Ron Chung, CLP Carbon Calculator & Green Living Website
Creating a carbon calculator for Hong Kong
This carbon calculator will show people the ranking of Hong Kong against other cities in order of carbon emissions. The calculator has been created for the Hong Kong lifestyle specifically as many which are internationally designed are not appropriate or applicable. In Hong Kong, for example, many people do not have cars.
This project is aimed at highlighting the low awareness of environmental issues – especially around the meaning of carbon footprinting. It also has a goal to emphasise the problems with air quality.
CLP, as the most significant utility in Hong Kong, has taken the environmental step to acknowledge the responsibility to make customers aware of smarter ways to live, including in their use of electricity.
The project started in January 2008. The website went live in June 2008.
Progress
Locally in Hong Kong – there has been an increase in customer involvement in using electricity wisely.
Internally, staff awareness and caring for the environment at work and home has increased.
Universities and groups want to use the carbon calculator too, and we have focused on helping students benefit from the information.
People are gradually changing their lifestyle and behaviour. It is just necessary to put the idea into their mind. School-age children, in particular, are now more aware.
In the short term, we are looking at a mindset change for Hong Kong residents.
In the medium term, we hope more people will take that one extra step and initiate their next environmentally mindful action.
