Showing posts with label Business. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Business. Show all posts

Saturday, November 16, 2013

Event: Business Opportunities Seminar and Workshop (18-19 Nov 2013)

Business Opportunities Seminar and Workshop


Monday, September 30, 2013

New Books: Water Tech A Guide to Investment, Innovation and Business Opportunities in the Water Sector By William Sarni, Tamin Pechet (30 Sep 2013)

Water Tech

A Guide to Investment, Innovation and Business Opportunities in the Water Sector

By William SarniTamin Pechet

Routledge – 2013 – 224 pages
Descriptions:
This book unveils how the world in the twenty-first century will need to manage our most fundamental resource need, water. It outlines how stakeholders can improve water use in their homes, their businesses, and the world.
In particular, it focuses on the role of stakeholders in crafting a twenty-first century paradigm for water. Investors not only drive innovation through direct investment in new technologies but also by highlighting risk and driving reporting and disclosure within the business community.
Water Tech highlights the business drivers to address water related issues. These include business disruption, regulatory risk and reputational risk along with opportunities in the commercialization of innovative technologies such as desalination and water reuse and treatment. The authors argue that through increased attention on water scarcity through activities such as reporting and disclosure we are now accelerating innovation in the water industry. They show how we are just now capturing the true cost and value of water and this is creating opportunities for investors in the water sector. The text takes the reader through key aspects of emerging innovative technologies along with case studies and key issues on the path to commercialization. A roadmap of the opportunities in the water sector is presented based on interviews with leading authorities in the water field including innovators, investors, legal, regulatory experts and businesses.

Contents:
Foreword
Marcus Norton
Foreword
Tom Kostigen
Preface
Part 1: Innovation
Introduction
1. The Value of Water
2. Global Trends as Drivers for Innovation
Part 2: What is Water Tech?
Introduction
3. Do Water and Innovation "Mix?"
4. Water Supply
5. Water Demand
6. The Water, Energy, and Food Nexus
Part 3: Building the 21st Century Water Industry – Ideas, Money and Commercialization
Introduction
7. The Ideas
8. The Money
9. Commercialization
10. What does Success Look Like?
11. The Global World Water Forum 2024

Saturday, September 28, 2013

Events: World Forum on Natural Capital organized by the Scottish Wildlife Trustin association with the United Nations Environment Programme and others started from 21 to 22 Nov 2013

World Forum on Natural Capital - Edinburgh 2013

World Forum on Natural Capital

Date: Thursday, 21 November 2013   -  Friday, 22 November 2013
Location: UK

About the Forum

A revolution is taking place in how businesses and governments account for natural capital.

The inaugural World Forum on Natural Capital will be the first major global conference devoted exclusively to turning the debate on natural capital accounting into action. It will build on the enormous private sector interest shown at the United Nations Earth Summit in Rio in June 2012 and the many developments that have taken place since.

Against a backdrop of growing global awareness that our ecosystems and biodiversity underpin both wealth creation and human security, the Rio Earth Summit saw the launch of the Natural Capital Declaration, a global finance-led initiative convened by the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative and the Global Canopy Programme.

By signing the Declaration, CEOs at the helm of 39 banks, investment funds and insurance companies announced their commitment to understanding their impacts and dependencies on natural capital, and to incorporating natural capital considerations into their products and accounting. The United Nations Environment Programme is one of the key partners in the World Forum on Natural Capital, which will mark an important step in moving the debate further towards action.


WHY ATTEND?


There are many reasons to be in Edinburgh this November:

  • Understand the implications of the fast evolving debate about natural capital and how the opportunities and risks could affect your bottom line
  • Network with senior decision makers and sustainability leaders from around the world
  • Gain access to the latest developments and practical tools
  • See how natural capital relates to current developments in Integrated Reporting and new approaches to Corporate Social Responsibility
  • Help shape the debate for the benefit of business and the planet

WHAT IS NATURAL CAPITAL ACCOUNTING?

Fresh water, clean air, fertile soil, fish stocks and forests are all examples of the natural capital on which human wellbeing and economic prosperity depend. Yet these natural assets do not appear on traditional balance sheets and can therefore be invisible in decision-making. As a result, we are losing natural capital faster than ever before. A recent report by the TEEB for Business Coalition estimates the cost of environmental externalities at a staggering US$7.3 trillion annually. But we can't manage what we don't measure.

