Jockey Club promotes green living with Environment Fair

03/02/2013

The first environment fair organised by the CUHK Jockey Club Initiative Gaia was held today (2 March) in Cityplaza to promote green messages and showcase sustainable initiatives.  The Environment Fair 2013 was officially opened by The Hong Kong Jockey Club’s Director of Human Resources and Sustainability Mimi Cunningham, Under Secretary for the Environment Christine Loh, Chinese University of Hong Kong Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Joseph Sung, Polar Museum Foundation Founder Dr Rebecca Lee and Greeners Action Executive Director Angus Ho.

Noting that this large-scale environment programme was launched by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and CUHK last year, Mrs Cunningham said it was aimed at enhancing the public awareness of environmental protection.  She hoped the public would receive more green messages through the interactive games and experience-sharing by guests at the Fair and apply them to daily life to build a greener community.

Ms Loh, Dr Lee and Mr Ho addressed the gathering to share their views and experiences on this year’s theme “Climate Change and Low-carbon, Less-waste Living”.  Those attending were also treated to an a cappella performance, interactive eco-games, advice on food waste conversion and a green living exhibition to highlight the significance of a sustainable lifestyle.

Part of the Trust-funded Environment Project, the CUHK Jockey Club Initiative Gaia will embrace a wide range of environmental conferences, public forums and community education programmes.  It will also establish a Museum of Climate Change to display valuable exhibits from renowned explorer Dr Rebecca Lee on the “Three Poles” (North Pole, South Pole and Mt Everest); innovative research produced by CUHK in the areas of environment, energy and sustainability; and details of the Club’s contributions to environmental protection.

In addition, a “Go Green Community – Jockey Club Carbon Reduction Partnership Scheme” has been launched to engage local schools and non-governmental organisations in reducing carbon emissions through carbon audits and implementation of practical initiatives.  

The Club is strongly committed to environmental protection and conservation.  Its Trust-funded Environment Project includes the Hong Chi Association’s Community Organic Farming Campaign, the Glass Bottle Recycling Campaign and various international symposia and public forums.  To support environmental conservation, the Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau Public Golf Course became the first in the world to deploy solar-powered golf carts through its entire fleet.  And to reduce carbon emissions, solar-hybrid catamarans have been brought in to carry passengers between Kau Sai Chau and Sai Kung pier.

Further details of CUHK Jockey Club Initiative Gaia are available at http://www.gaia.cuhk.edu.hk/.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world's leading horse racing organisations but also a world top 15 charitable organisation and Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.7 billion in 2012. It is also a major taxpayer, Hong Kong's single largest by far, generating over HK$16 billion a year for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious, with more than 23,000 members. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.