Richard Welford

SMEs and voluntary environmental initiatives: a study of stakeholders' perspectives in Hong Kong

The environmental performance of Hong Kongs businesses is currently perceived as rather poor. Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in particular are mostly unaware of the environmental impact of their business. Government and professional bodies have recently started to develop various initiatives to improve the SME sectors awareness of environmental and social issues, and external factors such as supply chain requirements, consumer preferences and energy prices are also exerting a growing influence. Based on extensive interviews with representatives of seven key stakeholder groups, this paper explores the effectiveness of such drivers to engage SMEs with environmental change and corporate social responsibility (CSR). It finds that most existing efforts, such as environmental support programmes and award schemes, do not have a great impact on the environmental and social performance of Hong Kongs SMEs.

Fair trade as a strategy for international competitiveness

SUMMARY At the centre of the debate surrounding sustainable development is a recognition that companies can make a major contribution by being environmentally and socially responsible and that tools associated with these concepts can enhance the competitiveness and economic performance of the firm. In this paper we go further in arguing that in a world of globalisation it is equally important to look at issues of international trade. In an examination of free trade we argue that it is neither fully consistent with sustainable development nor to the benefit of business. We point to a new imperative to develop sound sourcing, and equitable and fair trading relationships. We identify issues associated with fair trade (including issues of human rights, fair wages, sustainability reporting procedures and codes of conduct on ethics) and associated tools of analysis (guaranteed prices, codes of conduct and end price audits). The paper argues that in a world of globalisation with greater transparency and information availability it will be important for companies to be clear about their policies on supply chain management and trade. Indeed, with the growth of an active and sophisticated civil society, it will be argued that policies associated with sound sourcing, equitable trade and fair trade could provide companies with a new competitive strategy based on ethical standards communicated to the consumer through a strategy of differentiation. We explore strategies for the integration of fair trade policies, strategies and standards, and the opportunities for new markets and niches that this presents. It is argued that the integration of fair trade into a business strategy can enhance competitiveness.

Sustainable development and tourism destination management: A case study of the Lillehammer region, Norway

SUMMARY This paper reviews some of the literature and guidance provided for businesses considering responses to the environmental aspects and impacts of their tourist activities. It concentrates on the role of destinations and stakeholders within the destination cooperating and networking to improve environmental performance and on generating a ‘green’ image. In order to move towards a type of tourism consistent with sustainable development (sustainable tourism), it is argued that we need to see enhanced management of a destination, creating opportunities for networking and cooperation between, in particular, service providers. In a case study of Lillehammer, Norway, three projects negotiated, developed and delivered by service providers in the area are examined. These projects looked at hotel management, transport and aesthetics. Success factors are identified, including the involvement of stakeholders, the development of locally orientated codes of conduct, the role and participation of local authorities and the importance of leadership. Findings add to the body of practical help in moving destinations towards sustainable tourism.

Ecological modernisation as a weak form of sustainable development in Hong Kong

SUMMARY Hong Kongs response to the imperative of sustainable development has been ambivalent, confused, and lacking in urgency. The principles of sustainable development have been publicly endorsed at the highest political level in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HBAR). However, the SAR stills lacks a sustainable development strategy and has not officially adopted Agenda 21. Nor have any serious attempts been made to embed sustainable development within civil society. Nonetheless, the Government of the HKSAR is beginning to put in place institutional structures to handle sustainability concerns within the policy-making process. Given the ambivalence towards sustainable development in Hong Kong and uncertainty about what it entails, a policy shift towards an ecological modernisation position may find a more receptive audience among local decision-makers and the business community. This paper discusses some of the barriers to the pursuit of sustainable development in Hong Kong but argues that there are now opportunities for a shift towards a new set of policies consistent with ecological modernisation. Such a shift may be seen as a transitional stage in progress towards the formulation and adoption of a more comprehensive framework for sustainability issues in the future. Although we indicate limited action to date, ecological modernisation does provide a path not necessarily inconsistent with the economic aspirations of Hong Kong and may be a useful model to follow in much of the rest of Asia.

