CONTENTS

VISION AND MISSION INTRODUCTION Our Progress Towards Green, Quality FOREWORD Living Cleaner Beaches PERMANENT SECRETARY / DIRECTOR'S Improving Air Quality MESSAGE More Energy-efficient ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Reducing Waste Stakeholders Engaged ANNEX Highlights in 2011 Milestones Organisation Chart

CROSS-BOUNDARY AND INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY AWARENESS CO-OPERATION Environmental Action On A Human Scale A Regional Vision Of Green, Quality Living Climate Campaign Regional Public Engagement on Green Food for Thought Quality Living in the Greater PRD Looking Ahead Action on Climate Change Topical Issues Looking Ahead Reaching Out to Schools Topical Issues Celebrating Our 25th Anniversary Cleaner Production Partnership Programme ECF: Funding Projects in the Community Green Business Opportunities in the Region Honouring Green Business

CUSTOMER SERVICE AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND PARTNERSHIPS PLANNING Greening From The Ground Up On A Green Track Recognising Green Performers Keeping the Noise Down Educating Operators Preserving Built Heritage Addressing Age-old Problems The Strategic View Looking Ahead Looking Ahead Topical Issues Topical Issues An Example to Others in Compliance New Town Plans Assistance Corporate Behaviour

1 AIR NOISE Cleaning The Air At Roadsides Opening Windows, Closing A Loophole: Progressing in Measured Steps Progress In Noise Control Vehicle Maintenance is Essential Innovation at the Receiving End Greening Bus Transport Effective Enforcement Alternative Solutions Looking Ahead Looking Ahead Topical Issues Topical Issues Abating Noise at Source Idling Engine Ban Greener Vessels Air Quality Objectives Review

WASTE WATER Tackling The Waste Problem From All Downstream Benefits Angles The Tale of Tsuen Wan’s Beaches Our Growing Recycling Network Getting HATS Up and Running Producer Responsibilities Looking Ahead Treating Different Kinds of Waste Topical Issues We Still Need Disposal Beach Grading System Looking Ahead Connecting Villages Elsewhere Topical Issues Restored Landfills: A Community Resource Adding Up Our Waste Loads Construction Waste Reduction

NATURE CONSERVATION ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE Preserving Our Natural Wonders Pollution Control At Source Global Geopark Controlling Clinical Waste Pockets of Interest River Dance Looking Ahead Looking Ahead Topical Issues Topical Issues Supporting Our Geopark Closed Beaches Re-open Conservation by Managing the Land Pollution Complaints Measures on Biological Diversity and Biosafety

2 ENERGY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Lighting The Way Encouraging The Community To See The Greener Light Bulbs Bigger Picture External Lighting Issues in Hong Kong Public Engagement on ‘Combating Climate Change: Energy Saving and Carbon Making Progress: Energy Labels and the Emission Reduction in Buildings’ Building Energy Code Looking Ahead Possible Actions Looking Ahead Topical Issues Clean Energy Advances Topical Issues Steering Towards Electric Carbon Calculator Seven New Sustainable Development Projects Supported Schools Get Low-Carbon Message Sustainability Assessment

3 VISION AND MISSION

Our Vision

Is of a Hong Kong

which enjoys an environment that is both healthy and pleasant; in which the community places a premium on sustaining such an environment for both themselves and future generations, and pursues sustainable development; and in which the community enjoys a reliable and safe energy supply at reasonable prices, while improving energy efficiency, promoting energy conservation and minimising the environmental impacts from the production and use of energy.

Our Mission

Is to contribute towards realising this vision by applying our professional knowledge and judgment and drawing on international experience

to formulate policies and plans on environmental protection, energy, conservation and the promotion of sustainable development; to provide first-class physical infrastructure for the treatment and disposal of waste and wastewater; to raise community awareness of and promote public support for issues related to environmental protection, energy, conservation and sustainable development; to promote collaborative efforts through regional and international co-operation; to implement environmental protection and energy related legislation and plans; and to administer robust environmental impact assessment in the planning of new developments and major projects.

4 FOREWORD

The trickle of momentum in Hong Kong’s environmental efforts has developed into a strong and steady stream through collaboration between the Government and the community. Investment in our environment and the green economy have been growing over the years, with the result that we made progress across all of our programmes in 2011. The outlook for the future is to continue moving in this direction.

From 2007-08 to the 2012-13 financial year, we will have doubled our annual funding allocation on the environment, from $6.3 billion to $13.9 billion. This investment is evidence of the importance that the Government attaches to a livable, sustainable environment for Hong Kong. We have also provided subsidy to community-initiated programmes through the Environment and Conservation Fund. From 2008 to the end of 2011, over 2 000 projects were approved to help promote energy saving, waste reduction and recycling, greening, conservation, and scientific research on environmental protection.

This investment is paying dividends for our environment. Air quality on several measures has been improved. Ambient concentrations of sulphur dioxide (SO2) and respirable suspended particulates (RSP) in Hong Kong fell 41 per cent and 11 per cent respectively from 2006-2011. These improvements in air quality have been made largely by focusing on power plant and vehicle emissions. The power sector will reduce emissions by another 34 to 50 per cent from 2015 so we can expect even better results in future. Improvements to regional air quality have also been achieved through our joint efforts with Guangdong: during 2006-2011, the average annual concentrations of SO2, nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and RSP in the region have decreased by 49 per cent, 13 per cent and 14 per cent respectively.

There is a note of caution, though. While we have made some progress in controlling vehicle emissions, roadside levels of NO2 remain a concern. We have given high priority to tackling motor vehicle emissions, as you will read in this report. We have also started focusing on pollution from marine vessels, which contribute a larger share to our overall air pollution now that other sources are coming under control. The combined effect of all of these programmes should be that Hong Kong’s air quality continues to improve in the coming years. Further impetus in that direction will come from the introduction of new Air Quality Objectives, which we plan to place before the Legislative Council in the 2012-13 legislative year for approval.

Waste reduction is another urgent concern because we are running out of landfill space. We have put increasing effort into reducing waste at source and this has paid off with an increase in the recovery rate of municipal solid waste – to 48 per cent in 2011 from 45 per cent in 2006. We will continue to promote and seek opportunities to increase waste recovery. However, we still need to further develop our waste treatment facilities if we are to conserve resources and avoid running out of space for our remaining waste.

5 Our other programme areas are also making pleasing progress. Beach water quality, for instance, has improved remarkably and all beaches have met water quality objectives in the past two years for the first time. Reducing our contributions to climate change is also a priority and in 2011 we consulted the public on energy saving and carbon reduction in buildings through a public engagement launched by the Council for Sustainable Development.

We are also advancing our vision for our future environment. This vision, which is being developed in concert with the Guangdong and Macao governments, is for a green and quality living area in the Greater Pearl River Delta region. To achieve this goal, the three sides unveiled initial proposals for joint public consultation during the year, under the heading of Regional Cooperation Plan on Building a Quality Living Area. As living standards and expectations in the region continue to rise, the momentum to improve the environment will continue to pick up. The outlook is getting brighter.

Mr Wong Kam-sing, JP Secretary for the Environment

6 MESSAGE FROM THE PERMANENT SECRETARY / DIRECTOR

Hong Kong’s environment experienced some pleasing improvements in 2011 as we continued our efforts towards being a greener city. Our priorities continued to be air quality and waste management, but we are addressing environmental issues across the board and continuing to strengthen regional collaboration to achieve our shared goals for a quality living area.

Air quality by most measures has improved steadily over the past decade as a result of controls on emission from power plants and motor vehicles as well as on products containing volatile organic compounds. However, there is an exception: roadside levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) have increased by 23 per cent from 1999 to 2011. We addressed this problem aggressively in 2011 with measures targetted at those polluting vehicles which ply our busy roads. Some $150 million was earmarked to help owners of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) taxis and light buses replace the catalytic converters on their vehicles, and a trial was launched to retrofit Euro II and Euro III franchised buses with selective catalytic reduction devices. The $300 million Pilot Green Transport Fund was launched to support public transport operators and goods vehicle owners in testing green and innovative transport technologies. Pilot low-emission zones for franchised buses in busy corridors were set up. And a statutory ban on idling engines came into effect. There will be more measures in future to reduce roadside emissions and support our on-going programmes, but those unveiled in 2011 will help to sprint us forward. We are also preparing measures that would reduce emissions from marine vessels.

Our efforts to reduce waste are also bearing fruit. From 2006 to 2011 we increased the recovery rate of municipal solid waste from 45 per cent to 48 per cent. Much of this gain was with domestic waste. In 2011, we announced a comprehensive waste management strategy that builds on our past achievements. For example, we have successfully brought waste separation and recycling to more than 80 per cent of the population. But we still need to reach more people so in 2011 we announced the Community Recycling Network to address the gaps. Our waste strategy also acknowledges that we cannot achieve sustainable waste management without proper treatment and disposal facilities. During the year we also continued to make preparations for extending the three strategic landfills as needed and for building Integrated Waste Management Facilities which will reduce the bulk of waste. Treatment facilities for organic waste are also being taken forward. A sludge treatment facility is under construction and will be commissioned in 2013.

On water quality, we recorded 100 per cent compliance with our beach water quality objectives for the second year in a row. This was excellent news for the general public and led to four previously closed beaches in Tsuen Wan being re-opened to swimmers. The Harbour Area Treatment Scheme to collect, treat and safely dispose of the sewage from around Victoria Harbour is continuing to progress. Stage 1 was commissioned in 2001, Stage 2A is expected to be commissioned in 2014 and we are continuing with the preparations for Stage 2B. These measures will improve the harbour’s water quality.

7 Apart from dealing with specific pollution issues, we are continuing to address our regional and global obligations. Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao have developed a shared vision for a green and quality living area. In 2011, the three places jointly unveiled initial proposals on the Regional Cooperation Plan on Building a Quality Living Area (the Plan) and this was accompanied by a three-month public consultation. The Plan is the first regional cooperation plan jointly compiled by the three sides and it will form the basis for concerted efforts to improve the environment in the Greater Pearl River Delta region. Our global obligations encompass our energy consumption and our contributions to climate change. Buildings are responsible for 90 per cent of our electricity use and we are preparing for the commencement of the Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance and implementation of the mandatory Building Energy Codes in 2012. We also sought people’s views on this topic through the 2011 public engagement on “Combating Climate Change: Energy Saving and Carbon Emission Reduction in Buildings”.

Our efforts in 2011 work towards one goal: to build a quality living area that goes beyond the boundary of a local city. Many of the measures we have been and will be pursuing have multiple impacts – for example, reducing air pollution may also reduce our carbon footprint. The interconnectedness of the environmental issues with our health and the health of the planet speaks volume for ensuring that we continue to press ahead to reduce pollution and enhance sustainable development.

Ms Anissa Wong, JP Permanent Secretary for the Environment / Director of Environmental Protection

8 INTRODUCTION

Our Progress Towards Green, Quality Living Cleaner Beaches Improving Air Quality More Energy-efficient Reducing Waste Stakeholders Engaged

The future vision for Hong Kong and the region is of green, quality living, where the impacts on the environment are reduced or controlled and people enjoy a life that is healthy and pleasant. It is a big- picture vision, but to achieve it, there must be action at the local level. In 2011 the Government continued to act across a number of fronts to bring Hong Kong closer to bringing this aspiration to life, both directly through programmes to improve the environment, and indirectly by empowering people with the means to make their own improvements.

The Government is committed to forging a healthy and quality environment in Hong Kong through implementing environmental protection policies and initiatives, and programmes to raise public awareness of green living.

Cleaner Beaches

The environment as experienced by the city’s individual residents has changed considerably in recent years. A decade ago about 20 per cent of beaches did not meet the health-based water quality objective. In 2011 every single beach complied, providing people with a greater range of options for staying cool in summer.

That achievement was earned through persistent effort to divert and treat polluted water flows away from beaches, and to press ahead with the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS). Stage 1 of HATS has been completed and Stage 2A is targeted for completion in 2014. The final element, HATS Stage 2B, is under planning and will provide a higher level of treatment, thus ensuring long-term, sustainable improvements to water quality not only at the beaches, but across the harbour.

9 WQO compliance in beach water in Hong Kong 1986-2011

Map showing schematic layout of sewage conveyance system constructed ENLARGE SEE DATA and implemented under HATS Stages 1 and 2A, and location of Biological Treatment Works under Stage 2B.

ENLARGE

Improving Air Quality

By several measures, air quality is considerably better than a few years Air quality trends in Hong ago. Ambient levels of sulphur dioxide, respirable suspended particulates Kong 1999-2011 and nitrogen oxides have all fallen by 11 to 41 per cent since 2006. This has been achieved by tackling air pollution from all major sources – power plants, vehicles and products containing volatile organic compounds (in 2011 we also started preparations to control emissions from vessels). But while the air we breathe is generally cleaner today, at roadsides it has worsened due to higher levels of nitrogen dioxide. We therefore have intensified efforts to reduce roadside pollution. ENLARGE SEE DATA

In 2011 we announced plans to strengthen the control of emissions from petrol and LPG vehicles, earmarked $150 million to help owners of LPG taxis and light buses replace their catalytic converters and oxygen sensors, and launched a trial scheme to retrofit Euro II and Euro III franchised buses with selective catalytic reduction devices. Pilot low emission zones for franchised buses were established in three busy corridors and the $300 million Pilot Green Transport Fund was set up to support the public transport sector and goods vehicles owners in testing green and innovative transport technologies.

These measures are all expected to help improve roadside air quality. At the same time we are planning with Guangdong for the next phase in our joint effort to improve regional air quality up to 2020.

Hong Kong franchised bus companies are exploring the introduction of electric bus to their fleets to help improve roadside air quality.

10 More Energy-efficient

One way to contribute to better air quality, and also reduce our carbon footprint, is to use energy more efficiently. Nearly 90 per cent of electricity use is by buildings so we are preparing to implement Building Energy Code for new buildings and major renovations in existing ones completed from September 2012.

We have also put a higher focus on lighting, which has on average accounted for about 15 per cent of total electricity consumption in Hong Kong over the past decade. In 2011 a public consultation was held on a proposal to restrict the sale of energy-inefficient incandescent light bulbs.

Image of information leaflet for the public consultation on the proposal to restrict the sale of energy- inefficient incandescent light bulbs.

Reducing Waste

Behavioural change is also a cornerstone of our waste programme Quantity of Municipal Solid and in 2011 we saw proof of the positive effects of this approach. Waste Disposed 2005-2011 The quantities of municipal solid waste (MSW) deposited at landfills fell 1.3 per cent over 2010, continuing a trend that has seen MSW loads fall by 15 per cent since 2004. This achievement comes on the back of intensified efforts to improve waste recovery and recycling and take the load off our landfills which are rapidly running out of space.

The percentage of recovered MSW has grown from 45 per cent in ENLARGE SEE DATA 2006 to 48 per cent in 2011. The Programme on Source Separation of Waste (SSW), launched in 2005, brought recycling closer to people’s homes and offices and by the end of 2011 was in 1 791 housing estates and 732 commercial and industrial buildings. We also widened our reach in 2011 with the launch of the Community Recycling Network to serve areas not covered by the SSW Programme and expand the types of recyclables collected.

The public learn about waste reduction and recycling at a Community Recycling Network promotion booth set up on a pedestrian walkway.

11 These efforts are to be taken to the next stage under a comprehensive waste management strategy. Waste reduction and recycling will continue to be expanded through legislative and non- legislative means. We are also pressing ahead with measures to treat and dispose of waste. An Integrated Waste Management Facility with clean emissions from advanced combustion systems will reduce the bulk of MSW, an Organic Waste Treatment Facility will recycle food waste into useful products, and a Sludge Treatment Facility will handle sewage sludge. Environmental impact assessments for the first two facilities were endorsed by the Advisory Council on the Environment in 2011 and 2010 respectively, while the design and construction of the Sludge Treatment Facility is underway.

