Environmental Report 2009

Chapter 2 - Environmental Goal and Policy

Chapter 3 - Environmental Management, Performance Analysis and Targets/ Milestones

(A)Promoting greening and horticulture

3.1In promoting greening and horticulture, we have four areas of work. They are -

upgrading of existing landscape areas;

massive planting programme;

education & promotion on environmental protection; and

greening activities.

3.2(I) Upgrading of Existing Landscape Areas

Performance Targets (Year 2009)	Actual Performance (Year 2009)
Upgrading of 43 hectares of existing landscape areas.	A total of 45.4 hectares of existing landscape area were upgraded.

Performance Analysis in 2009

The Department's target was over-achieved through the combined effort of district staff and regional landscape teams, and placing more resources and effort on improving the environment.

Performance Targets in 2010

The Department's targets in 2010 are -

to upgrade 45 hectares of landscape areas; and

to identify 46 prominent roadside amenity areas and 4 vacant government sites with the total area of about 2.4 hectares for landscape improvement.

3.3(II) Massive Planting Programme

Performance Targets (Year 2009)	Actual Performance (Year 2009)
To plant 3 430 000 trees, shrubs and annuals.	Target met (breakdown at Annex I).

Performance Analysis in 2009

The problem of tremendous workload of planting was overcome by service contracts that covered the supply of plants and provision of manpower for planting.

Performance Targets in 2010

The Department's targets in 2010 are -

to plant trees, shrubs and annuals up to 3.43 million; and

to emphasise planting of flowering trees with a view to enhancing the visual impact with more seasonal colours.

3.4(III) Education & Promotion on Environmental Protection

(a) Horticulture Courses for the General Public

Performance Targets (Year 2009)	Actual Performance (Year 2009)
To organise 42 horticulture courses for 1 200 participants.	Organised 47 courses for 1 361 participants.

Performance Analysis in 2009

The courses were well-received by the participants. More horticulture courses were organised in 2009.

Performance Targets in 2010

We plan to conduct 47 horticulture courses for 1 300 participants from the general public for the year 2010. Details of the courses are publicised in the "Community Recreation and Sports Programme" booklet and the Department’s webpage.

(b) School Guided Visits

Performance Targets (Year 2009)	Actual Performance (Year 2009)
To organise 600 guided visits for a target of 20 000 participants.	Organised 604 guided visits for 18 830 participants.

Performance Analysis in 2009

School children were guided around the Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens, Kowloon Park, Hong Kong Park, Tai Po Waterfront Park, Lower Shouson Hill Nursery and Tung Tze Nursery. The content of the talk delivered during the guided visit was designed having regard to the syllabus of the environmental education for primary schools, including the profile of plants and animals.

Performance Targets in 2010

We plan to conduct 600 visits for 20 000 primary school students in the year 2010. Programme details have been uploaded onto the webpage of the Department.

Performance Targets (Year 2009)	Actual Performance (Year 2009)
To organise 65 guided visits for 1 900 participants.	Organised 74 guided visits for 2 125 participants.

Performance Analysis in 2009

Arrangement was made for children from kindergartens to join the guided tours around Kowloon Park and Hong Kong Park. Basic knowledge of plants was introduced. Children were also taught the manner and courtesy for visiting parks and the concept of environmental conservation.

Performance Targets in 2010

We plan to conduct 70 visits for some 2 000 participants in the year 2010.

(d) Conservation Courses for Boy Scouts and Girl Guides

Performance Targets (Year 2009)	Actual Performance (Year 2009)
To organise 20 courses for 500 participants.	Organised 12 courses for 314 participants.

Performance Analysis in 2009

The programmes provided a wide range of courses in gardening and arboriculture for Boy Scouts and Girl Guides. They aimed at promoting the concept of nature conservation. Participants were involved in group discussions, lectures, guided visits and practical services.

Performance Targets in 2010

We will conduct 12 conservation courses for some 300 Boy Scouts and Girl Guides in the year 2010.

