Promoting greening and horticulture

I. Up-grading of Existing Landscape Areas

Performance Targets (Year 2005)	Actual Performance (Year 2005)
Up-grading of 30 hectares of existing landscape areas.	A total of 32 hectares of existing landscape area had been upgraded.

Performance Analysis

• The Department's target was 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 2006

• 32 hectares of landscape areas will be upgraded.



• 28 prominent roadside amenity areas and 11 vacant government sites with the total area of about 4 hectares will be identified for landscape improvement.
  
  
• 4 pedestrian footbridges in various districts will be beautified with portable planters.
  
  

II. Massive Planting Programme

Performance Targets (Year 2005)	Actual Performance (Year 2005)
To plant 15 000 trees and 3 145 000 shrubs and annuals.	Target met. (breakdown at Annex I)

Performance Analysis

• The problem of sourcing large flowering trees was overcome by implementation of service contract that covered the supply of plants and provision of manpower for planting large trees.
  

Performance Target in 2006

• to plant another 10 000 trees.

• to increase planting of shrubs and annuals up to 3.2 million.
  
  
• to emphasize planting of flowering trees with a view to enhancing the visual impact with more seasonal colours.

III. Education & Promotion on Environmental Protection

(a) Horticulture Courses for the General Public

Performance Targets (Year 2005)	Actual Performance (Year 2005)
To organise 30 horticulture courses for 900 participants.	Organised 32 courses for 985 participants.

Performance Analysis

The courses were well-received by the participants.

Performance Targets in 2006

We plan to conduct 35 horticulture courses for 1050 participants from the general public for the year 2006. Details of the courses are publicized in the "Community Recreation and Sports Programme" booklet and the Department's webpage.

(b) School Guided Visits

Performance Targets (Year 2005)	Actual Performance (Year 2005)
To organise 650 guided visits for a target of 23 400 participants.	Organised 617 guided visits for 21 684 participants.

Performance Analysis

The number of guided visits and participants had slightly dropped due to the closure of the Reptile House at Tuen Mun Park for renovation in 2005. School children were guided around 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 was designed to relate to the syllabus of environmental education for primary schools, including the profile of plants and animals.

Performance Targets in 2006

We plan to conduct 650 visits for 23 400 primary school students in the year 2006. Programme details will be uploaded onto the webpage of the Department and hyper-linked to the webpage of Education and Manpower Bureau.

(c) Outdoor Education Activity for Kindergarten

Performance Targets (Year 2005)	Actual Performance (Year 2005)
To organise 65 guided visits for 2 500 participants.	Organised 78 guided visits for 2 425 participants.

Performance Analysis

Children from kindergartens were arranged to join a guided tour around Kowloon Park. Basic knowledge of plants was introduced. Children were also taught the manner and courtesy of visiting parks and the concept of environmental conservation.

Performance Targets in 2005

We plan to conduct 65 visits for some 2 500 participants in the year 2006.

(d) Programme for Interest Badge Courses for Brownies and Girl Guides

Performance Analysis

The programmes provided a wide range of courses in gardening and arboriculture for Brownies and Girl Guides. It aimed at promoting the concept of nature conservation. Participants were involved in group-discussions, lectures, guided visits, practical services and completion of a project. During the process, participants learnt not only about plants and gardening but also problem-solving techniques.

Performance Targets in 2006

On the request from the Hong Kong Girl Guides Association, we will conduct 19 conservation courses for some 580 Brownies and Girl Guides in the year 2006.

(e) Seminar and Gallery on Environmental Protection

Performance Analysis in 2005

The Hong Kong University of Science & Technology, the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Education and Manpower Bureau jointly organized a symposium on environmental issues for secondary schools on 28 May 2005. The objectives were to promote students' interest in and understanding of the environmental issues in Hong Kong, and to increase their environmental awareness. Students of the participating schools presented the methods and findings of their school-based programme on environmental studies related to their school and community. 248 students and teachers participated.

