On 27 August, TUV Rheinland Hong Kong was awarded a CarbonSmart Certificate at the Business Matching Forum cum CarbonSmart Commendation Ceremony. TUV Rheinland is the first testing inspection and certification (TIC) company among 100 qualified service providers (QSPs) to have successfully completed the carbon audit approved by CarbonSmart. At the same time, TUV Rheinland Hong Kong managed to achieve a 6% reduction in carbon emissions and is thus entitled to use the Carbon Less 6% label for the next 3 years, from1/4/2014 to 31/3/2017. As a socially responsible TIC company, we not only provide carbon and environmental services but also incorporate environmental objectives and carbon reduction into our business operations.
TUV Rheinland Hong Kong applied to two carbon audit schemes, the CarbonSmart Programme and the Carbon Less Certificate Scheme, to obtain a comprehensive carbon footprint profile of ourHong Kong operations. With such audit data available, we were then able to identify the most cost-effective areas for further improvement, such as replacing traditional light tubes with T5 energy-saving light tubes, installing water-saving valves, installing automatic timers for office electrical appliances, etc.
The CarbonSmart Programme aims to encourage and sustain concerted industry efforts to audit and decrease carbon usage levels, shape a low-carbon economy and facilitate the development of related environmental industries. Upon notification of each successful application, a carbon audit must be completed within 6 months for fund disbursement. Successful applicants may receive a grant of up to 50% of the approved cost of the carbon audit (up toHK$30,000 for each application). To allow more enterprises to conduct carbon audits, the CarbonSmart Programme has been extended untilSeptember 2015 and an expected 150 additional projects will be approved.
TUV Rheinland Hong Kong became a QSP in December 2012 and was named a CarbonSmart Diversified Service Provider last October in recognition of services provided to several sectors. It has successfully helped Hotel Madera, Crystal Harbour Restaurant and logistics and office-based companies such as Shun Hing Logistics, Otis, Bank of Communications, the MGB Metro Group and the Crystal Group to conduct carbon audits.