(e) Seminar and Gallery on Environmental Protection

Performance Analysis in 2009

The Hong Kong Science Museum ("the museum") staged a number of exhibitions and organised different symposium and lectures to arouse public awareness on environmental issues. They include the following –

(i)	from September 2009 to February 2010, the museum staged in its Science News Corner an exhibition "Bio-hydrogen Production from Wastewater", which was jointly developed by the Department of Civil Engineering of The University of Hong Kong and the museum to introduce the research project of using bacteria to convert organic pollutants in wastewater into hydrogen gas and volatile fatty acids as by-product;
(ii)	from 16 June to 28 October 2009, the museum jointly presented the exhibition “Polar Crisis – Global Warming” with the Polar Museum Foundation. The exhibition focused on the effect of environmental pollution and global warming on Mount Everest and the Poles and promoted awareness on the importance of environmental protection. It attracted more than 390 000 visitors;
(iii)	from 18 December 2009 to 31 August 2010, the museum organised the "Biodiversity in China – an Exhibition on China’s Wildlife Specimens" to reveal the rich biological resources and unique ecosystems in China. The exhibition aimed at arousing public awareness of the importance of environmental protection and wildlife conservation;
(iv)	the museum co-organised with The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology to launch a symposium entitled "Environment and I" on 6 June 2009. The objectives of the symposium were to arouse secondary school students’ interest in understanding local environmental issues, as well as to increase their environmental awareness through investigation projects. 56 teachers and students participated in the symposium;
(v)	during 2009, the museum also presented public lectures in connection with environmental issues, including “Melting of Glaciers and Climate Change” in July, “Bioenergy Production from Wastewater – A Sustainable Environmental Biotechnology” and “Environmental Pollution and Human Health” in September, and "Climate Change – What can we do?” lecture series in October. The lectures attracted about 1 400 participants; and
(vi)	The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust approved a grant of $15 million in April 2004 for setting up a Jockey Club Environmental Conservation Gallery in the museum. The Gallery, aiming at communicating the importance of environmental conservation to the community at large and advocating an environmental-friendly lifestyle, will be opened in mid 2010.

The Hong Kong Space Museum, in collaboration with the Department of Physics of the University of Hong Kong, conducted the first territory-wide survey on light pollution from March 2008 to May 2009. Funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund and the Woo Wheelock Green fund, the project aimed at arousing public awareness of the detrimental effects of light pollution on dark skies (such as hampering astronomical observations and doing harm to nocturnal wildlife and ecosystems) and the values of quality outdoor lighting for humans. About 2 000 data sets on the night sky brightness at 199 different observing sites, ranging from urban to rural country parks, were collected for academic research purposes.

Performance Targets in 2010

The Science Museum will continue to organise symposium/seminars/exhibitions on environmental issues for schools and the public and to proceed with fabrication of the Jockey Club Environmental Conservation Gallery targeted for completion in 2010.

3.5(IV) Greening Activities

Performance Analysis in 2009

Over 3 130 greening activities were organised, which exceeded the performance target of 2 818 for the year of 2009.

(a) Hong Kong Flower Show	The Hong Kong Flower Show 2009 was held from 13 to 22 March at Victoria Park attracting over 538 000 visitors. The Show aimed at promoting public interest in horticulture and arousing an awareness of the conservation of natural environment. About 200 local and overseas horticultural organisations participated in the Show. A special display of Yew (Taxus chinensis) was well-received by the visitors. Other major attractions included : (i) colourful garden displays and flower arrangements staged by horticultural organisations, plant nurseries and flower clubs; (ii) beautiful plant exhibits; and (iii) floral art arrangements entered for competition by individuals and schools. A wide range of educational activities, musical performances and entertainment programmes were also provided for the enjoyment of visitors.
(b) Community Planting Day	To promote public awareness in greening, the Department organised 27 Community Planting Days in 2009. A total of 9 630 participants planted 38 000 trees and shrubs in 18 Districts. The performance target of 26 Community Planting Days was met.
(c) Green Volunteer Scheme	Under this Scheme, Green Volunteers were recruited in 18 Districts to undertake simple horticultural maintenance tasks in parks and gardens, and to serve as stewards in greening promotion activities. They were encouraged to participate in greening their own neighbourhood. A total of 475 voluntary greening activities with a total of 6 130 sessions of services were provided by the volunteers in 2009.
(d) Greening School Subsidy Scheme	The Scheme was launched for schools and kindergartens to implement planting projects in their campuses with technical advice from horticultural instructors, and to organise greening activities. It aimed at fostering green consciousness among students. This Scheme was very popular and attracted the participation of 830 schools and kindergartens in 2009.
(e) “One Person, One Flower” Scheme	The Scheme aimed at enhancing the knowledge of students about plants and cultivating their interests in growing them. In 2009, 355 000 seedlings were distributed for students to nurture at home or in school.
(f) Greening Hong Kong Activities Subsidy Scheme	The Scheme aimed at encouraging more greening activities organised by the local community. Eight organisations were subsidised under this Scheme in 2009 to organise greening activities.
(g) Greening Exhibitions and Talks	Greening exhibitions and talks on horticulture were organised at the Green Education and Resource Centre at Kowloon Park in 2009 with a view to educating and arousing public awareness in greening. A total of 474 exhibitions and talks were organised with about 37 000 participants.
(h) Community Garden Programme	To encourage the public to participate actively in greening activities at the neighbourhood level and to adopt greening activities as part of daily life, 44 gardening courses were organised with 9 410 participants.
(i) Outreaching Greening Promotional Activities	To promote greening and enhance public awareness in greening and environmental protection, over 150 outreaching greening activities were delivered to organisations and schools for 41 530 participants in 2009.