Natural capital accounting is a rapidly evolving new way of thinking about how we value the economic benefits we derive from our natural environment. (For an explanation of natural capital and ecosystem services click here.)

The World Forum on Natural Capital will bring together world-class speakers, cutting edge case studies and senior decision makers from different sectors, in order to turn the debate into practical action.
WBCSD quote

Lively plenaries and interactive breakout sessions in four conference streams will explore the 
risks and opportunities for business, allow access to the very latest developments and provide an opportunity to help shape the debate through dialogue between policymakers, business leaders and prominent experts in the field.

PARTNERS

The World Forum on Natural Capital is organised by the Scottish Wildlife Trustin association with the United Nations Environment Programme; International Union for Conservation of Nature; World Business Council for Sustainable Development; TEEB for Business Coalition and The Wildlife Trusts.
Information about the partner organisations can be found here. The project team is listed here.
For more information: http://www.naturalcapitalforum.com/

Sunday, August 18, 2013

Vietnamese Updates: Vietnam faced many barriers in clean production (14 Aug 2013)


Vietnam faced many barriers in clean production 
Thứ tư, ngày 14 tháng 08 năm 2013 cập nhật lúc 23:38



Clean production is considered as an effective method to help businesses increase competitive position by reducing production costs. However, in Vietnam nowadays, converting into the direction of cleaner production is not easy. Survey results on the level of manufacturing technology of businesses in the city showed that, there are more than 40% of businesses owning outdated manufacturing technology. There are only 1% of businesses owning modern manufacturing technology. The rest reached the average level of manufacturing technology.

Benefits of clean production
According to Dr. Nguyen Duy Binh, in order to achieve the requirements of clean production , businesses need to apply new technical solutions, creative designs and innovative products, focus on the manufacturing process, encourage applying eco-industry, etc.. To achieving it, businesses have to spend a significant cost in improving manufacturing equipment systems. This cost can be reimbursed through cost savings during the production process, but it takes quite a long time. However, the greatest benefits that business obtains during the implementation of clean production not only help businesses reduce the cost of production, deal with environmental pollution, but also contribute to improving the reputation of businesses in the local social community by avoiding violations of the law on environmental protection. It also helps increase profits and competitiveness of products in the market. It has a special meaning during the time that economy is facing many difficulties at present.

Furthermore, when applying clean production, businesses also have the opportunity to access financial resources from the priority programs of the government as well as international organizations. For example, Vietnam Environmental Protection Fund of (VEPF) will give businesses loans with preferential interest rates if they have plans to deploy clean and environmentally friendly technologies.

Barriers to cleaner Production in Vietnam
Cleaner production has been popular in Vietnam since the 90s of the last century with the establishment of Vietnam Center for Clean production and efforts of various donors such as Sweden, Canada, Denmark, etc. Clean production has been performed in hundreds of manufacturing facilities, its benefits have been proven in practice and propagandized on the mass media; however, the spread of cleaner production is not good as expected.

Until now, many small and medium enterprises in Vietnam have also realized the benefits that clean production brings to them, but they cannot go on to clean  production due to many barriers in capital, lack of information and professional knowledge of issues on manufacturing technology. Moreover, businesses’ awareness of environmental protection and the law on environmental protection are not fairly clear and consistent.

In addition, domestic and foreign experts said that, there are factors to be considered as barriers of Cleaner Production in Vietnam. These barriers can be classified into four major types: state policy, motives of production facilities, technical barriers and barriers to management.

Accordingly, the type of barriers attracts the most attention is the management barriers, including corporate culture, the accordance of cleaner production to the management methods of Vietnam, and management skills of the business owner.

An investigation to determine whether it is true and if it is a barrier, which solutions should be taken to overcome what has been carried out. The survey result showed that, managers need to apply the method to increase pressure from the authorities in order to overcome this barrier. Simultaneously, it is necessary to build a team of consultants with prestige and capacity to support business in transformation. Thus, business could invest in changing methods and manufacturing technology towards the direction that are more beneficial to the living environment.

