Chapter 3 - Environmental Management and Performance

(A) Providing Aesthetically Pleasing Open Space and Promoting Greening and Horticulture

3.1 In providing aesthetically pleasing open space and promoting greening and horticulture, we have five areas of work. They are –
  • Provision of open spaces that are aethestically pleasing;
  • beautification of existing landscape areas;
  • planting programme;
  • education and promotion on environmental protection; and
  • greening activities.
3.2 (I) Provision of Open Spaces that are Aesthetically Pleasing
  • In 2014, 15 open space projects (including capital works projects and minor works projects) were completed, resulting in an increase of about 13.95 hectares of open space in Hong Kong.  A list of these projects is shown at Annex I
  • In general, 85% of the passive recreation areas 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.  We aim to achieve sustainable landscape through careful design and use of more native plant species.
  • 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 such as products with high recycled content. Appropriate materials should be used to create an user-friendly, comfortable environment and to achieve low recurrent maintenance cost.
  • Apart from new open space projects, there are on-going improvement and upgrading works to existing parks and playgrounds.
3.3 (II) Beautification of Existing Landscape Areas
  • In 2014, a total of 21.5 hectares of existing landscape areas (including some identified prominent roadside amenity areas) were upgraded through the effort of district staff in carrying out landscape improvement works.
  • We ensure that soft landscape areas are maximised in passive recreation areas.
3.4 (III) Planting Programme

Around 2 524 000 trees, shrubs and annuals were planted in 2014 (breakdown at Annex II). To tie in with the tree management policy promulgated by the Development Bureau, we removed peripheral plantings at the tree bases to enhance the tree health and risk assessment arrangement during the year. Besides, we continued the planting of flowering species to enhance the visual impact with more seasonal colours.
3.5 (IV) Education and Promotion on Environmental Protection

(a) Horticulture Courses for the General Public

During the year of 2014, the Department conducted 48 horticulture courses for 1 404 participants, which were well-received.

(b) School Guided Visits

The Department organised 548 guided visits for 18 990 school children. Participants were guided around the Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens, Kowloon Park, Hong Kong Park, Tai Po Waterfront Park, Tuen Mun Park, Lower Shouson Hill Nursery and Boundary Street Nursery. The content of the talk delivered during the guided visit was designed having regard to the curriculum on environmental education for primary schools, including topics on plants and animals.

(c) Outdoor Education Activities for Kindergartens


A total of 60 guided visits were arranged for 1 833 children from kindergartens to tour around Kowloon Park and Hong Kong Park.  Children were introduced the basic knowledge of plants and taught the concept of environmental conservation and appropriate manners for visiting parks.

(d) Conservation Courses for Uniformed Groups

The programmes provided a wide range of courses in gardening and arboriculture and aimed at promoting the concept of nature conservation.  A total of 12 conservation courses were organised for 285 participants of the uniformed groups in 2014. Participants were involved in group discussions, lectures, guided visits and practical services.

(e) Seminar and Gallery on Environmental Protection


  • The Hong Kong Science Museum staged exhibitions and organised lectures to arouse public awareness on environmental issues, including -
    (i) introducing a number of new interactive exhibits focusing on global energy resources and usage, nuclear power generation and local renewable energy applications at the museum’s Energy Efficiency Centre;
    (ii) staging the “Monitoring Hong Kong’s Urban Heat Island” exhibition in the Science News Corner with the exhibition content provided by the Hong Kong Polytechnic University; and
    (iii) presenting public lectures on environmental issues in the series of “Science in the Public Service” from July to September 2014 “Research Grants Council Public Lecture Series” in July 2014 and Popular Meteorological Science Lecture Series:Decoding Natural Disasters – Piecing Together the Climate Change Jigsaw Puzzle” in November 2014.
  • 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 initially, 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. Besides, the Hong Kong Space Museum jointly presented the “2014 Light Pollution Photography Competition” and “2014 Light Pollution Research Competition” with the University of Hong Kong and Ho Koon Nature Education cum Astronomical Centre from January to May 2014. A “Light Pollution” temporary exhibition to showcase the winning works of the competitions in the foyer of the Museum was held from July to August 2014.
3.6 (V) Greening Activities

