In our Memories
BEC is deeply saddened by the passing away of its Board Director and Membership Committee Chairman Derek Smyth last month. BEC Chairman Prof John Chai delivered a eulogy on behalf of BEC at the memorial service for Derek on 25 October to express our collective appreciation and last respect to him.
BEC News
Submission on Chief Executive Policy Address 2014
BEC submitted a paper, consolidating opinions from BEC members and respective Advisory Group members, to the Chief Executive of the HKSAR Government in view of the announcement of the Policy Address 2014 early next year. The paper consolidated opinions of members on environment and sustainability related topics including waste management, energy policy, building energy efficiency, low carbon transport, Environmental, Social and Governance reporting and performance, climate change and the Harbourfront Authority. It is available for view at BEC website.
BEC Headquarters Transformation Project – Phase 1
BEC Headquarters Transformation Project aims at transforming BEC Headquarters not only into an environmentally responsible and energy efficient building, but also a regional icon with exemplar performance in advocating, promoting, educating and engaging the community in environmental protection and sustainable lifestyle. Following BEC Board approval, the Project will be developed by phases, with the first phase focusing on energy saving features so as BEC Headquarters can achieve Provisional Platinum Rating of BEAM Plus for Existing Buildings. In late October, the works of the first phase formally commenced with an purchase order being placed with Schneider Electric for a number of items, including the upgrading of one of the existing air-cooled chillers of the building into an oil-free air-cooled chiller. By upgrading with this new chiller, energy usage of the air-conditioning system of the building could be reduced by up to 30%.
To know more about the BEC Headquarters Transformation Project, please visit here.
BEC’s Participation in Eco-Expo Asia 2013
As in previous year, BEC supports and serves as one of the Task Force members of Eco-Expo Asia. Recognised as one of the leading trade fair for green business in Asia, Eco-Expo Asia 2013 held on 28 to 31 October 2013 serves as a platform for converging government, associations, industry players and environmental experts to share green technologies and solutions.
During this four-day event, BEC introduced its core services and membership structure to industry practitioners and the general public.
31 October 2013: Dialogue with Secretary for the Environment
BEC organised “Dialogue with Secretary for the Environment” for Environmental Protection Department of HKSAR Government on 31 October. The objective of this activity is to provide secondary school students with learning opportunity through idea exchange on environmental-related issues with Mr K S Wong, the Secretary for the Environment.
Over 400 students from 19 local secondary schools joined this meaningful activity, and expressed their strong interests in various environmental topics by actively participating in the dialogue.
BEC IEE Education Programmes in November 2013 to January 2014
From November 2013 to January 2014, BEC IEE will offer a number of education programmes covering green building & energy efficiency, indoor air quality, environmental management & policy, Environmental, Social and Governance reporting, and green living for business executives and decision makers to enhance their environmental knowledge. To view the programme details and schedules, please visit BEC website. For registration and enquiry, please contact Dr Veronica Chan at 2784 3937 or beciee@bec.org.hk.
Invitation to Public Forums on Harbourfront Authority from the HKSAR Government
The Development Bureau (DEVB) and the Harbourfront Commission will undertake a 2-phase Public Engagement Exercise to listen to public’s view on the proposed Harbourfront Authority setup to develop and manage the harbourfront sites in a holistic manner.
The Phase 1 Public Engagement Exercise was launched on 4 October 2013 and a total of 4 public forums will be organised till 4 January 2014. All members of the public are welcome to attend the public forums, which details can be found here.
BEC Event
23 October 2013: BEC Leadership Networking Series
BEC members and guests were inspired by Hong Kong Jockey Club’s (HKJC) sharing on their green journey at its headquarters building on 23 October 2013.
Mrs Mimi Cunningham, Director of Human Resources and Sustainability of HKJC, shared the Club’s story on green movement and introduced its latest sustainability reporting to participants. Participants then toured the Green Place of HKJC to understand more about its energy efficiency enhancement and carbon emissions reduction efforts. They were joined by more members and guests during the networking time at HKJC’s stylish lounge while enjoying the excitement of horse racing.
BEC Upcoming Events
21 November 2013: Industry Visit to Kowloon City Sewage Pumping Station 1 and Station 2
BEC will organise an Industry Visit to Kowloon City Sewage Pumping Station 1 and Station 2 to know more about the greening and the green measures in the sewerage facilities of Drainage Services Department.
The Department has been putting much focus on enhancing existing green areas and maximising greening in its sewerage facilities. In aligning with the objective of Kai Tak Development of building a green web for sustainable development and providing quality living environment, the Department introduces greening measures in Kowloon City Sewage Pumping Station 1 and Station 2 to bring about aesthetic and environmental benefits to the surroundings and nearby residents.
