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

(A) Promoting Greening and Horticulture

3.1	In promoting greening and horticulture, we have four areas of work. They are - beautification of existing landscape areas; planting programme; education and promotion on environmental protection; and greening activities.

3.2

(I) Beautification of Existing Landscape Areas Performance Targets (Year 2013) Actual Performance (Year 2013) Upgrading of 23 hectares of existing landscape areas A total of 20 hectares of existing landscape areas were upgraded Performance Analysis in 2013 The Department’s performance generally followed the target of 2013 through the effort of district staff. The difference between the performance target and the actual performance was mainly attributed to the handing back of some vacant government sites to the Lands Department for development. Performance Targets in 2014 The Department's targets in 2014 are – to upgrade 20 hectares of landscape areas; and to identify 50 prominent roadside amenity areas with a total area of about 1.5 hectares for landscape improvement.

3.3

(II) Planting Programme Performance Targets (Year 2013) Actual Performance (Year 2013) To plant 2 880 000 trees, shrubs and annuals Over 2 545 000 trees, shrubs and annuals were planted (breakdown at Annex I) Performance Analysis in 2013 There was a shortfall of 11.6% in the actual planting figures of 2013 when compared with the performance targets of 2013. The significant decrease was due to the measures adopted by the Department to reduce the use of annuals for floral decoration and landscape beautification programmes in 2013. These measures aimed to tie in with the new greening policy promulgated by the Environmental Bureau. Performance Targets in 2014 The Department’s targets in 2014 are – to plant trees, shrubs and annuals up to 2.56 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 2013) Actual Performance (Year 2013) To organise 50 horticulture courses for 1 450 participants Organised 52 courses for 1 470 participants Performance Analysis in 2013 The courses were well-received by the participants. Performance Targets in 2014 We plan to conduct 50 horticulture courses for 1 400 participants in 2014. 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 2013) Actual Performance (Year 2013) To organise 600 guided visits for a target of 20 000 participants Organised 608 guided visits for 20 689 participants Performance Analysis in 2013 School children 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. Performance Targets in 2014 We plan to conduct 600 visits for 20 000 primary school students in 2014. Programme details have been uploaded onto the webpage of the Department. (c) Outdoor Education Activities for Kindergartens Performance Targets (Year 2013) Actual Performance (Year 2013) To organise 70 guided visits for 2 000 participants Organised 62 guided visits for 1 894 participants Performance Analysis in 2013 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 concept of environmental conservation and appropriate manners for visiting parks. Performance Targets in 2014 We plan to conduct 70 visits for some 2 000 participants in the year 2014. (d) Conservation Courses for Uniformed Groups Performance Targets (Year 2013) Actual Performance (Year 2013) To organise 12 courses for 300 participants Organised 12 courses for 244 participants Performance Analysis in 2013 The programmes provided a wide range of courses in gardening and arboriculture for uniformed groups. They aimed at promoting the concept of nature conservation. Participants were involved in group discussions, lectures, guided visits and practical services. Performance Targets in 2014 We will conduct 12 conservation courses for some 300 members of uniformed groups in 2014. (e) Seminar and Gallery on Environmental Protection Performance Analysis in 2013 The Hong Kong Science Museum staged exhibitions and organised lectures to arouse public awareness on environmental issues. They included the following – (i) the museum staged in its main lobby an exhibition on “All about H2O” at intervals from March to July 2013; and (ii) the museum presented public lectures on environmental issues in the series of “All about H2O” from April to July 2013, “Science in the Public Service” from July to September 2013 and “Hong Kong Meteorological Society 25th Anniversary” Distinguished Meteorologists Lecture Series in November 2013. 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. 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 2014 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 2013 A total of 3 224 greening activities were organised, which was slightly below the performance target of 3 240 for the year of 2013. (a) Hong Kong Flower Show The Hong Kong Flower Show 2013 was held from 15 to 24 March 2013 at Victoria Park attracting about 520 000 visitors. The Show aimed at promoting public interest in horticulture and arousing public’s awareness of conservation of natural environment. A total of 210 local and overseas horticultural organisations participated in the Show. The special display of Dendrobium officinale and Dendrobium huoshanense 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 18 Community Planting Days in 2013. More than 3 300 participants planted about 21 000 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. 490 greening activities were organised for the Green Volunteers with an attendance of about 7 500. The scheme was expanded through recruiting local celebrities as Green Ambassadors. In 2013, 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 889 schools and kindergartens in 2013. (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 2013, 375 000 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. Six organisations were subsidised under this Scheme in 2013 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 2013 with a view to educating and arousing public awareness in greening. A total of 425 exhibitions and talks were organised with about 36 000 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, 51 gardening courses were organised in 2013 with about 11 000 participants. (i) Outreaching Greening Promotional Activities To promote greening and enhance public awareness in greening and environmental protection, 168 outreaching greening activities were delivered to organisations and schools for about 42 000 participants in 2013. Performance Targets in 2014 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 3 240 greening activities with 1 330 000 participants in 2014. Our plan is as follows – (a) Hong Kong Flower Show The Hong Kong Flower Show 2014 will be held from 7 to 16 March 2014 at Victoria Park and about 530 000 visitors are expected. (b) Community Planting Day A total of 22 Community Planting Days with 5 000 participants will be organised in 2014. (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 an anticipated attendance of 7 200 will be provided to the volunteers in 2014. In addition, the Scheme will recruit more local celebrities to join as Green Ambassadors. (d) Greening School Subsidy Scheme The Department aims at inviting 900 schools to participate in this Scheme in 2014. (e) "One Person, One Flower" Scheme The Department targets to distribute 370 000 seedlings to students in 2014. (f) Greening Hong Kong Activities Subsidy Scheme Seven applications for subsidy to hold greening activities are expected from local organisations in 2014. (g) Greening Exhibitions and Talks Greening exhibitions and talks on horticulture will be organised at the Green Education and Resource Centre in 2014 with a view to educating and arousing public awareness in greening. (h) Community Garden Programme Under the programme, 52 gardening courses with 11 500 participants will be organised in 2014. (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 2014. (j) Best Landscape Award for Private Property Development 2014 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. About 300 entries are expected.