Mai Chi

Source: 

Friday, August 16, 2013

Events: The New Normal: What every HK busines should know about climate risk organized by BEC on 3 Sep 2013

The New Normal: What every HK busines should know about climate risk
Event Date:3 Sep 2013
Event Time:9:00 am - 12:00 pm
Venue:Regus, 35/F Central Plaza, 18 Harbour Rd, Wan Chai, HK
Fee:Free
Contact:Wing Kit Lau
Email:wk@bec.org.hk

About the Event
The World Meteorological Organization is reporting the hottest decade on record. The World Bank is warning of the plethora of dangers that a 4∘C warming will deliver.  How will climate change impact Hong Kong businesses, and their value chains?  And what steps should businesses be taking to prepare?

This event will introduce both the latest World Bank research on climate impacts in Southeast Asia, and the New Normal: A Hong Kong Business Primer on Climate Change Adaptation, which is produced by BEC's initiative Climate Change Business Forum. It will also preview a new enterprise risk management tool, to be introduced later this autumn, which will help companies in the region map their specific vulnerability to climate risk and start to prepare response actions.

Join us to learn about emergent climate risk and the steps you can take to safeguard your business – today!


Agenda
9:00am - Registration
9:30am - Welcome & Introduction
9:40am - Keynote - Turn Down the Heat: Climate Extremes, Regional Impacts and the Case for Resilience - Ms Julia Brickell, Head, HK Office, East Asia & Pacific, IFC and IFC Regional Climate Anchor
10:05am - Introduction: The New Normal: A HK Business Primer on Climate Adaptation - Dr. Glenn Frommer, Chief Sustainable Development Manager, MTR, CCBF project lead
10:30am - Panel Discussion  - Protecting People & Assets
11:40am - Preview: Climate Risk Tool - Ms. Hannah Routh, PwC
12:00nn - Close

Seats are limited while on first-come-first-served basis.

For more information: 

Saturday, August 3, 2013

New Books: Climate Change and the Private Sector Scaling Up Private Sector Response to Climate Change By Craig Hart (24 Jul 2013)

Climate Change and the Private Sector

Scaling Up Private Sector Response to Climate Change

By Craig Hart

Routledge – 2013 – 276 pages
Descriptions:
Climate Change and the Private Sector explores the challenges of transforming our energy infrastructure to become carbon neutral and adapting to climate change in the twenty-first century. It examines the critical role that the private sector must play in these challenges.
To transform the global energy complex to be carbon neutral within a time frame designed to prevent irreparable damage to the environment presents unprecedented challenges. The private sector must deploy financial, material, and engineering resources on a scale never before undertaken — with government providing leadership, removing barriers and supporting industry efforts through policies that mobilize markets to achieve environmental objectives. A key element of supporting private sector initiative to address climate change is policies that help form and sustain markets that supply, finance and generate demand for the technologies necessary to transform our energy infrastructure. The characteristics and examples of these policies are explored in detail.
Companies that respond to these challenges both by mitigating greenhouse gases and adapting to climate change will enhance their own competitiveness and contribute to society in the process. Companies that embrace the challenge to decarbonize their manufacturing operations, whether in response to regulation (or the threat of regulation) or market opportunities, invariably discover ways to improve their operations in the process that could potentially enhance their ability to produce better products, more efficiently. The book explores examples of companies that have redesigned their products and manufacturing processes, and in doing so transformed themselves and reshaped their industries. As in the case of companies mitigating greenhouse gas emissions, companies that lead their industries in adapting their own operations to a changing physical environment are more likely to ensure their resilience in a changing business environment.
This book provides business, policy and academic audiences with an in-depth exploration of the subject, and a practical guide to action.
Contents:
1. Energy and Climate Change Challenges of the 21st Century
2. Policies to Support Private Sector Investment in Clean Energy Technologies
3. Cap and Trade
4. Competitiveness, Innovation and Response to Carbon Regulation
5. Private Sector and Adaptation
6. Risk Management Approaches for Adapting to Climate Change
7. Mobilizing the Private Sector for Sustainable Development

Saturday, June 22, 2013

UNEP: Changing environment to impact global business: UN (22 Jun 2013)

Changing environment to impact global business: UN
IANS | Jun 22, 2013, 02.03 PM IST

Changing environment to impact global business: UNLONDON: The future of the private sector will increasingly hinge on the ability of businesses to adapt to the world's rapidly changing environment, according to a UN report.

