Briefing on Low-carbon Business and COP21
The Paris Agreement of December of 2015 was hailed as an historic achievement, committing countries to radically reduce carbon emissions in order to limit global warming. In this briefing session, on 21 January 2016, more than 50 delegates gathered to learn about the implications for Hong Kong and for businesses operating here.
Ir. Albert Lai, CEO of Carbon Care Asia and leader of the Hong Kong NGO delegation to COP21, gave his reflections on the Paris Agreement and set out five key actions for Hong Kong business: keep track of global trends; measure, report and review business operations; plan towards a zero-carbon business model; build in-house capacity and innovation processes; and advocate for a clear, predictable and consistent regulatory framework. Mr Lai outlined how tools and frameworks such as the CarbonCare Label, EPD’s Carbon Footprint Repository and ESG reporting can help support the transition to low-carbon business.
Karen Ho, Business Engagement Leader for Climate at WWF-HK, discussed the implications of COP21 in terms of industries that are likely to experience decline or growth in the coming years and decades. Ms Ho explored the unique role of Hong Kong companies, situated in the value chain between suppliers and consumers; shared trends in carbon disclosure in Hong Kong; and provided an overview of WWF climate programmes, including the Low-carbon Office Operation Programme (LOOP) and Low-carbon Manufacturing Programme (LCMP).
Delegates then heard from two companies about their experiences in carbon reduction. Speaking for Hong Kong Broadband Network, Bonnie Chan told how the company achieved a 23% carbon reduction in 2013 by focusing on its major source of energy consumption – ICT server rooms – and described the internal collaboration that enabled such a reduction to be made whilst maintaining high levels of performance. Ms Chan noted how setting up a green committee and setting bold targets helped galvanise commitment and action.
Finally, Kenneth Chu explained how establishing Hotel Madera Hong Kong as an environmentally friendly boutique hotel helps to attract business from similarly minded corporations, whilst reducing costs. Mr Chu described how a 5.6% reduction in electricity consumption and a 7.3% reduction in gas consumption were achieved in 2015, through a range of measures including: equipment upgrading and removal; smart automatic on/off controls for lighting, air conditioning and office equipment; and staff training and guidelines.
In the panel discussion, speakers and participants alike expressed concern regarding a lack of government leadership to enable and support the transition to a low-carbon economy. Specific areas proposed as priorities include: commitment and long-term strategy for renewable energy; regional collaboration within the PRD; and regulatory reform to level the playing field for companies making long-term investments to help reduce climate risk.
For more information on this issue, please see the Climate & Carbon page on the Sustainable Business HK website. The companies cited above will be featured in the Case Studies section in February.
For tools and resources to begin reducing your company’s carbon footprint, please visit Carbon Care Asia or WWF-HK.