No matter how much treatment we provide, though, landfills will still be necessary. We are preparing to extend the three existing landfills, which will be built to stringent international standards to ensure there are no adverse impacts on the environment or public health. We are also seeking to assure communities living nearby that they will not be adversely affected and we are engaging them to provide feedback through the process of continuous public involvement. Stakeholder engagement in a variety of forms is a central part of our approach in both programme and policy development.

Themed roadshows at shopping malls disseminate landfill operations information to members of the community.

Stakeholders Engaged

Stakeholder engagement is a form of empowerment. It provides the community with opportunities to give feedback and direction on new policies, often through public consultations. In 2011 we held two public consultations on big-picture issues. One, organised by the Council for Sustainable Development, focused on “Combating Climate Change: Energy Saving and Carbon Emission Reduction in Buildings”. The other was our first-ever joint public consultation with Guangdong and Macao to consider proposals for the region’s future development, as Mr Bernard Chan, Chairman of the outlined in the “Regional Cooperation Plan on Building a Quality Living Council for Sustainable Development speaks at a regional forum on Area”. The scale and nature of these consultations are enabling people “Combating Climate Change: Energy to provide input not only to the policies, but also the vision for our Saving and Carbon Emission future. Reduction in Buildings”.

Looking ahead, we will continue to move in a direction that emphasises collective responsibility for our environment, as well as shared benefits. People will be asked to contribute to the cost of managing our waste and accept the need to build waste treatment facilities and landfills. They will be asked to consider the fact that further air quality improvements may require investment, and to accept their responsibility to reduce our carbon footprint by using energy more efficiently.

12 Such actions require commitment and a belief that they will yield results. The progress on our programmes in 2011 suggest that it is possible to reverse old problems and make our environment cleaner and healthier – a benefit that every resident will enjoy. By acting together, we will be able to move closer to our aspiration of green, quality living for all.

Mr Bernard Chan and Ms Anissa Wong, the Permanent Secretary for the Environment (right), pose with children at an event to promote community-wide energy saving campaign.

13 Highlights in 2011

Cross-boundary and International Co-operation

Completed a joint three-month public consultation with Guangdong and Macao on initial proposals for the Regional Cooperation Plan on Building a Quality Living Area. Became a member of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) Steering Committee, which is responsible for setting the direction of work of the C40. The Secretary for the Environment represents the Hong Kong Government at meetings of the Steering Committee, and in June he attended the C40 Summit in São Paulo, Brazil to discuss strategies and experiences in tackling climate change. Saw the Secretary for the Environment lead a Hong Kong environmental industry delegation to the 12th China International Environmental Protection Exhibition and Conference in Beijing and visit relevant Mainland environmental protection authorities. Established the Hong Kong/Guangdong Joint Liaison Group on Combating Climate Change with the Development and Reform Commission of Guangdong. The group has been set up under the umbrella of the Hong Kong – Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference. Jointly completed the first review of the “Mirs Bay Water Quality Regional Control Strategy” with the Human Settlements and Environment Commission of Shenzhen Municipality. Jointly organised the "Hong Kong – Guangdong Cleaner Production Partners" presentation ceremony with the Economic and Information Commission of Guangdong Province.

Community Awareness

Continued to roll out the Combating Climate Change Campaign. Public seminars were held. Books were published for different sectors of society, and talks and exhibitions were organised at schools. Low-carbon living was also the local theme of World Environment Day celebrations. Earmarked $50 million through the Environment and Conservation Fund to subsidise on-site food waste treatment facilities at housing estates. Unveiled a new series of metal waste separation bins designed by local designers and artists. Enrolled more than 15 300 Student Environmental Protection Ambassadors. Attracted 585 companies and organisations to participate in the Sectoral Awards of the Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence, and 17 to participate in the new Green Innovation Awards. Celebrated the Environmental Protection Department’s 25th anniversary with a series of roving exhibitions on the department’s contributions to Hong Kong’s environment and quality of life.

14 Customer Service and Partnerships

Supported the Quality Restaurant Environmental Management Scheme organised by the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades and the Hong Kong Productivity Council to encourage restaurants to adopt greener practices. Produced “Guidelines on Air Pollution Control for Paper Artifacts Burning at Funeral Parlours and Other Places of Worship” and organised a seminar for the funeral service trade so they can better understand the problem and solutions. Held a seminar for the property management trade about their responsibilities under the new Clinical Waste Control Scheme. Organised a ceremony to mark the appointment of the 2011-13 Environmental Ambassadors for the Vehicle Repair Trade. Conducted more than 180 environmental audits of construction sites and buildings for the Development Bureau’s Considerate Contractor Site Award Scheme and the District Councils’ Quality Building Management Competitions.

Environmental Assessment And Planning

Participated in the strategic environmental assessment of a feasibility study for increasing land supply by reclamation and rock cavern development, which is being conducted by the Civil Engineering and Development Department. Began issuing Environmental Permits for sections of the Sha Tin-Central Link. Submitted input on environmental issues related to plans for a new town in the North East New Territories.

Air

Launched the $300 million Pilot Green Transport Fund to support the public transport sector and goods vehicle owners in testing green and innovative transport technologies. Announced proposals to reduce pollution from petrol and LPG vehicles by deploying remote sensing equipment to detect excessive emissions and earmarking $150 million to help LPG taxi and light bus owners replace the catalytic converters in their vehicles. Launched a trial scheme to retrofit Euro II and Euro III buses with selective catalytic reduction devices to reduce nitrogen oxides emissions. Proposed to fund the full cost of procuring six hybrid buses and 36 electric buses for trial by the franchised bus companies. Set up pilot low emission zones for franchised buses in busy corridors in Causeway Bay, Central and Mong Kok to increase the ratio of low-emission buses in these zones. Completed consultation with the trades on tightening the emission standards for newly registered vehicles from Euro IV to Euro V from June 2012. Continued to offer tax concessions to encourage the use of environmentally-friendly vehicles. Continued to offer incentives for the replacement of the heavily polluting diesel commercial vehicles. Introduced a statutory prohibition against idling vehicles with running engines through the new Motor Vehicle Idling (Fixed Penalty) Ordinance.

15 Released the Pearl River Delta Regional Air Quality Monitoring Reports for 2010 and for the first half of 2011. Announced that Hong Kong would work with other governments of the Pearl River Delta region to require vessels berthing in PRD waters to use low-sulphur fuel and would take steps to improve the quality of fuel used by local vessels in our waters. Consulted the trade on a revised proposal to control emissions from non-road mobile sources. Continued to work on a review of Hong Kong’s Air Quality Objectives.

Noise

Continued work to retrofit noise barriers on eight road sections. Resurfaced 53 local road sections with low noise road surfaces by the end of 2011, benefiting about 98 000 people

Waste

Announced a comprehensive waste management strategy, "Reduce, Recycle and Proper Waste Management", for tackling Hong Kong’s waste problem. Launched the Community Recycling Network. Submitted the EIA Report for the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 to the Advisory Council on the Environment, which endorsed the report. Commenced tendering for the Organic Waste Treatment Facilities Phase 1. Began detailed design and construction of the Sludge Treatment Facility. Held a three-month public consultation on the Extension of the Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags and reported the results of this consultation, as well as one on the introduction of a new producer responsibility scheme for waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE). Launched the Pilot Programme on Source Separation of Glass Bottles in public housing estates. Enlisted 1 791 housing estates/residential buildings and 732 commercial & industrial buildings to join the Programme on Source Separation of Waste. Awarded the first batch (five lots) of the Phase 2 lots in EcoPark to recyclers of waste metals, waste batteries, construction wastes/ waste glass, WEEE and waste rubber tyres. Completed upgrading works at the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre to meet the latest European Union air emission standards and treat clinical waste; finalised a proposal to expand the centre’s mercury waste treatment facility to cope with an increase in demand to treat compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and other mercury containing lamps and waste.

Water

Four previously closed beaches – Approach, Casam, Hoi Mei Wan and Lido – were re-opened for swimming after being off bounds to the public for years. Town planning procedures were completed to re-zone a site for the underground biological treatment plant under Stage 2B of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme.

16 Nature Conservation

Saw the Hong Kong National Geopark accepted into the Global Geoparks Network and subsequently renamed the Hong Kong Global Geopark of China. Saw the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety extended to Hong Kong.

Environmental Compliance

Implemented the Clinical Waste Control Scheme. Handled 20 178 pollution complaints, down seven per cent from 2010.

Energy

Conducted a three-month public consultation on a proposal to restrict the sale of energy-inefficient incandescent light bulbs. Set up the Task Force on External Lighting to advise the Government on the way forward in tackling the issue of excessive external lighting. Fully implemented the second phase of the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme. Prepared for the mandatory implementation of the Building Energy Code under the Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance (Cap. 610). Commenced construction of the District Cooling System in the Kai Tak Development. Promoted the use of electric vehicles by facilitating the introduction of relevant vehicles into the Hong Kong market, setting up charging infrastructure and expanding the size of the Government fleet of electric vehicles.

Sustainable Development

Saw the Council for Sustainable Development launch a public engagement on “Combating Climate Change: Energy Saving and Carbon Emission Reduction in Buildings” Launched the web-based Carbon Manager to help building user groups – including households, offices, retailers and caterers – calculate their carbon footprint and suggest ways of reducing it. Awarded a total of $7.3 million to seven projects through the Sustainable Development Fund. Enrolled 60 schools in the Sustainable Development School Outreach Programme and 42 schools in the Sustainable Development School Award Programme.

17 MILESTONES IN ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION SINCE 1986

Established the Environmental Protection Department on April 1, bringing the majority of pollution prevention and control activities under one umbrella. 1986 Enacted Water Pollution Control Regulations under the Water Pollution Control Ordinance (1980).

Commenced the Sewerage Master Plans (SMP) programme to provide a blueprint for 1987 the sewerage infrastructure required to collect sewage on a catchment-basis. Declared the first water control zone (WCZ) at Tolo Harbour.

Implemented the Livestock Waste Control Scheme. Enacted the Noise Control Ordinance to provide statutory powers for the control of 1988 noise from domestic and public places, construction sites, industrial and commercial premises and noisy products.

Published the “White Paper on Pollution: A time to act” laying down a comprehensive 10-year plan to fight pollution. 1989 Published the statutory Waste Disposal Plan under the Waste Disposal Ordinance to set out a 10-year plan for developing new facilities and closing old ones.

Commissioned Hong Kong's first Refuse Transfer Station (RTS) at Kowloon Bay. Implemented the Air Pollution Control (Fuel Restriction) Regulations to limit the 1990 sulphur content and viscosity of fuel oils. Significant improvement was seen in ambient sulphur dioxide levels.

Introduced unleaded petrol on April 1 to reduce harmful lead pollution. 1991 Established the first two Local Control Offices (LCOs) to improve pollution control, services and liaison with the community.

Completed Hong Kong's first “over-road” noise barrier at Tate's Cairn Tunnel approach roads to protect adjacent high rise dwellings from road traffic noise. 1992 Saw an announcement in the Governor's Address to the Legislative Council that all Executive Council policy and project papers will contain an Environmental Implications paragraph.

18 Commissioned the comprehensive Chemical Waste Treatment Centre the first in South East Asia, with a capacity to treat 100 000 tonnes of chemical waste per 1993 annum, most of which had previously been dumped in the harbour. Commissioned West New Territories (WENT) Landfill, the first of three strategic landfills in Hong Kong.

Opened the EPD's Visitors Centre in Revenue Tower, Wan Chai to complement the Wan Chai Environmental Resource Centre and serve as another gateway to environmental information for the community. 1994 Banned the import of halons and introduced controls on 3,4-hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC), 3,4-hydrobromofluorocarbons (HBFC), and methyl bromide under the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance, fulfilling our global obligation in environmental protection.

Launched Hong Kong's first Air Pollution Index (API) to inform the community of the status of air pollution in Hong Kong. 1995 Extended the 24-hour pollution complaints hotline service to six local hotlines to handle complaints on a district basis.

Enacted the Air Pollution Control (Open Burning) Regulation to bring open burning activities under control. 1996 Established EPD's homepage in the World Wide Web to provide the public with easy access to environmental information conducive to an informed and environmentally aware community.

Enacted the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance to set out the framework 1997 for controlling environmental impacts of major development projects. Launched a pilot scheme for liquefied petroleum gas taxis to reduce air pollution.

Saw an announcement in the Chief Executive's Policy Address that all policy secretaries and directors of bureaux and departments have to provide environmental reports for their organisations starting from 2000. 1998 Saw agreement by the Hong Kong - Guangdong Environmental Protection Liaison Group to work towards removing all effluent from the Deep Bay catchment as a long term goal.

Saw the Chief Executive emphasise “Quality People, Quality Home” and sustainable development in his Policy Address. 1999 Announced a comprehensive programme of measures to tackle motor vehicle emissions.

Saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the State Environmental Protection Administration and the Environmental Protection Department on the control of hazardous waste imports and exports. 2000 Saw endorsement by the Executive Council of a new policy to redress noise impacts from existing roads by means of engineering and non-engineering measures where practicable.

19 Tightened motor vehicle fuel requirements, introduced Euro III emission standards for newly registered vehicles in step with the European Union, and required newly- 2001 registered taxis to be fuelled by LPG or petrol. Saw full commissioning of Stage 1 of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) [formerly known as the Strategic Sewage Disposal Scheme (SSDS)].

Completed a report on air quality in the Pearl River Delta region, through the Joint Working Group on Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection. Launched the Waste Recycling Campaign in Housing Estates (Phase VI), with the 2002 participation of 1 200 public and private housing estates covering some 1.5 million households, and saw co-operation with community groups to launch waste recovery schemes.

Participated in the Team Clean operation and undertook joint efforts with other government departments to improve environmental hygiene in the community, with particular emphasis on fly-tipping of waste, broken pipes and discharges in backlanes, 2003 illegal connections to storm water drains and improperly maintained septic tanks. Saw endorsement of the Regional Air Quality Management Plan for the Pearl River Delta region by the Hong Kong - Guangdong Joint Working Group on Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection.

Saw the governments of the Hong Kong SAR and Guangdong Province jointly commence work to establish a Pearl River Delta region joint air monitoring network and the associated quality assurance and control manuals, and to arrange routine 2004 quality management meetings. Saw the Legislative Council approve the Waste Disposal (Amendment) Bill No.2 2003 to enable charging for disposal of construction waste at waste disposal facilities and to enhance control of illegal dumping of waste.

Saw the merger of the Environmental Protection Department and the Environment Branch of the Environment, Transport and Works Bureau on April 1. 2005 Published “A Policy Framework for the Management of Municipal Solid Waste (2005- 2014)” which sets out a comprehensive strategy for municipal solid waste management in Hong Kong for 10 years from 2005 to 2014.

Launched the Action Blue Sky Campaign to encourage public participation in improving air quality in Hong Kong. 2006 Commenced planning, investigation and design work for the tunnel system for the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) Stage 2A.

Saw the formation of the Environment Bureau arising from the re-organisation of the Government Secretariat on 1 July 2007. 2007 Launched the “I Love Hong Kong! I Love Green!” Campaign to encourage the public to switch to a greener lifestyle.

Implemented the Hazardous Chemicals Control Ordinance to control the import, export, manufacture and use of non-pesticide hazardous chemicals, including those 2008 covered by the Stockholm Convention and Rotterdam Convention. Saw the Product Eco-responsibility Ordinance (Cap 603) enacted by the Legislative Council.

20 Implemented the Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags as the first mandatory producer responsibility scheme under the Product Eco-responsibility Ordinance. 2009 Signed the Environmental Co-operation Agreement between Hong Kong SAR and Guangdong to enhance cooperation and related mechanisms with a view to transforming the Pearl River Delta region into a green and quality living area.

