Bayer, one of the world's biggest chemical and pharmaceutical
companies based in Germany, has announced it will finance a chair
in sustainable development at Tongji University.
The chair is a joint project with Tongji University and the
United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). Bayer will support the
new chair, student scholarships and research activities for an
initial period of five years with a sponsorship of $1 million.
The Bayer-Tongji Chair for Sustainable Development will focus on
advanced education and research into emerging environmental
technologies. Moreover, it aims to actively support sustainable
development projects that enhance China's solutions to
environmental, economic and social sustainability challenges.
Wolfgang Plischke, member of the Bayer management board, said:
"The path China takes to achieving sustainable growth and
protecting its environment will have far-reaching effects. We know
the government is committed to meeting the challenges, and Bayer is
here to help."
Zhao Jianfu, vice-president of Tongji University, added: "The
university considers environmental protection and sustainable
development one of its top priorities. We are delighted to be
working closely with Bayer, a company known worldwide for its
outstanding achievements in the area of sustainability."
China plans to cut energy consumption by 20 percent and
emissions by 10 percent from 2006 to 2010. To meet this goal, it
needs help from developed countries for funding and
technologies.
Bayer already provides new technologies and specialized services
for China in wastewater treatment, environmental protection and
conversion of biological energy sources, said Plischke.
Bayer has installed polyurethane insulation panels at the
Wenyuan Building in Tongji University, which ensure comfortable
temperatures all year round without air-conditioning.
It is also providing hi-tech materials for several of the sports
stadiums under construction for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, making
them strong, beautiful and environmentally friendly.
"As an inventor company, we consider support for education,
research and science to be particularly important," Plischke
said.
"With the Bayer Chair in Sustainable Development, we want to
contribute to the establishment of sustainable development as an
instrument for long-term social development in China."
(China Daily October 16, 2007)