Performance Targets in 2010

The Department will continue to promote a green culture in the community through a series of educational and community involvement programmes. We target to organise 3 000 greening activities with 1 290 000 participants in 2010. Our plan is as follows –

(a) Hong Kong Flower Show	The Hong Kong Flower Show 2010 will be held from 19 to 28 March 2010 at Victoria Park and about 520 000 visitors are expected.
(b) Community Planting Day	A total of 27 Community Planting Days with 12 000 participants will be organised in 2010.
(c) Green Volunteer Scheme	Members of the public will be recruited as Green Volunteers in 18 Districts to perform simple garden maintenance in parks and playgrounds of the Department, and to serve as stewards in greening activities organised by the Department. A total of 420 voluntary greening activities with 6 700 sessions of voluntary services will be provided by volunteers in 2010. The Scheme will be expanded by recruiting local celebrities as Green Ambassadors.
(d) Greening School Subsidy Scheme	The Department aims at inviting 830 schools to participate in this Scheme in 2010.
(e) "One Person, One Flower" Scheme	The Department targets to distribute 355 000 seedlings to students in 2010.
(f) Greening Hong Kong Activities Subsidy Scheme	Eight applications for subsidy to hold greening activities are expected from local organisations in 2010.
(g) Greening Exhibitions and Talks	Greening exhibitions and talks on horticulture will be organised at the Green Education and Resource Centre in 2010 with a view to educating and arousing public awareness in greening.
(h) Community Garden Programme	Under the programme, 46 gardening courses with 8 000 participants will be organised in 2010.
(i) Outreaching Greening Promotional Activities	To promote greening and enhance public awareness in greening and environmental protection, the Department's target is to organise 155 outreaching greening activities in 2010.
(i) Best Landscape Award for Private Property Development 2010	This award aims to sustain the betterment of living environment in private property and to promote excellence in greening by outstanding landscape design and horticultural maintenance. It is expected that about 300 entries will be received.

(B) Preserving Assets of Our Heritage

3.6The Department, through its Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO), is committed to preserving Hong Kong's cultural heritage. Under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance, the Antiquities Advisory Board (AAB) advises the Secretary for Development, i.e. the Antiquities Authority, on matters relating to antiquities and monuments. The AMO works closely with AAB and acts as the Authority’s executive arm under the Ordinance.

3.7In addition, the AMO plays an important role in monitoring Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) projects insofar as their impact on antiquities and monuments is concerned. The work involves inspecting cultural heritage sites, examining mitigation measures to remedy any possible damage to the sites and conducting, where necessary, rescue excavations at archaeological sites and cartographic recording of historical buildings.

3.8The AMO also organises educational programmes to promote heritage preservation among the public.

Performance Targets in 2009

3.9The targets set for 2009 were -

to declare 2 monuments under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance;

to undertake 33 ^Note1 restoration, repair and maintenance projects for historic buildings/structures;

to organise 730 heritage educational programmes; and

to publish 14 publications.