Amended the Air Pollution Control (Motor Vehicle Fuel) Regulation to tighten the motor vehicle fuel standards to Euro V levels. Reached the target of 80 per cent population coverage for the Programme on Source 2010 Separation of Domestic Waste, as laid out in the Policy Framework for the Management of Municipal Solid Waste (2005-2014). 1 637 housing estates / residential buildings and 700 rural villages are enrolled in the Programme.

2011 Announced a comprehensive strategy, “Reduce, Recycle and Proper Waste January Management”, to tackle Hong Kong’s waste problem. Engaged in the Housing Authority’s review of the Integrated Pay for Safety, Environment and Hygiene Scheme. Issued a joint circular with the Development Bureau to encourage the use of recycled and other green materials in public works projects. Held a technical seminar on environmental management / reporting for the Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries (HKICS) to promote corporate environmental management (CEM) and introduce the EPD's CEM tools to the target audiences.

February Substantially completed the upgrade works for the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre (CWTC), which enabled it to meet the latest European Union air emission standards as well as to receive and treat clinical waste.

March Introduced the $300 million Pilot Green Transport Fund to support the public transport sector and goods vehicle owners in testing out green and innovative transport technologies. Engaged in the Development Bureau’s annual Considerate Contractors Site Award Scheme to audit participating contractors’ environmental performance; and served on the assessment panel for the Outstanding Environmental Management and Performance Award. Issued a circular on green procurement in the government to encourage bureaux and departments to adopt green considerations in their purchasing.

21 April Released the Pearl River Delta Regional Air Quality Monitoring Report for 2010. Held the 2010 Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence (HKAEE) Awards Presentation Ceremony cum 2011 HKAEE Launching Ceremony with the Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC).

May Saw Hong Kong become a member of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group (C40) Steering Committee, which is responsible for setting the group’s direction of work.

June Re-opened four previously closed Tsuen Wan beaches to the public on June 15 – Approach Beach, Casam Beach, Hoi Mei Wan Beach and Lido Beach – following improvements to water quality. The improvements were achieved by implementing disinfection facilities at Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works and making continued progress in connecting houses to public sewers in the beaches’ hinterland. Launched a 5-month programme of awareness promotion activities for the promulgation of the Clinical Waste Control Scheme, which comprised 31 seminars for healthcare stakeholders, allocation of waste producer premises codes, issuance of licences, distribution of information leaflets and operation of a dedicated hotline. Saw the Secretary for the Environment attend the C40 Summit in São Paulo, Brazil to share with member cities Hong Kong’s strategies and experiences in tackling climate change. Set up a “Hong Kong Pavilion” at the 12th China International Environmental Protection Exhibition and Conference (CIEPEC) in Beijing to support Hong Kong’s environmental service sector to showcase our environmental technologies and services. A delegation of Hong Kong’s environmental industry attended the exhibition and visited the relevant Mainland environmental protection authorities. Organised World Environment Day events on the theme of global warming and low carbon living, which included a Global Warming and Climate Variation Seminar, the prize presentation ceremony and the screening of outstanding entries of the Low Carbon Living @ Hong Kong Video Competition. Marked the EPD’s 25th anniversary with a set of roving exhibitions that showcased efforts by the EPD, in partnership with the community, to enhance Hong Kong’s environment and quality of life.

22 July Co-organised a joint Safety, Health and Environmental Seminar to promote waste recycling services provided by EcoPark tenants to the construction industry, with CLP Power Hong Kong, the Civil Engineering and Development Department and the Highways Department. Collaborated with Wong Tai Sin and Kwun Tong District Councils in conducting 91 environmental building audits under Quality Building Management Competitions.

August Launched the three-month consultation on restriction of sale of energy-inefficient incandescent light bulbs. Implemented the Clinical Waste Control Scheme, bringing the collection, transportation, and disposal of clinical waste under statutory control. Began disposal of clinical waste at the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre (CWTC) in an environmentally sound and safe manner. Disposal of clinical waste at the CWTC is subject to a charge of about $2.7 per kilogram. Held the Forum on Source Separation of Waste cum Award Presentation Ceremony 2011. With the ECC, introduced a new series of metal waste separation bins designed by local designers and artists, under the Promotion Programme on Source Separation of Waste. Awarded the first batch of Phase 2 lots in EcoPark to five recyclers, who are recycling waste metals, waste batteries, construction wastes/ waste glass, waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and waste rubber tyres. Saw the Council for Sustainable Development launch a public engagement process on “Combating Climate Change: Energy Saving and Carbon Emission Reduction in Buildings”. Signed the “Cooperation Agreement between Hong Kong and Guangdong on Combating Climate Change” at the 14th Plenary of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Cooperation Joint Conference, which was held in Hong Kong and co-chaired by the CE and the Governor of Guangdong Province. Under the agreement, a Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Liaison Group on Combating Climate Change would be set up to promote cooperation and exchanges on greenhouse gas emission reduction activities and scientific research and technology development.

September Saw the Global Geoparks Network (GGN) announce its acceptance of Hong Kong National Geopark as a member of the GGN. Subsequent to gaining membership, Hong Kong National Geopark was officially renamed Hong Kong Global Geopark of China. Completed the statutory procedures for rezoning the proposed site of the underground biological treatment plant under Stage 2B of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme.

23 Organised the Appointment Ceremony for the 2011-2013 Environmental Ambassadors of the Vehicle Repair Trade in collaboration with the two SME vehicle repair trade associations and the Hong Kong Productivity Council. Jointly completed the first review of the “Mirs Bay Water Quality Regional Control Strategy” with the Human Settlements and Environment Commission of Shenzhen Municipality. Jointly launched with Guangdong and Macau a three-month public consultation on initial proposals for the Regional Cooperation Plan on Building a Quality Living Area. Fully implemented the second phase of the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme.

October Released the Pearl River Delta Regional Air Quality Monitoring Report for the first half of 2011. Submitted the EIA Report for the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1 in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance; it was subsequently endorsed by the Advisory Council on the Environment (ACE) before the end of the year. Awarded “Hong Kong - Guangdong Cleaner Production Partner” commendations to the third batch of Hong Kong enterprises, to recognise their efforts in pursuing cleaner production. Approved a total of $7.3 million in grants for seven projects, in the 8th round of applications under the Sustainable Development Fund. Co-organised the 6th Eco Expo Asia with the Trade and Development Council, to promote the development of the environmental industry and a low carbon economy in the region. Set up a “Hong Kong Pavilion” in the 6th Eco Expo Asia to support Hong Kong’s environmental service sector to showcase the environmental technologies and services of Hong Kong. Jointly organised the MTR Station Staircase Design Competition for the ECC MTR Environmental Award for Schools 2011 with the ECC and the MTR Corporation.

November Briefed the Legislative Council’s Panel on Environmental Affairs on the proposed way forward for two mandatory producer responsibility schemes (PRS) – (i) extending the Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags to cover all retailers, and (ii) introducing a new mandatory PRS for the proper management of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The proposals were made after consolidating the findings from two respective public consultation exercises. Launched the 9th round of applications under the Sustainable Development Fund. Finalised the expansion proposal of the existing mercury waste treatment facility at the CWTC to cope with an increase in demand for proper treatment of compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and other mercury containing lamps and waste. The expansion will be implemented in 2012.

24 Awarded the 16-month contract for supply of B5 Diesel to government departments. Produced “Guidelines on Air Pollution Control for Paper Artifacts Burning at Funeral Parlours and Other Places of Worship” to improve the environmental performance of the trade. Also organised a seminar to encourage the trade to adopt the Best Available Technology for air pollution control.

December Saw the Motor Vehicle Idling (Fixed Penalty) Ordinance come into operation; it contains a statutory prohibition against idling vehicles with running engines. Joined the Chinese delegation to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference at Durban, South Africa. Enlisted 1 791 housing estates/residential buildings and 732 commercial & industrial buildings to join the Programme on Source Separation of Waste. Commenced operation of the Community Recycling Network.

25 ORGANISATION STRUCTURES

Organisation Chart of the Environment Bureau

Secretary for the Environment

Permanent Secretary for Under Secretary for the the Environment / Environment Director of Environmental Protection

Political Assistant Energy and Sustainable to Secretary Environmental Protection Development Branch for the Environment Department Deputy Secretary for the Environment

Sustainable Development Financial Monitoring Electricity Team Energy Division Division Division Chief Electrical & Principal Assistant Secretary Principal Assistant Secretary Principal Assistant Secretary Mechanical Engineer

26 Organisation Chart of the Environmental Protection Department

Permanent Secretary for the Environment / Press Unit Director of Environmental Protection

Deputy Director of Deputy Director of Deputy Director of Environmental Protection (1) Environmental Protection (2) Environmental Protection (3)

Environmental Assessment Nature Conservation and Air Policy Divison Division Infrastructure Planning Division Assistant Director Assistant Director Assistant Director

• Assessment and Noise Group • Nature Conservation Group • Air Policy • Strategic Assessment Group • Infrastructure Planning Group • Air Science • Metro Assessment Group • Mobile Source Control • Regional Assessment Group

Waste Management Policy Cross-boundary and Water Policy Division Division International Division Assistant Director Assistant Director Assistant Director

• Sewerage Infrastructure Group • Waste Management Policy Group • Cross-boundary & International • Water Policy and Science Group Group

Environmental Compliance Environmental Infrastructure Division Division Assistant Director Assistant Director

• Regional Office (East) • Waste Facilities Group • Regional Office (South) • Special Waste and Landfill • Regional Office (West) Restoration Group • Regional Office (North) • Waste Reduction and EcoPark Group • Territorial Control Office • RTS Development Group • Business Facilitation Office • Business Services Unit

Corporate Affairs Division Pr Environmental Protection Officer

Community Relations Unit

Central Prosecution Unit

27 Feature Article CROSS-BOUNDARY AND INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION Mission To protect the environment by tackling cross-boundary pollution problems and by promoting collaborative efforts through regional and international co-operation.

A Regional Vision Of Green, Quality Living Regional Public Engagement on Green Quality Living in the Greater PRD Action on Climate Change Looking Ahead

If there is one “take-away” from the concept of sustainable development, it is that everything is interconnected. Environmental protection, economic prosperity and social development cannot be separated into discrete entities. After all, pollution, for one, does not respect boundaries. Similarly, regions divided by administrative boundaries cannot ignore their common geography and destinies.

Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao have embraced their shared destiny and they are jointly taking forward the compilation of the Regional Cooperation Plan on Building a Quality Living Area, which puts forth a vision of transforming the Greater Pearl River Delta (PRD) region into an ENLARGE exemplary cluster of green cities that offer quality living. This is the first The Greater PRD region time the three governments have collaborated on such a scale and the includes Guangdong cities of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Zhuhai, approach underscores the sustainable development concept of striking a Foshan, Huizhou, Dongguan, balance between economic and social development and the environment. Zhongshan, Jiangmen, Zhaoqing and the two Special The three governments jointly conducted a three-month public consultation Administrative Regions of Hong on initial proposals for the Plan in the autumn of 2011, following preparation Kong and Macao. work to engage stakeholders in identifying objectives and priorities. Recognising that Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao are governed under different administrative and legal systems, they will respect each other's differences in taking forward the cooperation proposals recommended under the Plan and co-ordinate implementation according to their particular circumstances. In Hong Kong, for example, we are supporting Hong Kong-owned industries in the PRD region to reduce their pollution and carbon footprint. Our future prospects will rely on both vision and implementation, and we are committed to achieving both.

28 Regional Public Engagement on Green Quality Living in the Greater PRD

Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao have had to face a range of pressures on their development and aspirations in recent years: growing populations, changing industrial make-up, increased traffic, increasing urbanisation, and the global financial turmoil have all taken a toll, although they have not dimmed the desire to move together along a path of sustainable development. Quality of life has become a goal not only for improving people’s lives, but also enabling the region to remain globally competitive against other cities that have made quality of life a core development goal in order to attract and retain talent.

Against this backdrop, the notion of developing the region into a quality living area was initiated in 2008. The Chief Executive of Hong Kong and the Governor of Guangdong announced that joint strategies would be drawn up to transform the Greater PRD region into a low-carbon, high-technology and low- pollution city cluster of quality living. This strategic initiative was subsequently embraced in the "Outline of the Plan for the Reform and Development of the Pearl River Delta Region (2008-2020)" released in January 2009, which formed the basis of the Regional Cooperation Plan on Building a Quality Living Area. The latter was drafted jointly by the Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao governments and places quality living for residents at the heart of regional development.

Comprehensive in-depth studies have been undertaken by the three governments, who also began collecting stakeholders’ views. These efforts resulted in the formulation of a wide range of initial cooperation proposals, which were presented to the public in a consultation Wetlands in Mai Po: Inner Deep Bay Ramsar Site in document in 2011 under five key headings: environment Hong Kong (left) and Futian National Reserve in and ecology, low-carbon development, culture and social Shenzhen (right). living, spatial planning, and green transportation systems.

Under the first area of improving the environmental and ecological quality of the Greater PRD region, the initial cooperation proposals include joint actions to strengthen and improve the region’s ecosystems, such as planning and The Robin’s Nest in Hong Kong (left) and the coordinating regional ecological protection for the Robin’s Chinese white dolphin (right). Nest in Hong Kong and Shenzhen Wutong Shan National Forest Park, and devising a joint management plan to protect and conserve the Chinese white dolphin habitat at Lingding Bay. Enhanced water quality management and pollution control are also proposed, as is strengthened cooperation to improve the quality of adjoining waters. On air quality improvement, it is proposed to jointly map out a plan to reduce air pollutant emissions up to 2020 for Hong Kong and the PRD region and to explore options for controlling air pollution from vessels in Greater PRD waters, such as through the promotion of cleaner energy use by vessels berthing at Greater PRD ports.

Under the second area of promoting low-carbon development in the region, a joint low-carbon development cooperation mechanism has been proposed alongside strengthened cooperation in the development of environmental industries in the region. There are also initial cooperation proposals to support the development of new energy and renewable energy, develop a clean energy supply and related infrastructure, and enhance cleaner production in the region.

29 Initial cooperation proposals put forward in the three other areas – culture and livelihood, spatial development, and green transportation – include closer cooperation in cross-boundary cultural exchanges, education, social welfare and food safety issues; closer collaboration in the planning and development of priority cross-boundary cooperation areas, such as the Lok Ma Chau Loop Area; and joint actions to continue to facilitate green transportation, as well as provide more convenient boundary- crossing arrangements.

The public was invited to provide their input on these initial proposals in a three-month public consultation launched by all three governments in September 2011. The consultation was supported by a dedicated website and activities in each of the three jurisdictions. In Hong Kong, public and expert fora were organised and there were meetings with experts, the Advisory Council on the Environment, the Greater PRD Business Council, the Legislative Council Environmental Affairs Panel, business associations and green groups. The three governments will take into account the views collected from the public consultation in finalising the compilation of the Plan.

Dr Kitty Poon, the then Under Secretary for the Environment, introduces the initial proposals for the Regional Cooperation Plan on Building a Quality Living Area at a Public Forum held in October 2011 (left), and the consultation document (right).

Action on Climate Change

The Regional Cooperation Plan reflects our aspirations and responsibilities towards our shared regional environment. But we also have responsibilities at the global level. Climate change is a growing concern that no one can escape. The Government is addressing the problem in terms of our energy use (see Energy for further details) and also in our engagement with industry.

In 2010, the EPD collaborated with the Federation of Hong Kong Industries, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and the Chinese Manufacturers’ Association of Hong Kong to offer training workshops, site visits, seminars and events on carbon audit and carbon reduction to members of these organisations. The department also worked hand-in-hand with the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce to produce a web-based Carbon Management Tool (CMT), which was launched in January 2011.

