Environmental performance
WHEN A COMPANY starts discussing environmental policies, the first question asked usually pertains to the cost and financial benefits such policies would bring.
But that, in fact, is the wrong place to start, said John Chai, managing director of Fook Tin Technologies, which last night won, for the second time, the Grand Award in Environmental Performance at the Hong Kong Awards for Industries.
'Environmental performance is not measured by monetary gain,' Mr Chai said. 'It is about fulfilling responsibilities. Environmental performance brings about economic benefits when the supply chain becomes more energy efficient and the cost of production comes down.
'However, this shouldn't be the reason for environmental protection. We do not own the environment, we are a part of it. As responsible manufacturers, it is our duty to evaluate the impact of our daily operations on the environment, minimise any harm done and try to compensate, even if it means having to spend.
'If we do not take care of our own home, we and the next generation will suffer the consequences.'
Mr Chai pointed out that environmental performance was considered a basic requirement by companies worldwide. Corporate entities that did not want to end up as dinosaurs in the business and manufacturing landscape would have to change their thinking and adopt new ways of running a business, he said.