CSR Special: Bayer co-hosts sustainability forum

Leading chemical and pharmaceutical group Bayer recently joined with Tongji University and the UN Environment Program in Shanghai to hold the first "Bayer-Tongji-UNEP Sustainable Development Forum - Facing the Changing Climate".

The forum follows an endowment of more than $1 million from Bayer AG for an academic chair at Tongji established in October 2007 to expand research on environmental policy and explore ways of sustainable development.

The Bayer-Tongji Chair for Sustainable Development is dedicated to not only higher education and research, but also supports projects that enhance solutions to China's environmental, economic and social sustainability challenges.

At the forum, experts, scholars, government officials and entrepreneurs shared their opinions as the environmental world prepares for the Copenhagen Summit on Climate Change.

Dr Wolfgang Plishchke, member of the board of Bayer AG responsible for innovation, technology and environment, told China Business Weekly during a recent interview that environmental protection and dealing with the consequence of climate change were key elements in Bayer's sustainability strategy.

Bayer's commitment

"The first forum is a part of our commitment in the fight against climate change," Plishchke said. "We are committed to supporting China in establishing a sustainable way of generating growth together with our partners from government, academia and enterprise."

"It was very successful holding the forum in partnership with Tongji University and the UNEP. Fruitful opinions related to China's sustainable development and the demand for green technology were generated in the forum," Plishchke said, adding that the company planned to continue working in partnership with Tongji in more areas of green development.

He noted the German company launched its global Bayer Climate Program in late 2007, which calls for reducing CO2 emissions at its production facilities and developing new solutions for increasing climate protection.

Plishchke said Bayer will invest 1 billion euros in climate research and development as well as other green projects between 2008 and 2010 to meet the goals of the Bayer Climate Program.

Measures include zero-emission offices and other industrial buildings, development of stress-tolerant plants and systems to encourage the effective use of crops as biofuels and the "Bayer Climate Check" for optimizing production processes.

"Several new technologies have already been used at the Bayer Integrated Site in Shanghai to achieve energy-efficient and environmentally responsible production, especially as the Bayer Climate Check program was introduced (at Bayer facilities) all around China," Dr Plishchke added.

Dr Grosse Entrup, head of environment and sustainability at Bayer, said the Leverkusen-based firm is a leading global enterprise in sustainable development due to its experience in low carbon emissions.

He noted Bayer has already integrated a group-wide program to reduce CO2 emissions as it develops new solutions for increasing climate protection.

Bayer also recently signed an agreement with China's Bluestar company to license its innovative electrolysis technology that has the potential to eliminate 15 million tons of CO2 each year if used in all existing facilities in China.

A greener city

Zhang Quan, director of the environmental protection bureau of the Shanghai municipal government, emphasized at the forum that it is increasingly important for Shanghai, the host city of the upcoming Expo 2010, to promote a greener city and reduce carbon emissions.

"Innovative green ideas and energy-saving technologies will be extensively demonstrated at the Expo," Zhang said.

"Expo 2010 will serve as a model for green urban development both in China and the rest of the world," Zhang added.

He pointed out that public cooperation with government environmental protection measures would greatly enhance environmental protection behavior.

"In addition, public participation and supervision will also give prompt warning signs to the polluters," said Kong Lingtao, 2008 Bayer Young Environmental Envoy, who called on the mass media to shoulder its social responsibility in environmental protection at the forum.

Against the backdrop of global warming and climate change, the forum provided a platform for direct dialog among various sectors of society as well as for international exchange on climate issues.

(China Daily 11/23/2009 page8)