The CMT is a free platform for businesses to assess their carbon footprints and see which carbon reduction measures they can carry out. Companies input information such as their electricity and motor fuel consumption, floor area, number of employees, paper consumption and recycling, freshwater consumption, refrigerant consumption and number of trees planted on company premises. The data is then used to calculate the carbon emissions under the simplified version of the CMT. There is also the option of a more in-depth report which requires information about systems in offices and offers more specific advice on energy conservation measures.

30 The launch of the CMT was supported with targeted and general publicity and seminars to introduce it to businesses. Its introduction echoes back to Hong Kong’s bigger goal of being part of a low-carbon, low- pollution cluster of cities. Big plans and small but impactful steps will help us advance steadily towards that goal.

The CMT seminar, held on 23 February 2011 at the Hong Kong Productivity Centre, was attended by about 70 guests from different business sectors (left); the CMT webpage shows what business can do (right).

Looking Ahead The Regional Cooperation Plan on Building a Quality Living Area will be finalised in collaboration with Guangdong and Macao. Work will continue on assessing the delivery of 2010 air pollutant emission reduction targets, which were agreed with Guangdong in 2002. The final assessment will form the basis of a joint study on a regional emission reduction plan up to 2020 to further improve regional air quality. Work will continue with the Development and Reform Commission of Guangdong Province on cooperation items agreed by the Hong Kong/Guangdong Joint Liaison Group on Combating Climate Change. Mitigation and adaptation measures to combat climate change will be implemented in light of feedback from the public consultation on Hong Kong’s Climate Change Strategy and Action Agenda completed in December 2010. Cleaner production will continue to be promoted to Hong Kong-owned factories in the PRD region. Support will continue to be provided to Hong Kong’s environmental technology and service sector to participate in environmental exhibitions, trade missions and related events. Priority action items identified in the Hong Kong Special Administration Region Implementation Plan to manage persistent organic pollutants will continue to be implemented, as required by the Stockholm Convention.

31 Topical Issues CROSS-BOUNDARY AND INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION Topical Issues Cleaner Production Partnership Programme Green Business Opportunities in the Region

Cleaner Production Partnership Programme

Many factories in Guangdong are owned by Hong Kong people and contribute to industrial pollution there. Cross-boundary co-operation offers an opportunity to achieve a lasting solution to this problem. With that in mind, the Hong Kong and Guangdong governments launched the Cleaner Production Partnership Programme in 2008 to provide Hong Kong-owned factories in the Pearl River Delta region with professional

advice and technical support on cleaner production technologies and This energy efficient dyeing tank practices. with advanced thermal insulation coating is a “Cleaner Production The Programme focuses on eight industry sectors: textiles, printing and Partnership Programme (CPPP)” publishing, metals and metal products, non-metallic mineral products, demonstration project. The CPPP chemical products, food and beverage, paper and paper product was jointly launched by Guangdong and Hong Kong to manufacturing, and furniture making. Some $93 million was committed facilitate enterprises in conserving by the Hong Kong government over five years to raise awareness and energy, reducing emissions and subsidise participating factories for on-site assessments, demonstration enhancing cost-effectiveness. By projects and verification of the effectiveness of improvement projects. the end of 2011, it had subsidised over 1 700 projects. The initiative has met with a strong response from industry. By the end of 2011, more than 1 700 applications for subsidies had been approved and about 250 awareness promotion activities had been organised.

Many of these factories have done exemplary work in pursuing cleaner production, so to honour their efforts the Hong Kong-Guangdong Cleaner Production Partners Recognition Scheme was launched in 2009. The commendation is awarded to Hong Kong-owned enterprises and in 2011, 139 companies were recognized, including 113 manufacturers, six sourcing enterprises and 20 environmental technology service providers.

32 Under the Cleaner Production Partnership Programme, a Hong Kong- owned factory in the Pearl River Delta region has reduced annual consumption Mr Edward Yau, the then Secretary for the Environment of etching solution by 374 400 liters, cut (second left, front row), Mr Zhou Changyi, the Director- down spent etchant discharge by 300 General of the Department of Energy Conservation and tonnes and saved HK$2,760,000 by Comprehensive Utilisation of the Ministry of Industry and recovering of 50 400 kg copper through Information Technology (first left, front row), and Ms Bi employing a spent etchant and copper Zhijian, the Vice-Director of the Economic and Information recovery system. Commission of Guangdong Province, (second right front row), officiate at the presentation ceremony for the Hong Kong - Guangdong Cleaner Production Partners Recognition Scheme.

Green Business Opportunities in the Region

One goal in the Regional Cooperation Plan on Building a Quality Living Area is to promote environmental industries, which offer a chance to not only improve our living environment, but also participate in a fast- developing economic sector. The Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao governments are all exploring this potential.

Mr Edward Yau, the then Secretary for the In 2011, the Government stepped up efforts to promote Environment (second right), welcomes Mr Wu Hong Kong’s environmental industries to the Mainland. In Xiaoqing, Vice-Minister of Environmental Protection (first right), to the Hong Kong Pavilion at the 12th June, the Secretary for the Environment led a delegation China International Environmental Protection of representatives from Hong Kong’s green industry to Exhibition and Conference (CIEPEC 2011) held in Beijing to attend the 12th China International Beijing in June 2011. Environmental Protection Exhibition and Conference, met with representatives of Mainland environmental industries and visited the relevant Mainland authorities. The visits enabled delegates to gain a better understanding of policy measures related to environmental protection and a green economy under the National 12th Five-Year Plan, and to better appreciate the opportunities arising

The 6th Eco Expo Asia was opened on 26 October from the Mainland's growing environmental industry and 2011 at AsiaWorld-Expo, with more than 260 green economy. The Government also supported Hong exhibitors from around the world. Kong’s environmental technology service sector to set up a Hong Kong Pavilion at the Beijing event, in which 31 Hong Kong environmental enterprises and organisations participated.

33 Similarly, in October, the Government supported Hong Kong’s environmental technology services sector to set up a pavilion at the 6th Eco Expo Asia held in Hong Kong to showcase green technologies, services and products. Senior government officials from various provinces and cities in Mainland China attended the event.

34 Feature Article COMMUNITY AWARENESS Mission To promote community environmental awareness through campaigns, publicity, education and action programmes, with a view to harnessing the community's support for, and contribution to achieving desired environmental goals, thereby securing a long term solution to environmental problems through the development of an improved environmental ethic within the community.

Environmental Action On A Human Scale Climate Campaign Food for Thought Looking Ahead

Sometimes environmental problems can seem so big that people wonder if there really is anything they can do about them. Reversing that sense of helplessness is a central goal in our community-based programmes, which aim to provide people with the information and options they need to take an active part in improving their environment.

Our community programmes reach into every sector of society to raise awareness and encourage behavioural Videos aimed at encouraging the public to adopt change. They focus, in particular, on areas where daily low carbon living. living habits have the biggest effect – climate change and waste reduction. In 2011, numerous initiatives were launched by the Government and community organisations to help people realise that they can live a greener life.

Climate Campaign

Global warming is both an international and a local issue. Its effects are planet-wide, but it is caused by the collective actions of individuals. People therefore need to understand the global impacts and make the connection to their actions in their daily lives. To achieve this goal, the Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC) implemented a major campaign in 2010 and 2011, the Combating Climate Change Campaign, which targeted schools and the general public and encouraged people to work together to alleviate the problems of climate change.

35 Under the campaign, local experts led awareness-raising sessions for the general public under the banner Global Warming and Climate Variation Seminar Series. Eight public seminars were jointly organised by the ECC, Polar Museum Dr Rebecca Lee talks to students in the School Talk on Climate Change Foundation, Environmental Protection Alarm (left), and photos of her expeditions to the North Pole, South Pole, Department (EPD), Hong Kong Mount Everest and Yarlung Zangbo Grand Canyon on display at the Roving Exhibition on Climate Change (right). Observatory and Hong Kong Science Museum. Each seminar addressed a topic related to climate change and was accompanied by exhibition panels that showed the impact on the two Poles, as illustrated in photos taken by Dr Rebecca Lee during her polar expeditions.

One of the seminars was held on World Environment Day, June 5, which in 2011 had a local theme on low-carbon living. The day’s events also included a prize presentation ceremony for the “Low Carbon Living @ Hong Kong” video competition, which reflected on different ways in which people had adopted low carbon lifestyles.

Another highlight of the campaign was the publication of the Low Carbon Living @ Hong Kong book series by the ECC. Four books were produced, aimed at young people, the business sector, homemakers and the working class, to encourage the public to actively practise low carbon living.

Low Carbon Living @ Hong Kong Book Series:

New Green Generation Low Carbon Economy Environmentally Friendly Households 6 ISSUE

Schools were also an extremely important part of the Combating Climate Change Campaign. Talks and roving exhibitions under the heading of “Climate Change Alarm” were held in schools, in which Dr Rebecca Lee and volunteers discussed the impact of climate change on the Poles and the correlation between climate change and global warming. A total of 61 talks and 27 exhibitions were organised in 2011. In addition, the Climate Change Teacher Professional Development Programme trained teachers in 52 secondary schools in 2011 to understand the impact of climate change on quality of life, the natural environment, social policy and globalisation. The programme aimed to enhance teachers’ knowledge and provide teaching resources on climate change and sustainability, and was based on the new Liberal Studies curriculum in secondary schools. It was organised by the ECC, EPD, Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corp and World Wide Fund for Nature. (The Council for Sustainable Development also held a public engagement exercise on buildings and energy in 2011, called “Combating Climate Change: Energy Saving and Carbon Emission Reduction in Buildings” – see Sustainable Development for further details.)

36 Everyone has reason to worry about climate change, but there are fewer and fewer reasons for people not to do something about it. Enhanced education about the problem and how people can reduce their impacts will continue to be a central focus of the Government’s community education programmes.

Teachers took part in two themed workshops organised for the Climate Change Teacher Professional Development Programmes: (left) Footprint of Climate in Nature and (right) Carbon Economy.

Food for Thought

Most people at one time have been encouraged not to waste food. Usually, the argument centres around the importance of food to our health and the fact that others are deprived of food so it is unfair to waste it. But there is another argument to consider: food waste contributes to our overall waste problem and puts pressure on our landfills.

Hong Kong’s landfills are running out of space and the Government is working on a multi-pronged strategy to address the problem (see Waste for further details). One of the prongs is to reduce food waste. An organic waste treatment facility is being built to reduce the bulk of food waste, but the problem also needs to be tackled at source. About two-thirds of the 3 000 tonnes of food waste deposited in landfills each day comes from households.

Providing on-site treatment of food waste where people live – on housing estates – could provide an additional solution to this problem. Source-separated food waste can be composted and used locally in landscaping. Having on- site treatment can also make people more aware of food waste.

To support this measure, the ECF earmarked $50 million in 2011 to subsidise housing estates to set up on-site food Promoting food waste recycling projects in housing waste treatment facilities and organise education and estates. promotion activities to engage residents. In November, 11 housing estates were granted a total of $9 million to set up the facilities, each of which will turn about 50-100 kilogrammes of source-separated food waste into compost every day. The estates come from different areas of Hong Kong and represent a mix of building age, development type and property management companies, so they will provide useful data and feedback for reference by the second phase of the programme.

General waste reduction is also being promoted through the ongoing Programme on Source Separation of Waste, which started in 2005, and programmes supported by the ECF. The Government injected $1 billion into the ECF in 2008 and another $500 million in 2011. The ECF had approved over $64 million for 43 waste recovery projects, including those that promote source separation of waste in single block buildings in older districts.

37 Reducing waste by separating recyclables, and reducing one’s impact on climate change by taking care not to waste energy, are all good first steps towards a greener lifestyle. They are easy for anyone to understand and implement. Encouraging people to take these initial steps – and to see the An ECF funded community waste recovery project set up in a single-block building in an older district (left) to support possibilities for further action – will continue to be a source separation of waste (right). goal of our community awareness programmes.

Looking Ahead Support will be enlisted from housing estates to promote green messages and encourage residents and domestic helpers to adopt green living practices at home. More active community participation in environmental issues will be promoted in collaboration with the District Councils. A teaching kit will be launched in relation to environmental-related modules under the Liberal Studies programme of the Senior Secondary Curriculum. A new thematic website will also be launched to provide environmental education resources for use by school administrators, teachers and students.

38 Topical Issues COMMUNITY AWARENESS Topical Issues Reaching Out to Schools Celebrating Our 25th Anniversary ECF: Funding Projects in the Community Honouring Green Business

Reaching Out to Schools

Our school-targeted programmes promote and reward green behaviour, both school-wide and among students:

The Hong Kong Green School Award encourages schools to develop and implement an environmental management plan, and in 2011-12 228 pre-schools, primary schools and secondary schools joined the scheme. Schools that meet a range of assessment criteria qualify as a “Hong Kong Green School”; 17 primary and 10 secondary schools received this School members attend Environmental honour in the 2011-12 school year. Training Workshop to learn how to implement green practices in campuses.

The Student Environmental Protection Ambassador Scheme enhances students’ environmental awareness and promotes green leadership through seminars, field trips and workshops. In 2011-12 it enrolled more than 15 300 students. A new initiative during the year was collaboration with the Jane Goodall Institute (Hong Kong) to run a pilot environmental Students are trained in a pilot education programme in five primary schools. educational programme, run by Jane Goodall Institute (Hong Kong) in collaboration with the ECC.

39 The Waste Separation and Recycling Scheme in Schools has been operating since 2000 and now has 1 048 participating primary and secondary schools.

Students and guests engage in dialogue at a school activity for the “Reduce Your Waste and Recycle Your Plastics Campaign".

The ECC MTR Environmental Award for Schools 2011 featured an MTR Station Staircase Design Competition on the theme “GO GREEN on Waste Management”. Forty primary schools and 35 secondary schools participated and the winning entries were displayed at 10 MTR stations.

Winning entries of the MTR Station Staircase Design Competition on display at a station.

Celebrating Our 25th Anniversary

The EPD celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2011 with a series of public activities to highlight its work and the importance of its mission. From June 2011, roving exhibitions were mounted around the community that showcased the improvements achieved through environmental protection work and that promoted green living. Three related competitions were also organised for primary, secondary and tertiary institutions on designing a handkerchief, new song lyrics and a new 3D mascot.

Winner of the “Environmental Protection Old Song New Lyrics Competition” sings at the launching ceremony of the EPD’s 25th anniversary roving exhibitions.

ECF: Funding Projects in the Community

The Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF), which was established in 1994, received an additional $500 million from the Government in mid 2011, following a $1 billion injection in 2008. In 2011, the ECF continued to provide funding support for educational, research, technology demonstration, waste recovery, energy conservation projects and other projects in relation to environmental and conservation matters. Since the injection in 2008, the ECF has provided funding support for over 2 000 projects with a total commitment of more than $1.088 billion as of 31 December 2011.

40 ECF Projects Funded Since 2008* Number Funding Project area of ($ million) projects Environmental Research, Technology 63 56 Demonstration and Conference Environmental Education and Community 72 21 Action Minor green works in schools and NGOs 723 264 e.g. installation of green roofs, renewable energy facilities and energy-saving items etc. Community waste recovery 43 64 Food waste recycling in housing estates 11 9 The ECF provided funds of $346,500 Buildings Energy Efficiency Funding 309 to the Christian Alliance SY Yeh Schemes Memorial Primary School for the energy-cum-carbon audits 119 installation of a green roof (top); students enjoying the green roof energy efficiency projects 672 (bottom). Energy Conservation Projects for NGOs 58 Scheme energy improvement works 143 energy-cum-carbon audits 14 energy conservation education 25 programmes

*As at 31 December 2011

Honouring Green Business

The Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence (HKAEE) offer recognition of efforts by businesses and organisations to green their operations. The Sectoral Awards are granted to companies and organisations that have demonstrated an all-round and outstanding environmental performance in an annual competition within designated sectors; and 585 competitors participated in 2011. Companies and organisations may also be eligible for Environmental Labels and/or Carbon “Less” Certificates for reaching a specified A packed house as a seminar to promote level of achievement in waste reduction, energy efficiency, indoor air 2011 HKAEE. quality, products with environmental attributes, and/or carbon reduction. The number of participants has grown over the years and about 3 700 applications have been received under the labels and certificates schemes cumulatively since the launch of the HKAEE scheme in 2008.

