ Architecture Organising Committee |
| 13 – 20 January 2016 |
The Certified Energy Manager (CEM®) Program for Professional Certification http://bec.org.hk/events-current/the-certified-energy-manager-cem-program-for-professional-certification-20160113 |
Hong Kong Association of Energy Engineers |
| 21 – 23 January 2016 |
Certified Carbon Auditor Professional (CAP) 3-Day Program for Professional Certification http://bec.org.hk/events-current/certified-carbon-auditor-professional-cap-3-day-program-for-professional-certification-20160121 |
Hong Kong Association of Energy Engineers |
| 2015 – 2016 | Environmental Education Creative Competition 2015 | Graphic Arts Association of Hong Kong |
| 2015 – 2016 | The 6th Hong Kong Corporate Citizenship Program | Hong Kong Productivity Council |