Environmental Report 2010

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 and promotion on environmental protection; and

greening activities.

3.2(I) Upgrading of Existing Landscape Areas

Performance Targets (Year 2010)	Actual Performance (Year 2010)
Upgrading of 45 hectares of existing landscape areas	A total of 31.2 hectares of existing landscape areas were upgraded

Performance Analysis in 2010

The Department’s actual performance generally followed the target of 2010 through the painstaking effort of district staff. The difference between the performance target and the actual performance was mainly attributed to the handing back of some Systematic Identification of Maintenance Responsibility of Man-made Slopes and government premises to relevant responsible departments.

Performance Targets in 2011

The Department's targets in 2011 are -

to upgrade 23 hectares of landscape areas; and

to identify 46 prominent roadside amenity areas and two vacant government sites with a total area of about 1.9 hectares for landscape improvement.

3.3(II) Massive Planting Programme

Performance Targets (Year 2010)	Actual Performance (Year 2010)
To plant 3 430 000 trees, shrubs and annuals	3 109 000 trees, shrubs and annuals were planted (breakdown at Annex I)

Performance Analysis in 2010

The maintenance service provided by the Department for the vegetative areas on some Systematic Identification of Maintenance Responsibility of Man-made Slopes and government premises were returned to the relevant responsible departments from June 2010 to March 2011. As a result, the actual planting provision decreased in 2010 and the estimated planting provision is expected to decrease further in 2011.

Performance Targets in 2011

The Department's targets in 2011 are -

to plant trees, shrubs and annuals up to 2.88 million; and

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

3.4(III) Education and Promotion on Environmental Protection

(a) Horticulture Courses for the General Public

Performance Targets (Year 2010)	Actual Performance (Year 2010)
To organise 47 horticulture courses for 1 300 participants	Organised 49 courses for 1 420 participants

Performance Analysis in 2010

The courses were well-received by the participants. More horticulture courses were organised in 2010.

Performance Targets in 2011

We plan to conduct 49 horticulture courses for 1 400 participants from the general public for the year 2011. 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 2010)	Actual Performance (Year 2010)
To organise 600 guided visits for a target of 20 000 participants	Organised 626 guided visits for 18 600 participants

Performance Analysis in 2010

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 2011

We plan to conduct 600 visits for 20 000 primary school students in the year 2011. Programme details have been uploaded onto the webpage of the Department.

Performance Targets (Year 2010)	Actual Performance (Year 2010)
To organise 70 guided visits for 2 000 participants	Organised 69 guided visits for 2 276 participants

Performance Analysis in 2010

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 2011

We plan to conduct 70 visits for some 2 000 participants in the year 2011.

(d) Conservation Courses for Boy Scouts and Girl Guides

Performance Targets (Year 2010)	Actual Performance (Year 2010)
To organise 12 courses for 300 participants	Organised 12 courses for 289 participants

Performance Analysis in 2010

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 2011

We will conduct 12 conservation courses for some 300 Boy Scouts and Girl Guides in the year 2011.

(e) Seminar and Gallery on Environmental Protection

Performance Analysis in 2010

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

(i)	from March to August 2010, the museum staged in its Science News Corner an exhibition “Transgenic Fish for Rapid Monitoring Estrogenic Pollution”, which was jointly developed by the Department of Biology and Chemistry of the City University of Hong Kong and the museum to introduce the research project of using a transgenic brackish medaka fish strain to detect the presence of estrogenic endocrine disruptors in water;
(ii)	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. To allow visitors to understand the importance of protection of local habitats as well, an exhibition on “Biodiversity in Hong Kong” was also held, in which precious life specimens that were endemic to Hong Kong, such as the Romer’s Tree Frog, were displayed;
(iii)	during 2010, the museum also presented public lectures in connection with environmental issues, including “Biodiversity in Hong Kong Lecture Series” and “Environmental Conservation Lecture Series” between April and July, “Global Warming and Climate Variation Seminar Series” from April to October and “Climate Change – Clothes, Food, Living and Transportation Lecture Series” in October; and
(iv)	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, was opened in August 2010.

The Hong Kong Space Museum, in collaboration with the Department of Physics of the University of Hong Kong, has been conducting the research project “Hong Kong Night Sky Brightness Monitoring Network” on light pollution since September 2010. Funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund, the project aims at carrying out a comprehensive monitoring of the condition of light pollution in Hong Kong by studying the night sky brightness at about 18 urban and rural locations, including the Space Museum, iObservatory and Astropark. Geographical variations and temporal characteristic of light pollution against both natural and artificial factors will be studied. Findings from the project would contribute to the overall environment of Hong Kong by promoting light pollution reduction and energy saving.

Performance Targets in 2011

The Hong Kong Science Museum will continue to organise lectures/seminars/exhibitions on environmental issues for schools and the public.

3.5(IV) Greening Activities

Performance Analysis in 2010

Over 3 140 greening activities were organised, which exceeded the performance target of 3 000 for the year of 2010.