A new twist was added in 2011 with the introduction of the Green Innovations Awards. This competition aims to encourage new ideas in tackling environmental issues. Assessment is based on innovation, environmental achievement and cost effectiveness, as well as replicability and contribution to society. 17 eligible entries were submitted in 2011, which had the theme “Energy Conservation”.

41 Feature Article CUSTOMER SERVICE AND PARTNERSHIPS Mission To work with others and continue to build partnerships, and to promote corporate environmental management in both the public and private sectors, in the pursuance of sustainable development objectives.

Greening From The Ground Up Recognising Green Performers Educating Operators Addressing Age-old Problems Looking Ahead

Improving Hong Kong’s environment requires a community effort. Nowhere is this more evident than in the Environmental Protection Department’s (EPD) partnership programmes with industry. Operators whose activities give rise to pollution and waste receive a helping hand in understanding and complying with regulations that are necessary to achieve a cleaner, healthier environment. EPD and other Government Four formal partnerships have been established - with restaurant, vehicle officials hold discussions with site staff in a visit to a repair workshop, the construction industry and property management. construction site Through regular contact, we are able to understand each other’s needs and constraints, encourage operators to share knowledge and experiences, introduce new technologies and recognise green achievements. In 2011 we organised 39 seminars and speeches for the partnership industries involving more than 2 800 participants, and we held 37 meetings on specific environmental initiatives.

The partnership approach is also useful for introducing new controls, such as clinical waste controls which came into effect in 2011, and bringing attention to problems that previously have not been addressed, such as air pollution from the burning of paper offerings at funeral homes.

42 Emissions of cooking fumes and odour are common problems of restaurants (left), a hood-type electrostatic precipitator installed at a Representatives of EPD and the funeral service trade restaurant kitchen for reducing cooking emissions is shown to at a seminar to introduce guidelines for controlling air delegates of the Guangzhou Environmental Bureau who attended pollution associated with the trade. an information sharing meeting organised for the Guangzhou delegation and the major restaurant trade associations in Hong Kong in June 2011. (right)

Recognising Green Performers

The successful implementation of anti-pollution measures requires operators to see that these measures are indeed achievable. The best way to do this is by example. Operators who willingly take the plunge in adopting green measures are the best encouragement to others to follow suit, and they should be recognised for their efforts.

There are several ways to offer such recognition. One is by awarding good green practices. For example, outstanding Wong Tai Sin’s 2011/2012 Quality practitioners in the construction industry are honoured in the Building Management Competition Development Bureau’s annual Considerate Contractors Site Award awards presentation ceremony. Scheme and those in the property management sector are honoured Environmental ambassadors in the District Council’s Quality Building Management Competitions, promote both of which involve EPD’s input in conducting environmental site environmental practices to audits. In 2011 we carried out more than 180 such audits. The EPD the staff of a was also involved in co-organising the Hong Kong Construction vehicle repair workshop. Association’s Annual Environmental Award Programme.

Another form of recognition is by formally identifying those with the experience and expertise to help others. The Hong Kong Vehicle Repair Merchants Association and the Environmental Vehicle Repairers Association nominate Environmental Ambassadors who share their experiences with their peers, offer them advice on environmental problems or complaints, and serve as role models. Some 65 new ambassadors for 2011-13 were appointed at a ceremony co-organised by the EPD, two trade associations and the Hong Kong Productivity Council.

Another way to recognise green practices is by labelling them. An initiative launched in 2011, the Quality Restaurant Environmental Management Scheme (QREMS), assesses operators and signals good performers to customers through accreditation and the display of a logo. It aims to encourage restaurants to go beyond strict compliance with environmental laws and adopt the greenest possible practices.

43 Applicants are assessed in seven areas – energy efficiency, water efficiency, waste management, wastewater management, air pollution management, noise pollution management and overall environmental management – and those that pass are accredited. Accreditation lasts for a year and is applicable to a variety of food and beverage businesses, such as Chinese restaurants, non-Chinese restaurants, fast food shops, other eating and drinking places and food manufacturing or processing factories.

The scheme was launched in December 2011 by the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades and the Hong Kong Productivity Council. The EPD sits on the steering committee and also organised site visits for the restaurant trade to EcoPark, the North East New Territories landfill and the Towngas Production Plant to raise operators’ awareness and encourage them to go green.

Logo displayed by restaurants and food factories which have been accredited Representatives of the restaurant trade under the Quality Restaurant associations and related stakeholders visit the Environmental Management Scheme. Towngas Production Plant in Tai Po.

Educating Operators

Being a “green” operator is an ongoing challenge. New technologies arise, new laws are introduced and new expectations arise in the community. The EPD is active in providing education and support to operators through these transitions.

Dozens of seminars and workshops are organised each year. For example, in 2011 the EPD held seminars for the construction industry on waste recycling services and purchasing environmentally responsible products and People working in the property management sector attend an EPD organised seminar about services, and made an environmental presentation to senior the introduction of the Clinical Waste Control managers in the restaurant trade. Scheme. Education is particularly important when new regulations arise. The Clinical Waste Control Scheme came into effect in August 2011 (see Environmental Compliance for further details). To support this, the EPD organised a seminar on the regulations for the property management sector since commercial buildings are likely to contain small clinical waste producers such as clinics, veterinary practices, medical laboratories and nursing homes. The seminar informed the property management trade of their responsibilities in ensuring proper disposal of clinical waste.

44 Addressing Age-old Problems

Apart from working with operators to help them comply with new and existing pollution control programmes, our interactions with industry also help us to understand and address emerging concerns. This has been the case with the burning of paper offerings at funeral parlours.

Burning paper offerings is a traditional practice to honour Burning paper ancestors and spirits. However, the smoke and air pollution offerings can result in visible emissions (top) associated with the practice are increasingly a focus of concern in but with air pollution control equipment the community, particularly as other sources of air pollution have there are no been brought under control. emissions (middle). An interior view of the The EPD commissioned the Hong Kong Productivity Council to control equipment shows the collected investigate the problem and in November they published carbon particles (bottom). “Guidelines on Air Pollution Control for Paper Artifacts Burning at Funeral Parlours and Other Places of Worship”, which provides detailed advice on designing, building and installing paper artifacts furnaces and air pollution control equipment. The EPD also organised a seminar for the funeral service trade so they can better understand the problems and solutions.

Connecting with people at “ground level” – with the operators whose daily activities have an impact on the environment – is an essential function of pollution control. Laws and policies are important, but they need to be backed with awareness-raising and encouragement to adopt greener practices and technologies. These efforts will help Hong Kong to realise a cleaner, healthier environment.

Looking Ahead Organise a seminar for temple managers and operators to improve their environmental performance in the burning of joss paper. Produce guidelines on air pollution control for joss paper burning at Chinese temples, crematoria and similar places. Continue to organise environmental seminars, workshops and other activities with our four partnership industries – the construction industry, vehicle repair workshop, restaurant, and the property management.

45 Topical Issues CUSTOMER SERVICE AND PARTNERSHIPS Topical Issues An Example to Others in Compliance Assistance Corporate Behaviour

An Example to Others in Compliance Assistance

The Environmental Protection Department’s (EPD) Compliance Assistance Centre (CAC) is a one-stop shop where operators can get information, advice and face-to-face help in applying for licences, thus making it easier for them to comply with Hong Kong’s environmental laws and regulations. In 2011 the centre was singled

out as an example of good practice by the Asia Environmental Overseas delegates of AECEN visit the Compliance and Enforcement Network (AECEN), which is CAC and share experiences with EPD supported by the US Agency for International Development and staff. aims to promote the establishment of environmental compliance assistance centres around the region. Delegates from Thailand, India and the Philippines visited Hong Kong’s CAC in May and shared experiences with EPD staff on setting up similar centres in their home countries.

Corporate Behaviour

The EPD encourages both public and private organisations to conduct environmental audits, set up corporate environmental management (CEM) systems and report regularly on their environmental performance. We do this through publications, dedicated websites and outreach to organisations. In January 2011, for example, we organised a technical seminar on CEM and environmental reporting for the Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries. The aim was to promote corporate environmental governance in the private sector and introduce the EPD’s CEM tools.

EPD officers conduct a technical seminar on CEM and environmental reporting for members of the Hong Kong Institute of Chartered Secretaries.

46 Feature Article ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING Mission To pre-empt environmental problems associated with development projects, plans and strategies, by assessing their environmental implications and ensuring that measures are implemented to avoid any potential problems that are identified.

On A Green Track Keeping the Noise Down Preserving Built Heritage The Strategic View Looking Ahead

One of the Government’s core aims is to create a city that is greener and offers quality living. In a place as dynamic and congested as Hong Kong, that means careful A bird’s-eye assessment at all stages of the planning and development view of Hong Kong’s Victoria process. Even projects that will bring environmental Harbour and its improvements must be investigated to ensure they do not vicinity. give rise to potential new problems. The East Rail Line electric trains have Hong Kong has a well-established process for assessing been new developments. Our Environmental Impact Assessment commuting between Lo (EIA) Ordinance provides a legal framework for ensuring Wu and Hung designated projects meet environmental requirements. We Hom since the 1980s. also have a Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) system that brings out environmental issues early in the policy and planning stages to avoid major environmental problems and identify opportunities for environmental improvements.

A recent example of our system at work is the Sha Tin-Central Link, which will reach urban areas currently not served by rail transport and offer a more direct journey to Central from the New Territories and East Kowloon. This is an example of a development that, on the one hand, can improve the quality of the environment by providing people with a low-carbon form of public transport, but on the other hand, has environmental impacts that must be addressed.

47 Keeping the Noise Down

The Shatin-Central Link (SCL) was proposed in the Second Railway Development Strategy Study, which was completed in 2000. Rail travel is one of the most environmentally-friendly forms of transport as it can reduce the amount of nitrogen oxides, respirable suspended particulates and carbon dioxide that would otherwise be emitted by Densely populated East Kowloon (left) and the proposed route conventional road transport. An SEA under the for SCL (right). Second Railway Development Strategy Study affirmed these benefits.

The SCL will connect Shatin to Central via Hung Hom. It will also provide a rail line to serve East Kowloon, including the Kai Tak Development area, where people currently do not have easy access to rail transport. To ensure that all potential environmental issues and their cumulative effects are carefully studied and no unacceptable problems are created at the project level, five EIAs have been conducted, each covering one section of the line.

Noise from railway operations is the most obvious concern and the EIA addresses this. Through a comprehensive alignment selection exercise, most of the line is to be built underground to minimise noise exposure. Where the train must run above ground past sensitive noise receivers, the project proponent, the MTR Corporation Limited, will erect noise barriers and enclosures to reduce the impact. Installing noise barriers along the rail line and under platforms is one of the noise The design of the trains and tracks will also reduce noise, abatement measures currently particularly at the entrance to Hung Hom station where the existing implemented for Hong Kong railway East Rail line and new East Kowloon line will run parallel to each networks. other. Adding a second rail line here that is as noisy as the existing line would increase noise levels by 3 dB(A), or decibels, and potentially push the total noise level over the statutory limit. The design of the new line therefore has been adjusted to make it 10 dB(A) quieter than the limit, so the two lines together will be within the limit. It’s a clear example of the environmental benefit that can be achieved by addressing problems before they arise.

Artistic designs of the SCL terminal at Sha Tin (left) and the future Hung Hom station (right).

48 Preserving Built Heritage

Direct environmental impacts are not the only concern with the SCL. The link will pass through some of the oldest settled areas in Hong Kong and potentially conflict with examples of the city’s built heritage – rare structures that hearken back to Hong Kong’s past. The EIA has identified the problems and also provided innovative solutions for ensuring the railway line does not damage these treasures.

One of the most interesting findings was that the SCL would pass under the remains of the Lung Tsun Stone Bridge, a 19th century structure that connected the old Kowloon Walled City to a pier and was first discovered during investigations for the Kai Tak Development. The train tunnel will be built about two metres below the bridge and the concern is that the vibrations of the tunnel boring machine could damage it.

To solve the problem, the EIA has recommended that no machine tunnelling be carried out under the bridge. Instead, long, thin steel bars will be inserted horizontally to form a circular “cage” under the bridge that will be the outline of the tunnel. Hand-held equipment will then be used to dig out the ground within the cage to create the tunnel. These measures are expected to help keep the bridge intact.

The EIA also recommends preserving an airplane hangar that pre-dates the First World War and a military pillbox, both within the former Tai Hom Village Archaeological Site. The pillbox will be kept in situ while the metal hangar will be dismantled, its most damaged and rusted parts removed, and the rest reassembled on the same site as a “miniature” hangar.

Environmental permits for sections of the project started being issued in 2011. The measures being taken demonstrate that an EIA can effectively protect the environment and our cultural heritage, thus supporting the aim of a better quality of life for Hong Kong people.

Rare structures identified by the SCL-EIA: (left) the remains of the 19th century Lung Tsun Stone Bridge; (centre) an airplane hangar dating back to the First World War; and (right) a military pillbox.

The Strategic View

The SCL was one of the recommendations in the Second Railway Development Strategy Study, which also underwent an SEA to consider its wider impacts. SEAs evaluate the strategic environmental implications of policies, plans and programmes at SEA Schematic an early stage. They provide environmental Diagram. information for comparing options, screening out “non-starters”, facilitating stakeholder dialogue, and understanding the cumulative impacts of development proposals.

49 An SEA that got underway in 2011 relates to the study on “Increasing Land Supply by Reclamation and Rock Cavern Development cum Public Engagement – Feasibility Study”. The issue is an important one for Hong Kong because land is limited, reclamation is banned in Victoria Harbour in order to protect this special natural asset, and caverns may be able to accommodate some facilities and thus release valuable land space.

The SEA is looking at the environmental issues related to options for reclaiming land outside the harbour, possible uses for rock caverns, possible Victoria Harbour sites for development, and the cumulative and the Clock implications of these options. It is being carried out Tower at Tsim Sha Tsui are unique by the Civil Engineering and Development landmarks of Hong Department, with input from the Environmental Kong. Protection Department. As part of the overall study, the Government will also conduct two public engagement exercises. These exercises, together with the SEA, will allow both public views and The Stanley environmental factors to be taken into account in Sewage Treatment Works is the formulation of a strategy for increasing land accommodated inside rock supply – an approach that ultimately will contribute caverns. to Hong Kong’s progress towards a greener, quality living environment.

Looking Ahead We will continue our efforts on:

the EIA process and the EIA Ordinance to offer stringent, objective and transparent assessments of the environmental impacts of designated projects, with the aim of protecting the environment; the SEA process to evaluate the strategic environmental implications of policies, plans and programmes at an early stage; and the provision of environmental input on planning issues and new town plans.

50 Topical Issues ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT AND PLANNING Topical Issues New Town Plans

New Town Plans

Apart from assessing strategies and projects, the Environmental Protection Department also provides environmental input on planning issues. In May 2011, we submitted our input on plans for a new town in the North East New Territories that will accommodate a population of about 150 000 persons. This input helps the Planning Department to identify potential environmental issues at an early stage.

New towns are planned at Kwu Tung North (left), Fanling North (centre) and Ping Che-Ta Kwu Ling (right) in the proposed development of the North East New Territories.

51 Feature Article AIR Mission To protect the health and well being of the community by achieving and maintaining satisfactory air quality through intervention in the planning process and by enforcing the controls in the Air Pollution Control Ordinance and the Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance.