Ecological modernisation, environmental innovation and competitiveness: the case of public transport in Hong Kong

This paper focuses on the role of environmental innovation in the context of the development of ecological modernisation theory and as a driver for firms to gain competitive advantage in the market. While ecological modernisation theory offers a variety of theoretical and prescriptive viewpoints on the mechanisms through which modern societies respond to the environmental risks of industrialism, only limited attention has been given to issues of technological innovation and their implications for company competitiveness. Using the public transport sector in Hong Kong as a case study, this paper explores how transport operators have deployed environmental innovation as a means of enhancing their competitive position in the market thereby helping also to address significant local environmental concerns.

Ecological modernisation, environmental policy and innovation: Priorities for the Asia-Pacific region

This paper explores various dimensions of ecological modernisation in the context of developments in environmental policy and technological innovation in the Asia-Pacific region. It argues that models of ecological modernisation emerging in the region will differ from those developed elsewhere, particularly in Europe. Nonetheless, ecological modernisation theory can help to inform decisions surrounding the application of technological innovation which can then be applied to tackle environmental issues and at the same enhance the business competitiveness of firms in Asia and the Pacific.

Commentary: regional environmental management systems: lessons and challenges for industrial ecology research

Industrial ecology has made a major contribution to the tools of corporate environmental management over the last ten years. However, it is argued that most of that contribution has been at the level of products and individual firms. It is argued that if the concept of industrial ecology is to be developed in a way that attracts public policy attention then it will have to demonstrate greater benefits at the sectoral and regional levels. One of the seeds of industrial ecology, the regional environmental management system (REMS), is advocated as a way to push industrial ecology approaches more broadly. Just as REMS likes to adopt a business-related tool to manage a region, so Industrial Ecology is, in part, a metaphor for businesses acting in a more interlinked regional way. There is therefore a great deal of synergy between these two concepts. Indeed, a REMS approach to industrial development can be much enhanced if businesses are able to take on an industrial ecology perspective. This paper therefore examines the synergies between the two approaches in the context of ecological modernisation theory and suggests a framework for the further development of them in parallel. This in turn raises issues that require further research that will hopefully be reflected in future pages of this new journal.

Examining, discussing and suggesting the possible contribution and role of Buddhist economics for corporate social responsibility

Key principles of Buddhist economics are discussed in relation to the private sectors role in contributing to sustainable development. It is suggested that many aspects of a Buddhist approach are consistent with recent developments in the field of corporate social responsibility. But a more radical approach to that concept is required if we are to attain anything close to sustainable development. That approach is well informed by notions of Buddhist economics.

Cooperative business-NGO partnerships in Hong Kong: NGO perspective

Over the past decade, processes of environmental reform have been increasingly shaped by cooperative management between businesses, government and NGOs. This paper provides results of extensive interviews to assess cooperative environmental relationships between businesses and NGOs in Hong Kong and the barriers and positive drivers for these partnerships. Interviews with ten partnering NGOs found most optimistic about what has been achieved. Non-partnering NGOs interviewed were also hopeful about future partnerships. Overall, NGOs expressed the need for capacity building on governance issues, on negotiating partnerships and hope that business associations and government can provide necessary support. Issues of weak economy, business dominated thinking, weak civil society and lack of top-level commitment to environment need addressing. Comparison of small and large NGOs showed similar gains and surprisingly even similar types of partnerships. This study identified Seven Skills for Partnership Success to build on Plante and Bendells Art of Collaboration.

The economics of climate change: an overview of the Stern review

The most comprehensive review ever carried out on the economics of climate change was commissioned by the UK Chancellor in July 2005. It was been carried out by Sir Nicholas Stern, Head of the Government Economic Service and former World Bank Chief Economist. Most press coverage has highlighted the catastrophic implications of not acting to reduce greenhouse gases. But, in fact, the conclusion of the review is essentially optimistic. This overview outlines the reviews findings.