A lack of government support and conflicting standards stymie business-funded efforts to promote environmentally friendly products
Conflicting standards adopted by different departments and a lack of government support have been blamed for the failure of a pioneering green labelling scheme to get off the ground.
Since it was set up almost five years ago in an effort to promote environmentally friendly products, the business-funded Green Council has issued labels for only about 40 products - mostly paint and cleaning products. The labels certify that the products meet the stringent environmental requirements of the International Organisation of Standards.
Council chief executive Linda Ho expressed frustration over the slow progress, which she admitted was unsatisfactory.
In an effort to kick-start Hong Kong's efforts, the Green Council is considering launching a green purchasing network, which would include a database for self-declared green products. Ms Ho said it was hoped the network would help businesses procure green products with ease and confidence.
'The government has to take the lead in using the products and creating an expanded market for them. That's what we have been waiting for in vain,' she said.
As an example of the problems the scheme faced, Ms Ho said the Architectural Services Department and Buildings Department had different standards for the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in paints supplied by their contractors, while the Environmental Protection Department would not have any standard until 2010.
