A Safe Environment is a Shared Responsibility
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Growing at an annual rate of almost 10% since the start of 2003, China is one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. During this time of growth and transition, organizations are investing in the region and many people in China are experiencing a better quality of life. As the economy and the population is growing, energy consumption and carbon emissions are growing along with it. Car ownership, for example, is soaring, which is one contributor to carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. |
Despite China's attempts to decrease energy intensity since 1980, pollutants remain high and public health systems are struggling to shield the population from harmful influences. Air pollution is the most serious problem in Hong Kong and while the government has intervened and has been making progress, the responsibility to improve the environment in the region is not theirs alone.
Environmental responsibility must be shared between governmental agencies, the international community, independent organizations and multinational corporations. The ISO (International Organization for Standardization), an independent organization, works closely with local governments in their shared efforts to conserve energy. Many multinational companies, like Crown Worldwide are also committed to the cause, partnering with environmental bodies and seeking certifications.
ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
ISO is a non-governmental organizational network positioned in 157 countries. They occupy a special position between the public and private sectors and strive to find solutions that meet both the requirements of businesses and the broader needs of society. The ISO encourages businesses to develop a systematic management approach to the environmental concerns of their organization. They acknowledge businesses that improve their environmental performance with the ISO 14001 Certification. Eight of Crown's facilities in Greater China recently earned the ISO 14001:2004 and the accompanying Environmental Management System (EMS) certification.
Environmental Protection Department
The Environmental Protection Department (EPA) of the Hong Kong SAR government envisions a region "that is both healthy and pleasant, in which the community places a premium on sustaining such an environment for both themselves and future generations." One of their efforts is the Wastewi$e Scheme. Its aim is to provide Hong Kong companies with free, professional advice on ways to reduce and manage the waste they produce. Scheme requirements include implementing relevant waste reduction measures and meeting predetermined targets over a twelve month period e.g., waste avoidance and minimization, collection and recycling of recyclable materials and buying or manufacturing recycled products.
To recognize the efforts of Wastewi$e members' achievements, the EPA holds presentation ceremonies two times a year. Crown has been recognized every year since 2002, having earned "Wastewi$e Certificates" and "Gold Wastewi$e Certificates." This past June, Jim Thompson, Crown Worldwide Chairman and Billy Wong, Managing Director, Greater China, attended the presentation ceremony and proudly accepted Crown's Certificates.
Environmental Campaign Committee
The Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC) was established in 1990 to promote public awareness of environmental issues and encourage the public to contribute actively towards a better environment. ECC organizes several core projects during the year including the World Environment Day, Hong Kong Environmental Protection Festival, the Hong Kong Green School Award and the Hong Kong Eco-Business Awards.
Established since 1999, the Hong Kong Eco-Business Awards Scheme honors businesses in Hong Kong that have demonstrated a commitment to environmental management and strives to educate organizations regarding the benefits of environmental management. In 2003, Crown Hong Kong earned the Green Office Award, Certificate of Merit.
Billy Wong, Managing Director for Crown Worldwide in Greater China noted, "Crown Greater China formally started its quality and environmental journey in 2001. In pursuing these certifications, we had to minimize harmful effects on the environment caused by its activities and achieve continual improvement of its environmental performance. Crown Greater China has reached a key milestone in both quality and environmental management and is proud to earn these certifications."
These are just a few of the global, regional and local organizations focused on a "greener," healthier China. It's a shared responsibility among government, business, the international community as well as members of the society. As a multinational corporation headquartered in Hong Kong, with a commitment to developing industry throughout the China region, Crown Worldwide is doing its part to help make the region a safer place to live and conduct business.