The report titled "GEO-5 for Business: Impacts of a Changing Environment on the Corporate Sector" was released by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) in the British capital, Xinhua reported.

It analysed the potential risks to 10 different sectors of the economy, and also the opportunities that many companies could grasp if they develop goods and services that can reduce the impacts of environmental concerns.

"From extreme weather events, to rising pressures on finite natural resources, changes in the global environment will increasingly impact operating costs, markets for products, the availability of raw materials, and the reputation of businesses," the UNEP document said.

In the tourism sector, for example, a 1.4-2.2 degree Celsius rise in average winter temperatures would likely mean the closure of more than half of the ski resorts operating in the northeastern US in 30 years.

As for water scarcity, it said platinum mines in South Africa's Olifants River system faced 10 times higher water charges by 2020 as they compete with local communities for the ever scarcer commodity.

The report also outlines key recommendations for each of the 10 sectors, including building and construction, chemicals, power, extractives, finance, food and beverage, healthcare, IT, tourism, and transport.

"The report speaks to the reality of climate change and natural resource scarcities," said UNEP Executive Director Achim Steiner.

"It makes the case that whether it be in water saving, or climate-proofing infrastructure, the world is going to look for solutions that in turn will drive corporate competitiveness, reputation risk and a transition to an inclusive green economy," he said.


Source: 
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/home/environment/developmental-issues/Changing-environment-to-impact-global-business-UN/articleshow/20713521.cms

Saturday, November 10, 2012

BEC Event Signup: Leadership Networking Series: Topic: Is Hong Kong’s Municipal Waste Manageable?

Leadership Networking Series

Event Date:29 November, 2012 (Thursday)
Event Time:05:30pm - 07:30pm
Venue:BEC Auditorium, Jockey Club Environmental Building, Kowloon
Contact:Ms Skyla Chan
Email:skyla@bec.org.hk

We are delighted to have introduced the Leadership Networking Series in September where leaders and practitioners in sustainability can network and share their insights in an open and relaxing atmosphere. Come join us in the upcoming sharing session where you could mingle and meet with other BEC members and like-minded major industry players. Special thanks to SITA Waste Service Limited in making the post-event cocktail possible.

You may find more details below and we hope to see you there!

29 November 2012 
Topic: Is Hong Kong’s Municipal Waste Manageable?                                        
Speaker: Mr Albert Lam JP 
Deputy Director of Environmental Protection, Environmental Protection Department
Municipal waste is becoming a pressing problem of Hong Kong, and need to be solved with concerted efforts from all walks of life. Overseeing the waste management policy division of the Administration, Mr Lam will share the latest Government policy direction, what work has been and will be done, and how the community and the business sector can be involved
Mr Mark Venhoek
CEO, Sita Waste Service Limited
Sending waste to landfill is not the only option to disposal of municipal waste. Mr Venhoek, with fruitful work experience from waste management industry, will share various methods and techniques in handling municipal waste to understand more about the current development waste management while taking sustainability into concern.
FeeHKD 180 per head
Free Seats for Each BEC MemberThree (3) – Council 
Two (2) – Corporate 
One (1) – General
LanguageEnglish


Please download and fill in the REGISTRATION FORM to reserve your seat(s). Successful registrations will be notified separately. For further information, please contact Ms Skyla Chan (T. 2784-3942 E. skyla@bec.org.hk)

For more information: http://www.bec.org.hk/eng/form_event_signup.aspx?id=795

Monday, October 15, 2012

Corporate Social Responsibility: Buzzword or Business Imperative, 17 October 2012, Hong Kong

Corporate Social Responsibility: Buzzword or Business Imperative

Corporate Social Responsibility: Buzzword or Business Imperative

Introduction

GE Lecture: CSR - Environmental Sustainability
Date: 17 Oct 2012
Time: 12:45 - 13:45

Topic: Environmental Sustainability
Guest Speaker: Ms. Ingrun Alsleben, Chief Financial Officer, Bayer Group

Venue: MBG07, Main Building


Medium of Instruction: English

Summary:
This public lecture is part of a General Education Course entitled Corporate Social Responsibility: Buzzword or Business Imperative.  In this session, the latest concepts around the connections between environment and development will be introduced.  Ms. Ingrun Alsleben will examine the relationship between business and environment with real-life practical examples.

