Cleaner Greener China

Clownfish, a London based consultancy, is looking for a new Client Services Director (reporting directly to the CEO), to generate sales and achieve targets by creatively managing a healthy pipeline, developing relationships with current and new clients and with the Head of Strategy, ensuring all clients are serviced and opportunities maximized.

The candidate needs to be resourceful, forward thinking, business oriented and effectively manage its clients and consultants, and manage the growth of the China business as we expand globally.

Responsibilities include:

• Identifying and influencing potential customers
• Managing and influencing named accounts within region / globally
• Working with strategic alliance partners to drive joint business opportunities and leverage revenue growth in the territory // globally
• Partnering with internal businesses within the Aegis group to properly manage client expectations and drive customer satisfaction and get sales from them
• Increase sales from existing clients
• To manage the company and its resources to meet its financial objectives (revenue targets and profits).

If interested, download the full JD here, and email resume to hannah (@)clownfish.co.uk

Greener Companies jobs

The recent Journal Environmental Science and Technology contains the findings of a joint Oregon State University and Peking University joint study that looked into the quality of Beijing’s air, and the effectiveness of Beijing’s efforts to clean it, for the Olympics.

Atmospheric Particulate Matter Pollution during the 2008 Beijing Olympics is available by subscription only, but its free abstract provides a bit of background on how the data was collected:

Size fractionated particulate matter (PM) samples (including PM2.5 and PM10) were collected at Peking University in Northwestern Beijing, China for a 2 week period prior to the Olympics, during the 2 week period of the Olympics, and for a 4 week period following the 2008 Olympics, during both source control and nonsource control periods

Why their data conflicts data released during the games

concentrations in this study were high correlated with, but a factor of 1.3 times higher than, the Beijing Environmental Protection Bureau’s PM10 concentrations at near-by sites because of differences in the measurement methods used.

…. and just how back the air quality was:

The PM10 concentrations in Beijing during the Olympic period were 2.9, 3.5, and 1.9 times higher than those in Atlanta, Sydney, and Athens. In addition, the PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations during the Olympic period exceeded the WHO 24-h guideline 100% and 81% of the time, respectively.

Giving China the gold, the findings of this study should come as little surprise. The air quality sucked, and now through third party verification, we now know just how bad it really was.

What is really interesting is that the researchers have also looked at the impact of Beijing’s efforts:

“It was a giant experiment and a noble effort. But in the end, the extra added measures didn’t help reduce PM concentration as much as had been expected,” said Staci Simonich, an associate professor of chemistry and toxicology at Oregon State University who worked on the study.

That it was the weather, not the shutdowns, that played the largest role:

Meteorological conditions accounted for 40 percent of the variation in concentrations of coarser particulate matter, while pollution control measures accounted for only 16 percent, the study said.

The findings also showed that the weather ushered some air pollution into Beijing from industrial regions south of the capital that had less severe pollution curbs, including Hebei, Shandong, and Shanxi. Those results indicated the difficulties in trying to control pollution at a local level when air masses tend to move regionally.

Policies and Issues

For those of you in the DC Area, here is an event that may be of interest to you.

June 30, 2009 Tuesday 12:15 PM
End: June 30, 2009 Tuesday 2:00 PM

District of Columbia Bar The Environment, Energy and Natural Resources Section

In Co-Sponsorship with the International Law Section and the Environmental Law Institute

Presents an Off the Record Brown Bag Program

Perspectives on the Future of Environmental Law in China - A Continuing Discussion

China’s environmental laws have been rapidly evolving to address growing environmental issues and prevent further environmental damage to human health and natural resources from China’s continued economic growth. This brown bag event is another in an ongoing discussion on China’s environmental framework, regulatory system, and its future trends.  Presenters will discuss their perspectives on these issues, as well as on the role of nongovernmental organizations and cooperative programs with the United States.