^Note1 The figure has been adjusted following a re-categorisation of projects to better reflect the nature of restoration, repair and maintenance works for historic buildings/structures.

3.10It is the Department’s conviction that cultural heritage is very much part of our physical as well as cultural environment. Not only does it enhance our built environment and the natural landscape, it also provides an essential, finite and irreplaceable link between the past, the present and the future. It forms the basic points of reference for our cultural identity and traditions.

Actual Performance in 2009

3.11In 2009, the AMO carried out restoration and repair work on a number of historic buildings, including Maryknoll Convent School, the Main Building of The Helena May, Kun Lung Wai at Lung Yeuk Tau, Man Mo Temple in Tai Po, Hung Shing Temple at Kau Sai Chau, Yi Tai Study Hall at Kam Tin and I Shing Temple at Wang Chau. Full restoration of the Chik Kwai Study Hall at Pat Heung and the Tang Ancestral Hall at Ha Tsuen was underway with target completion in early 2010 and 2011 respectively.

3.12Further investigation for the Former Mountain Lodge was arranged to gather necessary field data for formulating comprehensive conservation and interpretation strategies. A large-scale rescue excavation at So Kwun Wat, Tuen Mun was completed in July 2009. Experts from the Institute of Archaeology, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences were invited to help with the project. Archaeological surveys were also arranged in Sai Kung, Yuen Long, Lamma Island and Sha Tau Kok to prevent the underground archaeological deposits from being damaged during the building of village houses at these sites. Extent of Lung Tsun Stone Bridge remnants were identified through further archaeological investigation completed in February 2009.

3.13On education and publicity, the AMO co-organised with other organisations three major exhibitions, namely "Remaking Hong Kong: Architecture as Culture - Response Exhibition of the 11^th International Architecture Exhibition of Venice Biennale Hong Kong Exhibition", "Keys to the Past: Artefacts and Records" and "Heritage Alive: UNESCO Culture Heritage Awards" at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre in 2009. In total, the office conducted 973 heritage educational programmes and produced 14 publications.

3.14Residence of IP Ting-sz at Sha Tau Kok, Yan Tun Kong Study Hall at Ping Shan and 41 waterworks structures within six pre-war reservoirs, namely Pok Fu Lam Reservoir, Wong Nai Chung Reservoir, Kowloon Reservoir, Aberdeen Reservoir, Shing Mun (Jubilee) Reservoir as well as Tai Tam Group of Reservoirs, were declared as monuments under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance.

Performance Targets in 2010

3.15The performance targets in preserving assets of heritage for 2010 are -

(a)	No. of buildings/structures declared as monuments	3
(b)	No. of restoration, repair and maintenance projects for historic buildings/ structures	34
(c)	No. of educational programmes	980
(d)	No. of publications	14

3.16We achieve our objective through -

(I) Land use zoning and acquisition of land for open space development

We take an active role in negotiating with the Planning Department and Lands Department to acquire more quality and genuine open spaces at good locations with easy accessibility for recreational development.

Special care has been and will continue to be taken to avoid taking over land which has either low potential for open space development or has excessive site constraints such as steep slopes, drainage reserves, road reserves and polluted sites for recreational use.

As part of the Government’s greening efforts, we have been working with the Civil Engineering Development Department to provide simple landscaping to vacant government land in prominent/strategic position with no imminent/known development programme in the near future.

(II) Design of Aesthetically Pleasing Open Space

We ensure that soft landscape areas are maximised in passive recreation areas. In general, 85% of the site will be used as landscape area.

Conspicuous flowering and shade trees, colour foliage and flowering shrubs of hardy species will be chosen to create colour contrast and seasonal changes.

Through careful design, selection of heavy standard trees and increase of planting density, instant greening for new projects will be achieved.

When planning new open space projects, the facility will be designed and constructed with consideration to its environmental performance such as application of energy saving building services installation and use of environmental-friendly materials (e.g. recycled plastic seating benches, refuse bins, etc). Wooden materials from regenerated forests will be used.

