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Following is the speech by the Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, at the 2009 Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence (HKAEE) Awards presentation ceremony cum 2010 HKAEE launching ceremony at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre today (May 12):
Mr Joseph Lee (Chairman of the Environmental Campaign Committee), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
I am indeed very delighted to join you all today. The Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence are a celebration of excellence in environmental performance. The inspiration of our award winners shines a light on the future direction for our city. My warmest congratulations to all of you.
These awards were launched two years ago, at the height of the global financial crisis. Despite the economic difficulties, companies welcomed the award scheme. In the first year there were 366 entries for the sectoral awards and over 2,000 submissions for the various environmental labels under the award scheme.
Last year, more than 400 companies signed up to contest the sectoral awards and another 800 joined the existing database of label recipients. This encouraging response is a sign that greener and cleaner times lie ahead for our environment.
Not only is "going green" good for the environment, it is also good for business. Conserving resources and saving energy can reduce costs and boost profits.
According to a British study, the financial benefit of a 20% reduction in energy costs is equivalent to a 5% increase in sales.
I recently heard of a printing company that achieved savings of about HK$1.7 million in electricity costs by switching to more energy-efficient lighting and air pump systems in its production workshop.
To tackle the pressing issue of climate change, Hong Kong has joined places around the world in adopting "low carbon economy" principles.
The common components of a "low carbon economy" are clean energy, green buildings, clean production processes, green transportation, as well as a high level of recycling elements. Think of it as a "circular economy" where economic development and environmental protection are in balance. Each of the components I have mentioned creates new growth opportunities for the respective disciplines, namely, energy, architecture, environmental consultancy, transport, recycling and waste-to-energy.
The Central Government in Beijing has pledged to reduce carbon intensity by between 40 and 45% by 2020, using 2005 levels as a base. To meet the challenge, there is growing investment in wind turbines, solar panels and other low carbon technologies. Last year, our nation replaced the US as the biggest investor in renewable energy.
Locally, my Administration is working on Hong Kong's environmental strategy to match the Mainland's target. We are in the advanced stage of preparing Hong Kong's game-plan to tackle climate change.
Our policy initiatives to promote green industries will encourage supply and demand-side changes in the local business community. The first movers are likely to gain most in this new priority growth area for our economy.
Ladies and gentlemen, our award winners have demonstrated vision and determination in embracing green trends such as energy efficiency and resource conservation. They are among the first movers.
Equally important, they have moved ahead of the competition with their ability to innovate and re-engineer their businesses towards a green operation. The companies involved represent a variety of sectors including property management, financial services and consumer products with SMEs leading the way.
Once again, congratulations to all the award winners and I wish you all continued success.
Thank you very much.
Ends/Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Issued at HKT 17:41
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