Magnificent five strike gold

Five companies bagged the coveted Gold Sectoral Awards at the Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence (HKAEE) event because of their well-developed environmental management systems.

A spokesman for the HKAEE's adjudicating panel also cited the winners' strong commitment to environmental protection from top management to frontline staff, and their outstanding performance in achieving synergy as the reasons why they were distinguished from the other entrants.

'They are committed to educating and mobilising their stakeholders, business partners, clients or even the general community to practise green measures.

'They have also made considerable efforts in reducing their carbon footprint,' the spokesman said.

The Dairy Farm's Wellcome supermarket was the gold award winner in the retailers' sector.

The company was commended for its initiative in implementing a 'No Plastic Bag Day' and the use of environmentally friendly trucks, among various measures to reduce pollution levels.

The Gold Sectoral Award for the construction industry went to Shui On Building Contractors for its public housing project at the Eastern Harbour Crossing site.

Shui On used specially designed systems to conserve resources at the site, including wastewater treatment and recycling plants, and green roofs on temporary site offices.

Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney's Hollywood Hotel took the Gold Sectoral Award for hotels, restaurants and catering companies.

The resort integrated a recycling programme into its waste-disposal system and organised a diverse range of environmental awareness activities for guests.

Kai Shing Management Services's Park Island Management Services Office succeeded in engaging many residents of the Park Island housing project in its various eco-activities, such as 'Food Waste Collection' and 'Green Efforts Give Great Rewards' campaigns. The company won the gold award for property management.

HSBC was honoured with the gold award for financial institutions.

Nine silver award winners were named. Among them was Shell Hong Kong in the retailers' sector for its 'Fuel Save Challenge' initiative. The campaign helped drivers maximise fuel efficiency and reduce emissions.

Jones Lang LaSalle took the silver prize in the property management sector for its various advanced recycling and waste-disposal systems installed in the YKK Building. They included a waste separation centre and a Gomixer system to decompose organic food into water.