(27 November 2017) China Overseas Holdings Limited (hereinafter referred to as “COHL” or the “Group”) today announced that the Group had been awarded the World Green Organization’s (WGO) Green Office Label under the Green Office Awards Labelling Scheme (GOALS) for five consecutive years, in order to recognize the Group’s green best practices in the offices. This year, the Group had also awarded the Eco-healthy Workplace Label through the successful implementation of a series of eco-health best practices. Its subsidiary, Far East Global Group Limited (“Far East Global”, HKSE Code: 00830) was also awarded the labels for the second year.

The GOALS has 150 feasible green office best practice criteria, that are grouped into 9 categories, can be used to enhance green office practice. COHL and Far East Global have successfully implemented more than the minimum requirement of 30 criteria and passed the green audit. The 9 categories are energy savings, water savings, waste reduction, paper/printing, green procurement, IT use and disposal, transportation, education and awareness, and green innovation. A “5+” Green Office Label was being awarded to COHL to recognize our long-term support.

COHL endeavors to incorporate environmental considerations into its businesses and daily office operations, as well as organize activities focused on environmental protection include the set-up of “China Overseas Organic Farm” at the podium of our office building and the launch of an internal “Energy Saving. Emission Reduction” programme, with the aim of creating environmental awareness among staff and building up a culture of green offices and communities.

“United Nations Millennium Development Goals – WGO’s Green Office Awards Labelling Scheme” (GOALS) is a green program that is initiated by the WGO. Over 300 SMEs and corporations participated and received the labels and it aims to inspire, educate and motivate companies to make the first bold step to implement green and eco-healthy best practices in offices. Applicants who can meet the minimum requirement will be awarded with WGO’s Green Office Awards Label, Eco-Healthy Workplace label together with a Certificate with the United Nations PRME logo after the successful nomination and verification. The labels will be effective till 19 November 2018.