In support of the government's environmental objectives, the department has incorporated in-depth environmental considerations in its projects, from inception to implementation, to minimise pollution, conserve resources and protect the natural environment.

In meeting these goals, the department is committed to:

• promoting greening and horticulture;
• preserving Hong Kong's heritage assets;
• providing aesthetically pleasing open spaces;

	The clean lines of the practical and aesthetically pleasing open space at the Tai Po Complex.

• practising waste reduction and energy savings; and
• minimising air and noise pollution in organising leisure and cultural activities.

Major environmental efforts include:

• upgrading existing landscaped areas and planting more trees and shrubs;
• launching greening education and community involvement programmes, such as flower shows, community planting days and green volunteer scheme;
• conducting educational programmes to promote heritage preservation among the public;
• exercising vigilance in the use of water for watering plants and for water features in major parks;
• carrying out Energy/ Environmental Audits in collaboration with the power companies, the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the Architectural Services Department;
• using ozone sterilisation or electro-chlorination systems as sterilising agents in swimming pools;
• using green products sourced from the Government Logistics Department;
• engaging contractors torecycle old books, magazines, newspapers, waste paper and printer cartridges;
• organising the Book Donation and Sale Campaign;
• using waste separation bins at venues for the recovery of waste paper, aluminium cans and plastic bottles; and
• reducing the use of paper by producing only the e-version of the departmental yearbook.

In addition, environmental-related policies are regularly reviewed through the Departmental Committee on Environmental Efforts (DCEE). The committee also assists in co-ordinating practices and monitoring their implementation throughout the department. In October, the fourth environmental report was issued to cover detailed activities of the department in this area.

Under the DCEE there is the Task Force on Energy Savings. It meets regularly to ensure that green housekeeping practices were strictly adhered to at all venues and offices. It also proactively explores ways to promote energy saving efforts, including conducting energy audits to identify good energy management practices.