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 aesthetically pleasing;
Beautification of existing landscaped areas;
Planting programme;
Education and promotion on environmental protection; and
Greening activities.

(I) Provision of Open Spaces that are Aesthetically Pleasing

3.2

In 2024, seven new open space facilities (including capital works projects and minor works projects) were opened, resulting in an increase of about 1.120 hectares of open space in Hong Kong. A list of these new facilities is shown at Annex I.

3.3

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 landscaping through selection of more low maintenance and native plant species.

3.4

When planning new open space projects or upgrading existing parks and playgrounds, the facility will be designed and constructed with consideration to environmental performance, such as application of energy-saving building services installations and use of environmental-friendly materials including products with high recycled content. Appropriate materials should be used for creating a user-friendly and comfortable environment, and to achieve low recurrent maintenance cost. For example, Hoi Fai Road Park, which was open to the public in April 2024, leverages renewable energy technologies, including photovoltaic panels on the roof of toilet block, pole light with wind turbine and photovoltaic cell and solar-powered bollard lights to improve its environmental performance and contribute to a green city.

Environmental Management and Performance Image

3.5

Apart from new open space projects, there are on-going improvement and upgrading works to our existing parks and playgrounds. The Heritage Conservation and Resource Centre which is under construction in Area 109, Tin Shui Wai will adopt the passive or low-energy environment structures. For example, the insulation and hygroscopic properties of the rooms in the new building designed to provide an environment requiring climate control will be capable of maintaining specified conditions in the event of the failure of the equipment for a minimum of 48 hours.

(II) Beautification of Existing Landscaped Areas

3.6

In 2024, about 24 hectares of existing landscaped areas (including roadside amenity areas) were upgraded through the effort of district staff in carrying out landscape improvement works. We would continue to enhance the landscaping of parks and roadside amenity areas in order to provide a pleasant and sustainable environment to the public.

Environmental Management and Performance Image

(III) Planting Programme

3.7

Around 3.03 million trees, shrubs and annuals were planted in 2024 (breakdown at Annex II). The planting of flowering species were continued to enhance the visual impact with more seasonal colours.

Environmental Management and Performance Image

(IV) Education and Promotion on Environmental Protection

(a)

Horticulture Courses for the General Public

3.8

In 2024, we conducted 63 horticulture courses for 1 839 participants.

(b)

Guided Visits for Schools and Non-governmental Organisations (NGOs)

3.9

A total of 877 guided visits for 23 913 participants from schools and NGOs were organised in 2024, which included 703 school guided visits for 19 667 school children at the Hong Kong Zoological & Botanical Gardens, Green Education and Resource Centre, Kowloon Park, Hong Kong Park, Tai Po Waterfront Park, Tuen Mun Park and Boundary Street Nursery. The guided visits were designed having regard to the curriculum on environmental education for primary schools. A total of 154 visits were also arranged for 3 889 children from kindergartens to tour around the Kowloon Park and Hong Kong Park. Children were introduced the basic knowledge and concept of plants, environmental conservation and the appropriate manners for visiting parks. Besides, free guided visits were arranged for 357 participants from 20 NGOs to tour around the Green Education and Resource Centre at the Kowloon Park.

Environmental Management and Performance Image

(c)

Conservation Courses for Uniformed Groups

3.10

The programmes provided a wide range of courses in gardening and arboriculture and aimed at promoting nature conservation. A total of 15 conservation courses were organised for some 243 participants of the uniformed groups in 2024. Participants were involved in group discussions, lectures and guided visits.

Environmental Management and Performance Image

(d)

