Public Policy
CCBF aims to support and advise the government on all climate change related issues, in order to pioneer Hong Kong's transition to a low-carbon economy.  Through a constant and positive dialogue with the government, CCBF is acting as a bridge between business and government on climate change issues. 
 
So far our publically available submissions to the government are as follows:
 

Climate Change Business Forum Nuclear Energy Statement

 

Last year, CCBF went on record in support of the Government's proposal to achieve a fuel mix of 50% nuclear, 40% gas, 3% - 4% renewable energy and 6% - 7% coal by 2020. The March 2011 earthquake and tsunami damage to the Fukushima nuclear power plant spurred a review of this decision.

 

Following internal discussions, CCBF will support the Hong Kong Government's proposed fuel mix, on the presumptions that (a) the lessons learned from Fukushima, and elsewhere, are fully taken into account, and (b) the fuel mix is part of a comprehensive, long-term energy strategy that prioritizes human safety and protection of the environment above all else. As with any long-term plan, it must also be reviewed regularly and rigorously -- particularly up to and after 2020 -- in the light of new and emerging technologies, to ensure the goals of a safe, secure and affordable energy supply are met.

 

CCBF recognizes that imported nuclear power has been a successful part of Hong Kong's strategy for 17 years. It can also play a more important role going forward, if the Government takes the following action:

  • Public education
  • Inter-Governmental Cooperation
  • Transparency in nuclear material waste handling

 

To read the Nuclear Statment in full and Q&A CCBF has developed to further flesh out the Statement please click the below links.

 

October 2011 CCBF Nuclear Statement

 

 

Nuclear Statement Questions and Answers
26th November 2010 - CCBF Presents at LegCo's Panel on Environmental Affairs
 
Here's a snap short of the paper presented to LegCo after the panel:
 

As businesses leaders, we welcome the HK government’s recent release of a draft climate change response plan. CCBF supports the Government’s overall target of a 50%-60% reduction in emissions intensity, in large part because it translates to a real C02 reduction of 19%-33%. We do note, however, that the majority of this reduction stems from changes in the fuel mix. The community, particularly the business community, can do more.

 

Pulling the right levers in the right direction: An ambitious target is the first step. We applaud the Government’s proposal in this regard. The next step is putting in place a plan to achieve the goals. In this regard CCBF endorses Government’s decision to prioritize Hong Kong’s fuel mix, transport, waste, and building energy use in the policy proposal. These are key levers to curb Hong Kong carbon emissions. We believe that rigorous change in each of these areas is necessary.  The largely supply-side measures in the Government proposal should be complemented by demand-side measures targeted at both businesses and individuals.

 

To read more: Download CCBF's Full LegCo Submission

 

10th December 2010 - BEC & CCBF Response to Hong Kong's Climate Change Strategy and Action Agenda

 

 

BEC and CCBF approached this public consultation in a serious and systematic manner, befitting the importance of the climate change issue. We undertook a multi-stage internal communications process with member companies, employing focus groups, phone interviews, and electronic communications to develop and refine the ideas presented below. Our objective was not simply to respond to the questions posed. Instead, it was to elicit constructive critique and feedback, to inform the path-breaking work ahead of us to build a more sustainable, resilient society.

 

BEC and CCBF recognize climate change as one of the gravest challenges facing our society and our world. As such, we welcome, and firmly support, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR) Government’s plan to achieve an absolute reduction in carbon emissions of between 19%-33% by 2020.

 

We see the Government’s proposed plan as a sound foundation upon which to galvanize public consensus and initiate concrete action. Yet ten years is a short time frame for ambitious reductions, and our lack of experience in this area introduces inherent uncertainty about how much reduction each element of the plan can deliver. Thus we advocate a series of interim milestones leading up to 2020, and extended targets thereafter. We also make specific suggestions with regard to each of the four main areas of the Government’s plan, and suggest two additional planks related to engaging the population and Government Carbon Leadership.

 

To read more: Download BEC and CCBF full submission to the Government