The Department continuously promotes a green culture in the community through a series of educational and community involvement programmes.  A total of 3 162 greening activities were organised for the year of 2014, including –

(a) Hong Kong Flower Show
The Hong Kong Flower Show 2014 was held from 7 to 16 March 2014 at Victoria Park attracting about 560 000 visitors.  The Show aimed at promoting public interest in horticulture and arousing public’s awareness of conservation of natural environment.  A total of 217 local and overseas horticultural organisations participated in the Show.  The special display of Sinojackia xylocarpa and Dracula simian was well-received by 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 22 Community Planting Days in 2014.  More than 6 300 participants planted about 25 700 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 neighbourhood.  480 greening activities were organised for the Green Volunteers with an attendance of more than 7 400.  The scheme was expanded through recruiting local celebrities as Green Ambassadors.  In 2014, over 350 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 881 schools and kindergartens in 2014.
(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 2014, 372 000 seedlings were distributed for students to nurture at home or in school.
(f) Greening Hong Kong Activities Subsidy Scheme
The Scheme aimed at encouraging the local community to organise more greening activities.  Six organisations were subsidised under this Scheme in 2014 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 2014 with a view to educating and arousing public awareness in greening.  A total of 400 exhibitions and talks were organised with about 31 000 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, 53 gardening courses were organised in 2014 with about 11 400 participants.
(i) Outreaching Greening Promotional Activities
To promote greening and enhance public awareness in greening and environmental protection, 156 outreaching greening activities were delivered to organisations and schools for about 41 400 participants in 2014.
(j) Best Landscape Award for Private Property Development 2014
This Award aimed to sustain the betterment of living environment in private property and to promote excellence in greening by outstanding landscape design and horticultural maintenance. A total of 190 entries were received.

(B) Preserving Assets of Our Heritage

3.7 The 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.
3.8 In addition, the AMO plays an important role in monitoring Environmental Impact Assessment 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.
3.9 The AMO also organises educational programmes to promote heritage preservation among the public.
3.10 The Department firmly believes that cultural heritage not only enhances our built environment and the natural landscape, but also provides an essential and irreplaceable link between the past, the present and the future.  It forms the basic points of reference for our cultural identity and traditions.
3.11 Up to end 2014, there were 108 declared monuments, including 90 historic buildings and structures as well as 18 rock carvings, forts, stone inscription and archaeological sites.
3.12 The AMO carried out restoration and repair works on a number of monuments and historic buildings, mainly including Morrison Building in Tuen Mun, Yan Tun Kong Study Hall and Tang Ancestral Hall in Ping Shan, Chik Kwai Study Hall and Leung Ancestral Hall in Pat Heung, Tang Ancestral Hall and Yeung Hau Temple in Ha Tsuen, Lo Wai and Kun Lun Wai Enclosing Walls and Corner Watch Towers in Fanling, Liu Man Shek Tong Ancestral Hall in Sheung Shui, Residence of Ip Ting-sz in Sha Tau Kok, Fan Sin Temple in Tai Po, Hung Shing Temple in Sai Kung, Maryknoll Convent School in Kowloon Tong and Helena May in Central.
3.13 Archaeological surveys and excavations necessitated by small-scale development projects such as small house development in the New Territories were conducted by the AMO in Tai Po, Tuen Mun, Sai Kung, Cheung Chau and Lamma Island.  The archaeological surveys and excavations have successfully salvaged the archaeological heritage, if any, found at the sites.
3.14 On 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.  A long-term exhibition on the archaeological and built heritage has been staged in the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre.  In total, the office conducted 1 347 heritage educational programmes and produced 14 publications in 2014.

(C) Practising Waste Reduction and Energy Saving

3.15 We proactively explore ways to promote paper saving, energy saving and waste reduction, including conducting energy audits to identify good energy management practices.   Measures/housekeeping practices adopted are shown in the ensuing paragraphs.