The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust approved a grant of $15 million in April 2004 for setting up The Jockey Club Environmental Conservation Gallery in the Hong Kong Science Museum. The Gallery seeks to communicate the importance of environmental conservation to the community at large and to advocate an environmental friendly lifestyle. In December 2004, a contractor was appointed to undertake the exhibit design of the Gallery. The Gallery is expected to be completed in 2008.

Performance Targets in 2006

The Science Museum will continue to organize symposium/seminars on environmental issues for schools.

In February 2006, the British Consulate-General Hong Kong and British Council will jointly organize a "NSEW Climate Change Exhibition" in association with the Hong Kong Science Museum. The exhibition will cover 10 climate change issues and feature 50 items of photographic works taken at 12 climate hot spots around the world. The exhibition will be on display in the Main Lobby of the Museum for 2 weeks for free viewing by members of the public.

The Science Museum will proceed with detail design and tendering of fabrication of the Jockey Club Environmental Conservation Gallery targeted for completion in 2008.

IV. Greening Activities

Performance Analysis in 2005

A total of 2 641 greening activities were organised which exceeded the performance target of 2 475 for the year of 2005.

(a) Hong Kong Flower Show

The Hong Kong Flower Show 2005 was held from 11 to 20 March at Victoria Park attracting 461 000 visitors. The Flower Show aimed at promoting public interest in horticulture and arousing an awareness of the conservation of the natural environment. Over 180 local and overseas horticultural organisations participated in the Show. Major attractions included colourful garden displays and flower arrangements staged by horticultural organisations, plant nurseries and flower clubs; beautiful plant exhibits and 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 Days

To promote public awareness in greening, the Department organised 27 Community Planting Days in 2005. A total of 13 900 participants had planted 32 660 trees and shrubs in 18 Districts. The performance targets of 25 Community Planting Day with 12 000 participants 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 serve as stewards in greening promotion activities. They were encouraged to participate in greening their own neighbourhood. The performance target of 300 voluntary greening activities with a total of 6 000 sessions of services provided by the volunteers was met in 2005.

(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 had attracted the participation of 746 schools and kindergartens in 2005. The performance target of 700 schools was met.

(e) "One Student, One Flower" Programme

The Scheme aimed to enhance the knowledge of students about plants and cultivate their interests in growing them. In 2005, 350 000 seedlings were distributed for students to nurture at home or in school.

(f) Greening Hong Kong Activities Subsidies Scheme

The Scheme aimed at encouraging more greening activities to be organised by the local community. Six organisations were subsidised under this Scheme in 2005 to organise greening activities. The original performance target was to subsidize five organisations.

(g) Greening Exhibitions and talks

Greening exhibitions and talks on horticulture were organized at the Green Education and Resource Centre at Kowloon Park in 2005 with a view to educating and arousing the public's awareness in greening. A total of 375 exhibitions and talks with 27 000 participants were organized.

Performance Targets in 2006

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 2 650 greening activities with over 1 200 000 participants in 2006. Our plan is as follows -

(a) Hong Kong Flower Show

The Hong Kong Flower Show 2006 will be held from 3 to 12 March 2006 in Victoria Park and about 500 000 visitors are expected.

(b) Community Planting Days

A total of 26 Community Planting Days with 12 000 participants will be organised in 2006.

(c) Green Volunteer Scheme

Members of the public will be recruited as Green Volunteers in 18 Districts to perform simple garden maintenance in LCSD parks and playground, and to serve as stewards in greening activities organized by LCSD. A total of 300 voluntary greening activities with 6 000 sessions of voluntary services will be provided by volunteers in 2006.

(d) Greening School Subsidy Scheme

The Department aims to invite 740 schools to participate in this Scheme in 2006.

(e) "One Person, One Flower" Programme

The Department targets to distribute 350 000 seedlings to students in 2006.