Speakers include:
Jill Wei, Professor of Environmental Law, South China Agricultural University
Steve Wolfson, Senior Attorney, U.S. EPA Office of General Counsel
Jennifer Turner, Director, China Environment Forum, Woodrow Wilson Center
Linda Tsang, Attorney, Beveridge & Diamond, P.C. (Moderator)

For more information, you can go to their website

Greener People events

Last week , as a result of Greenpeace’s report that Climate Change Hurts China’s Poor, I was contacted by a media outlet for some comments.  It is one of those issues whose relationships to poverty will surely be examined going forward in great detail as the effects of climate change are predicted to restrict many resources we now enjoy today (water and food).

the interview was quick (only 2 questions), and I had not read the report, but I thought readers would find the answers interesting.. and hopefully generate some comments (hint)

1) how do natural disasters that are made worst by climate change (ie floods, earthquakes etc) affect China’s poor?

Difficult situation with different angles. Most important piece related to climate change is water.
(1) Desertification has been occurring, and many say catalyzed by climate change, in the northwest. This has impacted areas of Gansu, inner Mongolia, etc where incomes are often the lowest, the reliance on the land is the highest, and the need for water is the greatest. So, any further loss of water will reduce crops, and thus income.

(2) Flooding can be attributed to climate change as well, but for China I believe it is more important to focus on the fact that its agricultural practices exacerbates the problem. As our society moves away from crop diversity, and more towards corn and soy, the ability of the land to absorb water is reduced. Thus flooding increases.

Both of these impact China’s “poor” as they have a direct agricultural impact that has a direct financial impact on many of China’s poorest. As crop yields decline, their income declines, and as water/ air quality declines, their health declines.

2) how has climate change affected china?
To be honest, I am not sure which has had a bigger impact, climate change or lacking environmental practices. Both have impacted China’s population and economy. China’s urbanization model will help to address the problems, but environmentally China faces significant problems with air, water, and food going forward.. each of which have been impacted by climate changes and environmental changes. Unfortunately, both problems are tied to each other, and China will need to address both in order to mitigate the impacts

So, what do you think? Are the poor poorly positioned in China? Where are China’s poorest populations most vulnerable?

Policies and Issues

Last week, GIGA China invited in the partner of Design Li3 to speak about greening contractors. With a large group of architects and planners in the room (roughly 40), the night was set for an interesting discussion, and GIGA’s highly interactive culture provided just that.

Lily’s speak, contrary to the title, was actually pretty focused on their drive to develop green products, and develop a wider green mindset within their clients and suppliers. Both of which would prove to stoke questions and debate later in the evening.

Of particular interest to me though was how they approached the development of their products in a sustainable way, and how their definition of “green” and “sustainable” went beyond the typical materials (of course they use bamboo):

1) Local Sourcing. For DesignLi3 the idea that designers have a responsibility to find means of locally sourcing materials, and planning for their use, is one of their key messages. That looking locally not only reduces the carbon footprint by reducing the need for transportation, but that it also introduces a level of economic sustainability as sourcing materials locally supports local businesses, which supports local jobs, which support the wider community.

2) Local Identity Working within local traditions and customs is also an important element of their work. To simply import a foreign design is to remove a layer of culture within the community, and it is also a practice that only requires more work when managing contractors.

3) Use Recycled/ Reused materials:Nothing new here, but I liked their comment that you can find potential “anywhere”, and that every object has the potential to be transformed into something new and “useful”

Following the presentation, a spirited debate ensured where a lot of questions on local capacity, empathy, and next steps were thrown out. there were some important questions asked about just how useful the efforts of “those that care” were when the profit motive was so strong, and when the message of sustainability is still largely a “foreign”one.

Greener NGOs capacity development, GIGA

Type:Full time
Start Date:- n/a -
Salary: Negotiable Location: China - Shenzhen Job Reference:- n/a - Application Deadline: - n/a - Degree/Experience: MBA/Graduate Degree Preferred International Student Applications Accepted: Yes

Job Details Description
This is a high-profile and high-impact opportunity to join the Wal-Mart sustainability team and grow out sustainability initiatives from both within China and globally.

Background on Wal-Mart’s sustainability initiatives:
In recent years, Wal-Mart has set strong environmental goals for the company: to be supplied 100 percent by renewable energy; to create zero waste; and to sell products that sustain our natural resources and the environment.