(I) Paper Saving

3.16 Good practices for economy in the use of paper are set out in existing departmental circular and circular memorandum, 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 2014 –

(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;
(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 2014, 526 156 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 2014, about 383 000 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) Energy Saving

3.17 In accordance with the target-based green performance framework set out by the Environment Bureau, the Department has already accomplished the target of 5% savings in normalised electricity consumption of government buildings from the financial year (FY) 2009-10 to 2013-14 under comparable operating conditions, using the electricity consumption in FY 2007-08 as the baseline.
3.18 In 2014, we continued our effort to manage our resources responsibly. Energy-saving building services installations and environmental-friendly materials were used whenever applicable.
3.19 The electricity consumption of government buildings under LCSD in FY 2013-14 and FY 2014-15 were 333 million kWh and 336.5 million kWh respectively.

(a) Change in Electricity Consumption

3.20 There was an increase in electricity consumption of government buildings under LCSD in FY2014-15 as compared to FY2013-14 by 1.1% under comparable operating conditions.  The increase was mainly due to the full-year commissioning of the Hong Kong Velodrome, opening of the Ko Shan Theatre New Wing and re-opening of Shing Mun Valley Swimming Pool after maintenance.
3.21 The change in electricity consumption was also attributable to some other factors such as increase in usage rate, provision of additional services at individual sport centres, installation of new/additional facilities/equipment at individual swimming pools, serving the chairmanship of certain Municipal Services Building (MSB) Management Committees 1, etc.
1.The electricity consumption of the MSB is counted towards the department holding the BMC chairmanship.

(b) Housekeeping Measures for Energy Saving

3.22 The following housekeeping measures for energy saving were commonly adopted in the Department’s offices and venues (including leisure venues, performing arts venues, libraries and museums) in 2014 –

(a)
Generally speaking, we maintained the 25.5°C office room temperature target set by the Government for the summer months.  At places such as museums, libraries, sports centres and performing arts venues where we cannot strictly maintain this temperature due to essential operational and/or customer service considerations, we work closely with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) to keep the temperature as close to 25.5°C as practicable;
(b)
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;
(c)
high-efficiency lighting systems (fluorescent tubes with electronic ballasts, motion/occupancy sensors and optical fibres) and energy efficient lamps such as T5 and LED lighting were used to achieve energy saving as far as possible; 
(d)
rationalizing the number of fluorescent lamps and operating hours of offices/venues lightings as appropriate to reduce electricity consumption;
(e)
switching off the lights for facilities without booking;
(f)
shortening pre-cooling hours as deemed appropriate;
(g)
separating the lighting control at venues by sections to have a better control on the illumination level;
(h)
separating the air-conditioning switches at different areas/zones of venues by individual switch controls so that the air-conditioning system would only be switched on when necessary to save energy;
(i)
save for operational needs and safety/security reasons, switching off the lighting on the outer walls or outside areas of some venues all year round;
(j)
shortening the operation hours of water features where applicable;
(k)
maximising the use of natural light and turning off the lights in the venues where illumination level was acceptable; and 
(I)
installing speed control/passenger sensors for escalators or reducing their operation time as deemed appropriate.
3.23 Apart from the above commonly adopted housekeeping measures, some venues also implement other practicable measures that can cope with their operational characteristics or specific environment for energy saving–

(a)
Photovoltaic lighting systems were installed at Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Museum of Coastal Defence and Hong Kong Museum of Art to promote the energy-saving concept by converting solar energy directly into electricity;
(b)
adjusting the timerf 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.  Besides, remote control devices were installed in some parks to switch on/off park lights by mobile phone during inclement weather; 
(c)
photocell control was installed at some leisure venues to automatically control the light in response to the intensity of the natural light;
(d)
turning off the air-conditioning system in the main foyer half an hour/one hour before the close of the performing arts venues when there was no performance/activity in the venues; and
(e)
for public libraries, solar control films or blinds for windows were installed as appropriate to reduce sun heat, some decorative lights were switched off, computer monitors and multimedia players at all Multimedia Information System workstations were switched off after closure of libraries.
3.24 At the headquarters building, the following practicable measures were also implemented –

