BEC Monthly Features
16 December 2015: BEC Seasonal Cocktail
Business leaders, government officials, sustainability professionals and academics joined BEC Seasonal Cocktail on 16 December 2015 to celebrate the festive season together.
Ms Anissa Wong, Permanent Secretary for the Environment and Director of Environmental Protection, Mr Chung-leung Wong, Deputy Director of Water Supplies and Mr Simon Chan, Assistant Director (Conservation) of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department joined a toasting session with BEC Chairman, Board Directors, CEO and key partners to celebrate the festive season. Looking forward, BEC will continue to engage various stakeholders in promoting and supporting the development of Hong Kong’s environmental sustainability. We wish everyone a joyful holiday season and a prosperous year ahead!
BEC Launched Hong Kong Climate Resilience Roadmap for Business
On 1 December 2015, BEC revealed the Hong Kong Climate Resilience Roadmap for Business, which draws out the action that businesses need to take to ensure resilience in the face of inevitable climate change, as well as measures by the Government to facilitate effective action. Ms Christine Loh, JP, Acting Secretary for the Environment of the HKSAR Government and Mr Chi-ming Shun, Director of the Hong Kong Observatory were the keynote speakers during the launch event.
Developed by BEC Climate Change Business Forum Advisory Group, the Roadmap highlights the impact of climate change on Hong Kong, analyses the risks to the city’s six key business sectors: transport, property, construction, manufacturing, finance and energy, and provides a set of recommendations. Full
Report and Executive Summary are available on BEC website.
BEC in the News
Following the launch of BEC’s Hong Kong Climate Resilience Roadmap for Business on 1 December 2015, there has been news coverage on the event and the Roadmap, including:
Newspapers and Online media
Asia Pacific Daily (1 December 2015)
South China Morning Post (1 December 2015)
Xinhua Net (1 December 2015)
China News Service Agency (2 December 2015)
People’s Daily Online (2 December 2015)
The Standard (2 December 2015)
Ta Kung Pao (2 December 2015)
Xinmin News (2 December 2015)
Ming Pao Daily (11 December 2015)
BEC Senior Manager – Policy Research, Ms Maya de Souza, was invited to talk about the Roadmap at RTHK’s programme “Hong Kong Today” on Radio 3 on 2 December 2015. Archive of the interview is available at http://news.rthk.hk/rthk/en/news-programmes/this-episode.htm?cmsid=77&episode_id=334538&livetime=20151202063000.
On 5 December 2015, an opinion article by BEC was featured on South China Morning Post. In the article, BEC Chairman Prof John Chai said that climate risks should be addressed in a systematic and joined-up way so that institutional structures were ready for the challenge. He also noted that critical business sectors and the government should work together to share information and develop an integrated approach. Online version of the Op-ed can be viewed here.
BEC Upcoming Events
22 January 2016: BEC Industry Visit to the Hong Kong Observatory
Through the visit, participants will be able to know a full range of services provided by the Hong Kong Observatory, including weather, climate and public education. In addition, participants can also visit the historical building to understand the development of the Observatory during the last few decades.
For event enquiry and registration, please contact Ms Vicky Man (T. 2784 3924 | E. vicky@bec.org.hk).
Upcoming BEC Leadership Networking Series
BEC Leadership Networking Series serves as an exchange platform for our members to meet like-minded business leaders and industry practitioners in an open and relaxing atmosphere. In January 2016, Airport Authority Hong Kong will deliver a presentation during the event. On the other hand, Mr K K Wu, General Manager of DEOS China Limited, will be the speaker at February 2016 event. Details of the events will soon be available.
For enquiry, please contact Ms Joey Hui (T. 2784 3958 | E. joey@bec.org.hk).
19 February 2016: BEC Spring Dinner
BEC will host its Spring Dinner on 19 February 2016 to provide an excellent opportunity for members to meet and network with business executives and industry players, and celebrate the Chinese New Year together. More event details will be available on BEC website. Please stay tuned. For enquiry, please contact Ms Joey Hui (T. 2784 3958 | E. joey@bec.org.hk).
BEC Updates
BEC Submission on Waste Management
BEC expressed its views to Bills Committee on Promotion of Recycling and Proper Disposal (Product Container) (Amendment) Bill 2015, which had taken into account the discussions with members of BEC Waste Management Advisory Group. The submission is available on BEC website (http://bec.org.hk/files/images/Resource_Centre/Submission/BEC_Submission_to_LegCo_Bills_Committee_on_Glass_Bottles_PRS.pdf).