Actual Performance in 2009

3.17In 2009, 17 open space projects (including capital works projects, minor works projects and sponsored projects) were completed, resulting in an increase of about 22.52 hectares of open space in Hong Kong.

Performance Target in 2010

3.18In 2010, 28 open space projects are scheduled for completion, providing an additional 38.98 hectares of open space. A list of these projects is shown at Annex II. Apart from new open space projects, there are on-going improvement and upgrading works to existing parks and playgrounds.

(D) Practising Waste Reduction and Energy Saving

3.19We proactively explore ways to promote waste reduction and energy savings, including conducting energy audits to identify good energy management practices.

3.20Measures/housekeeping practices adopted in pursuing waste reduction and in saving energy and natural resources are shown below.

(I) On paper saving

3.21Good practices for economy in the use of paper are set out in Administrative Circular No. 8/2000 and Circular Memorandum 2/2005, which are re-circulated to staff periodically as a reminder. We promoted ‘reduce and reuse’ for saving paper. We met the target for shifting 70% of the total paper consumption from wood free paper to recycled paper. We also made the following endeavours in 2009 –

(a)	application of PCs, Intranet and e-mail were widely used in the Department for internal and external communications, and conveyance of digital photographs and design works. This did not only contribute to office efficiency, but also helped save paper;
(b)	our Information and Public Relations Section provided an electronic newspaper clipping service to the Department’s Lotus Notes users to ensure that the number of hard copies is kept at a minimum through share reading;
(c)	we produced e-versions of the departmental yearbook and departmental Christmas cards, with hard copies suspended;
(d)	we recycled paper and unserviceable library materials. In the year 2009, 615 506 kg of unserviceable library materials were recycled. In addition, the e-mail notification service provided readers with the option to receive overdue and reservation notices through e-mail and thus economised on the use of paper. As at 31.12.2009, about 226 500 registered borrowers had opted for the service;
(e)	museums and Hong Kong Film Archive also reduced waste by recycling exhibition materials and placed collection boxes for collecting used guide maps/pamphlets disposed by patrons after their visits for recycling purpose;
(f)	performing arts venues and programming offices used electronic means to publicise performing arts programmes or to collect feedback. Printing of flyers and house programme was reduced by monitoring tightly distribution. In addition, unused copies of flyers and house programme were recycled; and
(g)	in line with the Government's initiative of paper saving, suppliers were encouraged to adopt environment-friendly measures in preparation of tender/quotation documents (such as using recycled paper) and to minimise the use of packaging materials.

(II) On energy saving

3.22

We managed our resources responsibly with a view to preserving natural resources. We were mindful of our environmental objectives when planning new facilities and maintaining existing facilities. Energy-saving building services installations and environmentally-friendly materials were considered. With these efforts, we were able to reduce electricity consumption and despite opening of some new facilities, increase in usage rate of facilities, installation of additional equipment, and extension of opening hours of libraries, the total electricity consumption of the Department reduced by 0.5% in 2009/10 when compared with 2008/09. The electricity consumption of the Department in 2009/10 was 361 535 684 kWh. The corresponding indirect emission was 690 533 kg of sulphur dioxide (SO2), 419 381 kg of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 21 692 kg of respirable suspended particulates (RSP)². The energy efficiency measures we implemented in 2009 were set out in the ensuing paragraphs.

2.The indirect emission from electricity consumption is calculated according to the formulae set out in the Guide to Clean Air Charter Report Writing published by EPD in Jan 2008.

(a)

High-efficiency lighting systems (fluorescent tubes with electronic ballasts, motion sensors and optical fibres) were used to achieve energy savings as far as possible. The operating hours of venue lightings were rationalised where appropriate to reduce electricity consumption.

(b)

Generally, we maintained the 25.5°C office room temperature target set by the Government for the summer months. In cases where, for essential operational reasons and customer service purposes, it is necessary to deviate from this temperature standard in certain areas of specific venues (such as museums, sports centres and performing arts venues), we worked closely with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) to monitor the situation and adjust the room temperature to as close to 25.5°C as possible and appropriate.

(c)

We appealed for staff's support in adopting a more relaxed code of business attire and dress down in the summer for energy conservation and improving air quality in Hong Kong.