(f) Greening Hong Kong Activities Subsidies Scheme

Five applications for subsidy to hold greening activities are expected from local organisations in 2006.

(g) Greening Exhibitions and talks

Greening exhibitions and talks on horticulture will be organized at Green Education and Resource Centre in 2006 with a view to educating and arousing the public's awareness in greening.

(h) Community Garden Programme

40 gardening courses under the programme with 7 000 participants will be organized in 2006.

(i) Best Landscape Award for Private Property Development 2006

The Award aims at promoting greening and environment-conscious development in the private sector. It will be launched in early 2006 and 50 entries from private organizations are expected.

Preserving Assets of Our Heritage

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 Home Affairs, the Authority, on enforcing the Ordinance. The AMO works closely with AAB and implements the provisions of the Ordinance on behalf of the Authority.

In addition, AMO plays an important role in the monitoring of Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) projects on development proposals, which are required under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance. The work involves inspecting cultural heritage sites, working out mitigation measures to remedy any possible damage to the sites, and conducting, where necessary, rescue excavations at archaeological sites and cartographic recording of historical building.

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

Performance Target in 2005

The targets set for 2005 were :

• to declare 1 monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance;

• to excavate and monitor 180 archaeological sites;
  
  
• to issue 13 archaeological licences;

• to restore and maintain 55 historical buildings;

• to process 144 EIA projects;
  
  
• to organize 300 heritage educational programmes; and

• to publish 12 publications.

It 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 for points of reference for our cultural identity and traditions.

Actual Performance in 2005

The major projects of the year included the gazetting of Cape D'Aguilar Lighthouse for declaration as a monument under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance; restoration and improvement works at various declared monuments including St. John's Cathedral in Central, Tai Fu Tai in San Tin and Hau Mei Fung Ancestral Hall in Sheung Shui; technical support to the conversion works of historical buildings such as Former Marine Police Headquarters in Tsim Sha Tsui, Kom Tong Hall in Mid-Level, Hau Wong Temple in Kowloon City, the old Ping Shan Police Station in Ping Shan, the tenements at No. 60-66 Johnston Road in Wan Chai as well as full restoration of Liu Ying Lung Study Hall in Sheung Shui.

To save archaeological heritage from destruction by development projects, rescue excavation was conducted at Lam Tei in July 2005 and archaeological investigations were arranged at Pak Shek Kok in Tai Po and various village small house sites. Stone foundation of building structure associated with cultural remains of Qing and modern periods was unearthed at Lam Tei, Tuen Mun. Abundant prehistoric artefacts were retrieved from various small house sites at Sha Ha, Sai Kung.

Some facilities of the Hong Kong Heritage Discovery Centre in Kowloon Park including Exhibition Galleries, Lecture Hall, Reference Library and Activity Room were opened to the public in late October 2005. Exhibitions on the archaeological discoveries in Sha Ha, Sai Kung and on the winning entries of the Hong Kong Heritage Awards (2004) were organized with educational programmes to promote public awareness of heritage preservation. The standing exhibition on Hong Kong archaeology and the built heritage are being prepared for inaugurating the grand opening of the centre in 2007.

We excavated and monitored 174 archaeological sites and issued 17 archaeological licences. In addition, we processed 128 EIA projects and restored/maintained 63 historical buildings. We also conducted 417 heritage educational programmes and produced 12 publications.

Performance Targets in 2006

The performance targets in preserving assets of heritage for 2006 are :

To achieve these targets, the Department, under the guidance of AAB, will continue to work closely with the bureaux and departments concerned, including the Home Affairs Bureau, Housing, Planning and Lands Bureau, Education and Manpower Bureau, Architectural Services Department, Environmental Protection Department, Planning Department, etc, and with Hong Kong Tourism Board, private developers and land owners.