BEC Waste Management Advisory Group: Best Practice Case Studies
The importance of good environmental stewardship is well recognised by the business sector. Best practices on waste management are increasingly important for business operations. To establish a platform for BEC members to share business waste management practices with the wider community, the “BEC Waste Management Advisory Group: Best Practice Case Studies” was published in November 2015. We also welcome BEC members to contribute their experience on best practices in waste management to compile the case studies. For more information, please contact Ms Sarah Choi (T. 2784 3943 | E. sarahc@bec.org.hk).
BEC Past Events
12 November 2015: BEC Industry Visit to Towngas Tai Po Production Plant
During the visit at Towngas Tai Po Production Plant, participants learned about the Plant’s gas production process which uses landfill gas as primary feedstock. They were impressed by the Plant’s environmental and safety management practices adopted in its daily operations. Special thanks would go to BEC Board Director Mr Victor Kwong, who is the Chairman of Environmental Working Committee and Head of Corporate Health, Safety and Environment, at The Hong Kong & China Gas Company Limited, for delivering a presentation and hosting a guided tour for the participants.
26 November 2015: BEC Leadership Networking Series
BEC members and guests joined the November event to learn about the latest applications and benefits of using glass in sustainable buildings, as well as contributions of sky gardens for high-rise buildings in terms of health and well-being.
Mr Michael Chan, Sales Manager of DSA Company Limited, introduced the smart use of glass in sustainable low energy buildings. He also shared real-life examples to illustrate how the glass could help reduce energy consumption. Mr Tony Ip, Deputy Director of Sustainable Design of Ronald Lu & Partners (Hong Kong) Limited, talked about how sky gardens would contribute to good health and well-being of urban living. He also cited case studies of sky gardens in residential high-rises in Hong Kong and Singapore.
27 November 2015: BEC EnviroSeries Conference - “Eco-innovation in the Transition to a Low Carbon and Resource Efficiency Economy”
BEC EnviroSeries Conference, titled “Eco-innovation in the Transition to a Low Carbon and Resource Efficiency Economy”, was held successfully at JW Marriott Hong Kong on 27 November 2015. This Conference attracted about 150 participants, including government officials, industry experts, business leaders and academics to discuss and exchange views on eco-innovation technologies for facilitating the sustainable development of Hong Kong.
3 December 2015: BEC Industry Visit to MTR Siu Ho Wan Depot
The participants joined a presentation to know more about the operations of MTR, followed by a guided tour to see the behind-the-scene works of the depot.
BEC Partnership Programmes
HSBC Living Business Awards Presentation Ceremony 2015
The HSBC Living Business Awards Presentation Ceremony 2015 was held at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 16 November. Entering its eleventh year, the HSBC Living Business Awards received over 1,600 applications, showcasing contributions of the business sector to the Hong Kong community and environment.
BEC has been acting as one of the partners for the Awards since the inception of the Awards programme. BEC would like to congratulate all the awardees and certificate winners for operating their businesses successfully while taking into consideration the interests of the community, the environment and their employees.
BEC Low-carbon School – Eco Expo Asia 2015 – Winter Fun Fair & Seminar 2015
As part of the “BEC Low-carbon School – Eco Expo Asia 2015” programme, BEC organised the “Winter Fun Fair & Seminar 2015” at the BEC Headquarters on 2 December 2015 to enhance students’ awareness of climate change and promote the development of a low carbon city. The programme was funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund and the Environmental Campaign Committee.
At the talk delivered by BEC representatives, participants could learn more about the concepts of green buildings, carbon footprint, as well as ways to practise low carbon living. BEC then organised a guided tour at the BEC Headquarters, which has achieved the Platinum rating of Provisional Assessment under the BEAM Plus Existing Buildings (version 1.2), for participants to understand the green features and technologies adopted in the building.
Furthermore, the “BEC Low-carbon School - Inter-school Low-carbon Living Micro-film Competition” is now open for registration until the end of February 2016. Local secondary schools are invited to submit at most 2 entries, while each of them should not exceed 5 minutes in length, with the theme of how to practise low-carbon lifestyle in campus.
For more information, please contact Ms Joanne Chan (T. 2784 3975 | E. bec.lcs@bec.org.hk).
Disclaimer: 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.
BEC Biodiversity Ambassador Training Programme: Marine Biodiversity Conservation
In October 2015, BEC initiated its first advocacy programme on biodiversity conservation, titled “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).