ALL ARE WELCOME.

Registration: http://hkuems1.hku.hk/hkuems/ec_regform.aspx?guest=Y&UEID=20155

Enquiry: 2241 5044 or gened@hku.hk

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

New Publication: Unleashing business to mitigate greenhouse gas emission by Robert Gibson

Unleashing business to mitigate greenhouse gas emission (24 May 2012) By Robert Gibson


City University of Hong Kong and Civic Exchange discuss what the UN’s Green Climate Fund could learn from the world of international trade and commence.

 Download full article
(PDF) | Online Magazine (p.140)

Monday, June 11, 2012

Professional Talk: An Introduction to ESG Reporting and the Carbon Disclosure Project in Hong Kong, 18 June, 2012



Event Date:18 June, 2012 (Monday)
Event Time:6:00pm - 8:00pm
Venue:BEC Auditorium, Jockey Club Environmental Building, Kowloon Tong
Fee:$150
Discounts:20% - BEC members/ sponsors/ partners, additional 5% - early birds 21 days prior to the event, additional 5% - Group of 2 or more
Contact:Ms Sindy Tam
Telephone:27843942
Email:sindy@bec.org.hk
About the Talk
Environment, Social, and Governance (ESG) reporting has gained wider acceptance among Hong Kong companies in recent years. Traditionally, companies in Hong Kong focused primarily on showcasing philanthropy and community programs, driven by the desire to enhance reputation. The business sector is now responding to the demands of investors to be more open to report on environmental issues, social impacts, labour standards and corporate governance. This talk will briefly review recent developments related to the Hang Seng Sustainabiltiy Index and the HKEx ESG Reporting Guide, and then explain in more detail the background to the Carbon Disclosure Project (CDP) and why it is becoming increasingly important for companies in Hong Kong to disclose information to investors about climate change.

For further information, please contact Ms Sindy Tam T. 2784-3942 E.sindy@bec.org.hk

http://www.bec.org.hk/eng/form_event_signup.aspx?id=758

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

2012 The Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF)

Date: 29 -31 March 2012
Venue: Macao













The Macao International Environmental Co-operation Forum & Exhibition (MIECF) is a high-powered annual platform to promote solutions for a low carbon future, and sustainable urban development for cities. Initiated and actively led by the government of the Macao Special Administrative Region (Macao SAR), the exhibition and conference is strategically positioned to nurture business, technology and information exchange and co-operation between the Pan-Pearl River Delta region in Southern China and the international markets.

MIECF has been enjoying the special support of the National Development and Reform Commission and the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the People’s Republic of China. MIECF is also co-organized by the provincial / regional governments of the 9+2 region of the Pan Pearl River Delta, namely Fujian, Jiangxi, Hunan, Guangdong, Guangxi, Hainan, Sichuan, Guizhou, Yunnan and Hong Kong SAR. The strong support from the provincial governments cements MIECF as the business and networking platform for the move towards sustainable cities in the region and is attested by its continued visitor growth figures.

Organized by: Government of the Macao Special Administrative Region of the Peoples's Republic of China

For more information: http://www.macaomiecf.com/miecf2012/

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

International Conference On Corporate And Business Response To Climate Change 7 - 9 December

International Conference On Corporate And Business Response To Climate Change - 
From Awareness To Adoption (Transcending The Boundaries)


Date: 7 - 9 December 2011
Venue: Periyar University, Salem District, Tamil Nadu state, India



ABOUT THE CONFERENCE
The proposed International Event will create awareness about how business and consumption activities causing change in the climate pattern and to share knowledge of best adoption practices to mitigate the effect of climate change both within and outside the country.

OBJECTIVES OF THE CONFERENCE
 The primary objective of this International Conference is to prepare the Industries, Business and Consumers to meet the challenges of global warming and the resultant problems associated with climate change.

