The Hong Kong Jockey Club has long been committed to environmental protection through developing its own "Environment Policy" and providing funding to support related projects.
In 1993, the Club partnered the Business Environment Council (BEC) to build a sustainable community in Hong Kong by making the donation of HK$40 million for the construction of the Jockey Club Environmental Building, which supported BEC to help business and industry identify management and technology solutions for environmental problems, and undertake research and implement programmes with a direct impact on the environment.
Speaking at the BEC 21st Anniversary Dinner on 30 September, Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson noted that the BEC, as a close and much-valued partner, has helped the Club conduct Environmental Audits, set up an ISO-standard Environmental Management System and organise training courses for staff. "I am pleased to see that environmental awareness in Hong Kong has grown enormously over the past years. We all realize that such a huge challenge will continue to need supporting hands for many more years to come. That's why support for the environment has long been a focus of the Club's attention, part of our mission to enhance the overall quality of life of Hong Kong people," he said.
Over the years, the Club has backed numerous green projects. Examples are funding the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) in 1987 to produce an audio-visual pack for secondary schools covering water, air and noise pollution, sewage treatment and waste management; funding the EPD to establish the city's first air pollution index two years later to inform the public each day about air pollution levels; as well as supporting the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology to launch "Mobile Real-time Air Monitoring Platform".
In addition, The Hong Kong Jockey Club Green Child Campaign launched in 2001 has drawn support from three major supermarket chains and some 155 local primary schools. The Club's Charities Trust has also initiated the Environment Project with a $350 million donation to pioneer new approaches to environmental protection, including the implementation of solar-hybrid vessels to carry passengers travelling between Kau Sai Chau and Sai Kung pier; and the launch of a glass bottle recycling campaign with EPD and Hong Chi Association.
Apart from funding the green community projects, the Club has also encouraged staff members to adopt environmentally-friendly practices, such as the recycling of kitchen, office and stable wastes; energy saving; a change to non-chemically coated paper for betting slips; and the promotion of sustainable seafood menus at the Club's restaurants.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club has become one of Hong Kong’s best known and respected organisations, providing the public with world-class sporting entertainment as well as being the city’s major non-Government community benefactor, now donating more than HK$1 billion a year to charitable and community projects. It has been a part of Hong Kong through good times and bad, sharing the city’s growth and development with its people, and is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for future generations.
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Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson says the Club will continue to work with different sectors to promote sustainable development and environmental protection in Hong Kong.
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Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson (centre); Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau (right) and BEC Chairman Prof John Chai (left) toast the 21st Anniversary of the Council.
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Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson (right) receives the certificate of membership of BEC Council on the Club's behalf from BEC Chairman Prof John Chai (left).
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Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson pictured with government representatives, and BEC Council members.
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Club Chairman T Brian Stevenson with the Club's Environmental Management Committee members.
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