Environment and energy efficiency is a key arena for future cooperation for the German Chamber of Commerce in China. Global climate change, in particular, is one of the most important issues - which the chamber believes can only be countered by the joint actions of companies across the world

Through their investments in China, German companies play an important role in the reduction of energy and resource usage in the country. This is largely by implementing the use of highly efficient equipment and management tools in their plants.

In regard to technology transfer to China during the last two decades, Germany is the country that has transferred the largest proportion of hi-tech know-how to the country.

Consolidated global action is the only way to ensure a sustainable and efficient use of energy as well as to protect the climate and the environment. With an energy requirement which is estimated as five times higher than that of Germany's, China's strong economy nonetheless provides the country with a unique potential for sustainable growth through switching to green technology.

In line with commitments made by the Chinese President Hu Jintao, China is now aiming to significantly cut its "carbon intensity" - the amount of greenhouse gas emitted per unit of gross domestic product - by 2020.

Focus on sustainability

Sustainability issues need to be continuously brought to the attention of the international community. German companies are doing their utmost to cooperate with their Chinese partners by laying the foundations for sustainable growth and developing a qualitative growth model.

Successful partnerships have been established in all sectors of the Chinese economy. These are all geared to realizing these concepts and mastering the shared economic, ecological and social challenges in many areas, including the automotive, infrastructure, transportation, energy and construction sectors.

In December, the UN climate conference in Copenhagen is hoping to devise a new global regulatory framework for climate protection. For businesses across the world, this will mean significant changes in the way they do business. Future business models will have to emphasize cutting CO2 emissions and optimizing energy and fuel usage.

From an industry standpoint, a transparent, fair and globally effective agreement is crucial to ensuring its smooth implementation.

The inclusion of all emitters must be of the utmost priority - only then will there be a level playing field for businesses worldwide when it comes to combating climate change.

Serving the climate

Industrial applications already provide innovative and cost-effective climate protection solutions. These must be applied around the world - even in regions of the world with emerging economies and rising emissions resulting from a dynamic industrialization process.

German technologies and products are designed to serve the global climate. They also create significant economic opportunities. German technologies embrace features such as resource-efficiency, energy efficiency and smart solutions. The German industry is also increasing its investments in research and development in terms of innovative environmental technology.

In China, German companies are well prepared to cooperate on sophisticated products and solutions and support the Chinese government's commitment to control the emissions of greenhouse gases. They are already poised to contribute to projects and solutions of all kinds.

Commitment to environment

The German Chamber of Commerce in China focuses a huge part of its efforts, activities and events on a wide range of environmental topics. Expert workshops and delegation visits have been organized in a range of fields, including the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM).

The CDM Initiative established a platform for both Chinese and German stakeholders seeking to contribute to the reduction of CO2 emissions and to further the slowdown of global climate change. The German Chamber of Commerce in Beijing initiated this project in August 2008.

In addition to this, the chamber frequently launches initiatives related to renewable energies, such as biogas, solar and wind energy, as well to a number of activities focused on the reduction in use of conventional technologies. Topics such as energy efficiency in construction and shipbuilding are continually at the top of its agenda.

At present, a senior Chinese delegation, consisting of officials from the country's shipbuilding associations, is on a visit to Germany organized by the German Chamber in Beijing. During their time in Germany, the delegation will evaluate cooperation opportunities with the German shipbuilding industry with regard to energy efficiency.

A second project - SWITCH-Asia - led by the German Chamber in Beijing and funded by the European Commission, aims to promote the adoption of sustainable consumption and production among 500 small and medium sized businesses in China.

Through in-depth cooperation with officials and experts from the Chinese government and industry associations, as well as other German institutions, numerous opportunities for both German and the Chinese industry have already been created, with more set to follow.

The author is Executive Director and Member of the Board of German Chamber of Commerce in Beijing

(China Daily 12/05/2009 page6)