Programmes and Exhibitions on Environmental Protection

3.11

To arouse public awareness of environmental issues, the Hong Kong Science Museum and Hong Kong Space Museum launched exhibitions and organised various programmes, including –

the science competition “Primary Science Projects Exhibition” conducted in collaboration with the Education University of Hong Kong, Education Bureau, and other partners under the theme “Climate Change”. Students investigated the links between natural disasters and climate change, developing innovative solutions based on their findings. Winning teams showcased their proposals at the Hong Kong Science Museum, attracting visitors’ attention and raising awareness about this pressing issue;
the special exhibition “Polar Research and Climate Change Exhibition” held from March to June 2024. It highlighted the ecology and natural environment of the polar regions, showcased China’s polar research facilities, and examined the efforts of the Chinese Mainland and Hong Kong in combating climate change;
public lectures on environmental protection, green technology, sustainable development and climate change organised at the “Science in the Public Service” Forum and Lecture Series from August to December 2024;
the French Science Festival held in collaboration with the Consulate General of France in Hong Kong and Macao in October 2024. Under the theme “Oceans of Knowledge”, a special exhibition titled “Oceans: A New Mining Treasure Trove?” was conducted, alongside an inaugural conference on the preservation of oceans and marine resources. The exhibition examined key issues surrounding the preservation of marine resources and biodiversity;
a new exhibit, “Conserving for the Future”, launched at the Palaeontology Gallery of the Hong Kong Science Museum. The exhibit highlighted successful conservation stories of five endangered species and inspired proactive efforts to prevent human-induced extinctions;
the research project “Hong Kong Night Sky Brightness Monitoring Network” on light pollution conducted by the Hong Kong Space Museum in collaboration with the Department of Physics of the University of Hong Kong (HKU) between September 2010 and July 2017. Funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund initially, the project aimed 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 Hong Kong Space Museum, iObservatory and Astropark. The Hong Kong Space Museum has continued to collaborate with the Department of Physics of HKU via the research project “Globe at Night – Sky Brightness Monitoring Network”, which is the overseas extension of the previous cooperation between the Museum and HKU since July 2017. In addition, the Hong Kong Space Museum transmitted the message of reducing light pollution during various activities, including the School Culture Day, public lectures and observation programmes;
collaborating with the Jockey Club Museum of Climate Change and the Hong Kong Regional Group of Geological Society of London to co-organise the “Polar Expedition and Climate Change” lecture in September 2024 and “Climate Change and Antarctica” Lecture Series in December 2024.

(V) Greening Activities

3.12

The Department continuously promotes a green culture in the community through a series of educational and community involvement programmes. A total of 3 225 greening activities were organised in 2024, as outlined below.

(a)

Hong Kong Flower Show

3.13

The Hong Kong Flower Show 2024 was held from 15 to 24 March 2024 at Victoria Park with the theme “Floral Joy Around Town”. It featured the colourful Angelonia as the theme flower, attracting over 650 000 visitors. The event showcased a rich profusion of exquisite potted plants, beautiful floral arrangements and gorgeous landscape displays that featured both Chinese and Western elements, drawing support from more than 229 organisations, which included 81 exhibitors from 12 countries. To enhance public knowledge of and interest in horticulture and to promote a green lifestyle, a wide range of educational and recreational activities were organised for visitors, such as students drawing competition, photo competition, plant exhibition competition, floral art demonstrations, horticultural seminars, workshops on greening activities, guided visits, parent-child fun games, etc. In addition, a two-day “Green Recycling Day” was held upon the conclusion of the show, reflecting our commitment to implementing green measures for environmental protection. More than 300 volunteers assisted in collecting reusable and recyclable materials at the showground. To encourage greening in the community, flowers suitable for replanting and landscape displays that could be reused were relocated to our parks and amenity areas, while some 10 000 potted plants suitable for replanting were given away to schools, environmental groups and NGOs. Around 3 000 pots of Angelonia were distributed to members of the public.

Environmental Management and Performance Image

(b)

Community Planting Day

3.14

To promote public awareness of greening, we organised 19 Community Planting Days in 2024. More than 4 000 participants planted over 19 700 trees and shrubs in various districts.

Environmental Management and Performance Image

(c)

Green Volunteer Scheme

3.15

Green Volunteers were recruited in 18 districts to serve as stewards in greening promotion activities, and to assist in tree surveillance work and reporting problematic trees. They were encouraged to participate in greening their neighbourhood. In 2024, 360 greening activities were organised for Green Volunteers with an attendance of about 6 076.

Environmental Management and Performance Image

(d)

Greening School Subsidy Scheme

3.16

In 2024, the Greening School Subsidy Scheme attracted the participation of 892 schools and kindergartens in organising greening activities and implementing planting projects in their campuses under the technical advice from horticultural instructors.

