BEIJING — The State Environmental Protection Administration of China (SEPA) and Carrier Corporation announced in Beijing the launching of China’s Stratospheric Ozone Protection Award at a joint press conference held here. The purpose of the award, according to Song Xiaozhi, Division Head, International Division of SEPA, is to, “Promote protection of the ozone layer, reduce discharge of ozone-depleting substances, and promote the use of non-ozone depleting alternatives by awarding organizations and individuals that have made outstanding contributions to ozone layer protection.”

The award is hosted by SEPA, and supported by the International Economic Cooperation Office of SEPA. Carrier Corporation has committed a three-year sponsorship to provide financial support. A Secretariat, consisting of representatives from the hosting, assisting, and operating organizations, has been formed to manage the project, with Xiong Kang of SEPA serving as director of the Secretariat, and Zhao Xing of China Environmental Culture Promotion Association and Dr. Robert Chiang of Carrier serving as deputy directors. A panel of experts has been formed to evaluate candidates.

Five Gold awards and one Special Gold award will be presented each year. The Gold awards will be presented to organizations or individuals that have made outstanding contributions to the protection of the ozone layer during the year. The Special Gold award will be given to the organization or individual that has continually made exceptional contributions to ozone layer protection. Each award recipient will be presented with a plaque and a certificate issued by the hosting organization.

“This is a good start for cooperation between SEPA and multinational companies such as Carrier,” Xiaozhi said. “Not only from a financial standpoint, but more importantly, the industry-government partnership that will bring more synergy to the China environmental protection effort. We need the technical support of companies who are the pioneers and leaders of the ‘green movement’ in their industry. This alliance will only serve to accelerate the environmental effort in China.”

John Mandyck, Carrier’s vice president of government and international relations, said, “Carrier commends China for recognizing the importance of stratospheric ozone protection and for leadership in promoting non-ozone depleting alternatives through initiatives such as this important awards program.”

Allan R. Jones, vice president, Carrier China, said, “Both Carrier and SEPA agreed that accelerating the progress on ozone layer protection, as well as other initiatives on green building strategy, were paramount to future development in China.”

Publication date: 07/14/2003