(B) Preserving Assets of Our Heritage

3.6

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.

3.7

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.

 

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

Performance Targets in 2013

3.9	The targets set for 2013 were – to declare four monuments under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance; to undertake 35 restoration, repair and maintenance projects for historic buildings/structures; to organise 1 350 heritage educational programmes; and to publish 14 publications.

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.

Actual Performance in 2013

3.11	Up to end 2013, there were 105 declared monuments, including 87 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 Man Lun Fung Ancestral Hall in Yuen Long, Leung Ancestral Hall in Pat Heung, Tat Tak Communal Hall in Ping Shan, Tai Fu Tai in San Tin, Tang Kwong U Ancestral Hall in Kam Tin, Tang Ancestral Hall and Yeung Hau Temple in Ha Tsuen, King Law Ka Shuk in Tai Po, Lo Wai and Kun Lun Wai Entrance Gate House in Fanling, Liu Man Shek Tong Ancestral Hall in Sheung Shui, Former Residence of Ip Ting-sz in Sha Tau Kok, Maryknoll Convent School in Kowloon Tong and St. John’s Cathedral 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 Lamma Island, Tuen Mun, Yuen Long and Sai Kung. 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 1 435 heritage educational programmes and produced 14 publications in 2013.

 

Performance Targets in 2014

3.15	The performance targets in preserving assets of heritage for 2014 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 1400 (d) No. of publications 14

(C) Providing Aesthetically Pleasing Open Space

3.16

We achieve our objective through – (I) Land Use Zoning and Acquisition of Land for Open Space Development We play 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. We aim to achieve sustainable greening through careful design, selection of heavy standard trees 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 (e.g. recycled plastic seating benches, refuse bins, etc). Wooden materials from regenerated forests will be used.

Actual Performance in 2013

3.17	In 2013, 13 open space projects (including capital works projects and minor works projects) were completed, resulting in an increase of about 12.04 hectares of open space in Hong Kong. A list of these projects is shown at Part (A) of Annex II.

Performance Target in 2014

3.18

In 2014, 20 open space projects are scheduled for completion, providing an addition of more than 13 hectares of open space. A list of these projects is shown at Part (B) of 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

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

 

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

 