For registration and enquiry, please contact Ms Amy Ma at 2784 3960 or amy@bec.org.hk
22 November 2013: BEC EnviroSeries Conference “The Future of Hong Kong Energy – Reliable, Affordable and Low Carbon”
The growing demand for energy to support our city’s continuous development, combined with a need to reduce our emissions and sustain the environment, calls for a collective effort and leadership at all levels in Hong Kong for our sustainable energy future. In this Conference, BEC will line up a strong panel of experts and practitioners to share their insights on energy generation, as well as the energy management approach, technologies and practical steps that will help us convert intent into actions and stay ahead of future challenges. Miss Vivian Lau, JP, Deputy Secretary for the Environment, will be the Keynote Speaker of the Conference.
Please click here for registration and the tentative programme rundown. For any enquiries, you may contact Ms Amy Chung at 2784 3942 or amyc@bec.org.hk.
28 November 2013: BEC Leadership Networking Series
BEC Leadership Networking Series serves as an exchange platform for its members to meet liked-minded business leaders and industry practitioners in an open and relaxing atmosphere. In November, BEC member Veolia Environnement will talk about “Preserving our Valuable Water Resource – Preventive and Proactive”, and senior officials from Water Supplies Department of HKSAR Government will share its experience in a trial scheme on online pump scheduling optimisation.
To register for this event, please click here.
11 December 2013: BEC Seasonal Cocktail
BEC will organise a Seasonal Cocktail on 11 December 2013 to celebrate the festive season with members and guests at BEC headquarters. Invitations will be on its way. Please take note of your mailbox.
BEC Members Corner
Hang Lung First to Achieve Gold Rating of Provisional Assessment under BEAM Plus
BEC’s Council Member Hang Lung Properties’ prestigious office building, Standard Chartered Bank Building, achieved the Gold Rating of Provisional Assessment under the BEAM Plus EB version 1.2 of the Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC). It is the first existing building in Hong Kong to achieve this recognition.
Consistently placing a high priority on sustainability, the Company has always designated sufficient resources to improving the environmental performance of its investment property portfolio. The Standard Chartered Bank Building has been assessed by BEAM Society with regard to the requirements of BEAM Plus: site aspects, material aspects, water use, energy use, indoor environmental quality, and so on.
BEAM Plus is a comprehensive environmental assessment scheme recognised by the HKGBC. Projects registered for BEAM Plus certification have to undergo a series of assessments including the projects’ operation & maintenance, waste management, energy efficiency and indoor environmental quality. As well as the Standard Chartered Bank Building, another major property of the Company, The Peak Galleria, has achieved the Silver Rating of Provisional Assessment under BEAM Plus EB Version 1.1. The projects target to undergo final assessment in 2015 and 2014 respectively.
For more details, please click here to visit Hang Lung’s corporate website.
Legal Update on Air Pollution Control (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2013 by Mayer Brown JSM
BEC’s General Member Mayer Brown JSM recently issued a legal update titled “Air Pollution Control (Amendment) (No. 2) Bill 2013: Ban on the Use, Supply, Import and Transhipment of Asbestos or Asbestos Containing Material” (“Bill”). The update can be found here. The Bill seeks to amend the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap. 311) (APCO) by prohibiting the use, supply, import and transhipment of all types of asbestos or asbestos-containing material under the new section 80 of the APCO. It also seeks to make the relevant amendments to the Factories and Industrial Undertakings (Asbestos) Regulation by prohibiting the use of all types of asbestos in industrial undertakings. The Bill underwent a first reading in the Legislative Council on 23 October 2013 and may undergo further readings before it is passed. We will issue further updates when any new developments are known.
“BEC Members Corner” is dedicated for BEC members to introduce their recent achievements, success stories, innovative ideas or solutions in environmental sustainability. To submit an article, please provide your English write-up with maximum 200 words to us, who will reserve the rights of editing and publishing. The submission deadline for upcoming BEC e-Newsletter is 20 November 2013 (Wednesday).
To submit an article or enquire about this section, please contact Ms Joey Hui (joey@bec.org.hk).
BEC Members Update
Please join BEC in welcoming the following members:
General Member
GP Batteries International Limited
Ocean Park Corporation
(Listed in alphabetical order of the companies’ name)
CCBF and HBF Update
To learn about the latest news and activities of BEC’s initiatives Climate Change Business Forum (CCBF) and Harbour Business Forum (HBF), please click on the links below to visit their respective websites.
BEC Supporting Events
| 7 – 9 Nov 2013 | Certified Carbon Auditor Professional (CAP) 3-Day Program for Professional Certification |
| 7 – 9 Nov 2013 | The third Green Industry Conference (GIC) |
| 11 – 14 Nov 2013 | The Certified Energy Manager (CEM®) Program for Professional Certification |
| 15 Nov 2013 | A Renewable Energy Future: When, how & the cost |
| 20 – 22 Nov 2013 | Urban Underground Space and Tunnelling |
| 29 – 22 Nov 2013 | Social Enterprise Summit 2013 |
| 2 Dec 2013 | NAMI Showcase 2013 |
| 4 – 7 Dec 2013 | InnoAsia 2013: Towards a Smart Green City Agenda |