(a) Hong Kong Flower Show	The Hong Kong Flower Show 2010 was held from 19 to 28 March 2010 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 Bulbophyllum giganteum 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 20 Community Planting Days in 2010. A total of 5 355 participants planted 31 560 trees and shrubs in 18 Districts.
(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 486 voluntary greening activities with a total of 5 525 sessions of services were provided by the volunteers in 2010. The scheme was expanded through recruiting local celebrities as Green Ambassadors. In 2010, over 210 local celebrities joined as Green Ambassadors.
(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 850 schools and kindergartens in 2010.
(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 2010, 360 000 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. Seven organisations were subsidised under this Scheme in 2010 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 2010 with a view to educating and arousing public awareness in greening. A total of 443 exhibitions and talks were organised with about 38 000 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, 46 gardening courses were organised with 9 755 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 41 138 participants in 2010.
(j) Best Landscape Award for Private Property Development 2010	The Award was launched in 2010. It aimed at sustaining the betterment of living environment in private property and promoting excellence in greening by outstanding landscape design and horticultural maintenance. Over 300 entries were received.

Performance Targets in 2011

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 3 090 greening activities with 1 300 000 participants in 2011. Our plan is as follows –

(a) Hong Kong Flower Show	The Hong Kong Flower Show 2011 will be held from 11 to 20 March 2011 at Victoria Park and about 500 000 visitors are expected.
(b) Community Planting Day	A total of 24 Community Planting Days with 9 000 participants will be organised in 2011.
(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 460 voluntary greening activities with 7 000 sessions of voluntary services will be provided by volunteers in 2011. In addition, the Scheme will recruit more local celebrities to join as Green Ambassadors.
(d) Greening School Subsidy Scheme	The Department aims at inviting 850 schools to participate in this Scheme in 2011.
(e) "One Person, One Flower" Scheme	The Department targets to distribute 360 000 seedlings to students in 2011.
(f) Greening Hong Kong Activities Subsidy Scheme	Eight applications for subsidy to hold greening activities are expected from local organisations in 2011.
(g) Greening Exhibitions and Talks	Greening exhibitions and talks on horticulture will be organised at the Green Education and Resource Centre in 2011 with a view to educating and arousing public awareness in greening.
(h) Community Garden Programme	Under the programme, 50 gardening courses with 11 000 participants will be organised in 2011.
(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 2011.

(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 historic buildings.

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

Performance Targets in 2010

3.9The targets set for 2010 were -

to declare three monuments under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance;

to undertake 34 restoration, repair and maintenance projects for historic buildings/structures;

to organise 980 heritage educational programmes; and

to publish 14 publications.

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 2010

3.11In 2010, the AMO carried out restoration and repair work on a number of historic buildings, including Kun Lung Wai and Tang Chung Ling Ancestral Hall in Lung Yeuk Tau, Man Mo Temple in Tai Po, Morrison Building in Tuen Mun, Maryknoll Convent School in Kowloon Tong and St John’s Cathedral in Central. Restoration of the Chik Kwai Study Hall at Pat Heung was completed in May 2010. Restoration of Tang Ancestral Hall at Ha Tsuen was in progress for completion in 2011.

3.12Following the archaeological investigations in Kai Tak area to ascertain the extent of the Lung Tsun Stone Bridge’s remnants, a conservation management plan was prepared to provide conservation guidelines for preserving the remnants. Archaeological investigations were also carried out in Tai Po, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long, Sai Kung and Lamma Island to prevent underground archaeological deposits from being damaged during the building of village houses at those sites.

3.13On education and publicity, the AMO organised a wide variety of educational and publicity programmes, such as displays, lectures, guided tours and workshops, to promote heritage conservation. Since December 2010, a long-term exhibition has also been staged at the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre to arouse public awareness of our rich heritage. In total, the office conducted 1 081 heritage educational programmes and produced 14 publications.

3.14Three privately-owned historic buildings, namely Tung Wah Museum in Yau Ma Tei, Man Mo Temple Compound in Sheung Wan and Tang Kwong U Ancestral Hall in Yuen Long, and one government-owned historic building, namely Kom Tong Hall in Central, were declared as monuments under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance.

Performance Targets in 2011

3.15The performance targets in preserving assets of heritage for 2011 are -

(a)	No. of buildings/structures declared as monuments	3
(b)	No. of restoration, repair and maintenance projects for historic buildings/ structures	35
(c)	No. of educational programmes	1 000
(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 installations 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 2010

3.17In 2010, 18 open space projects (including capital works projects and minor works projects) were completed, resulting in an increase of about 34.31 hectares of open space in Hong Kong.