Their Sustainable Value Networks bring together leaders inside of Wal-Mart along with leaders from supplier companies, environmental groups, academia and government to focus on everything from the energy they use in their stores to the packaging used on products.

Wal-Mart is now seeking an outstanding and experienced professional to deepen and expand their sustainability initiatives in China and globally.

Responsibilities:
* Develop and map out execution strategy for Global Procurement’s sustainability vision with a focus on energy efficiency, pollution, and hazardous waste elimination.
* Partner with Buying and Sourcing teams to ensure there is alignment and ownership related to Global Procurement sustainability strategy and execution expectations.
* Lead sustainability initiatives, advice and oversee the activities of all mini project teams within the network.
* Benchmark with other networks’ stakeholders to understand the issues, concerns and interests surrounding environmental sustainability.
* Work closely with sustainability network captain, suppliers and vendors, advise on best practices and actionable steps in executing sustainability goals and objectives.
* Professionally represent Wal-Mart in all external settings with stakeholders (NGO’s, suppliers, factory workers, academia, media and Governments).
* Make on the spot decisions related to all aspects of the sustainability pilot programs.
* Protect the WMT brand and mitigate reputational risk by ensuring compliance.
* Ensure the execution of Global Procurement and related corporate commitments with internal/external stakeholders.
* Help grow a global sustainability team!

Skills/ Requirements:
* University degree or Master degree in environmental engineering or environmental management or related discipline.
* 8-10 years of total working experience, 4+ years in related field.
* Experience working in Asia on CSR, supply chain or procurement issues.
* Strong strategic thinking around sustainability issues and translating strategies into executable plans.
* Possess thorough foundation in business and a deep knowledge of supply chains, sourcing, & manufacturing processes
* A self-starter with a very strong work ethic and a team player with outstanding leadership
* Strong presentation, negotiation and interpersonal skills. Comfortable and excited to present to senior executives.
* Excellent written and oral communication skills in English (required) and Mandarin (preferred.)

Notes
Location: This position will be located in Shenzhen, China. Candidates do not need to be Chinese citizens.
Compensation: Competitive package with benefits. Salary negotiable dependent upon experience.

Apply here

Uncategorized

Anyone following @juccce last month saw a wave of updates from founder Peggy Liu as their first mayoral training kicked off.

18 months in the planning and  formalized at the November 2008 JUCCCE conference, the 8 day session:

50 mayors from all over China gathered in Beijing to learn from worldwide experts about how to create greener cities. Besides an intensive lecture series and multiple group breakout sessions to discuss how better to develop sustainably, the mayors were given exclusive on-site tours of the Olympic Village (the world’s largest Gold LEED-ND project) and the Inncon Coca-Cola PET recycling facility.

Without a doubt, and regardless of whether or not China hits a specific environmental statistic, one of the greatest needs right now is to build awareness and capacity at the highest levels… and programs like this one bring that.

Certainly it wil take more time, and certainly it will take more than 50 mayors to attend, but this is a step in the right direction and I am certain that Peggy and her team have been huddling up to plan out the next training session.

To learn more about JUCCCE and its programs, you can visit their website.

Greener NGOs, Uncategorized education, Energy, JUCCCE, leadership, urban planning

It’s that great time of the month again: Green Drinks! 每个月最让您愉悦的集会: “GREEN DRINKS”!

Green Drinks will be June 18th from 6-8pm at Racks M.D.B (5/Floord Xintiandi Mall, 123 Xingye Lu, near Madang Lu). Please mark your calendars and feel free to invite others to the event. Remember, 2-for-1 drinks and food and we will reuse your glasses and/or plates to reduce gray water waste.
GREEN DRINKS 的下一次集会将在6月18日晚6点至8点在RACKS M.D.B (兴业路123号,靠近马当路口, 新天地大楼5楼), 请在您的日历上标注, 我们欢迎更多的朋友加入这个自发的组织,每次的集会,会员都可以享受酒水和食物买2送1, 我们也希望大家都使用循环酒杯和餐盘以保护我们的环境