Environmental Management and Performance Image

(e)

“One Person, One Flower” Scheme

3.17

The “One Person, One Flower” Scheme aimed at enhancing the knowledge of students about plants and developing their interests in growing plants. In 2024, about 370 000 seedlings were distributed to students for nurturing at home or in schools.

Environmental Management and Performance Image

(f)

Greening Hong Kong Activities Subsidy Scheme

3.18

The Greening Hong Kong Activities Subsidy Scheme aimed at encouraging the local community to organise more greening activities. In 2024, five organisations were subsidised under the Scheme to conduct floral exhibitions and horticultural workshops.

Environmental Management and Performance Image

(g)

Greening Exhibitions and Talks

3.19

Greening exhibitions and talks on horticulture were organised at the Hong Kong Zoological and Botanical Gardens as well as the Green Education and Resource Centre at the Kowloon Park in 2024 with a view to enhancing public awareness of greening. A total of 386 exhibitions and talks were organised with some 25 000 participants.

Environmental Management and Performance Image

(h)

Community Garden Programme

3.20

To encourage the public to participate actively in greening activities in their neighbourhood and to practise greening as part of daily life, 70 gardening courses were organised in 2024 with about 12 500 participants.

Environmental Management and Performance Image

(i)

Outreaching Greening Promotional Activities

3.21

To promote greening and enhance public awareness of environmental protection, a total of 89 outreaching greening promotional activities, including roving exhibitions at leisure venues in 18 districts as well as outreaching greening activities for organisations and schools, were arranged for about 36 900 participants in 2024.

Environmental Management and Performance Image

(B) Preserving Cultural Heritage

3.22

The Department, through the Conservation Office (CO), is committed to preserving Hong Kong’s cultural heritage. The CO provides conservation support for thematic exhibitions and preservation care and treatment for all collections pertaining to the public museums, Hong Kong Film Archive, Art Promotion Office, Intangible Cultural Heritage Office and Chinese Culture Promotion Office.

3.23

The CO devises, implements and evaluates conservation programmes for museum artefacts and heritage objects. Over the year, there were 150 objects and collections with various degree of deterioration treated and preserved by the CO’s professional conservators.

3.24

Besides, the CO conducts technical examination and scientific studies on cultural heritage to support conservation work. In 2024, the CO conducted an exercise to evaluate potential energy-saving measures in museum premises with venue managers in order to look for ways to conserve energy whilst maintaining the preservation condition of storage rooms and exhibition galleries for safeguarding museum collections. The findings and data collected during the year provided valuable information to develop effective energy-saving measures and models for application in museums to proactively operate towards sustainability in the future.

Environmental Management and Performance Image

3.25

The CO is dedicated to raising the awareness of and support for conservation at all levels of the community by organising educational programmes and extension activities. In 2024, the CO supported and organised a variety of education programmes and activities for students and members of the public, such as the School Culture Day Scheme, Muse Fest HK 2024, Tung Wah Group of Hospitals’ (TWGHs) Student Conservation Ambassador Programme in collaboration with the TWGHs Records and Heritage Office as well as a conservation public programme and lecture in Shenzhen and Hong Kong with the Shenzhen Museum.

Environmental Management and Performance Image

3.26

We firmly believe that cultural heritage does not only provide an essential and irreplaceable link between the past, the present and the future, but is also fundamental to the sustainable development of our community as it forms the basic point of reference for our cultural identity, traditions and collective memory.

3.27

To ensure the continuous preservation and well-being of cultural heritage, conservation and community’s active participation are indispensable.

