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Environmental Performance 39
Managing Climate Risks
In July 2016, caused by heavy rain, the water level of Lake Taihu in Jiangsu province reached
4.7 metres. 0.9 metres above the warning level, leading to the prospect of flooding. To deal with
this, our joint venture, Wujiang Hong Kong and China Water Company Limited, immediately
sourced wet-weather gear, shovels, torches, sandbags and drainage pumps. In addition, senior
management held three meetings to ensure clear communication and effective coordination
during flooding. Based at our two water treatment plants and seven water supply services
units, nine regional joint emergency teams were set up responsible for managing a specific
area during flooding. Moreover, we have established an emergency preparedness plan for flood
season to uphold safety and ensure a reliable water supply. Emergency drills are carried out
to reduce response time and increase efficiency. Also, we conduct maintenance checks at our
water plants, pumping stations and other crucial water facilities or elements of the power
system.
Climate patterns are changing, and this is having
an impact on the global business landscape.
Directly, company operations can be affected, and
indirectly, supply chains can be affected.
Coping with the threat of climate change requires
a dual approach: mitigation and adaptation.
We are tireless in our efforts to reduce GHG
emissions and become more resilient to the
impact they have. Several years ago, in order to
enhance our resistance to climate change, we
commissioned a comprehensive risk assessment
for Hong Kong operations. It identified risks
and opportunities and led us to develop and
implement targets for adaptation. Specifically,
we incorporated the risk of climate change into
our existing practices. An example of this is our
adverse weather preparedness plan, which offers
general guidance to employees.
In future, we shall continue to monitor the
situation and strengthen our capacity to cope
with the challenging environments in which we
operate.
Case study
Water Project Climate Adaptation
In response to climate change, we have been
conducting risk assessments of our operations in Hong
Kong and mainland China to ensure the infrastructure
can withstand the effects of extreme weather,
ensuring public safety and gas supply reliability.
– Victor Kwong,
Head of Corporate Health, Safety and Environment, Towngas