XN000022-1995-02-15 — Page 71

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Government to set green example

Following is a question by the Hon Man Sai-cheong and a written reply by the Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Tony Eason, in the Legislative Council today (Wednesday):

Question:

::

In his 1993, policy address, the Governor stated that the Government would invite the private sector to appoint a "Green Manager" in each of their companies to arouse environmental awareness and conduct environmental audits. In a recent study on this issue prepared by a green group, it is reported that only a fraction of companies have appointed green managers for environmental matters. This indicates that the response from the private sector to the Government's appeal has not been keen. In view of this, will the Government inform this Council:

(a)

(b)

I

of the present situation regarding the carrying out of environmental audits in the private sector; and

whether the target set by the Government has been achieved; if not, what further action will be taken to improve the present situation, so as to help local industry to carry out environmental audits and adopt measures to reduce the consumption of energy, paper and other resources?

Reply:

Mr President,

(a)

(b)

1

.

Although precise figures are not available, we understand that some 40 commercial and industrial companies have carried out environmental audits or are in the process of doing so. Some companies have also produced or sponsored the production of environmental audit manuals which are available to other organisations.

We have not set a specific target for environmental audits to be carried out by companies in the private sector. The approach we have adopted is to set a good green example for the private sector to follow and to work in partnership with the private sector to promote a reduction in resource consumption.