(C) Fostering Net-zero Electricity Generation

3.28

We progressively adopt renewable energy technologies for electricity consumption with a view to enhancing the energy‑saving performance. The application of various renewable energy technologies in our venues are as follows –

using photovoltaic lighting systems in our venues, including the Hong Kong Science Museum, Ko Shan Theatre New Wing, Tiu Keng Leng Public Library, Kwai Tsing Theatre, Tsuen Wan Town Hall, Tuen Mun Town Hall and Ngau Chi Wan Civic Centre, to promote the energy-saving concept by converting solar energy directly into electricity;
installing solar energy lights at different venues, including Hong Kong Park, Quarry Bay Park, Chai Wan Park, Waterfall Bay Park, Victoria Park, Kowloon Park, Fa Hui Park, Kai Tak Runway Park, Jordan Valley Park, Morse Park, Po Kong Village Road Park, Tung Chung North Park, Cheung Chau Park, Tsing Yi Northeast Park, Tsuen Wan Park, Sha Tin Park, Tai Po Waterfront Park, Po Tsui Park, North District Park, Tuen Mun Riverside Park, Wu Shan Riverside Park, Tin Shui Wai Park, Nam Cheong Park, Kai Tak Avenue Park, Sai Kung Waterfront Park, Cherry Street Park, Yuen Shin Park, On Luk Street Park, Po Hong Park, Po Wing Road Sports Centre, Sha Tau Kok Promenade Sitting-out Area, Sha Tau Kok Children’s Playground, Fanling Hong Lok Park, Sha Tau Kok Recreation Ground, Shek Wu Hui Jockey Club Playground, Tin Sau Road Park, Tin Yip Road Park, Tin Shui Wai Cycling Entry Exit Hub, Jockey Club Tak Wah Park, Kwok Shui Road Park, Shing Mun Valley Park, Ngau Chi Wan Park, Tuen Mun Park and Pak Fuk Children’s Playground, to promote the adoption of renewable energy technologies; and
installing photovoltaic panels at different venues, including Tsim Sha Tsui Promenade, Kai Tak Station Square, Hong Ning Road Park, Kwun Tong Promenade, Yat Ming Road Park, Po Kong Village Road Park, Lion Rock Park, Kai Tak Avenue Park, Wan Chai Sports Ground and Chai Wan Swimming Pool, to promote the energy-saving concept by converting solar energy directly into electricity.

(D) Enhancing Energy Saving and Incorporating Green Building Features

3.29

The Government has set a new “Green Energy Target” which aims to achieve a further reduction of 6% in the Government’s total energy consumption for the period between 2020-21 and 2024-25, using comparable operating conditions in 2018-19 as the baseline. We will play an active role to achieve the goal and strive to integrate green features in our buildings/venues and adopt green practices as far as practicable.

(I) Change in Energy Consumption

3.30

The energy consumption of government buildings/venues under the Department in 2018-19 and 2024-25 is tabulated below –

Energy consumption
(million kWh)

Energy consumption under comparable operating conditions
(million kWh)

2018-19 (baseline)

490.0

Not applicable

2024-25

487.7 (-0.5%)

446.4 (-9.0%)

3.31

The total energy consumption of government buildings/venues under the Department decreased by 0.5% in 2024-25 as compared to 2018-19. Under the comparable operating conditions in 2018-19, there was a decrease of 9.0% in energy consumption in 2024-25. We will continue to implement various practicable housekeeping measures and best practices for energy saving.

3.32

The change in energy consumption has factored in significant changes in opening/closure of venues/facilities, addition/reduction of services, addition/removal of plants/equipment, extended/shortened service hours, increased/decreased demand for services, change of chairmanship of Building Management Committee¹, etc. for a like-with-like comparison.

¹ The energy consumption of a Municipal Services Building is counted towards the Department holding the Building Management Committee chairmanship.

(II) Green Buildings

3.33

At our Headquarters building, the following practicable measures were implemented –

using solar control window films at all windows of the building;
using occupancy sensors to control the on/off of the lights;
switching off part of the lighting at G/F entrance and lobby area;
using timers to control the water flushing of urinals at male toilets;
suspending the operation of lighting at the open space car park and outdoor planter boxes;
installing carbon monoxide and nitrogen dioxide sensors to control the speed of ventilation fan at the basement car park;
using separate electricity meters at G/F to 17/F to monitor the electricity consumption of individual floors;
carrying out surprise checks outside office hours to ensure that any unnecessary equipment was turned off while not in use;
replacing the lights at the corridors near the female toilets at 1/F to 17/F with LED lights;
upgrading existing fluorescent tubes with LED tubes in office area by phases;
upgrading existing lighting system to motion sensors control lighting system in toilets and office areas by phases; and
partially suspending the lifts during non-peak hours/non-working days.

