Strong support from Singapore with 30 C4C signatories
Emilyn Yap, Business Times 24 Apr 08;
IN A show of support on addressing climate change, 11 Singapore-based companies including Senoko Power and OCBC Bank yesterday committed to a Caring for Climate (C4C) programme.
C4C was jointly developed by the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC), UN Environment Programme and World Business Council for Sustainable Development.
The new signatories bring the number of Singapore-based companies involved in the initiative to about 30, which makes Singapore one of the strongest supporters.
Other local companies that are part of C4C include Ho Bee Group, Singapore General Hospital and SingTel.
OCBC spokeswoman Koh Ching Ching said: 'We hope that in our own ways, we can complement and support the growth and development of green practices in the wider community.'
The bank's environmentally friendly practices include using video and Web technology for meetings with overseas partners to minimise travel.
C4C is a voluntary global initiative aimed at mobilising the business community to help reduce climate risk, while creating value for companies.
Under the initiative, companies pledge to increase the efficiency of energy use, cut their carbon output and report progress made annually.
According to UNGC executive director Georg Kell, climate change presents businesses with opportunities and risks. By joining C4C, companies gain access to the best practices of their peers on climate strategies, he said.
So far, 206 companies from 48 countries have joined the C4C initiative. Global names include China Mobile, Tata Steel and Dow Chemical.
Yesterday's signing ceremony, at the Business for Environment Global Summit, also saw Singapore-based companies pledge support for the UNGC principles.
With about 75 signatories, Singapore is one of the largest supporters of UNGC in the region. Under the initiative, companies commit to adopt corporate social responsibility standards in the workplace.
