HKAEE honours businesses for achieving environmental excellence

The following is issued on behalf of the Environmental Campaign Committee:

     The Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC) announced today (May 11) the list of winners for the 2019 Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence (HKAEE).

     The HKAEE recognises organisations across 15 different sectors that have demonstrated outstanding environmental performance. The three judging criteria consist of green leadership, programme and performance, and partner synergy. The number of entries competing for the 2019 HKAEE reached a record high of 2 524, which was 29 per cent higher than the previous year's figure, of which a total of 48 organisations won gold, silver or bronze awards while 160 received certificates of merit.

     Winners were also announced for the Hong Kong Green Innovations Awards (HKGIA), another award scheme under the HKAEE that aims to encourage local organisations to tackle environmental challenges using new ideas that will benefit the environment. The three assessment criteria for the HKGIA are level of innovation, environmental achievements and cost-effectiveness, and practicability and contribution to society. Among the 84 entries in 2019, six gold, silver and bronze awards or certificates of merit were granted.

     Moreover, three special commendation schemes, namely the Outstanding Green Achiever Commendation Scheme, the Outstanding Promotional Partner Commendation Scheme and the Green Outdoor Event Commendation Scheme were organised as part of the 2019 HKAEE. Seven Outstanding Green Achievers were selected for their dedication to enhancing the environmental performance of their respective companies and the community, while 20 companies and organisations were recognised as Outstanding HKAEE Promotional Partners for their contributions in promoting the HKAEE and for their success in encouraging their business partners to participate and go green together. A total of 19 events also won the title of Green Outdoor Event for the implementation of a series of environmental practices to reduce waste by event organisers.

     The final adjudication for the 2019 HKAEE was conducted by the Chairman of the ECC, Professor Joseph Sung; the ECC Vice-chairman, Mr Hui Yung-chung; the Chairman of the Awards Committee on the HKAEE, Mr Conrad Wong; and the Convenor of the Education Working Group under the ECC, Ms Sylvia Chan. The final adjudication for the 2019 HKGIA was chaired by the former Board Chairman of Hong Kong Applied Science and Technology Research Institute Company Limited, Mr Wong Ming-yam. The adjudicating panels of the two awards also comprised representatives of major business chambers, professional bodies and government departments. The full list of winning companies and winners under the 2019 HKAEE is available on HKAEE website (www.hkaee.gov.hk/english/winners/sa_gia_list/2019_hkaee_result.html).

     Since its launch in 2008, the HKAEE has been driving companies in Hong Kong to incorporate green elements in their business operations, while encouraging them to strive for further environmental excellence to co-operatively help shape a more sustainable Hong Kong. While the current COVID-19 situation has brought a considerable impact to the business environment, it is hoped that companies and organisations can do their best to implement green management practices and put forth concerted efforts to protect the environment during this difficult time.

     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, and sponsored by the Environment and Conservation Fund. For more information about the HKAEE, please visit the website at www.hkaee.gov.hk or call the hotline 2788 5903.