3.34

The following housekeeping measures for energy saving were commonly adopted in the Department’s offices and venues (including leisure venues, performance venues, libraries and museums) in 2024 –

maintaining the 25.5°C office room temperature target set by the Government for the summer months in general. At places such as museums, libraries, sports centres and performance venues where we could not strictly maintain this temperature due to operational reasons and/or customer service considerations, we worked closely with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) to keep the temperature as close to 25.5°C as practicable;
switching off air-conditioners in facilities/meeting rooms with separate air-conditioning control right after use and reducing cooling needs for premises with central air-conditioning control when occupancy was low (such as on weekends, lunch time or after office hours);
using 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 to achieve energy saving as far as possible;
rationalising the numbers of fluorescent lamps and operating hours of offices/venues lightings as appropriate to reduce electricity consumption;
maintaining only those lighting which are essential for safety, security or other specific purposes in areas that were infrequently used and switching off the lights for facilities not in use;
suspending external lightings used for decorative, promotional or advertising purposes from 10 pm to 7 am daily except for those decorative lightings required to cater for some special festive occasions such as Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year;
separating the lighting/air-conditioning controls in different areas/zones of venues so that the lighting/air-conditioning system could be tuned or switched on as necessary to save energy;
switching off external lighting installation of some venues all year round, except those with operational needs and safety/security reasons;
shortening the operation hours of water features where applicable; and
installing speed control/passenger sensors for escalators or reducing their operation time as appropriate.

(III) Energy Efficient Features/Technologies

3.35

Other practicable energy-saving measures for suitable venues/facilities catering for their operational characteristics or specific environment are as follows –

installing photovoltaic tree and arbours at the children play area of the Sai Kung Outdoor Recreation Centre;
installing sensors for lighting at different venues, such as the Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre and Hong Kong Heritage Museum so as to achieve energy saving and more effective use of lighting;
adjusting the timer lighting schedule to fit seasonal needs and installing astronomical time switches to the lighting in parks, playgrounds and performance venues 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 for switching on/off park lights by using mobile phones during inclement weather;
using photocell control in leisure and performance venues to automatically control the light in response to the intensity of the natural light;
turning off the air-conditioning system in the main foyer in the morning or half to one hour before closure of performance venues when there was no performance/activity therein, and setting air-conditioning temperature at the recommended room temperature;
installing solar control films or blinds for windows where appropriate in public libraries to reduce sun heat;
switching off some decorative lights, computer monitors and multimedia players at all Multimedia Information System workstations after closure of libraries;
installing new glass facades and skylights fitted with high-performance low-energy glazing in the Hong Kong Museum of Art. Equipped with the green properties of good insulation, low reflection and high transmittance, internal heat gain was effectively reduced resulting in lower electricity consumption from air-conditioning;
replacing the chiller system with the high efficiency type in the Yuen Long Theatre and Hong Kong Science Museum;
installing Innovative Solutions for Retro-Commissioning of Air-conditioning System and replacing Air Handling Units (AHU) with the high efficiency type in the Tuen Mun Town Hall;
using LED stage lighting in performance venues to reduce power consumption and heat emission; and
installing variable speed drive control for the chilled water pumps to save energy in the Hong Kong Film Archive.

(E) Promoting the Use of Green Transport

3.36

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 on 27 November 2006. The Charter was initiated by the business sector in support of the Government’s appeal to improve air quality in Hong Kong.

3.37

As at 31 December 2024, we had a fleet of 144 vehicles. The total mileage was 1 472 837 km and the fuel consumption was 323 656 litres in 2024. The related emissions were about 6 666 kg of nitrogen oxides and 545 kg of respirable suspended particulates². The total mileage and fuel consumption decreased by 7.7% and 7.2% respectively as compared with the figures recorded in 2023. We have also implemented the following measures in support of the Government’s policy to improve air quality in Hong Kong –

to replace more conventional retired departmental vehicles with fuel efficient and low emission environmental-friendly ones; and
to refresh regularly all departmental drivers’ knowledge about eco-driving skills and remind them of the good practices of operating vehicles for reducing emissions.

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 the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) in January 2008.

