In Hong Kong, I have noticed a difference in the manner in which the public is voicing its desire for change. The level of sophistication in the campaigns has stepped up a notch, backed by more organisations willing to invest in this area.
Paralleling the stronger campaigns is the growing awareness level of the public. In Hong Kong, we face many environmental challenges, including declining air quality levels. This has received extensive media coverage in the past year. But responsibility towards improvement cannot only befall the public sector. The private sector too must also do its part; not only large multinational corporations with well-established CSR and communications programmes, but SMEs and home-grown firms need to also pledge a commitment to the environment. An example in the right direction was the launch of the Hong Kong Green-Manufacturing Alliance (HKGMA) on February 1. Comprised of Hong Kong's leading industrial associations, the group's mandate is to foster the transformation of the Hong Kong manufacturing industry into 'Green' and enhance its competitive advantages.
For manufacturers, the regulatory landscape is shifting rapidly. By July 2006, all manufacturers of electronic and electrical equipment sold in Europe must comply with the EU's restriction of hazardous substances directive.
This will have a huge impact on business. A local Hong Kong company recently set a commendable example for other companies to follow. LTK Industries, the largest provider of cable and wire products to the electronics and communications industry in China, recently announced that it is the first wire and cable company in the world to obtain the approval of Underwriters Laboratories, a 110-year product safety certification, to meet these strict EU requirements - 18 months ahead of the mandated deadline.
It is widely held that economic development and environmental conservation are mutually reinforcing goals. The responsibility of business for the environment and sustainable development has been given prominent recognition in recent years due to the combination of regulatory compliance, heightened social awareness and an ever increasing sense of corporate social responsibility.
As PR professionals, our role is to help companies save money and attract customers. It is imperative that we lead the path of engagement in the environmental area in order to send a strong message to all other industries - that if every company did its part in committing some resources to environmental improvement, it will only be a short matter of time before very few companies will want to be left behind.
- Emma Smith is CEO of The Consultancy.