Providing Aesthetically Pleasing Open Space

We 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 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 and in the passive recreation area. 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 spaces, 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 2005

In 2005, 12 open space projects (including capital works projects, minor works projects and sponsored projects) were completed, resulting in an increase of about 17.80 hectares of open space in Hong Kong.

Performance Target in 2006

TIn 2006, 14 open space projects will be completed, which will provide an additional 10.26 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.

Practising Waste Reduction and Energy Savings

Environment-related policies are reviewed and co-ordinated through the Departmental Committee on Environmental Efforts (DCEE). The committee also assists in promoting good practices and monitoring their implementation throughout the department. In November 2004, the fifth environmental report was issued to cover detailed activities of the department in this area.

Under the DCEE, there is the Task Force on Energy Savings. It proactively explores ways to promote energy saving efforts, including conducting energy audits to identify good energy management practices.

We have been paying much attention to green housekeeping, waste reduction and energy savings. We have adopted the following measures in pursuing waste reduction and in saving energy and natural resources:

On paper saving

Good 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 periodally as a reminder. We vigorously promoted 'reduce and reuse' for saving paper and made the following achievements in 2005 :

• Our Information and Public Relations Section (IPRS) saved at least 574 reams of papers through re-using the blank side of the daily newspaper cuttings and other publicity materials for photo copies or print-outs.

• IPRS had provided an electronic newspaper clipping services to the Department's Lotus Notes users. Although hard copies of the newspaper clippings were still provided to the directorate offices and section heads, efforts had been made to further trim down the number through share reading.

• We had issued 2 244 press releases on the internet via the Information Services Department's computer network and the Department's website. Our staff and members of the public were able to have access to them. Hard copies for distribution were cut to the minimum.

• The Photo Team of IPRS had built up a digital photo library system and adopted digital photo images for press releases to the media. The photo-finishing process for developing films and colour prints, which is less environmental-friendly, was cut to the minimum.

• Application of PCs, Intranet and e-mail are widely used in the department for internal and external communications, and conveyance of digital photographs and design works. This had not only contributed to office efficiency, but had helped save paper.

• We produced only an e-version of the departmental yearbook and has provided an e-version of our departmental Christmas cards and Lunar New Year cards.

• We recycled paper and library materials which were for condemnation. In the year 2005, 490 607 kg of library materials were recycled. Moreover, the email notification service provided readers with the option of receiving overdue and reservation notices through e-mail and had thus economised on the use of paper. As at 31.12.2005, about 95 000 registered borrowers had opted for the service.

• The Book Donation and Sale Campaign was held again this year. In addition to encouraging reading in the community, the event also helped promote paper saving.

• Museums and Film Archive also reduced waste by recycling exhibition materials and placed collection boxes for collecting unused guided maps and pamphlets for recycling purpose.

• Performing arts venues have economized on the use of paper via wide usage of electronic means for publicity of performing arts programmes or for collection of feedback. Unused flyers and house programmes were also collected and recycled.

• In 2005, the department's consumption of paper has been increased by 3.92% when compared with 2004. More paper was consumed in 2005 because of the commissioning of 18 major facilities/venues in 2005.

On energy saving

We manage our resources responsibly with a view to preserving natural resources. Good practices are widely promoted in our offices and venues through Administrative Circular No. 92/2000 "Electricity Economy". Such practices include routine checking to switch off air-conditioners, lights and electrical equipment while not in use, checking regularly the proper functioning of light sensors, identifying the maximum LUX required at individual facilities, using natural lighting where possible or high efficiency lighting system (electric lamps, optical fibres and fluorescent tubes) as far as possible, setting air-conditioning at appropriate temperature, keeping all windows outside doors closed when air conditioning units are running, engaging EMSD for energy audits, etc. Specifically, we have taken the following actions since 2005 to save energy :

• Since April 2005, the Hong Kong Stadium has arranged half of the lightings at the backstage area to be modified and turned off during non-event days for energy saving purpose.

