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HKAEE recognises green businesses and organisations (with photos)
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The following is issued on behalf of the Environmental Campaign Committee:

     The 2013 Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence (HKAEE) scheme was officially launched today (May 2) by the Chief Executive, Mr C Y Leung, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, Wan Chai. Also at today's ceremony, Sectoral Awards and Green Innovations Awards were presented to winners of the 2012 HKAEE.

     The HKAEE aims to encourage businesses and organisations to adopt green management practices and to recognise those that contribute to protecting the environment. The 2012 HKAEE comprised four award programmes - Sectoral Awards, Green Innovations Awards, Environmental Labels and Carbon "Less" Certificates.

     Sectoral Awards are given to organisations that demonstrate outstanding environmental performance across different sectors. The three judging criteria are green leadership, programme and performance, and partner synergy. Eleven sectors compete for the awards, namely the construction industry; financial, legal and business consulting services; hotels and recreational clubs; import and export trades; manufacturing; property management; public organisations and utilities; restaurants; schools; transport and logistics; and wholesalers and retailers.  

     A spokesman for the Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC) said the number of entries competing for the 2012 Sectoral Awards reached 776, which is more than double the number in 2008 when the scheme was launched. At today's ceremony a total of 43 gold, silver, bronze and small and medium enterprise (SME) awards and 107 certificates of merit were presented to businesses and organisations from the 11 sectors.

     The Green Innovations Awards scheme aims to encourage local organisations to meet environmental challenges with new ideas that will benefit the environment. The three assessment criteria are level of innovation, environmental achievements and cost-effectiveness, and replicability and contribution to society. The priority themes of 2012 were energy conservation and waste management. Among the 28 entries, one Green Innovations Award and six certificates of merit were granted.

     The spokesman said that all entries were assessed by professionals and the assessment process was rigorous and comprehensive. The 2012 Final Adjudicating Panel was chaired by the Vice Chancellor and President of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, Professor Joseph Sung, and included representatives of major business chambers, professional bodies and government departments.

     Also officiating at today's ceremony were the Chairman of the ECC, Mr Lam Chiu-ying; the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing; Professor Sung; and representatives of the joint organisers.

     Regarding Environmental Labels and Carbon "Less" Certificates, both schemes have been very well received, with a cumulative total of more than 4,600 labels and certificates awarded.

     The spokesman added that the 2013 HKAEE is now open for applications for Sectoral Awards, Green Innovations Awards, Environmental Labels and Carbon "Less" Certificates. To further encourage SMEs to go green, SME certificates of merit will be introduced in the 2013 Sectoral Awards.

    Launched in 2008, the HKAEE is jointly organised by the ECC, the Environmental Protection Department, the Advisory Council on the Environment, the Business Environment Council, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, the Hong Kong Chinese Importers' and Exporters' Association, the Hong Kong Council of Social Service, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and the Hong Kong Productivity Council. The HKAEE is sponsored by the Environment and Conservation Fund.

     The ECC is holding a number of seminars in April and May for winning organisations to share their experience of going green. Organisations wishing to know more about the HKAEE may obtain details at the seminars. For more information on the scheme, please visit the HKAEE website at www.hkaee.org.hk or call the hotline 2788 5903.

Ends/Thursday, May 2, 2013
Issued at HKT 16:26

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