(d)

Administration Circular on "Electricity Economy" and Office Green Tips were re-circulated to staff to promote energy conservation.

(e)

For the Hong Kong Stadium, energy-saving effort was sustained in 2009 through increased use of more energy-saving equipment such as LCD television sets for internal public broadcasting which can save energy consumption by 20%. Tungsten filament lamp bulbs in passenger lifts and dichromic halogen lamps at reception counter were also replaced by PLC energy saving lights and new LED lamp bulbs which can reduce energy consumption by 85%. Good practices of turning off non-essential general lightings, lifts and air-conditioning system during non-event days were also adopted to sustain energy saving efforts.

(f)

The following measures were adopted in leisure venues –

(i)	switching off the lights for the facilities without booking;
(ii)	shortening pre-cooling hours as deemed appropriate;
(iii)	regulating the air-conditioning supply in office area by phases and vacant facilities as deemed appropriate;
(iv)	separating the lighting control at the arena by sections and lobbies to have a better control on the illumination level;
(v)	separating the air-conditioning switches at different sports areas by individual switch control so that the air-conditioning system would only be switched on when necessary to save energy;
(vi)	regulating the air-conditioning temperature of lobbies and working area at 25.5°C to save energy;
(vii)	adjusting the timer lighting schedule to fit seasonal need and installing astronomical time switches to the lighting at some parks and playgrounds so that the lighting would be switched on/off according to astronomical time of sunset and sunrise to save energy;
(viii)	permanent switching off of lighting on external walls of some venues;
(ix)	shortening the operation hours of water features;
(x)	installing T5 or 2D Lighting at arena of some sports centres;
(xi)	installing 35 W CDM-T Energy Efficient Lamp at some parks and playgrounds to save energy;
(xii)	switching off superfluous lights if the natural light penetrating through sky window could provide sufficient illumination;
(xiii)	installing remote control devices in some parks to switch on/off parks lights by mobile phone during inclement weather; and
(xiv)	installing photo cell control to automatically control the light in response to the intensity of the natural light.

(g)

The following measures were adopted in performing arts venues –

(i)	turning off the air-conditioning system in the Main Foyer half an hour/one hour before the close of the venue when there was no performance/activity in the venues;
(ii)	shortening pre-cooling time of the air-conditioning system required on stage while maintaining fairly reasonable level of services;
(iii)	maximising the use of natural light and turning off the lights in the venue where illumination level was acceptable; and
(iv)	gradually replacing the T8 by T5 fluorescent lamps for office areas and hiring units.

(h)

All museums continued to exercise the following tight measures on energy saving -

(i)	disconnecting/switching off some of the lights in illuminated area at the public corridors and office area;
(ii)	for Hong Kong Heritage Museum, the replacement of 1 set of aging A/C chiller was completed to improve energy efficiency;
(iii)	switching off escalators during museum closing days when maintenance works were carried out;
(iv)	switching on and off the lights in the public area by phases;
(v)	turning on and off the air-conditioning supply in office area by phases to reduce energy consumption;
(vi)	adjusting temperature settings in working area to save energy on air-conditioning;
(vii)	shortening pre-cooling hours for galleries as deemed appropriate;
(viii)	installing speed control sensor for outdoor escalators; and
(ix)	using energy-saving lamps in lifts, office and common areas.

(i)

Solar panels were installed at the Science Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence, and Hong Kong Museum of Art to promote the energy saving concept.

(j)

The following energy-saving initiatives were carried out at the HQs building -

(i)	removing about 60 no. of fluorescent lamps at the staircases and basement car park to lower the illumination level;
(ii)	installing occupancy sensors on some floors to control the on/off of the lightings;
(iii)	suspending the operation of a number of lifts during non-peak hours;
(iv)	switching off part of the lightings at G/F entrance and lobby area;
(v)	using passenger sensors for the two escalators;
(vi)	using timers to control the water flushing of urinals at male toilets;
(vii)	suspending the operation of lightings at the open space car park and outdoor planter boxes; and
(viii)	carrying out surprise checks after office hours to ensure that any unnecessary equipment was turned off while not in use.