Cleaning The Air At Roadsides Progressing in Measured Steps Vehicle Maintenance is Essential Greening Bus Transport Alternative Solutions Looking Ahead

The air quality in Hong Kong and the region is affected by multiple, often moving sources. Vehicles, vessels, power plants, industry and products containing volatile organic compounds all contribute to air pollution. Hong Kong and Guangdong have been working together to tackle this problem and in 2011 we received welcome confirmation that our efforts are paying off.

Nine years previously, in 2002, we set targets to reduce pollutants by certain levels by the end of 2010. The data available in 2011 confirmed that Hong Kong had not only met its targets but exceeded every one of them. There will be further improvements as power plants, which contribute to background and regional air pollution, are The Lamma Power Station has required to reduce their emissions by 34-50 per cent from 2015. installed flue gas desulphurisation systems (the structures next to the Hong Kong also measures roadside air quality, which most affects two chimneys) as one of the people living or working near street level in urban areas. Here, too, the measures to comply with the emission cap imposed on the licences for news has been quite encouraging – levels of respirable suspended power generation plants. particulates (RSP), nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) have fallen by a third or more since 1999. However, levels of nitrogen dioxide (NO2) have increased, particularly in the past three years.

This trend must be reversed if we are to secure cleaner, healthier air for Hong Kong. The Government therefore has introduced a broad programme to tackle the main source of this pollutant – motor vehicles – as a priority in its fight against air pollution.

52 Progressing in Measured Steps

The effort to achieve cleaner air is a long and arduous one. Over the years the Government has introduced subsidies for cleaner technologies, imposed stricter controls on power plant emissions, introduced cleaner fuel and vehicle standards, limited the content of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in selected products, and worked with Guangdong on the Regional Air Quality Management Plan.

As a result, we have made excellent progress in reducing Breakdown of sources of air pollution in emissions of four major pollutants – SO2, NOx, RSP and Hong Kong in 2010 VOCs – by between 30 and 59 per cent, out-performing our original reduction targets of 20 to 55 per cent (see table). We are now working with our counterparts in Guangdong on a plan for future improvements to air quality.

Roadside air quality has also improved on several measures, as mentioned above. RSP, NOx and SO2 ENLARGE SEE DATA levels have dropped by between 28 and 56 per cent Hong Kong’s emission reduction targets since 1999 (see chart). Unfortunately, the concentrations of NO2 have increased by 23 per cent over the same period.

NO2 is formed by a combination of factors. The ENLARGE emissions of poorly maintained vehicles, mixed with ambient ozone under sunlight, give rise to NO2 and also to smog. Although Hong Kong has made good inroads in controlling most vehicle emissions, as evidenced by the drop in the other pollutants, there are lingering problems.

Vehicle maintenance is clearly a concern. So are very large vehicles, such as buses, whose emissions are much higher than smaller vehicles. The Government made progress in addressing these concerns in 2011, as well as in exploring alternative and innovative technologies that both address the NO2 problem and achieve continued overall improvements in our air quality.

Roadside air quality trends in Hong Kong 1999- 2011

The level of roadside air quality is largely influenced by the volume of traffic flow on the roads in an area. ENLARGE SEE DATA

53 Vehicle Maintenance is Essential

Between 2000 and 2005, the Government has provided more than $1.2 billion in grants to switch taxis and public light buses from diesel to cleaner liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles and to retrofit oxidation catalysts to pre-Euro diesel vehicles to reduce their emissions. These measures achieved immediate improvements in air quality. However, in order to sustain the benefits, the vehicles need to be regularly maintained.

Poorly maintained petrol and LPG vehicles emit excessive colourless exhaust gases. If their catalytic converters are worn down, their emissions can exceed normal levels by 10 times or more. About 80 per cent of taxis and 45 per cent of light buses emit excess pollution and require repairs, such as replacing their catalytic converters. In busy urban corridors they contribute 39 per A brand new catalytic converter (left) and a used catalytic converter with deposits from cent of nitrogen oxides and 55 per cent of hydrocarbons – both vehicle engine exhaust (right). major causes of “very high” readings in the roadside Air Pollution Index.

To address the problem, two measures were announced in 2011, one aimed at detecting excessive emissions, the other at helping the taxi and light bus trades to replace their worn down catalytic Two measures that help to improve roadside air quality: remote sensing converters. From 2014 roadside remote sensing equipment will be equipment that detects on-road vehicle deployed to screen out petrol and LPG vehicles with excessive emission levels (left), and a chassis emissions, and owners will be required to rectify the dynamometer that test vehicle compliance problem. Their vehicles will also need to pass within 12 days an with statutory emission standards (right). advanced emission test conducted with the aid of a chassis ENLARGE dynamometer at a designated vehicle emission testing centre. Failure to do so will lead to cancellation of the vehicle licence. This requirement is in line with the existing Smoky Vehicle Control Programme for controlling diesel vehicles.

Assistance in the form of one-off subsidies will be offered to taxi and light bus trades, whose vehicles tend to have high mileage and require frequent replacement of the catalytic converters. Some $150 million has been earmarked for the subsidies, which will help owners of LPG taxis and light buses to replace the catalytic converters and oxygen sensors in their vehicles and appreciate the need and merit of doing so. It is hoped that this new measure will help to tackle this major source of roadside air pollution.

Greening Bus Transport

LPG and petrol vehicles are of course not the only reasons behind higher roadside pollution. Franchised buses are another highly-visible contributor. The Government announced several measures in 2011 to reduce their emissions.

54 One of the challenges in reducing bus emissions is that it is expensive to remove older, more polluting vehicles before the end of their useful life and replace them with cleaner vehicles. However, they can be retrofitted with devices to reduce their pollutants. Pre-Euro and Euro I franchised buses were previously fitted with diesel oxidation catalysts that can reduce RSP emissions by about 30 per cent, while Euro II and Euro III buses were retrofitted with diesel particulate filters that can reduce RSP Euro II and Euro III buses form the bulk of by about 80 per cent. These devices have helped to contribute to bus fleets in Hong Kong. a 34 per cent drop in RSP at roadsides today compared to 1999.

However, the above retrofit does not solve the NOx emissions problem. In 2011 a trial scheme got underway to retrofit Euro II and Euro III franchised buses with selective catalytic reduction devices that will reduce NOx emissions to levels comparable to cleaner Euro IV buses. If the results are satisfactory, the Government will fully fund the retrofit of the devices in Euro II and Euro III buses.

That addresses the current NOx problem. But the Government also wants to achieve more radical improvements in future by moving to zero emission buses or the most environmentally-friendly buses. It has proposed to fully fund the cost of procuring six hybrid buses for trial by franchised bus companies along busy corridors in Causeway Bay, Central and Mong Kok, to test their operational efficiency and performance under local conditions. Bus companies can also receive support for testing other environmentally-friendly buses. For this purpose, the Government has also earmarked $180 million for franchised bus companies to purchase 36 electric buses for a trial run to assess their performance under different conditions.

The presence of low-emission buses (i.e., buses that meet Euro IV emission standards or better) provides an opportunity to reduce pollution in busy areas by keeping out the more polluting buses. Pilot low emission zones for franchised buses were being set up in busy corridors in Causeway Bay, Central and Mong Kok. The goal is to increase the ratio of low-emission buses in those zones, with a target of making them low-emissions-buses-only by 2015.

Retrofitting selective catalytic reduction devices (left) on Euro II and Euro III franchised buses and setting up pilot low emission zones in Causeway Bay (right), Central and Mong Kok were two of the air pollution abatement measures announced by the Government in 2011.

55 Alternative Solutions

Electric and hybrid buses are innovations that can reduce vehicle pollution. The Government is keen to encourage more green alternatives on Hong Kong’s roads, so in March 2011 it launched the $300 million Pilot Green Transport Fund which will support trials of green and innovative transport technologies by the public transport sector and goods vehicle owners.

The fund offers subsidies for new vehicle types, equipment or machinery related to transport activities, and new retrofit systems, and covers part of a product’s cost including the installation of supporting facilities such as charging facilities for electric vehicles. An operator can test out different products to a maximum of $9 million subsidy per application or $12 million in total.

The first batch of subsidies was approved in the autumn of 2011, covering 13 projects and a total of almost $50 million. The projects related to the testing of 16 electric buses by the non-franchised bus sector and nine electric goods vehicles. The trials will start in 2012 and it is hoped they will pave the way for wider adoption of electric vehicles in the public and commercial transport sectors.

Embracing innovation is essential if we are to achieve further reductions in air pollution and sustainably healthy air quality. Hong Kong, This is a hybrid bus like the rest of the world, has paid a price for running in London. relying too heavily on fossil fuels. Cleaner Similar hybrid buses will be alternatives will not only improve our air but introduced to Hong also promote a low-carbon economy and the Kong for trial. development of green technologies in Hong Kong.

Looking Ahead Projects supported by the Pilot Green Transport Fund will get underway. The Air Quality Objectives will be updated and air quality improvement measures for attaining the new AQOs will be taken forward. Euro V emission standards will be implemented for all newly registered vehicles. Measures to control emissions from marine vessels will be announced. Legislative controls will be introduced on emissions from non-road mobile sources. The way forward on controlling marine emissions will be charted with other governments of the Pearl River Delta region.

56 Topical Issues AIR Topical Issues Idling Engine Ban Greener Vessels Air Quality Objectives Review

Idling Engine Ban

Idling engines cause nuisance to passersby and This outdoor roving exhibition was one of the environment, pollute the air, affect people’s the publicity and health, and waste fuel. The Motor Vehicle Idling education programmes (Fixed Penalty) Ordinance came into effect in organised by the December 2011 to tackle this problem and it Government to promote the “switch requires drivers to switch off idling engines. off idling engines” initiative. Anyone idling an engine for more than three minutes in any 60-minute period is liable to a fine of $320. The introduction of the fine was accompanied by extensive publicity and education programmes to make drivers more aware of their obligations.

Greener Vessels

Air pollution from marine vessels is becoming a more apparent problem as we clean up other sources of emissions. A study commissioned by the Government has found about 48 per cent of sulphur dioxide emissions in Hong Kong come from these vessels. Because of the movement of vessels around the region, this is a problem not just for Hong Kong but also for our neighbours in the Pearl River Delta (PRD) waters.

The problem is recognised by the industry. In January 2011, the Hong Kong Liner Shipping Association launched the Fair Emissions from marine vessels operating in Winds Charter, a two-year voluntary programme to encourage Hong Kong waters also have impacts on the air quality. ocean-going vessels berthing in Hong Kong to switch to low- sulphur diesel (0.5 per cent). Some 3 616 vessels participated. In October 2011 the Chief Executive announced in his Policy Address that Hong Kong would work with other governments of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region on a proposal to require ocean-going vessels berthed in PRD waters to switch to low-sulphur fuels and take steps to improve the quality of fuel used by all vessels in our waters. A full report on air pollution from marine vessels will be completed in 2012 and help to map the way forward.

57 Air Quality Objectives Review

To further improve our air quality and better protect public health, the Government has proposed to update the existing Air Quality Objectives (AQOs) with reference to the World Health Organisation’s air quality guidelines. In 2009 we completed a four-month public consultation on the proposed new AQOs and the emission control measures for achieving these objectives. In 2010 we reported to the Legislative Council the findings of the public consultation and considerations for taking forward the Growth in population and number of recommended improvement measures. Since then we have been vehicles causes pressure on the Hong working on a final proposal for updating the AQOs and Kong’s environment. implementing the control measures, and we will submit this as soon as possible to the Legislative Council for its deliberation. While mapping the way forward, the Government has already been pursuing those control measures that are supported by the community.

58 Feature Article NOISE Mission To prevent, minimise and resolve environmental noise problems through formulation of noise policy, intervention in the planning process, implementation of noise abatement measures and enforcement of the Noise Control Ordinance.

Opening Windows, Closing A Loophole: Progress In Noise Control Innovation at the Receiving End Effective Enforcement Looking Ahead

Hong Kong is a small, densely populated city where space is at a premium. Not just physical space but acoustic space. Many noisy activities are conducted in close proximity to each other and it is a never-ending challenge to keep the noise at a tolerable and habitable level.

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has managed to Heavy trucks pass near residential improve the noise environment for many Hong Kong residents over the buildings on the West Kowloon years through input at the planning stage, legislation and enforcement Corridor. to control noisy equipment and activities, the promotion of noise barriers and quieter road surfaces, and education and partnership programmes targeted at noise producers. Recent developments at the receiver end, in the form of window designs that help to reduce incoming noise, offer a new angle from which we can tackle this entrenched problem.

Our efforts to date have benefited more than one million people. More than 550 000 people have been protected from excess noise through town planning measures, about 290 000 people have been protected through mitigation measures adopted during the planning of new roads, and another 296 000 people will be protected through programmes underway to retrofit noise barriers on existing roads and to trial the application of low-noise material on local roads.

Additionally, our enforcement works are succeeding in reducing noise from non-road sources. The number of convictions for noise offences has dropped by about two-thirds over the past decade since company directors were made personally liable for repeated noise offences and, importantly, the number of repeat offences has dropped more than 10-fold – which is good news for law enforcement and especially for residents affected by illegal noise.

59 (Left) Many residential areas developed in the last century are subject to traffic noise nuisance which is being addressed through measures such as retrofitting noise barriers and application of low-noise material on local roads; (right) Tung Chung residents have benefited from noise mitigation measures as a result of planning input at the early stages of housing construction projects.

Innovation at the Receiving End

When planning against noise from new roads, the typical approach is to align either buildings or roads so as to reduce noise exposure, and if needed to build a barrier in between. In a place as densely-packed as Hong Kong, that is not so easy. New residential buildings inevitably are constructed right next to busy roads as areas are re-developed, and there is usually no space for a barrier. It’s a challenge to protect the An acoustic window and a schematic residents of these blocks from excessive noise. drawing showing the noise mitigation effect An innovative approach offers hope of a solution, (top), an open conventional window though, by giving residents control over how much exposes inhabitants to noise enters their flat. This is done through the traffic noise (left). adjustable “acoustic window”, which actually consists of two layers of windows. The outside window is a push-pull type typical of Hong Kong buildings, while An in-situ mock up of acoustic windows is the inner window is a sliding window that runs on a erected at a proposed track. Residents can position the windows to reduce housing development in San Po Kong to test noise while maintaining ventilation. If the inner sliding the noise mitigation window is set offside of the outer open window, it will effects. let in more air and noise. If the sliding window is aligned, it will reduce noise while still allowing some air to circulate into the flat. The choice is up to the resident, based on the noise level he/she feels comfortable with. The noise can also be further reduced by using noise absorption material to fit the window.

To test how well the acoustic window could perform in Hong Kong conditions, the EPD and the Housing Department carried out in-situ mock up tests at a proposed housing development next to Prince Edward Road East in San Po Kong. The site is affected by loud traffic noise but because it is small, there are limited options for configuring the proposed block of about 900 flats. However, by fitting acoustic windows, the problem could be mitigated: the mock up tests found noise was reduced by 6.6 dB(A) to 8.1 dB(A) over regular push-pull-only windows, depending on whether noise absorption material was used.

60 When applied to the whole block, this result would mean a majority of flats could meet the road traffic noise criterion of 70 dB(A) L10 (1 hour) as stipulated under the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines. The remaining flats would be exposed to traffic noise as high as 73 dB(A), which could be mitigated by such things as adopting architectural fins and erecting a boundary wall to achieve a compliance rate of 100 per cent.

Acoustic windows offer new promise for difficult interfaces between existing roads and new developments. Apart from effectively reducing noise, they may also be a more affordable and less visually intrusive option than erecting barriers.