Disclaimer: 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
Newly Published ISO 14001:2015 Sets Out Requirements for Environmental Management System
The International Organization for Standardization (“ISO”) announced to review ISO 14001:2004 in 2012. In September 2015, the long-awaited ISO 14001:2015, Environmental Management Systems – Requirements with Guidance for Use, was published. As one of the most widely-adopted environmental management system standard, ISO 14001 has undergone its second revision to cope with the latest trends and remain relevant for the market. While ISO14001:2004 is still valid, organisations are granted with a three-year transition period to respond to the variation between ISO 14001:2004 and 14001:2015. Yet organisations are encouraged to acclimate to the new standard shortly for adaptation.
Please let us know if your organisation is interested in implementing ISO 14001:2015. For more information, please contact Ms Sze Yuen (T. 2784 3916 | E. swyuen@bec.org.hk).
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 in January 2016 as follows:
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.
GRI Certified Training on Sustainability Reporting G4 (Cantonese – 21 and 22 January 2016, English – 26 and 27 January 2016) - Global Reporting Initiative (“GRI”) is one of the widely used frameworks in preparing sustainability reports to disclose organisation’s most critical impacts to the environment, society and the economy. Co-organised with SGS Hong Kong Limited, this course provides essential knowledge of GRI G4 guidelines, and introduces five phrases of GRI sustainability reporting process. It also provides a hands-on and step-by-step instruction to apply GRI G4 guidelines with interactive learning through case studies.
This course is under the New Technology Training Scheme and the approved training grant for each eligible trainee per course is 50% of the actual course fee up to HK$2,000. A maximum number of 5 trainees from each company will be allowed to apply for the training grant.
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
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation Published its Sustainability Report 2014/15
Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (“HKSTP”) has recently published the second sustainability report, summarising the sustainability management approach and performance for the period from 1 April 2014 to 31 March 2015. The report was prepared in accordance with the ESG Guidelines issued by Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, GRI G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines (Core option) and GRI Construction and Real Estate Sector Disclosures. In addition to HKSTP’s own operations, the report also addresses how HKSTP works with its business partners towards a greener and more sustainable future for the community as a whole.
Themed “Ignite Strong Momentum”, the report conveys HKSTP’s commitment and aspiration to escalate sustainability momentum within and outside the Corporation as well as unlock the huge economic and social potential for a more sustainable and diversified economy in the future.
The report is available at http://www.hkstp.org/en-US/About-Us/Resources-Corner/Publications/Annual-Reports.aspx.
Sustainability is Creating Values to Stakeholders
Neonlite Electronic & Lighting (HK) Limited, the brand owner of MEGAMAN®, released its Sustainability Report 2013-2014. This is Neonlite’s third sustainability report and first GRI G4 report written in accordance with the new G4 Sustainability Reporting Guidelines (Core option). It demonstrates the Company’s commitment to sustainable development with particular emphasis on economy, environment and society.
The report is available at http://www.megaman.cc/resources/document-library/sustainability-report.
Hongkong International Terminals Limited Held “GreenFit” to Promote Energy Saving and Personal Fitness
On 27 November 2015, Hongkong International Terminals Limited held a company-wide “GreenFit” event which aimed to promote energy saving and personal fitness by encouraging staff to take the stairs instead of using the elevators.
A competition was arranged, with about 80 participants including the management joined the contest. Participants were required to reach different checkpoints by taking the stairs and complete mini-games. The event was well received by staff with more than 200 staff members attending the final part of the activity to cheer up contestants from their own departments.
To promote physical fitness and energy saving, stickers are placed at the elevator area to remind staff to “think before pressing the elevator button”.
"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 120 words, which BEC reserves the rights of editing and publishing. The submission deadline for the next E-newsletter is 30 December 2015 (Wednesday).
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 Member
Allied World Assurance Company Ltd
General Member
The Coronet Paper Company Limited
BEC Supporting Events
| Date | Event | Organiser |
| 2014 – onward |
"Let's Save 10L Water" Campaign |
Water Supplies Department, Hong Kong SAR Government |
| 2014 – onward |
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 |
| 8 January 2016 |
RICS Asia Construction Conference 2016 http://bec.org.hk/events-current/rics-asia-construction-conference-2016 |
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors |
| 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 |
| 15 April 2016 | ICE HKA Annual Conference 2016 “Sustainable and Resilient Coastal Management” | Institution of Civil Engineers Hong Kong Association |
| 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 |