Posted on April, 20 2005

Beijing, China/Gland, Switzerland – Some of China's biggest and most important companies are intent on improving environmental standards and practices, according to a survey by WWF.

All of the companies participating in the survey said protecting the environment was important, with more than half indicating that it was part of their company's core values. 
 
According to WWF, this is unexpected given environmental concerns associated with China's rapidly growing economy. China's natural resources are becoming increasingly depleted, with reports indicating that the country will have to rely on foreign imports of oil, iron, and steel from 2020. This in turn will have a big impact on the exploitation of natural resources worldwide.
   
"The survey shows that a significant group of Chinese companies are more environmentally aware than they are often portrayed," said Peng Lei, WWF Trade and Investment Programme. "If they can show global leadership, they could not only help solve many of China's environmental problems, but also the world’s." 
 
The survey also showed that 22 per cent of respondents are implementing tougher environment standards than legally required, with 13 per cent calling for even stricter mandatory rules. These standards related to reducing CO2 emissions, waste pollution and using energy efficient technologies. 
 
The companies surveyed represent some of the biggest players in China's energy, finance, electronic and IT sectors. These included China National Petroleum Corporation, Bank of Shanghai, Shanghai Automotive Company, Haier, Lenovo, China Telecom and China Mobile. 
 
"As China emerges as one of the world's biggest economies, it has massive potential to become a leading world exporter and investor in sustainable goods," said Dennis Pamlin, at WWF's Trade and Investment Programme. "China could set the agenda as a global champion for sustainable business solutions." 
 
However, WWF says if this is to happen, the Chinese government has to offer financial incentives to the leading companies, while both companies and governments in the EU, Japan and the US should adopt policies that support progressive business in China.

The survey also showed that there is a need to deal with the laggards in China as respondents expressed concern that a large group of companies are still trying to either lower standards or break the law. 
 
WWF is releasing the survey ahead of the opening of the Boao Forum for Asia this week, which will discuss Asia's growing importance in the world economy.

WWF believes that the forum provides an opportunity to discuss ways in which China can avert both a domestic and a global environmental catastrophe through showing global leadership on sustainable development. 
 
NOTE:

• The survey was conducted between August and December 2004. It was sent to 182 of China's biggest companies. 61 responded. 
 
For more information:
Dennis Pamlin
WWF’s Trade and Investment Programme
Tel: +86 135 815 560 78
 
Tom Crompton, Head 
WWF's Trade and Investment Programme
Tel: +44 1483 412 548
 
Olivier van Bogaert, Senior Press Ifficer 
WWF International Press Office,
Tel: +41 22 364 9554