Effective Enforcement

Hong Kong has experienced very concentrated, dynamic physical growth over the years, which has inevitably given rise to noise problems. During the 1980s and 1990s in particular, many old buildings were being torn down and new ones put up in their place, leading many residents to be exposed to excessive construction noise. The problem was seemingly addressed in 1989 with the enactment of the Noise

Construction activities, such as the Control Ordinance (NCO), but in the late 1990s, as building boomed, it operation of powered mechanical became evident that a tougher stance was needed. equipment in an open space, can cause serious noise nuisance. The NCO limits the hours of noisy construction work and imposes fines of up to $200,000 on offenders. However, in the midst of the building boom, larger bodies corporate stood to earn many times more than the fine if they completed projects early. They therefore tended to treat the fine as a cost of doing business, resulting in a disturbing trend of repeat offenders.

Between 1999 and 2001, more than 85 per cent of convictions under The days and times allowed for the NCO related to construction and commercial/activities by firms. noisy works and activities are Some companies had more than five convictions, a few even had more restricted under the NCO. than 10. Among the worst were a company convicted 31 times and two companies convicted 22 times for construction noise. Clearly, the NCO needed to be toughened, but how? Increasing the fine was not likely to be a satisfactory solution. The fine had been doubled in 1994 from $100,000 and that had not stopped repeat offenders.

One of the problems was that the fines were levied on companies. No single person was held responsible unless the case involved an individual proprietorship – a category that, interestingly, had far fewer repeat convictions than bodies corporate. This suggested the matter needed to be taken to the top tier of management.

61 In 2002 the Government therefore amended the NCO to make First convictions and repeat senior management of bodies corporate personally liable for convictions 2002-2011 repeated noise offences that are made following written warnings on the matter – in other words, company directors and officers can be prosecuted for these repeat offences. The warning system lasts for two years so if there is another offence within the two years, prosecution will be taken.

The result of this measure 10 years later is that first convictions among bodies corporate have fallen from 130 in 2002 to 42 in 2011, while repeated convictions have plunged from 68 in 2002 ENLARGE SEE DATA to five in 2011. (By comparison, the number of individual proprietorships with first convictions went from 39 in 2002 to 15 in 2011 and the number of repeat convictions was never more than one per year.)

Deterrence, combined with our partnership programmes to encourage compliance, has had the desired effect: there are significantly fewer noise disturbances now caused by illegal night and holiday works. Hong Kong’s construction trade has become more conscientious and the community has benefited ENLARGE SEE DATA from a quieter, more pleasant environment.

The EPD encourages the construction industry to provide noise abatement measures at construction sites.

Looking Ahead Work will continue on retrofitting noise barriers at noisy road sections, as well as on the trial of low noise resurfacing at selected road sections.

62 Topical Issues NOISE Topical Issues Abating Noise at Source

Abating Noise at Source

Many activities create noise, but how that noise is managed can make all the difference in whether it disturbs others. Over the years, operators in the commercial/industrial and construction sectors have devised viable solutions to reduce their noise impacts. Their efforts show others that it is possible to control noise without interrupting activities:

Noise enclosure for a sewage treatment project at Cyberport

This enclosure reduced noise from the construction of a sewage conveyance system that consists of sewage tunnels and a vertical shaft. All powered mechanical equipment was operated within the enclosure, which was made of noise-absorbing material.

Noise enclosure at North Point Preliminary Treatment Works

Similar to the Cyberport plant, this enclosure mitigated noise from the construction of a sewage conveyance system.

Barrier to protect a school

A six-metre high barrier was built at the construction site of the MTR South Island Line (East) on Nam Fung Road, to protect an adjoining school and adjacent houses from the noise.

63 Feature Article WASTE Mission To safeguard the health and welfare of the community from adverse environmental effects associated with the handling and disposal of wastes by developing a sustainable waste management strategy, providing waste management facilities and enforcing the controls in the Waste Disposal Ordinance.

Tackling The Waste Problem From All Angles Our Growing Recycling Network Producer Responsibilities Treating Different Kinds of Waste We Still Need Disposal Looking Ahead

Waste is one of Hong Kong’s pressing problems. In the very near future – from 2014 onwards – our three strategic landfills will fill up one by one. We cannot afford to have rubbish piling up on the streets, so the Government has given top priority to averting such a crisis.

To effectively tackle our waste problem, we need to pursue a three- Bags of municipal waste piled up at pronged strategy. The first priority is to reduce waste at source and roadside waiting for collection and promote recycling. Waste reduction/recycling facilities have been disposal. extended to more than 80 per cent of the population, covering schools, domestic premises and the commercial & industrial (C&I) sector. Second, modern treatment technologies have been proposed A poster for the to upgrade our waste treatment capability. And third, the timely Programme on extension of landfills is necessary. In 2011 we made progress on all Source Separation of Waste targeted at three fronts. the commercial and industrial sector. The amount of municipal solid waste (MSW) requiring disposal was 3.28 million tonnes, down 1.3 per cent from 2010 (when other types of waste are included, such as construction waste and dewatered sludge, the drop is even bigger – 2.6 per cent). This was part of a continuing trend. MSW consists of domestic and C&I waste, and domestic waste disposal alone has fallen by 15 per cent since 2004. Per capita rates of MSW disposal have also steadily dropped, from 1.37 kilograms per person per day in 2004 to 1.27 kilograms in 2011. These results have been achieved on the back of waste recovery programmes that have increased the percentage of recovered MSW from 45 per cent in 2006 to 48 per cent in 2011.

64 Disposal of Solid Waste at Landfills 2010 2011 Year Increase/decrease (million tonnes) Municipal Solid 3.33 3.28 -1.3% Waste 2.24 2.18 -2.7% (Domestic Waste) 1.09 1.10 +1.5% (Commercial and Industrial Waste)

Construction Waste 1.31 1.22 -7.0% Dewatered Sludge 0.34 0.34 +1.1% Others 0.07 0.07 +1.2% Total * 5.04 4.91 -2.6% * Figures may not add up to total due to rounding off.

Our Growing Recycling Network

Hong Kong’s waste recovery rate has reached and is being maintained at a desirable level in recent years thanks to the participation by the public and businesses. Unfortunately, with a problem like waste, there is still much that we need to do to reduce the generation of waste in the first place, especially given the pressure on landfill space.

Compared to other major developed economies, Hong Kong’s performance on waste recovery is in the middle, behind Germany (63 per cent), South Korea (61 per cent) and Taipei (61 per cent), but ahead of Singapore (48 per cent), Britain (38 per cent), the U.S. (34 per cent) and Japan (21 per cent). However, we have very limited land resources so there is an urgent need to continue to reduce waste loads as much as possible.

The Programme on Source Separation of Waste (SSW) was launched in 2005 to bring waste separation facilities closer to people’s homes. It has achieved remarkable success. It now extends to 1 800 housing estates (80 per cent of Hong Kong’s population), and has helped to lift the domestic waste recovery rate from 14 per cent in 2004 to 38 per cent in 2011. In 2011 its reach was extended to 700 villages upon the completion of a one-year effort to bring waste separation bins to villages. The programme has also been adapted for the C&I sector, attracting 732 buildings.

The SSW Programme provides a good bedrock for waste reduction, but there are still places that it cannot reach and waste items that it does not receive. In 2011 the Government launched the Community Recycling Network (CRN) to plug these gaps by providing additional collection points for recyclable waste items to further promote waste reduction and recycling at the community level. Waste reduction and recycling are promoted to the public from a special vehicle that travels to housing estates and public locations around Hong Kong.

65 The CRN brings recycling outlets closer to single-block buildings, which often do not have room for waste separation facilities. Community recycling centres are set up in sites operated by non- government organisations, which collect waste plastics from nearby single-block buildings. Some also have drop-off boxes for waste Aerial view of the EcoPark layout. plastics, small waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), ENLARGE and glass bottles. In addition, waste reduction promotion booths are being set up in busy locations on Sundays and three promotional vehicles are travelling around Hong Kong. Overall, more than 350 recycling points have been set up and the recovered waste is being sent to the Kowloon Bay Waste Recycling Centre, which will transfer the recyclable materials to the EcoPark for further processing.

To expand the types of wastes being recovered, the CRN promotes the recycling of wastes of low- commercial value, such as waste plastics, WEEE and glass bottles. Schools are also being invited to collect plastic bottles from students and their families, thus both reducing waste and raising awareness.

Ms Anissa Wong, the Permanent Secretary for the Environment (fifth from left, front row), and guests officiate at the Forum on Source Separation of Waste and Award Presentation Ceremony 2011.

Producer Responsibilities

Producer responsibility schemes (PRS) engage manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers in managing waste from products. Hong Kong’s first mandatory PRS was a 50-cent environmental levy on plastic shopping bags, introduced in 2009 at about 3 000 major or chain supermarkets, convenience stores and personal health and beauty stores. With an encouraging 90 per cent reduction of plastic shopping bag usage at these outlets, the Children learn about waste reduction and Government would like to extend its coverage to all retailers. The recycling through interactive games set public was consulted in 2011 and gave general support to the up at a publicity event and roving extension. Legislation will now be drafted to implement the proposal. exhibition on the Extension of the Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic On WEEE, the Government consulted the public in 2010 on options Shopping Bags. for a mandatory PRS and reported the results to the Legislative Council in 2011. The consultation addressed the coverage, collection, treatment and cost-sharing of WEEE and the proposals were generally supported by both the public and stakeholders. On the back of this feedback, the Government announced in 2011 that it would support the development of a local WEEE treatment plant at EcoPark to ensure proper recycling of WEEE collected from the PRS.

66 Glass bottles have been recovered under various voluntary schemes implemented by the hotel sector and other non government organisations, but there is much room to further promote the recycling of glass bottles. In 2011 the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and Hong Kong Housing Authority teamed up to launch the Pilot Programme on Source Separation of Glass Bottles at six public housing estates in East Kowloon. Light-green recycling bins for glass bottles have been placed in the lobbies or near the Four recycling bins placed near the entrances of each residential block and the collected bottles will be entrance of a residential block; the light- green bin is for collecting glass bottles recycled into glass sand for production of eco-paving blocks. The under the Pilot Programme on Source EPD also continued its support towards several other voluntary Separation of Glass Bottles. PRSs on computers, fluorescent lamps and rechargeable batteries.

One other key initiative to reduce waste at source was progressing in 2011. Overseas experience shows that charging for MSW disposal can encourage people to reduce waste, so the Government therefore prepared to consult the public on their views in 2012. Reducing waste at source requires more than the provision of recycling facilities. Behavioural change is the key to success. An economic incentive could be a viable means to induce such change.

Treating Different Kinds of Waste

The best recycling programme in the world still cannot eliminate waste completely – there will always be waste by-products that cannot be reused or recycled. The Government therefore plans to reduce the bulk of this remaining waste through modern treatment technologies, and to extend our landfills so they can continue to meet our disposal needs.

For waste treatment, we have proposed three facilities to tackle different aspects of our waste problem. One of these is the Integrated Waste Management Facilities (IWMF) Phase 1 that would adopt advanced incineration as core technology to treat mixed MSW that is not recyclable. An environmental impact assessment report (EIA) of two possible sites, at Tsang Tsui Ash Lagoons and an artificial island near Shek Kwu Chau, revealed no unacceptable health or environmental impacts and it was endorsed by the Advisory Council on the Environment in December 2011. The Government has decided to build the IWMF Phase 1 at the artificial island near Shek Kwu Chau after taking into account other factors such as overall distribution of waste management facilities in Hong Kong and transportation efficiency. It is hoped that the IWMF Phase 1 could be commissioned in 2020.

A second facility is the Organic Waste Treatment Facilities (OWTF) Phase 1, located at Siu Ho Wan on North Lantau, which had its EIA report approved in 2010. This facility will adopt biological technologies such as anaerobic digestion and composting to treat 200 tonnes of food waste each day. Hong Kong currently disposes of more than 3 000 tonnes of organic waste per day that could potentially be recycled for other beneficial uses, such as compost and biogas. A second phase of the OWTF is also being planned and when the two phases are both completed, they will treat 400-500 tonnes of organic waste each day and supply biogas-powered electricity to the power grid adequate for use by more than 7 000 households each year. Localised organic waste treatment is also being supported in a programme to promote onsite composting of food waste at housing estates (see also Community Awareness).

67 The third proposed facility is the Sludge Treatment Facility (STF). Hong Kong currently generates over 800 tonnes of sludge per day which is landfilled. When the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme Stage 2A is commissioned in 2014, that figure will rise to 1 400 tonnes per day and reach more than 2 000 tonnes per day by late 2020s. That additional pressure on landfill space will be eased through high-temperature incineration at the STF that reduces the volume of sludge by up to 90 per cent. The process will also generate heat energy that can be used for electricity generation. Detailed design and construction began in 2011 and the facility is expected to be commissioned in 2013.

Trend of sludge arisings 2010-2020

Artistic outlook of the proposed Sludge Treatment Facility. ENLARGE SEE DATA LOCATION MAP

We Still Need Disposal

Waste recovery and treatment are absolutely necessary to reduce waste, but they are not complete solutions. There will still be ash from incineration, items that cannot be recycled or incinerated and other residues. The only option for these is landfills.

Hong Kong’s three strategic landfills will soon be bursting at the seams. We urgently need to provide more landfill space. The simplest and most effective solution is to extend the capacity of the current landfills. Preparations at all three sites have included EIAs (which have all been approved), engineering feasibility studies and amended zoning plans.

Understandably, some communities living near the landfills have not been wholeheartedly in support of the extensions. We have assured them that the extensions will be built to stringent international standards so there will be no adverse impacts on the environment or public health. We are also engaging stakeholders through the process of continuous public involvement, which allows them to air their concerns on an ongoing basis. We will address these concerns as far as practicable, keeping in mind our goal of achieving a sustainable waste strategy – from source to landfill – that meets the needs of Hong Kong as a whole, as well as in local communities.

Members of the community visit SENT Landfill to get insight into landfill operations.

68 Looking Ahead A public consultation will be launched on the introduction of municipal solid waste charges to help reduce waste. A funding application for the IWMF Phase 1 development will be initiated. Tendering will be completed for the Organic Waste Treatment Facilities Phase 1, and the EIA will be completed for Phase 2. The Community Recycling Network will be expanded to include more recycling centres and collection points. The necessary funding approval will be sought for the South East New Territories (SENT) Landfill Extension, North East New Territories (NENT) Landfill Extension and West New Territories (WENT) Landfill Extension. The pre-qualification for the NENT Landfill Extension will be conducted, whereas consultancy for the procurement of the other two Landfill Extensions will get underway.

69 Topical Issues WASTE Topical Issues Restored Landfills: A Community Resource Adding Up Our Waste Loads Construction Waste Reduction

Restored Landfills: A Community Resource

Hong Kong has 13 closed landfills which represent a useful land resource. The landfills were closed between 1975 and 1996 and their restoration works completed between 1997 and 2006. In recent years a number of them have been turned into community recreational facilities.

The Sai Tso Wan Recreation Ground in Lam Tin, which provides a multi-purpose grass pitch for baseball and football, was opened in 2004. In 2009 the Gin Drinkers Bay Landfill in Kwai Chung was given new life as a BMX park, which was used in that year’s East Asian Games. Since 2010 the Jordan Valley Park on New Clear Water Bay Road has been home to a radio-controlled model car circuit. The Park also has a horticultural centre, a community garden, an exercise corner for the elderly, jogging trails and children’s play areas. Another community park, the Ngau Chi Wan Park in Wong Tai Sin, was also fully opened in 2010. Two sitting-out areas were completed at Ma Yau Tong Central Landfill and Ma Yau Tong West Landfill and opened to the public in 2011. In all these cases, the closed landfills have undergone extensive restoration works to minimise their environmental impacts and the sites are now safe for new community uses.

The closed Gin Drinkers Bay Landfill and Ngau Chi Wan Landfill have been restored and developed into a BMX park (left) and a community park (right).

