ECHO welcomes code of conduct for businesses

Oct 01, 2010 News

The Environmental Community Health Organization (ECHO) has praised the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) for the launch of its Code of Conduct for the business community.
“It is a good commitment and the initiative is a timely and progressive framework which facilitates the appropriate processes to allow local businesses to adjust their behaviours and operations to meet the requirements of ethical standards,” said Royston King, Executive Director of ECHO
He posited that the code of conduct would allow the businesses to not only improve their image but also to ensure the welfare of the local communities in which they operate.
“It would advance society and create a better world.”
The Code of Conduct is divided into various principles that dictate how business communities should operate as it relates to Legislation and the Government, Employees, Customers, Suppliers, Owners and Investors, Competition, Communities and the Environment.
King said that ECHO is particularly pleased that the code takes into account the environment.
“In some way or shape, almost all cultures have recognized the importance of nature and its biological diversity for their societies and have therefore understood the need to preserve it…yet, power, greed and lack of good corporate governance have affected the precarious balance.”
According to King, the care of the environment, including the prudent use of natural resources in production processes, the reduction, handling, storage and disposing of waste and environmental awareness and education among consumers and other groups, are not only vital to good business, but also the sustainability of the natural environment.
He drew reference to the fact that ecosystems are already under tremendous stress and the situation is exacerbated by the actions of different corporations, citing as an example the fact that businesses are still using excessive plastic and other non-biodegradable materials to package their products.
“Emissions and waste are still not properly treated, and inadequate environmental respect and care, on the part of many businesses, is still evident in many local communities.”
As such he said that the code is therefore crucial as a first step, to raise awareness among companies and businesses, and to encourage them to pursue and commit to ethical standards including good environmental stewardship.
He suggested that the GCCI should now move to the next stage – to encourage companies to appoint a compliance officer, who will manage the ethics programme of the Chamber and to begin publishing Corporate Social Responsibility or Sustainability reports.
The code of conduct was launched on Tuesday last at Duke Lodge in Kingston.

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ECHO welcomes code of conduct for businesses

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