• We are committed to maintaining the 25.5°C office room temperature target set by the Government for the summer months. Where, for essential operational reasons and customer service purpose, deviation from the office room temperature standard is justified in certain areas of specific venues such as museums, sports centres and performing arts venues, we work closely with Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) in order to closely monitor the situation and adjust the room temperature as close to 25.5°C as possible.

• Turn off the air conditioning system in the Main Foyer half hour/one hour before the close of the venue when there are no performances/activities in the venues.

• Shorten pre-cool time of the air conditioning system required on stage while maintaining fairly reasonable level of services.

• Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) had conducted energy saving improvement works in sports centres, including the replacement of the aging condenser coil in Shek Tong Tsui Sports Centre in 2004 to improve the performance of air-conditioning system and save energy. They had also adopted free cooling mode air-conditioning system for the arena of Smithfield Sports Centre in 2005. Upon implementation of these energy saving measures in 2004 and 2005, the respective sports centres have saved more on energy consumption.

• All museums continue to exercise tight measures on energy saving:
  
  

  1. disconnect/switch off some of the lights in illuminated area at the public corridors and office area;

  2. switch off escalators during museum closing days;

  3. switch on and off the lights in the public area by phases;

  4. turn on and off the air-conditioning supply in office area by phases to reduce energy consumption;

  5. adjust temperature settings in working area to save energy on air-conditioning; and

  6. shorten pre-cooling hours for galleries as deemed appropriate.

• The following energy-saving initiatives were implemented at the HQ building in 2005:
  
  

  1. Modification of air-conditioning system in the major conference rooms to enable independent control of air-conditioning supply during both office and non-office hours.

  2. Provision of reflective window glass film to some of the offices.

• Replacement of CRT monitors with LCD monitors was completed in January 2006. LCD monitors require less electricity and generate less heat, resulting in economical use of energy and lowering air-conditioning requirement. The exercise has replaced about 1,800 monitors, saving electricity consumption of about 0.23 million kWh and reducing around 160 tonnes of greenhouse gas emission per annum.

• Exercise 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.

• Achieve water saving by planting drought tolerant species at suitable locations and using less water for water features in major parks.

• Setting water temperature of the heated swimming pools at 26°C for the general public and 28°C for persons with a disability during the period from 1 November to 15 April of the following year.

Other Green Measures

• Works were conducted to connect sewer for disposal of sewage or shower water up to the requirement of Environmental Protection Department. It is estimated that the connection work for all beaches in Tsuen Wan will be completed in 2009.

• We have issued good practices in energy saving for operational staff and contractors (Annex III). They are constantly reminded to follow the good practices to achieve waste reduction and savings.

• We have promulgated on our Database Library a list of term contracts for waste disposal/recycling to facilitate sale/recycling of unserviceable items.

• Swimming pools (except Victoria Park & Lei Cheng Uk Swimming Pool which will be redeveloped in the long run) are using ozone sterilization or electro-chlorination system as sterilizing agent which are more environmentally friendly.

• We promote the use of more green products such as solar cell electronic calculators and environmental-friendly pesticide for plants.

• We have placed waste separation bins at about 370 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.

• Following the use of two LPG light buses since 2002 and 2003 respectively, all departmental light buses will gradually be replaced by LPG vehicles that have lower emission.

• We have installed Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC) on all Euro I & II emission standard diesel vehicles of our fleet.

• We have issued instruction to all departmental drivers to switch off the engine while waiting so as to reduce emission.

Minimising Air and Noise Pollution in Organizing Leisure and Cultural Activities

We monitor closely the generator and machinery installed for activities to ensure that dark smoke emission would not breach the prescribed requirement in the relevant Regulations.

We also monitor the noise generated from events held in our performing venues and ensure they are within the limits set in the relevant Regulations.

We persuade hirers of the Hong Kong Stadium to declare their events held at the Stadium as smoke-free events and advise spectators not to smoke within the Stadium.