Our featured speakers this month are: 这个月的特别演讲来宾是：

Grant Horsfield arrived in China in 2006 after having completing his MBA with the University of Cape Town GSB and Jiao Tong University in Shanghai, Grant was involved in a variety of corporate merger and acquisitions consulting projects in China. With Grant’s love for nature, background in hospitality and business, Grant decided to begin developing Eco Resorts. He recently completed his first project in China called naked retreats outside Shanghai in Zhejiang province on the Moganshan Mountain and has three further projects underway this year. Grant regards himself as an eco warrior in using his projects to educate others on what really CAN be done in green building.
格兰特生于南美洲名叫花园大道的的一个气候适宜的海边。2006年，当格兰特在开普敦商学院和交通大学完成了MBA的学业，他来到了中国并且负责一个收购公司的咨询项目。这些机会让他在实践经验中懂得了如何在中国经商，他也曾经写过两份关于这个主题的研究报告。鉴于格兰特热爱自然，待人热情并喜欢经商，所以他决定发展Eco Resorts。 最近他刚完成了一个在浙江莫干山名为“Naked Retreats”宾馆的项目。之后他今年还有三个项目在进行中。作为ECO的先行者格兰特非常重视一点，就是用他的项目来告诉别人在绿色建筑中什么是一定需要做的。

A native of France, Myriam Coneim is currently an exchange student in the International Master’s Program of Environmental Management and Sustainable Development at the UNEP-Tongji Institute of Environment for Sustainable Development. Myriam recently graduated from the Master’s Program in Sustainable Development and Corporate Social Responsibility at Paris Dauphine University. Balancing studies and work, she promotes and develops Sustainable Development practices in the core business activities at Arc8x Design.
Myriam Coneim来自法国，她通过中法两国大学就环境可持续发展交流，在同济大学联合国环境规划署学习。最近，Myriam从巴黎多菲娜大学毕业并致力于多菲娜大学的社会责任以及其可持续发展。为了学习跟工作能够均衡的发展，她来到了Arc8x 设计公司并从事于公司商务的可持续发展。

Racks M.D.B. will donate 15% of all orders during Green Drinks to offsetting our carbon emissions in tree purchases. We will keep track of these figures so everyone can keep track online.RACKS M.D.B.会把每月这一天集会的15%收入捐赠给树木环保和热能再生的基金会. 我们会随时公布捐赠数目, 让每一个会员都能看到.

About Green Drinks
Green Drinks is an informal monthly opportunity for anyone interested in environmental & social issues, sustainable development and CSR to meet, chat, and network. It’s a self-organizing network, there are no fees, so make sure to spread the word to friends and colleagues. London Green Drinks has been a regular event since 1989, and there are now nearly 450 green drinks networks worldwide. Now Shanghai has one, too. Visit www.greendrinks.org for the full global list. 在环保领域工作的人们每个月都会相约于“绿色畅饮”这一非正式聚会。 参加我们聚会的人士来自各个领域，如非政府组织领域，学术界，政界，商界。只要您有兴趣，我们都真心欢迎。您只需开口问一声：“你们是环保热心人士吗？”我们就会给您引荐参加“绿色畅饮”的朋友。通过畅饮活动，您可以与业界朋友保持定期联系，当然也可以结交到新朋友。每个人都会邀请其他人参加，所以我们的“绿色畅饮”总有新鲜血液加入。我们的活动形式非常简单，虽不是秩序井然，但在参与过程中有的朋友找到了新工作，有的结交了新朋友，有的获得了新创意和灵感。只要您参加，一定有您意想不到的收获。“绿色畅饮”在很多城市都有活动点，并将发展到更多城市。请与您所在城市的活动点联系，获取有关活动的最新信息吧。关于“绿色畅饮”：“绿色畅饮”是每个月举行的，为关心环境、可持续发展以及企业社会责任的人们提供聚会、聊天和建立关系网络平台的活动。我们的活动实行成员自我管理制，免会费，您可放心把它介绍给同事和亲友。我们最早的活动始自1989年伦敦，发展至今全球已有近450处活动中心。上海也有一处，请登录www.greendrinks.org 获取全球所有活动网点信息。

