(11 December 2013 – Hong Kong) New World Department Store China Limited (“NWDS” or the “Company”; Hong Kong stock code: 825), one of the largest owners and operators of department stores in the PRC, is pleased to announce that NWDS’ Hong Kong office was presented “CarbonSmart” and “CarbonSmart Low-Carbon Commitment Partner” certificates under the “CarbonSmart Programme”; and was granted “Green Offices Label - GOALS” by World Green Organization as well as “Better World Company Label” by Junior Chamber International North District, through completion of “Green Office Awards Labelling Scheme” (“GOALS”). The recognitions demonstrate the Company’s determination in shaping a green office through the implementation of comprehensive energy saving and waste reduction measures.

“CarbonSmart Programme” is jointly organized by the Hong Kong Productivity Council, the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and Business Environment Council, aiming to support enterprises in conducting carbon audit to reduce carbon emission. Participating enterprises which devise a tailor-made carbon reduction plan and implement it accordingly, will be named “CarbonSmart Low-Carbon Commitment Partner”. As one of the awarded companies, NWDS’ Hong Kong office has completed a professional carbon audit to grasp a better understanding of the energy consumption situation in the office, so as to further develop and implement cost-efficient measures to save energy.

Organized by World Green Organization, GOALS aims to evaluate the green practices of the participating enterprises, based on their performance in energy saving, water saving, waste reduction, paper saving, green procurement, etc, and to provide them with environmental training and advices. NWDS’ Hong Kong office received “Green Offices Label - GOALS” as well as “Better World Company Label”, to recognize its effort to make office green. To encourage staff to support in carbon reduction, NWDS’ Hong Kong office launches “Every day, Low Carbon Day”, on which staff is advised to switch off office lighting and computer screens during lunch time, and to reduce paper use.

Ms. Rebecca Woo, Corporate Affairs Director and Chairman of Sustainability Steering Committee of NWDS, said, “To foster sustainable development, NWDS endeavors to promote environmental protection by engaging staff to fully support the carbon reduction causes. Apart from the nationwide lighting revamp which replaced in-store basic lighting to LED lighting system, our stores are dedicated to organize a variety of green campaigns, such as participating in the ‘Earth Hour’ of World Wildlife Fund for four consecutive years and organizing ‘Moon Cake Box Recycling Campaign’ for three consecutive years. These campaigns help arouse public awareness on environmental issues. To echo with the Company’s green concept, offices across the country have also set a series of environmental policies to promote green workplace. The honour received from various environmental schemes further recognizes and supports our environmental protection-related works. NWDS will continue to carry through our green belief and translate it into action together with our staff and customers, to help build a greener city .”

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