(I) On paper saving

3.21

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 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 2013 – (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 2013, 486 200 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 2013, about 359 000 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 environmental-friendly materials were considered. With these efforts, the electricity consumption of the Department only slightly increased by 1.35% in 2013/14 when compared with 2012/13 despite the opening of new facilities, higher utilisation of facilities, installation of additional equipment and change of chairmanship of Building Management Committee (BMC) in Municipal Services Buildings (MSBs) to LCSD1.The electricity consumption of the Department in 2013/14 was 412 291 257 kWh. The corresponding indirect emissions were 787 476 kg of sulphur dioxide (SO2), 478 258 kg of nitrogen oxides (NOx) and 24 738 kg of respirable suspended particulates (RSP)2. We have made the following endeavours to save energy in 2013 – 1. The electricity consumption of the MSB is counted towards the department holding the BMC chairmanship. 2. 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 saving 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. 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. (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) The following measures were adopted in leisure venues – (i) switching off the lights for 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 controls 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 25.5oC 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) permanently switching off the 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. (f) 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 venues 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. (g) The following measures were adopted in Hong Kong Public Libraries – (i) switching off the lighting on external walls of some libraries; (ii) maximising the use of natural light and turning off the lights in the libraries where illumination level was acceptable; (iii) installing occupancy sensors on some floors to control the on/off of the lights; (iv) adjusting temperature settings in working area to save energy on air-conditioning; and (v) introducing various energy-saving measures at Hong Kong Central Library, including using solar control films, installing blinds for windows to reduce sun heat, replacing existing lighting with energy-saving lamps, retrofitting electronic ballast for fluorescent lamps, switching off some of the decorative lights and working lights, reducing the operation time of air-conditioners, escalators and the Earth Fountain, switching off computer monitors and multimedia players after closure of the library or turning them to sleeping mode for all Multimedia Information System workstations in the library. (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 Science Museum, replacing T8 lighting with T5 lighting in office area and using LED lamps in exhibition areas to replace incandescent lamp by phases; (iii) for Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre, replacing LED lighting system inside the Exhibition Hall and public area, and installing light sensors along corridor area to improve energy efficiency; (iv) for Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, replacing LED lighting system inside galleries and air-conditioning chiller system in the old wing to improve energy efficiency; (v) for Hong Kong Film Archive, replacing T8 lighting with T5 lighting for public area and workshops; (vi) for Hong Kong Heritage Museum, replacing florescent lamps with energy saving LED lamps cum motion sensors at back staircases by phases; (vii) switching off escalators during museum closing days when maintenance works were carried out; (viii) switching on the lights in specific zones in the public area on a need basis; (ix) turning on the air-conditioning supply in office area by zones on a need basis to reduce energy consumption; (x) adjusting temperature settings in working area to save energy on air-conditioning; (xi) installing speed control sensors for outdoor escalators; and (xii) using energy-saving lamps in lifts, office and common areas. (i) 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. (j) The following energy-saving initiatives were carried out at the headquarters building – (i) replacing the motors and controllers of all lifts with energy efficient models; (ii) using solar control window films at all windows of the building; (iii) rationalising the number of fluorescent lamps at office area 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 carbon monoxide (CO) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2) sensors to control the speed of ventilation fan at the basement car park; (x) using separate electricity meters at G/F to 17/F to monitor the electricity consumption of individual floors; and (xi) carrying out surprise checks outside 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 “Earth Hour 2013” organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature in March 2013. 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) bearing 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

3.23

Other 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 (Annex III) for operational staff and contractors, who were constantly reminded to follow these good practices to achieve waste reduction and energy saving; (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 food waste compost, animal waste composts, and environmentally-friendly pesticide for plants, and the recycle use of yard wastes as soil conditioner for planting; (f) we reduced yard waste by planting more flowering perennial/woody shrubs instead of seasonal annuals for greening projects; (g) we placed waste separation bins (including 3-coloured and 4-in-1 bins) at over 470 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) 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; (i) 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; (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, 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; (k) we conducted annual performance review to monitor the adoption of green measures and waste reduction practices by sections/offices; and (I) we promoted green practices for paper saving, energy saving as well as waste avoidance and reduction by issuing green tips to staff.

(IV) Clean Air Charter

3.24

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.

 

3.25

We have a fleet of 152 vehicles. The total mileage was 1 794 190 km in 2013 and the fuel consumption was 337 633 litres. The related emissions were about 9 221 kg of NOx and 766 kg of RSP3. In support of the campaign to improve air quality in Hong Kong, we have implemented the following measures – 3.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 two mobile library vans and two medium buses with Euro V vehicles in 2013. We also replaced a medium saloon car in petrol version by an electric car. With the replacement of environmentally-friendly and electric vehicles, emissions and fuel consumption will significantly be reduced; (b) we have a plan to replace more conventional retired departmental cars with fuel efficient and low emission environmentally-friendly vehicles continuously; and (c) we regularly refresh all departmental drivers about eco driving skills and remind them of good practices in operating the vehicles for reducing emissions.

 

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

3.26	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.

 

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

 

3.28

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.