Each month we will be having one or more ‘5 minute chats’ starting at 7 pm. The idea is to provide an opportunity for those who want to introduce an organization, a new campaign, or a new issue to the rest of us. There will be an informed audience from a wide range of backgrounds, so this new forum will facilitate spreading new ideas. If you’d like to speak at a ‘5 minute chat’ for future months or know somebody else who might, please send an email to greendrinkshanghai@gmail.com每个月我们都有一次以上的“五分钟聊天”活动，目的是提供机会给那些想向成员们介绍新组织或发起新活动，介绍新话题的人们一个机会。我们的成员各有不同背景，来自不同领域，因而更有利于新思想的传播。如果您想获得在“五分钟聊天”活动中发言的机会，或认识想获得这一机会的人，请发email至greendrinkshanghai@gmail.com
And for your calendars: Green Drinks Shanghai is always on the third Thursday of the month from 6-8pm. 上海“绿色畅饮”的日期是：每月第三个周四的下午6点至8点。

Greener NGOs

Our good friends at Bambu Home are now looking for a Production Planning Manager. If interested, make sure to email your resume and cover letter to bambu (@) bambuhome.com

Opportunity:
To be a part of a small but dynamic organization on a fast growth curve. This is a development opportunity for a self-motivated individual with exceptional communication skills, attention to detail and multi-tasking abilities.

The position is located in Shanghai, China

Role:
Oversee and manage bambu’s production planning and scheduling and report to the Managing Director regarding company’s overall production operations in China and Vietnam.

You will work with the Production Team to ensure that goods are of the right quantity, and cost; and that they are produced on time, to the satisfaction of the company.

Main responsibilities:
• Work with bambu production personnel and partner factories (3 suppliers China and 2 suppliers Vietnam) to create and track production and ensure on time shipping and delivery of all bambu orders.
• Oversee all shipping and order documentation required for production, payments and transportation of goods.
• Manage product packaging inventory.
• Monitor the production processes and keep global bambu teams informed.
• Liaise with different personnel and markets including bambu USA, suppliers, transportation, and distributor partners.
• Assist Production Managers with 3rd party inspection programs that include social auditing, organic certification, and FSC.
• Special projects as time allows

Requirements:
3-5 years work experience
Production experience and knowledge preferred
Fluency in Chinese and English
Demonstratable desire to be a part of a values-driven organization

(www.bambuhome.com)

Uncategorized

ESD China Limited (ESD, www.esdchina.com) is a professional environment, energy and engineering service firm with core business in the areas of environmental site assessment and remediation, energy and industrial engineering; water resources management; sustainable municipal/regional development, and industrial safety, health and environmental (SH&E) management. The firm is comprised of internationally experienced scientists, engineers and management professionals from North America, Europe, and China with high pride of professionalism, providing engineering and consulting services to leading Chinese and multinational corporations, provincial and state governments, and international development agencies throughout China and in the Asia Pacific Region.

Globally, ESD is a member company of Inogen Environmental Alliance® (Inogen®, www.inogenet.com), a global corporation owned by environment and sustainability consulting firms originated from the host countries. Inogen® associates lead global SH&E consulting services with proven global expertise and deliver practical environment and sustainability solutions with local common sense, beyond the mere brand name. Together, we offer over 4,000 professionals through more than 100 offices worldwide.

Our China offices in Tianjin, Beijing, Guangzhou, Wuhan and Shanghai are now hiring. We welcome experienced candidates with postgraduate degrees and fluent Mandarin, from China or overseas, to apply for the following positions:

• Water and Wastewater/Municipal Engineers
• Project Management Specialist
• Institutional Specialist
• Energy and Industrial Engineers
• Certified Safety Engineer (Certified in China)
• Certified EIA Engineer (Certified in China)
• Environmental GIS Specialist
• Environmental Hydrogeology and Remediation Specialist

If you enjoy the challenging nature of technical consulting at ESD China, please email you resume to Ms. Caroline Fan at cfan@esdchina.com.cn with a covering letter to indicate your preferred work location and expectation on remuneration.

Greener Companies, Greener People