Over 13,000 participants took part in a variety of empowering educational activities and competitions – a new climate-neutral lifestyle culture is emerging in Hong Kong
HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – December 18, 2024 – The Environment and Conservation Fund Carbon Neutrality Campaign organized by the Hong Kong Women Professionals & Entrepreneurs Association (HKWPEA) held its awards ceremony at the HKPC Building this afternoon with Mr. Wong Chuen -fai, JP, Commissioner for Climate Change, and Dr. Cheng Kam-chung, SBS, MH, OStJ, JP, Chairman of the Environment and Nature Conservation Fund Committee as officiating guests. Almost 300 participants and guests celebrated with the award winners.
The Environment and Conservation Fund Carbon Neutrality Campaign Competition awards ceremony recognizes an amazing crop of carbon reduction winners.
Ms. Julianne Doe, President of the Hong Kong Women Professionals & Entrepreneurs Association (HKWPEA), stated: “The year-long carbon neutrality campaign has successfully attracted over 13,000 people signing up to take part, which is really encouraging. This reflects our society's strong support and active commitment to environmental initiatives and confirms that Hong Kong's sustainability culture is already in place. The participants in the competition collectively saved a total of 150 tons of carbon, which is equivalent to the amount of CO22 absorbed by over 6,500 trees in one year. If this savings rate is extended to the entire Hong Kong population, it could result in a carbon reduction of over 84,000 tonnes per year.” Ms Doe urged Hong Kong people to continue protecting the environment and working together towards carbon neutrality.
Mr Wong Chuen-fai, Commissioner for Climate Change, said: “Hong Kong aims to achieve carbon neutrality before 2050 through measures on net-zero power generation, energy conservation and green buildings, green transport and waste reduction. This carbon neutrality campaign, supported by the Environment and Conservation Fund, serves as a central force in mobilizing community engagement across various sectors, increasing public awareness and participation, and encouraging behavioral change towards the city's carbon neutrality goals.”
Mr. Leung Wing-mo, Ambassador of the Carbon Neutrality Campaign, noted: “Becoming a 'Zero Carbon Champion' as a campaign ambassador allows me to deliver the crucial message of carbon neutrality to friends of all ages and industries. I am deeply touched by the efforts of each participant. Together, let us expand and sustain the vision of carbon-free living – for ourselves, our future generations and our only home, the Earth.”
Artists Candice Yu and Candy Lo were invited to present awards on this occasion. Previously, they filmed clips in an online video series with “Zero Carbon Champion” campaign ambassador Leung Wing Mo, former deputy director of the Hong Kong Observatory, to share carbon reduction tips in an easy-to-understand way. Gourmet Carbon Reduction expert Candice Yu explained that choosing local, organic and seasonal ingredients in daily meals can reduce transportation and carbon emissions, while proper food portion planning helps reduce waste. Meanwhile, Candy Lo's green living tips include choosing energy-efficient and environmentally friendly home appliances, minimizing household waste, reducing waste at the source, and supporting clean recycling.
The Carbon Neutrality Campaign competition attracted over 13,000 people who signed up to take part and achieved an impressive 150 tonnes reduction in carbon emissions among qualified participants. The top performing teams were honored at the ceremony with practical and meaningful prizes, including carbon credits, on-site hotel accommodations and theme park tickets. In addition, special awards were presented to property management companies and schools to recognize their efforts to reduce carbon emissions among tenants, building users and students.
The grand prize winners, titled “Carbon Reduction Champion,” not only achieved significant reductions in carbon emissions, but also shared creative tips for low-carbon living in the areas of clothing, nutrition, housing and transportation, such as:
Clothing: Before purchasing, consider the need for new purchases or recycle materials such as fabric from broken umbrellas into reusable handbags.
Eat: Bring your own take-out containers, support local agricultural products, or even grow your own food.
Housing: Create eco-friendly cleaning products, use bamboo mats, or improve natural ventilation by opening windows to reduce reliance on air conditioning.
transport: Walk or bike more to minimize car use and promote sustainable travel habits.
Let's hug Zero carbon In Clothing, food, housing and transportation.
Hashtag: #EasyZeroCarbonLiving
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About the Environment and Conservation Fund's carbon neutral campaign
The Environment and Conservation Fund's Carbon Neutrality Campaign is a comprehensive initiative to promote carbon neutrality across various sectors. The aim of our campaign is to raise public awareness and encourage community commitment to carbon neutrality, with the ultimate goal of encouraging lasting behavior change. To achieve this, we provide guidance and resources to individuals and organizations to implement sustainable practices and reduce their carbon emissions. In addition, we strive to promote a culture of sustainability and encourage collective action towards carbon neutrality. With this campaign we hope to build a more sustainable future and contribute to global efforts to mitigate climate change.
During the ten-month competition period, eight major seminars, three experiential activities and several lectures for schools and companies took place, attracting over 4,000 participants. The seminars invited experts from various fields to share knowledge on climate change and carbon neutrality, while the experiential activities allowed participants to experience how easy it is to practice a low-carbon lifestyle. In addition, the Carbon Neutrality Campaign launched an eight-part series hosted by Ambassador Leung Wing-mo, with many celebrities recording “One Minute Low Carbon Tips.”
Further information about the campaign can be found at: 
https://CarbonNeutralityhk.com.
About the Hong Kong Women Professionals and Entrepreneurs Association
The Hong Kong Women Professionals and Entrepreneurs Association (HKWPEA) was founded as a non-profit organization in September 1996 by a group of local female professionals and entrepreneurs. The aim of the association is to develop and inspire leadership skills in young women; Supporting female specialists and managers to achieve their full career potential; promote the well-being and healthy aging of women; and to work with the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government to formulate policies to achieve these goals. For more information, see https://www.hkwpea.org/