(F) Adopting More Waste Reduction and Recycling

(I) Waste Disposal and Recovery

3.38

We have adopted the following waste reduction and other green measures –

promulgating on the Department’s document library a list of sales term contracts for waste disposal/recycling to facilitate the sale/recycling of unserviceable items;
using reusable office stationery, such as refillable pen shafts and greener clutch pencils, etc.;
promoting the use of more green products, such as food waste compost, animal waste composts, and environmental-friendly pesticide for plants, and the recycle use of yard wastes as soil conditioner for planting;
recycling yard waste generated from horticultural maintenance works at the Animal Waste Composting Plant in Ngau Tam Mei and wood shredding facility in Y Park;
reminding colleagues to plant flowering shrubs instead of seasonal flowers for beautification and landscape work so as to reduce yard waste;
requesting suppliers/manufacturers to provide regulated products in compliance with the Volatile Organic Compound limit, including documentary proof in the quotation documents;
requiring suppliers to comply with the relevant statutory requirements and environmental protection legislation on electrical equipment in execution of contracts and in any subsequent transfer/export/disposal of the trade-in items;
incorporating 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 refuse properly in recyclable polythene bags;
reminding colleagues to send invitations in electronic means for organising events/meetings, not to use corsages, reduce name badges to an absolute minimum and avoid using disposable cups and disposable tableware as far as practicable;
reminding colleagues to help reduce the use of plastic shopping bags and avoid the distribution of reusable shopping bags (including but not limited to non-woven bags) except on a need basis in publicly funded activities;
placing umbrella dryers and umbrella racks at various venues, and ceasing to distribute plastic umbrella bags on rainy days in all leisure and cultural venues;
promoting “Bring Your Own Bottle” culture in the community and installing 1 855 and 77 water dispensers/fountains in leisure and cultural venues; and reminding colleagues that distribution of plastic bottled water should not be allowed; and
conducting annual performance review to monitor the adoption of green measures and waste reduction practices.

(II) Paper Consumption and Saving

3.39

The Department continued to adopt good practices of paper saving under the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” strategy, particularly replacing paper-based correspondences with electronic options. In 2024, we made the following endeavours –

we provided an electronic newspaper clipping service to the Department’s Lotus Notes users to ensure keeping the number of hard copies at a minimum;
we used only e-versions of the departmental yearbook and departmental Christmas cards;
library users were given the options to receive some library notices through e-mail or the library mobile app. As at 31 December 2024, over 790 000 registered borrowers opted for e-mail notification and over 850 000 times of downloading the library mobile app were recorded. 482 169 kg of unserviceable library materials were recycled;
museums and the Hong Kong Film Archive, Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre and Oil Street Art Space reduced waste by recycling exhibition materials and using collection boxes for collecting guide maps/pamphlets disposed of by patrons after their visits for recycling purpose;
performance venues and programming offices adopted electronic means to publicise performing arts programmes and collect feedback. Admission letters to schools rather than individual URBTIX tickets were issued for student group admission for performances. Printing of flyers and house programmes was reduced by stringently monitoring distribution and minimising the number of pages printed. Unused copies of flyers and house programmes were recycled and electronic versions of publicity materials like posters and house programmes were adopted as far as possible;
most performance venues and some museums, such as the Hong Kong Science Museum, Hong Kong Space Museum and Sam Tung Uk Museum installed digital screens/electronic monitors to replace conventional foam boards or paper posters for programme promotion;
in line with the Government’s initiative of paper saving, tenders and quotations issued by the Supplies Section were in electronic format (i.e. by means of CD-rom) and suppliers were encouraged to adopt environmental-friendly measures in preparing tender/quotation documents (such as using recycled paper) and minimise the use of packaging materials. The paper consumption in 2024 was 91 899 reams, of which about 77% was recycled paper; and
to reduce or completely replace the use of papery publicity materials and application forms, a newly created online platform, “Art Connect: Arts and Culture Platform for Hong Kong Schools”, was fully launched in 2021. It mainly serves as a channel for schools’ submission of applications for participating in the performances and activities of the educational schemes co-ordinated by the Audience Building Office. As at 31 December 2024, more than 1 500 schools registered as users of this platform.

