SMEs require specialists to meet standards and consumer demands
The rapid rise of green consumerism is causing Hong Kong businesses to switch to more proactive, long-term environmental planning and management, and this is creating demand for professionals in the field.
While major corporations have been operating along these lines for some time, most other companies have focused more on piecemeal, reactive compliance with current environmental standards.
Now a growing number of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) are joining the trend to gain a positive market differentiation and stronger competitive edge.
Companies are strengthening the strategic capacity of their in-house environmental outfit, and this is generating demand for environmental professionals with relevant qualifications.
The number of companies seeking better environmental management has been increasing rapidly according to the Business Environment Council (BEC), a leading private sector alliance that promotes environmentally responsible business practices in Hong Kong.
'Not every organisation is doing this in a systematic manner, but environmental management is definitely moving from the leading corporations to become a much more mainstream issue for Hong Kong companies,' said Andrew Thomson, the council's chief executive.
