Circular Economy
Overview
A shift to a circular economy model offers huge opportunities for private sector players to deliver on climate commitments and ESG objectives, as well as tap into new sources of growth and long-term value creation. However, an economy-wide circular transition calls for the agenda to move beyond individual industries – and to capitalise on multi-stakeholder groups and public-private collaboration to help set the right direction and leverage the playing field for all.
Learnings
- Knowledge, experience, policy changes and new financing schemes are much needed to help businesses in Hong Kong understand and fully capitalise on the opportunities presented by the implementation of a circular economy.
- What role does the public sector play in facilitating the circular economy transition, such as infrastructure and enabling policy (regulations and other incentives), education and training?
- What role do multi-stakeholder groups play in bridging gaps and enhancing public-private dialogue to scale solutions?
Post Event Actions
- Gain insights on the state of play and challenges faced in capturing the circular economy opportunity.
- Rethink the role of multi-stakeholder groups and public-private collaborations play in setting the right direction and scaling solutions for circular economy adoption.
Speakers
MODERATOR
Merlin Lao
Head - Policy & Research
Business Environment Council Limited
Merlin Lao
Head - Policy & Research
Business Environment Council Limited
Mr. Merlin Lao is Head of Policy & Research at BEC. He leads the team to share develop clear policy positions on pressing climate and environmental topics in Hong Kong, through undertaking research on latest domestic and international trends, engaging with the Hong Kong SAR Government and connecting insights of the local business sector.
Ir Prof Daniel M. Cheng BBS, MH, JP
Managing Director
Dunwell Technology (Holdings) Ltd.
Ir Prof Daniel M. Cheng BBS, MH, JP
Managing Director
Dunwell Technology (Holdings) Ltd.
Ir Professor Daniel M. Cheng BBS. MH, JP is the Managing Director of Dunwell Enviro-Tech (Holdings) Ltd., he is the Honorary President of Federation of Hong Kong Industries and the President of Hong Kong Environmental Industries Association, Board member of Business Environment Council and Deputy Chairman of Hong Kong Green Strategy Alliance. Prof Cheng is a Fellow of Hong Kong Institute of Engineers and also Registered Professional Engineer. For HKSAR Government, he is also serving as Member of The Chief Executive’s Council of Advisers on Innovation and Strategic Development, Member of the Committee on Innovation, Technology and Re-industrialisation, Member of Advisory Committee on Recycling Fund. Member of the Steering Committee on the Promotion of Electric Vehicles.
Prof Cheng was the member of Advisory Committee on Water Supplies (Yr 2016 – 2020), the Council Member of Hong Kong Trade Development Council (Yr 2013 – 2017), the member of Hong Kong Productivity Council (Yr 2009–2015) and Vocational Training Council (Yr 2011–2015), he was also the Chairman of Federation of Hong Kong Industries (Yr 2015– 2017) and Past Chairman of Hong Kong Waste Management Association (Yr 2000–2001).
My Sustainability Goals for 2022:
We would like to bring up the awareness and actionable tasks for the public and business sectors to join hands for the sustainability of Hong Kong and GBA.
Maya de Souza
Circular Economy Director
BITC - UK
Maya de Souza
Circular Economy Director
BITC - UK
Maya de Souza is BITC’s Circular Economy Director, leading the organisation’s programme in this issue area, working with member companies on collaborative projects as well as on capacity building and influencing public policy. Prior to this, Maya was Head of Resource Efficiency & Waste Prevention Policy team at the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, in the UK government for several years leading on developing a new cross-sectoral policy programme, building resource efficiency into the Net Zero strategy, spearheading textiles and ecodesign/labelling policy, and representing the UK at various international forums. She has over 14 years of experience in environmental policy in government and headed the Policy & Research Team at the Business Environment Council, Hong Kong for 3 ½ years.
My Sustainability Goals for 2022:
I’d like to see Hong Kong continue to lead the way in high density energy efficient development which ensures a natural environment accessible to all, but now with more attention to reducing embodied carbon. I’d also like to see continuing work in reducing pollution from vehicles and shipping – HK has an exemplar record on public transport and was a first over on marine pollution. The next step is to take the lead in developing consumption and production patterns which lighten HK’s carbon and ecological footprint making full use of circular economy solutions and working with supply chains to do so.
Mark Harper
Group Head of Sustainability
John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Ltd.
Mark Harper
Group Head of Sustainability
John Swire & Sons (H.K.) Ltd.
At Swire Mark is responsible for the Group’s ESG disclosure and TCFD reporting as well as guiding the development of Group strategy on Climate, and Waste. He sits on the Board and Executive Committees of a number of NGO’s including Business Environment Council, Drink Without Waste and HeroesToo.
My Sustainability Goals for 2022:
Rollout of the Group’s Net Zero Carbon emissions and zero to landfill commitments. Finalising the Group’s climate risk assessment process and analysis.