(III) Separation, Storage and Collection of Recyclables

3.40

Waste separation bins (i.e. 3-coloured, 4-in-1 bins and bottle-shaped bins) were available at over 790 venues, including leisure and cultural venues and the Headquarters building.

(IV) Food Waste Reduction and Recycling

3.41

We signed the Food Wise Charter under the Food Wise Hong Kong Campaign, disseminated information on food waste reduction to catering service contractors operating in our leisure and cultural venues, and displayed posters/publicity materials to promote the Food Wise Charter.

(V) Water Saving

3.42

Fresh water consumption of government buildings under LCSD in 2024 were 13.3 million cubic meters. Major water conservation measures adopted are outlined below –

we exercised vigilance in using water by regulating the outflow of water taps and replacing them with timer-taps in our offices and venues as far as possible. Leakage of water taps was repaired soonest possible; and
we stepped up site inspections of the irrigation systems to prevent water leakage, used spray nozzles for irrigation to reduce water loss from soil surface, planted drought tolerant species at suitable locations and used less water for water features in major parks.

(G) Implementing Carbon Management

3.43

As part of the Government’s efforts in addressing the climate change, we conducted annual carbon audits for our major buildings with an annual electricity consumption of over 500 000 kWh so as to assess the carbon performance and identify room for emissions reduction. The carbon performance summary is available at the Department’s website.

(H) Formulating Other Green Performance/Housekeeping Measures

(I) Green Management

3.44

With the concerted efforts of venue/office management, the Green Manager is responsible for implementing a programme of green housekeeping within the Department, introducing measures to increase staff awareness and engagement in relation to environmental issues, publicising our commitment to protecting the environment, formulating action plans and recording achievements. To assist the Green Manager in reminding staff to observe energy-saving housekeeping measures, respective Energy Wardens in all sections/offices have been appointed. They are responsible for conducting periodic checks on major energy consumption systems such as air-conditioning and ventilation system, lighting, lifts and escalators, office equipment, as well as computers and servers.

(II) Indoor Air Quality

3.45

For improving indoor air quality (IAQ) and providing quality services to the public, we have engaged EMSD to carry out maintenance and retrofitting works for the ventilation and air-conditioning systems at our offices and venues.

3.46

In support of the Government’s drive of improving IAQ, we participated in the IAQ Certification Scheme, and engaged an accredited IAQ Certificate Issuing Body to carry out regular IAQ inspections for LCSD venues/facilities with central air-conditioning systems where practicable. In 2024, about 235 LCSD venues/facilities had participated in the Scheme.

(III) Green Procurement

3.47

We adopted green specifications for environment-friendly goods and services as promulgated by EPD in our procurement, subject to consideration of market conditions, fair competition and choice. Purchases were made for 84 (out of 183) items with green specifications, representing 46% of the total. This accounted for approximately $32 million of environmentally friendly procurement. Major purchases with green specifications included “fertilisers/compost”, “ink/toner cartridge”, “photocopier”, “cleansing services”, “hiring of coaches with 20 or more passenger seats” and “hiring of light goods vehicles”.

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

3.48

We monitored closely the generators and machinery set up for activities to ensure that dark smoke emission complied with the prescribed requirement in the relevant Regulations.

3.49

We also monitored the noise level of outdoor events to ensure that it was within the limits set out in the relevant Regulations.

3.50

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.

Environmental Awareness among Staff

3.51

For raising environmental awareness and promoting waste reduction, saving energy and natural resources among staff –

we promoted and regularly re-circulated circulars and good practices of paper saving, energy saving, waste avoidance and reduction, and improving air quality to staff and contractors. These circulars and good practices have also been uploaded onto the Department’s document library for staff’s easy reference and retrieval;
we issued to staff green tips for offices and attending/organising events and meetings;
we took part in the lights out campaign of “Earth Hour 2024” organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature on 23 March 2024; and
we regularly reminded colleagues to choose energy-efficient products in line with the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme under the Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance or the Voluntary Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme as appropriate. For procurement of the prescribed products (i.e. room air-conditioners, refrigerating appliances and compact fluorescent lamps), only those with Grade 1 energy label should be chosen.