(a)
Replacing the motors and controllers of all lifts with energy efficient models;
(b)
using solar control window films at all windows of the building;
(c)
installing occupancy sensors on all floors to control the on/off of the lights;
(d)
switching off part of the lighting at G/F entrance and lobby area;
(e)
using timers to control the water flushing of urinals at male toilets;
(f)
suspending the operation of lighting at the open space car park and outdoor planter boxes;
(g)
installing carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) sensors to control the speed of ventilation fan at the basement car park;
(h)
using separate electricity meters at G/F to 17/F to monitor the electricity consumption of individual floors; and
(i)
carrying out surprise checks outside office hours to ensure that any unnecessary equipment was turned off while not in use.
3.25 The Government has set a new target of 5% saving in the electricity consumption of government buildings under comparable operating conditions from 2015-16 to 2019-20, using 2013-14 as the baseline.  We would continue our effort to achieve the Government’s new target and identify energy management opportunities specific to the operational and technical characteristics of individual buildings by conducting energy audit for buildings with annual electricity consumption of more than 500,000 kilowatt hour in 2013-14.

(III) Other Green Measures

3.26 Other green measures adopted are listed below -


Water Efficiency

(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; and
(b)
we achieved water saving by stepping up site inspections of irrigation systems to prevent water leakage, using spray nozzles for irrigation to reduce water loss from the soil surface, planting drought tolerant species at suitable locations and using less water for water features in major parks.

Water Reduction

(a)
we promulgated on our Document Library a list of sales term contracts for waste disposal/recycling to facilitate the sale/recycling of unserviceable items;
(b)
we promoted the use of more green products, such as food waste compost, animal waste composts, and environmentally-friendly pesticide for plants, and the recycle use of yard wastes as soil conditioner for planting;
(c) we recycled yard waste generated from horticultural maintenance works at Kowloon Bay Recycling Centre in Kowloon and Animal Waste Composting Plant in Ngau Tam Mei;
(d) we placed waste separation bins (including 3-coloured and 4-in-1 bins) at over 480 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;
(e) 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 documentary proof in the quotation document;
(f) we incorporated a provision in the cleansing and horticultural maintenance service contracts that contractors shall collect and sort all refuse in an environmental-friendly manner, and remove and dispose of the refuse properly in recyclable polythene bags;
(g) 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, to reduce distribution of non-woven bags in publicly funded activities, 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; and
(h) we conducted annual performance review to monitor the adoption of green measures and waste reduction practices by sections/offices.

(IV) Environmental Awareness among Staff

3.27 For raising environmental awareness and promoting waste reduction, saving energy and natural resources among staff –
(a)
we promoted and re-circulated circulars and good practices in paper saving, energy saving, waste avoidance and reduction and improving air quality (Annex III) to staff and contractors;
(b)
green tips for offices and attending/organising events and meetings were also issued to staff and provided to new recruits during the induction programme for their awareness of the green measures;
(c) we took part in the lights out campaign of “Earth Hour 2014” organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature in March 2014; and
(d) we regularly 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.

(V) Clean Air Charter

3.28 On 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.
3.29 As at 31.12.2014, we had a fleet of 152 vehicles. The total mileage was 1 875 940 km in 2014 and the fuel consumption was 355 682 litres. The related emissions were about 10 514 kg of NOx and 856 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 fifteen trucks with vehicles in Euro V emission standard and one multi-purpose van with environmentally-friendly version in 2014. We also replaced a medium saloon car and a motorcycle by the same vehicle type in electric version. With the replacement of more environmentally-friendly and electric vehicles, emissions and fuel consumption will be reduced;
(b)
we have a plan to replace more conventional retired departmental vehicles with fuel efficient and low emission environmentally-friendly ones continuously;
(c)
we regularly refresh all departmental drivers about eco driving skills and remind them of good practices in operating the vehicles for reducing emissions; and
(d)
In support of the Government’s policy of improving indoor air quality and the Department’s commitment on providing quality services to the public, we engaged EMSD to carry out proper maintenance and retrofitting works for the ventilation and air-conditioning systems at our offices and venues.

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

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