OREANDA-NEWS. On March 30, 2009 SCM became a partner of the First Ukrainian Business Summit on Climate Change. The forum was organized by United Nations Global Compact in Ukraine with a support of the Ministry of Environment Protection of Ukraine, reported the press-centre of SCM.

The Summit gave an opportunity to the representatives of the government, business and a number of NGOs to discuss the problem of climate change and its consequences as well as to exchange progressive experience that helps tackle the problem. Also, the participants could outline the path to cooperation of the government, business and society to fight the climate change.

The Summit also presented results of the national research "Climate Change: Perception and Readiness for Action" held in January 2009 in 24 regions of Ukraine and the Crimea.

SCM was represented at the Summit by Jock Mendoza-Wilson, Director of International and Investor Relations.

Addressing the delegates, he spoke about principles and approaches of SCM to environment protection. “We realize that SCM Group includes mining and metal, steel and power businesses, which leave a big environmental footprint. Therefore, the environment protection is an important and priority issue for SCM Group on all levels. Therefore, we regularly invest in refurbishing our production facilities in M&M and power sectors”.

"The issue of climate change is extremely important for Ukraine and the world. It is especially substantial for the companies focused on industrial sectors. I think that SCM's support to the national survey Climate Change: Perception and Readiness for Action in Ukraine is the best evidence of our serious attitude to the problem", added Mr Mendoza-Wilson.

The delegates also discussed the role of business in fighting the climate change, introduction of the latest environmentally-friendly business models, importance of sustainable consumption of resources and the need to do business on the principles, which encourage economic growth and protection of environment.

"We understand that environmental issues have direct impact on our performance as a business. Indeed efficient use of resources helps us to be more effective, stronger and more competitive internationally", said Mr Mendoza-Wilson.

The speech and presentation of Mr Mendoza-Wilson are available on corporate website of SCM Group.