A strong turnout of VIPs, business people and media for the 2002 Hong Kong Eco-Business Awards launching ceremony on June 10 reflected the rising interest everyone in Hong Kong has in environmental protection.

In her opening speech at the ceremony, Secretary for Justice, The Honourable Elsie Leung, said it was heartening to know that businesses were looking for ways to add value to their products and services, while at the same time incorporating environmental management into their corporate agendas.

"Organisations that have implemented environmental management practices have indeed been experiencing real economic benefits," she said.

Ronnie Wong, chairman of the Environmental Campaign Committee, said since its establishment in 1999, the number of companies participating in the awards has more than doubled annually.

Every year, different categories of awards encourage companies in various business sectors to see how they can benefit from protecting the environment. This year, four awards are up for grabs. They are: Green Office Award (Large Organisations), Green Office Award (SMEs), Green Property Management Award (Private Housing) and Green Innovative Practice Award.

This year marks the first time the Green Innovative Practice Award will be given out, and organisers hope it will encourage companies to develop and adopt creative ideas, innovative processes or pioneering methods which will reduce their impact on the environment.

Companies wishing to enter the awards must submit their applications by August 15, 2002. The Awards Presentation Ceremony will be held in January 2003.