One World Together � Korea's Environmental Campaigns

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One World Together - Korea's Environmental Campaigns

Corporate Social Responsibility is nowadays regarded part of any company's duty to meet its moral obligations to its customers and communities. With about 80% of US consumers citing CSR as a factor in their buying choices (Forrester Research, 2009), it is clear that a company's commitment to social responsibility also affects both consumer spending and brand value. The importance of CSR is not limited to consumers, though. In surveys conducted by Walker Information, the long-term retention rate for employees satisfied with their company's business ethics was as much as six times higher than those who felt otherwise.

In this article we take a look at CSR in Korea with a focus on environment-oriented campaigns, from long-running corporate programs to a government-backed initiative supporting small- and medium-sized businesses'greenmanagement.

1."Keep Korea Green" Campaign- Yuhan Kimberly

Yuhan Kimberly's "Keep Korea Green" campaign is the longest-running environmental CSR program in Korea. Widely known and highly regarded among the public, the campaign promotes ecological preservation through reforestation of national parks and mountains, greenbelt (apolicyused in retaining largely undeveloped area or land surrounding urban areas) development, nature experience classes, forestry education, and a variety of other activities aimed at preserving Korea's natural environment. Since 1984 the company has planted over five million trees covering some 3,800 acres of national forests and mountains. It has also contributed to reforestation in neighboring countries - including North Korea and Mongolia - whose ecological health directly or indirectly impacts the nation.

2."Good Food" Campaign- Pulmuone

Pulmuone is one of Korea's leading suppliers of natural, fresh and healthy foods. Based on the belief that a healthy diet is the foundation of a healthy life, the company's wholesome products are carefully sourced, use all-natural ingredients, and contain no artificial additives or trans-fats.
Pulmuone began its 'Good Food' campaign in 2010 to help promote a healthy dietary lifestyle among children. With educational programs developed for different age groups, youngsters learn about a balanced diet and good nutrition through songs and stories as well as activities such as seasonal food tastings.

Despite the importance of CSR and corporate ecological awareness, small businesses often lack the resources to maintain green programs. With increasing international regulatory standards monitoring energy consumption and carbon emissions, a program has been launched to support small and medium-sized business in Korea following ecologically sound business practices.

3.Green-Biz Excellence - Green Net

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The 'Excellent Green-Biz' program was launched in June 2010 by the Small and Medium Business Administration in response to increasing international environmental regulations and to encourage voluntary reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Under the program, companies' green business credentials are evaluated using a Green Rating Standard and Indicator comprising five major categories - Green Business Strategy, Green Business Systems, Green Business Energy & Resources, Greenhouse Gas Emissions, and CSR - each divided into a further 20 subcategories.

Businesses that rank highly in the categories are awarded the Excellent Green-Biz mark. In 2010, the office furniture and supply companyFursysbecame the first recipient of the Green-Biz Excellence mark. Since then, 147 more businesses have received the distinction.

Companies awarded the certification are eligible for a variety of benefits related to green business initiatives including priority review of patent applications, support for R&D projects, and assistance with export sales. At the same time, the program offers low-scoring businesses expert advice on how to improve their green business management.