The Hong Kong Rugby Union (HKRU) is committed to enhancing the environmental sustainability of its events and has been working with the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) and the Business Environment Council (BEC) on the Green Sevens campaign since 2014.

As was communicated at today’s press briefing, many of the new guidelines proposed for Hong Kong’s major events were developed through this successful partnership, which has seen an over 50% reduction in refuse weight generated and a 30% increase in the weight of recyclables collected from the Sevens since 2013.

I refer you to our most recent press release issued regarding the campaign (6 April 2017), in which we not only highlighted the successful results, but committed to new initiatives for the 2017 Hong Kong Sevens, including offering discounts for re-use of plastic jugs in-stadium.

We also clearly recognized our partners for their fundamental role in achieving this reduction:

• “The support of Stadium management and the event contractors and suppliers has helped drive significant reductions in waste generated from the Sevens…
• “The HKRU is delighted at the support we have received from like-minded organisations to ensure that the pitch at the Stadium is not the only thing that is green during the Sevens.”

Considering our close partnership with our Green Sevens campaign partners, we were disappointed to see the report in on.cc claiming that we were critical of the Hong Kong Government’s support.

We believe this article is misleading compared to the initial report in the same publication which accurately noted the reduction of waste at the Hong Kong Sevens and the role of all involved parties. The HKRU are reaching out to the publication for clarification.

We thank the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and the Hong Kong Stadium management team for their strong support of our efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of the event and will continue to seek their advice and assistance on implementing the new guidelines in future.

We look forward to working closely with all relevant government bodies, the Business Environment Council and our sponsors and patrons and fans to enhance the environmental sustainability of the Hong Kong Sevens and all Hong Kong Rugby Union events year-round.