(k)

We regularly reviewed the lighting provisions in our venues with a view to reducing energy consumption as far as practicable. We took part in the campaign of "Dim It 6.21" organised by the Friends of the Earth in June 2009. Save for operational needs and safety/security reasons, we switched off lights in the outer walls and outdoor areas of our venues all year round.

(l)

We reminded our colleagues that in line with the mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme under the Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance, only the prescribed products (i.e. room air-conditioners, refrigerating appliances and compact fluorescent lamps) that bear Grade 1 or Grade 2 energy labels should be chosen.

(m)

We ceased the procurement of tungsten filament lamps unless justified on operational grounds.

(III) Other Green Measures

3.23Other green measures adopted are listed below -

(a)	we exercised vigilance in the use of water by regulating outflow of water taps and replacing them with timer-taps at our offices and venues as far as possible;
(b)	we achieved water saving by planting drought tolerant species at suitable locations and using less water for water features in major parks;
(c)	works were carried out at beaches to connect public sewer for disposal of sewage or shower water up to the requirement of the Environmental Protection Department. The connection work for all beaches in Tsuen Wan was completed in 2009;
(d)	we issued good practices in energy saving for operational staff and contractors (Annex III). They were constantly reminded to follow the good practices to achieve waste reduction and energy savings;
(e)	we promulgated on our Document Library a list of sales term contracts for waste disposal/recycling to facilitate sale/recycling of unserviceable items;
(f)	we promoted the use of more green products such as compost and environmental-friendly pesticide for plants;
(g)	we placed waste separation bins at about 421 venues including parks, playgrounds, sports grounds, beaches, swimming pools, sports centres, water sports centres, outdoor recreation centres, camps, other cultural venues and the headquarters building;
(h)	we encouraged colleagues to avoid the use of products containing volatile organic compounds, especially on high pollution days;
(i)	we encouraged our cleansing and horticultural maintenance contractors to review their practice with a view to reducing the use of plastic bags, and to consider any substitution for the use of plastic bags where viable; and
(j)	we reminded colleagues to help reduce the use of plastic shopping bags upon the commencement of the Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags on 7 July 2009, and to seriously review the need of providing umbrella bags to the public on rainy days. If provision of umbrella bags was necessary, plastic recycling bins were provided, where appropriate, so that used umbrella bags could be properly collected and recycled.

(IV) Clean Air Charter

3.24On 27 November 2006, the Chief Executive signed the Clean Air Charter on behalf of the Government at the "Business for Clean Air" seminar organised by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. The Charter was initiated by the business sector in support of the Government’s appeal to improve air quality in Hong Kong.

3.25We have a fleet of 155 vehicles. The total mileage was 2 050 920 km in 2009 and the fuel consumption was 410 348 litres. The related emission was about 10 826 kg of NOx and 867.4 kg of RSP². In support of the campaign to improve air quality in Hong Kong, we implemented the following measures -

2.The indirect emission from electricity consumption is calculated according to the formulae set out in the Guide to Clean Air Charter Report Writing published by EPD in Jan 2008.

(a)	we replaced two medium saloons with hybrid car, and four medium trucks with Euro V vehicles in 2009. With the replacement of environmental-friendly vehicles, emissions and fuel consumptions will significantly be reduced;
(b)	we have a plan to replace all conventional retired departmental vehicles with fuel efficient and low emission environmental-friendly vehicles gradually; and
(c)	we regularly reminded all departmental drivers to switch off the engine while waiting to reduce emission.

(E) Minimising Air and Noise Pollution in Organising Leisure and Cultural Activities

3.26We monitored closely the generator and machinery installed for activities to ensure that dark smoke emission would not exceed the prescribed requirement as stipulated in the relevant Regulations.

3.27We monitored the noise level of outdoor events and ensure that they were within the limits set in the relevant Regulations.

3.28We advised the hirers of the Hong Kong Stadium to closely observe the statutory noise level limits under the Noise Control Ordinance for organising outdoor activities at the Stadium and to take effective mitigation measures to minimise noise disturbance to the nearby residents.

3.29Following the amendments to the Smoking (Public Health) Ordinance (Cap 371) in 2006, statutory no smoking areas have been extended to cover all indoor workplaces and public places as well as some outdoor public places. The Department have implemented the smoking ban in these premises with effect from 1 January 2007.


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