In addition to supporting environmentally focused client projects, Ketchum is finding other ways to broaden its exposure to sustainability issues. Ketchum Hong Kong has become the PR partner and one of the participating companies in the Hong Kong Carbon Reduction Campaign organized by The oClimate Group, an international non-governmental organization that works with the most influential leaders in business and government to help speed up the shift to a low carbon economy.

The relationship will be three fold. Chris Liu, partner and chief business officer, Ketchum Greater China, will play an advisory role and provide strategic counsel on communications of the Group's Hong Kong operations. Ketchum will provide PR support in promoting The oClimate Group's 12-month Hong Kong Carbon Reduction Campaign (HKCRC) which aims to catalyze behavioral change towards a low-carbon personal lifestyle. Finally, Ketchum's Hong Kong staff will join 5,000 employees from other participating companies in the HKCRC in actively reducing and monitoring their carbon footprint. The results of the campaign will be announced in 2010.

"Given our sustainability credentials, The oClimate Group is a perfect partner for Ketchum. Participation in the Carbon Reduction Campaign allows us to practice what we preach to our clients and take on sustainability commitments of our own. Working with The oClimate Group will also expand our experience and connectivity in sustainable development to benefit our clients," said Liu.

In April, Ketchum Hong Kong organized a launch event for the HKCRC with the support from several honored guests including Edward Yau, secretary for the environment, Chiu-ying Lam, chairman of Hong Kong Meteorological Society, and Teresa Au, head of Corporate Sustainability Asia Pacific Region of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited, the major sponsor of the campaign, as well as representatives from participating companies and the media. Ketchum Hong Kong will continue its efforts in sustaining the publicity for the HKCRC, building up momentum for the announcement of the campaign results in 2010.