SUB THEMES
  • Industries and Global Warming.
  • Climate Change related Physical risk and its Impact on Business
  • Activities causing Global Warming and Climate Change.
  • Methane and Carbon Sequestration.
  • Carbon Capping and Carbon Trading.
  • Redefining Product Planning and Post Consumption for Waste Management.
  • Business and Climate Change
  • Green Technologies and its Contribution in Reducing GHG
  • Domestic Climate Policy Frameworks to Mitigate Green House Gas Emissions.
  • Mitigation and Adoption to Climate Change.
  • Product Innovation for Climate Protection.
  • Development vs. Environment.
  • The Challenges of Climate Change.
  • HR Green Initiatives for Sustainable Development.
  • Energy Crisis and Non – Conventional Energy.
  • Sustainable Consumption for Sustainable Development.
  • Green Energy and Marketing Opportunities.
  • Green Products and Green marketing.
  • Sources of Renewable Energy.
  • Environment and CSR.
  • Environmental Accounting and Auditing.
  • Environment Economics.
  • Climate Change and Food Security.
  • Technology and Waste Management.
  • Disaster Management
  • Management of Coastal Resources
  • Greening the Investment of Financial Institution
  • Banks and Social Responsible Investment.
  • Green Buildings
  • Consumerism and Environmental Degradation
  • Consumption Culture and Waste Generation
  • Eco – Friendly Products and Green Movement.
  • Eco – Tourism


 Brochure-Downlaod File

Thursday, November 3, 2011

InnoAsia 2011 "Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Future" 15-17 NOV

InnoAsia 2011Energy Efficiency, Sustainable Future 15-17 November 2011

Untitled Page Event Date:15 November, 2011 (Tuesday) - 17 November, 2011 (Thursday)
Venue:Hong Kong Science Park & Hotel ICON
Contact:Ms Ivy Wong
Telephone:26296647
Email:info@innoasia.net


Registration: http://www.innoasia.net/en_form.php

'The three-day conference is the only event of its kind in Asia featuring a Main Conference with insight-sharing Tech Forums, Workshop as well as business matching forums. It presents a unique platform for policy makers, business leaders, prominent scientists and university researchers from Hong Kong and overseas to get together and share their views, experiences and insights over global issues of strategic importance. Key areas to be explored include:
  • The energy efficiency agenda in China's 12th Five Year Plan
  • Future energy technologies and B2B & B2C business opportunities
  • Sustainable development and energy efficiency best practices
  • Design for energy efficient green buildings
  • Building design and automation systems for low-energy built environment
  • Smart solutions in the industrial sector for lower environment impact and costs
  • The breakthroughs in lighting technologies for better environmental performance and commercial opportunities'

DAY ONE - Tuesday, 15 November, Hong Kong Science Park
09:00 - 15:30 Main Conference HK$1,000*
16:00 - 17:30 Chairmen's Forum
17:30 - 19:00 Cocktails HK$300
19:00 - 21:00 Networking Dinner


DAY TWO - Wednesday, 16 November, Hotel ICON
09:00 - 12:30 Tech Forum 1 - Policies, Markets & Business Opportunities HK$600
Tech Forum 2 - Building Design & Automation
14:00 - 17:30 Tech Forum 3 - Industry & Manufacturing
Tech Forum 4 - Lighting & Display Innovation


DAY THREE - Thursday, 17 November, Hong Kong Science Park
09:15-12:00 SPARC Forum 1 - Angel Investment Matching (by invitation)
SPARC Forum 2 - Venture Capital Investment Matching (by invitation)
Workshop: Inside Look at Entrepreneurial Path to IPO HK$800
12:30 - 14:00 Lunch HK$600*
14:00 - 17:30 HK Venture Capital / Angel Conference
17:30 - 19:00 Networking Cocktails


2-day package: HK$1,200# 3-day package: HK$1,600#
*Inclusive of Lunch
#Exclusive of cocktail and Networking Dinner of Day 1 and IPO Workshop of Day 3.


Officail Website of InnoAsia 2011 Conference: http://www.innoasia.net/en_index.html