Performance Target in 2011

3.18

In 2011, 24 open space projects are scheduled for completion, providing an additional 16.19 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 2010 –

(a)	applications of PCs, Intranet and e-mail were widely adopted in the Department for internal and external communications, as well as conveyance of digital photographs and design works. This not only contributed 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 2010, 533 630 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 December 2010, about 258 000 registered borrowers have 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 programmes was reduced by tightly monitoring distribution. In addition, unused copies of flyers and house programmes were recycled; and
(g)	in line with the Government’s initiative of paper saving, suppliers were encouraged to adopt environment-friendly measures in the 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. The total electricity consumption of the Department reduced by 4.2% in 2010/11 when compared with 2009/10. The electricity consumption of the Department in 2010/11 was 346 513 045 kWh. The corresponding indirect emissions were 661 840 kg of sulphur dioxide (SO2), 401 955 kg of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 20 791 kg of respirable suspended particulates (RSP)¹. The energy efficiency measures we implemented in 2010 were set out in the ensuing paragraphs.

1.The indirect emissions from electricity consumption are 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 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)

Administrative Circular on “Electricity Economy” and Office Green Tips were re-circulated to staff to promote energy conservation.

(e)

Efforts on energy saving in the Hong Kong Stadium were sustained in 2010 through the increased use of energy-saving equipment, such as the replacement of tungsten halogen lamps by energy-saving light bulbs for the corridor lighting at the Eastern and Western Suite Level and the stadium restaurant, as well as the replacement of tungsten filament lamps inside the fifty executive suites. The alternate replacement of T8 fluorescent tubes by LED lamps to illuminate the fire exit signs and by T5 fluorescent tubes in the offices can significantly save energy consumption.

(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 and vacant facilities by phases 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 35W CDM-T energy efficient lamps 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 park lights by mobile phone during inclement weather; and
(xiv)	installing photocell 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;
(iv)	gradually replacing the T8 by T5 fluorescent lamps for office area and hiring units; and
(v)	gradually replacing the existing "EXIT" signs by energy-saving LED signs.

(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 existing T8 lighting with T5 lighting was completed for partial office area;
(iii)	for Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre, replacement of air-conditioning chiller system was completed to improve energy efficiency;
(iv)	switching off escalators during museum closing days when maintenance works were carried out;
(v)	switching on and off the lights in the public area by phases;
(vi)	turning on and off the air-conditioning supply in office area by phases to reduce energy consumption;
(vii)	adjusting temperature settings in working area to save energy on air-conditioning;
(viii)	shortening pre-cooling hours for galleries as deemed appropriate;
(ix)	installing speed control sensors for outdoor escalators; and
(x)	using energy-saving lamps in lifts, office and common areas.

(i)

Solar panels were installed at the Hong Kong 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 headquarters building –

(i)	replacing the motors and controllers of 5 no. of lift with energy efficient models;
(ii)	adhering solar control window films at all windows of the building;
(iii)	removing about 50 no. of fluorescent lamps at G/F to 3/F to lower the illumination level;
(iv)	installing occupancy sensors on all floors to control the on/off of the lights;
(v)	switching off part of the lighting at G/F entrance and lobby area;
(vi)	using passenger sensors for the two escalators;
(vii)	using timers to control the water flushing of urinals at male toilets;
(viii)	suspending the operation of lighting at the open space car park and outdoor planter boxes;
(ix)	installing separate electricity meters at G/F to 17/F to monitor the electricity consumption of individual floors; and
(x)	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 lights out campaign of “2010 Earth Hour” organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature in March 2010. 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 appealed to colleagues to take part in the “Hong Kong No Air-con Day” organised by the Green Sense for turning off the air-conditioning at home for 12 hours from 7 pm on 29 September 2010 to 7 am on 30 September 2010.

(m)

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) bearing Grade 1 or Grade 2 energy labels should be chosen.

(n)

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)	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;
(d)	we promulgated on our Document Library a list of sales term contracts for waste disposal/recycling to facilitate the sale/recycling of unserviceable items;
(e)	we promoted the use of more green products, such as compost and environmental-friendly pesticide for plants;
(f)	we placed waste separation bins at about 430 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;
(g)	for purchase of regulated products, we requested suppliers/manufacturers to provide the regulated products that are in compliance with the Volatile Organic Compound limit, including document confirmation in the quotation document;
(h)	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
(i)	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 153 vehicles. The total mileage was 1 979 659 km in 2010 and the fuel consumption was 400 468 litres. The related emissions were about 10 382 kg of NOx and 863.3 kg of RSP². In support of the campaign to improve air quality in Hong Kong, we have implemented the following measures –

2.The indirect emissions from vehicle fuel are 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 one hydraulic platform vehicle and six medium trucks with Euro V vehicles in 2010. With the replacement of environmental-friendly vehicles, emissions and fuel consumption will significantly be reduced;
(b)	we have a plan to replace some conventional retired departmental cars with fuel efficient and low emission environmentally-friendly vehicles gradually; and
(c)	we regularly refresh all departmental drivers about eco driving skill and remind them to switch off the vehicle engine while waiting for reducing emissions.

(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 has implemented the smoking ban in these premises with effect from 1 January 2007.


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