Early birds that adopt environmental strategies voluntarily in their businesses will benefit more than those late birds who try to catch up as the society's awareness and concentration on the environmental issues increases bringing about more potential opportunities for "greener" business groups, said Agnes Li, chief executive officer from Business Environment Council (BEC).

It has become a universal trend for the business sector globally to concentrate on environmental protection on the one hand as it serves to meet their social responsibility, while, on the other hand, it is also a solid requirement stemming from their potential customers, Li said on the sidelines of the roundtable.

Forward-thinking and visionary decisions on the issue will place a business operation in a better position as consumers have become more aware of environmental issues these days. The consumers are demanding that the corporate groups conduct business in more sustainable ways to show responsible to the society, according to Li.

"Business leaders should consider environmental protection as part of their corporate strategies in the long run even if a stringent standard is adopted on the issues that may result in temporary cost increases," said Li, who added that the Hong Kong government is also expected to come up with more environmental-related regulations to help sustain a greener living environment for the citizens in the future.

The membership organization with aims to promote environmental protection and sustainable development in Hong Kong has carried out seminars and workshops to discuss major environmental issues and enhance citizen's awareness in the city as well, according to Li.

BEC has also been actively providing advice to the government on the issue over the years. It has addressed key environmental and sustainability issues, particularly in air quality, waste management and energy, bringing them up to the Chief Executive for further consideration in the 2013 Policy Address.

It recommended 13 key policy priorities for tackling poor air quality in the city, including the phased elimination of pre Euro IV diesel commercial vehicles from public roadways by 2014, and six priorities on waste management with recommendations to install a waste charging system for households and businesses by 2014, and expanding education campaigns for schools and businesses to drive behavioral change. BEC has also advised the government to formalize a carbon target to drive the future of Hong Kong's fuel mix.

During the Policy Address last week, Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying announced a single HK$10 billion subsidy to get some 88,000 dirty, old and diesel vehicles off the road in a bid to tackle Hong Kong's air pollution.

Leung plans to allocate HK$5 billion for the Environment and Conservation Fund to provide long-term and sustained support for green initiatives in the city. Another HK$500 million sustainable development fund will also be set up to assist fishermen to increase the vitality of that industry.

litao@chinadailyhk.com

(HK Edition 01/22/2013 page2)