Chamber Launches Green-Assist Programme for SMEs

The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce launched its Green-Assist Programme today which aims to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) adopt green practices in their daily business activities in a cost-effective way. The first activity was a free roundtable luncheon held today, focusing on staff education and motivation.

"Although the business sector supports the protection of the environment, many SMEs are still not sure how they can play a part. The Chamber Green-Assist Programme is designed to fill this gap," Dr Eden Woon, Director of the Chamber, said at the luncheon.

The Chamber launched its "Chamber Environment Statement" early this year, encouraging its 4,000 members to incorporate a balance between environmental and business issues into their daily activities. The Green-Assist Programme is a continuation of that effort and consists of two parts: a series of four environmental mentoring luncheons and consultancy services on environmental management.

"We all have a responsibility to take environmental concern into account in the corporate decision making process. For SMEs in particular, we are organising these 'mentoring' activities to help them go green. Topics of the luncheons are very practical and can be implemented immediately. They can also make use of the consultancy services to go further," Dr Woon said.

At today's roundtable Dr T C Wong of the Centre of Environmental Technology (CET) spoke on "Staff Education and Motivation for Environmental Practices." The topics for the coming three roundtable luncheons later in the year are "Save Energy, Save the Environment and Save Costs" presented by Raymond Fong of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) on Septmeber 25, "How to Make Money through Recycling" by Dr T C Wong of CET on October 9, and "Tools and Technology for Environmental Practices" by C M Lin of HKPC on October 23. The four roundtables are respectively sponsored by Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, CLP Power Hong Kong Limited, Pacific Century CyberWorks, and Hong Kong & China Gas Co Ltd. A total of 300 SMEs will participate in the four events.

The consultancy programme is organised in conjunction with CET and HKPC, which will be offered at a discount to SME members.

Media enquiries : Dr W K Chan, Assistant Director, Business Policy, The Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce

Tel:28231293 / fax:25279843 / Email:wkchan@chamber.org.hk