Adding Up Our Waste Loads

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) keeps detailed waste statistics that help us to assess problem areas and measure progress. Recent results have offered the best news in a long time: waste loads at landfills are going down while recovery rates are going up, as the tables below show. However, there is one cautionary figure: the per capita generation of municipal solid waste, which includes both landfilled and recovered waste, is on the increase. Hong Kong therefore cannot strictly claim to be a less wasteful society than before. More effort will be needed to promote awareness and behavioral change.

70 Municipal solid waste generation, recovery & disposal Year 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Economic Growth(a) +7.1% +7.0% +6.4% +2.3% -2.6% +7.0% +5.0% Population Increase(b) +0.4% +0.6% +0.9% +0.6% +0.2% +0.7% +0.7% (a) Based on the GDP growth in real terms updated by C&SD in February 2012. (b) Based on the mid-year population growth rates updated by C&SD in February 2012.

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Year (10 000 tonnes) Quantity of Municipal Solid 602 623 616 644 645 693 630 Waste - Generation(1) (+3.6%) (-1.0%) (+4.6%) (+0.1%) (+7.4%) (-9.1%) Quantity of Domestic Waste - 298 304 308 323 336 375 350 Generation(1) (+2.1%) (+1.3%) (+4.9%) (+4.0%) (+11.4%) (-6.7%) Quantity of Commercial & 255 266 282 321 309 319 280 Industrial Waste - (+4.1%) (+6.0%) (+14.1%) (-3.8%) (+3.1%) (-12.2%) Generation(1) Total Municipal Solid Waste 259 284 281 314 318 360 302 Recovered for Recycling (+9.7%) (-1.1%) (+11.8%) (+1.2%) (+13.3%) (-16.1%) Recovery rate of Municipal 43% 45% 46% 49% 49% 52% 48% Solid Waste Recovery rate of Domestic 16% 20% 24% 31% 35% 40% 38% Waste Recovery rate of Commercial 63% 63% 64% 67% 65% 66% 61% & Industrial Waste Quantity of Municipal Solid 343 339 335 330 327 333 328 Waste Disposal (-1.0%) (-1.0%) (-1.5%) (-0.9%) (+1.7%) (-1.3%) Quantity of Domestic Waste 250 242 233 223 220 224 218 Disposal (-2.8%) (-3.9%) (-4.3%) (-1.4%) (+2.0%) (-2.7%) Quantity of Commercial and 93 97 103 108 108 109 110 Industrial Waste Disposal (+3.8%) (+6.3%) (+4.9%) (+0.0%) (+1.1%) (+1.5%) (1) The generation quantity of municipal solid waste is the sum of disposal and recovery quantities. This figure is indicative and for reference only as the recovery quantity of the municipal solid waste cannot encompass all recycling activities. (2) Figures may not add up to total due to rounding off.

Per capita generation, recovery and disposal of municipal soild waste 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Year (kg/person/day) Per Capita Generation of 2.42 2.49 2.44 2.53 2.54 2.70 2.44 Municipal Solid Waste(1) Per Capita Recovery of 1.04 1.13 1.11 1.23 1.25 1.41 1.17 Municipal Solid Waste Recovery Rate of Municipal 43% 45% 46% 49% 49% 52% 48% Solid Waste

71 Per Capita Disposal of 1.38 1.35 1.33 1.30 1.29 1.30 1.27 Municipal Solid Waste Per Capita Disposal of 1.00 0.97 0.92 0.87 0.86 0.87 0.84 Domestic Waste Per Capita Disposal of 0.37 0.38 0.41 0.42 0.42 0.42 0.43 Commercial and Industrial Waste (1) The generation quantity of municipal solid waste is the sum of disposal and recovery quantities. This figure is indicative and for reference only as the recovery quantity of the municipal solid waste cannot encompass all recycling activities. (2) Figures may not add up to total due to rounding off.

Quantity of recovered recyclable materials (by type) 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 Year (thousand tonnes) Paper 908 1 003 1 102 1 091 1 027 1 195 1 278 Plastics 644 646 820 1 023 1 211 1 577 843 Ferrous metals 829 923 594(1) 793(1) 733(1) 566(1) 667(1) Non-ferrous metals 108 140 187 140 101 155 115 Glass 2 3 1 1 3 5 5 Rubber tyres 21(2) 22(2) 13(2) 7(2) 9(2) 10(2) 15(2) Textiles 15 26 15 10 16 20 11 Wood 14 19 21 18 17 17 18 Electrical and electronic 53 58 59 59 64 61 67 equipment Total 2 594 2 841 2 811 3 143 3 181 3 603 3 019 (1) Those originated from construction and renovation activities were excluded. (2) Quantity includes reuse, retreading and recycling of waste tyres. (3) Figures may not add up to total due to rounding off.

Construction Waste Reduction

Construction waste at landfills has been a major problem in Hong Kong for many years. In view of this, the EPD actively engages the The EPD and the construction industry industry through partnership programmes to promote green associations jointly published this construction. The EPD also provides a strong incentive to minimise practice guideline to waste generation through the Construction Waste Disposal help the industry to reduce waste and Charging Scheme, introduced in 2006. promote green construction. The scheme helps encourage the industry to separate and recycle waste or divert it to public fill (reclamation) sites. It also charges builders for depositing waste at landfills. Since it began, landfilled construction waste has dropped by about 50 per cent and there has been a narrower band of fluctuation in waste arisings. In 2011, 1.22 million tonnes of construction waste was landfilled, down 7 per cent from 2010.

72 Feature Article WATER Mission To achieve marine and fresh water quality objectives that will safeguard the health and welfare of the community and meet various conservation goals, by planning for the provision of sewage facilities, intervening in the planning process and enforcing the controls in the Water Pollution Control Ordinance and the Dumping At Sea Ordinance.

Downstream Benefits The Tale of Tsuen Wan’s Beaches Getting HATS Up and Running Looking Ahead

Implementing the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS) is the centrepiece of Hong Kong’s efforts to clean up Victoria Harbour. While this has improved water quality across the harbour, it is not a “magic bullet” solution. Many localised areas require complementary sewerage and other works that address site- specific problems. In fact, many of these areas include the one place where people tend to have direct contact with the sea: Hong

Kong’s beaches. Map showing the scopes of HATS Stage 1 and Stage 2A. More than 10 million visits are made to local beaches each year. ENLARGE For many years, people had to choose carefully which beach to visit because some had unhealthy levels of pollution. However, with HATS and other programmes, that has been changing. And in 2011, very encouraging news was received.

For the second year in a row, and the second time ever, the water at all 41 of Hong Kong’s gazetted beaches met the Environmental Protection Department’s (EPD) water quality objectives (WQOs). Moreover, the number of beaches graded “good” was the highest ever – 31, up from 23 in 2010 – and four beaches in Beaches are popular Tsuen Wan that were previously closed because in Hong Kong. of pollution were re-opened. The success story behind the Tsuen Wan beaches reflects the wider efforts being made to achieve cleaner water quality in all of Hong Kong’s waters.

73 The Tale of Tsuen Wan’s Beaches

Tsuen Wan encapsulates the water quality challenges that have faced Hong Kong as a whole over the years. It is highly urbanised with a population that has grown steadily over the decades, but it also has a number of villages in its hinterland that for years did not have sewer connections. At one stage it housed a lot of industry, which dumped untreated wastewater into local waters alongside sewage from residents. All these factors contributed to heavy water pollution loads, including at beaches.

Moreover, Tsuen Wan was also affected by untreated wastewater from a number of unsewered villages along the coastal Castle Peak Road. That wastewater was affecting beaches, causing poor and unstable water quality. As a result, seven beaches in Tsuen Wan were Pipe laying work for village public sewerage (left) and closed to swimmers for years. the Sham Tseng Sewage Treatment Works (right). The Government was committed to addressing the situation and providing Tsuen Wan’s residents with an important recreational outlet. It has acted across multiple fronts, starting with a lot of spade work to build new sewers, trunk sewers and localised sewage treatment works. Tsuen Wan’s coastal water quality has benefitted from the operations of the Advance Disinfection Facilities at In 2005, the Sham Tseng Sewage Treatment Works the SCISTW. including disinfection facilities started operating with the capacity to provide chemically-enhanced primary treatment for a population of 39 000 from Approach Bay to Tsing Lung Tau along Castle Peak Road. By 2007, 10 kilometres of trunk sewers had been built to the sewage treatment plant and by 2010 about seven kilometres of village public sewerage and pumping stations were completed. Unsewered properties are progressively being connected to these systems.

These local-level measures have been met at the territorial level by a project to reduce the impact of effluent from Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works (SCISTW), the main treatment facility for HATS, on Tsuen Wan’s coastal waters. In 2010, the Advance Disinfection Facilities at SCISTW were brought forward for full commissioning to remove at least 99 per cent of bacteria from the treated effluent.

The collective result of these measures is that water quality in the seven closed beaches at Tsuen Wan met the WQOs in 2010 for the first time. This led to four beaches – Approach, Casam, Hoi Mei Wan and Lido – being reopened to bathers in June 2011. The other three beaches, Anglers, Gemini and Ting Kau, are expected to be re-opened in 2013 after improvement works to beach facilities are carried out.

A similar unfolding of events can be seen across Hong Kong. Over the years water quality at all of our beaches has steadily improved. In 1997, for instance, only 26 beaches (63 per cent) met the WQOs, as opposed to 100 per cent in 2010 and 2011. The EPD will continue to monitor beach water quality to ensure it meets our health-based standards. At the same time, we are working to secure long-term clean waters across all of Hong Kong.

74 Lido Beach, previously closed to swimmers, was one of four Tsuen Wan beaches reopened in June 2011.

SEE DATA

Getting HATS Up and Running

HATS Stage 1 has been running successfully for a decade and treats 75 per cent of the sewage from the harbour catchment in Kowloon and north- eastern Hong Kong Island with chemically-enhanced primary treatment. However, that is not enough to ensure clean waters in the long-term. The rest of the strategy must be completed. Stage 2A, which is under construction, will collect and treat the remaining 25 per cent of the sewage from the harbour catchment in the northern and south-western parts of Construction of Stage 2A of the Hong Kong Island starting from 2014. Stage 2B, which is still under HATS programme gets planning, proposes a higher level of treatment – biological treatment – to underway. sustain the achievements of the early stages.

A study to review Stage 2B commenced in 2010. It will help to decide the implementation programme of Stage 2B, taking into account water quality and sewage flow. In the meantime, preparatory measures have been taken to ensure there is land available for the biological treatment plant when the time comes for its construction. In 2011, town planning approval Enjoying the attractions of the was obtained to rezone a piece of land on Stonecutters Island for this seaside. plant.

Victoria Harbour is often called Hong Kong’s most treasured natural resource, but not far behind it are the city’s outdoor recreational areas, such as beaches. Hong Kong residents and visitors have a deep appreciation of the easy access to the sea here, whether standing alongside the harbour or frolicking in beach waters. The sea is part of the city’s lifeblood and the Government is continuing to work towards ensuring it maintains a healthy flow.

Looking Ahead Stage 2A of the Harbour Area Treatment Scheme will continue to be implemented, aiming for completion in 2014. Efforts will continue to be made to ensure that our existing water quality objectives are up-to-date.

75 Topical Issues WATER Topical Issues Beach Grading System Connecting Villages Elsewhere

Beach Grading System

Hong Kong applies four grades to beach water quality, based on E. coli levels. Beaches at Grade 1 are “Good” and have a geometric mean E. coli level of 24 counts per 100 mL or below. Grade 2 beaches are “Fair” and have between 25 and 180 counts per 100 mL. Grade 3 beaches are “Poor” and have between 181 and 610 counts per 100 mL. Grade 4 means beach water quality

is “Very Poor” and has a geometric mean E. coli level Compliance with WQOs at Hong Kong’s gazetted exceeding 610 counts per 100 mL, or the last E. coli beaches is much better today. reading exceeded a threshold figure irrespective of the geometric mean. This corresponds to a swimming-associated illness rate of more than 15 cases per 1 000 swimmers and means the water is generally considered not suitable for swimming.

Improvement works over the years have resulted in a steady rise in Hong Kong’s beach water quality. All 41 gazetted beaches now meet the water quality objectives and in 2011 76 per cent (31 in total) achieved an annual “Good” ranking.

Connecting Villages Elsewhere

Hong Kong has hundreds of villages and for many years they disposed of their sewage by dumping it in rivers and streams. The dirty water flowed into the sea, polluting waters there including at beaches. This problem has led to on-going work to connect villages and village houses to proper sewers and sewage treatment works and stop them from polluting the water.

The village sewerage programme began in the 1990s. It is an intensive and meticulous process, requiring physical inspection, the management of constraints such as lack of space, construction work and the support of villagers. Public sewers are laid and owners of Sewer connection village houses are then required to connect construction work outside village their premises to the sewers. By the end of houses. 2011, 6 300 village houses in about 140 villages had been connected to the public sewer system, improving not only water quality in their vicinity but also sanitation for local residents.

76 Feature Article NATURE CONSERVATION Mission To conserve natural resources and the bio-diversity of Hong Kong in a sustainable manner, taking into account social and economic considerations, for the benefit of the present and future generations of the community.

Preserving Our Natural Wonders Global Geopark Pockets of Interest Looking Ahead

Hong Kong is famous for the spectacular abundance of soaring skyscrapers crammed along its shores. Yet it is just as remarkable for its natural environment – hillsides rising sheer from the water, deep green valleys and long sandy beaches. The Government has been working ever harder to preserve these precious places and ensure that Hong Kong remains a place of both natural and man-made wonder.

Our nature conservation policy aims to regulate, protect and manage natural resources that are important for the conservation of biological diversity in Hong Kong. We seek to do this in a sustainable manner, taking into account social and economic considerations, and in 2011 we saw important progress in our efforts.

Two achievements related to international recognition: Hong Kong’s geopark was accepted as part of the UN-backed Global Geoparks Network and renamed the Hong Kong Global Geopark of China, and the international Convention on Biological Diversity and the accompanying Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety were extended to Hong Kong. On a more local level, we undertook to clarify the position of country park enclaves, which are pockets of land within or near the country parks that are not part of the country parks system but have conservation value in their own right. These enclaves will be examined individually and either be incorporated into country parks or undergo statutory planning to meet conservation and social development needs.

Double Haven (left) and Ma On Shan Country Park (right) are examples of Hong Kong’s natural wonders.

77 Global Geopark

The undulating surfaces, rich colours and rocky pillars and columns that characterise some of Hong Kong’s coastlines offer a window into prehistoric times and the geological history of the region. Such sites have gained increasing international importance since 2004, when the United Nations launched the concept of “geopark” to protect geological sites of special scientific significance, rarity or beauty that also have high archaeological, ecological, historical or cultural value. The Government realised our rocky landforms could fit these criteria and, after commissioning a feasibility study, established the Hong Kong Geopark in Sai Kung and Hong Kong’s northeast in 2009.

The Geopark quickly achieved national status by the Ministry of Land and Resources and it has become a popular attraction in the The hexagonal volcanic rock columns in community. It comprises eight “geosites” that in 2011 received more Sai Kung (top) and Tung Ping Chau than 1.5 million visitors, thus helping to achieve one of the key goals Marine Park in Hong Kong’s northeast of the Geopark: to raise awareness about geology in the community. (bottom) are two of the geosites of the Hong Kong Global Geopark of China. That goal has been further enhanced by the provision of facilities where people can learn more about geo-features and geo- conservation, including a visitor’s centre, four geo-heritage centres and 10 geo-tour routes from both land and sea (see also Supporting Our Geopark for further details). The community has been deeply involved, including individuals, conservation groups, businesses and the Government, and this high degree of local engagement was one of the reasons why the Geopark gained international recognition in September 2011.

The Global Geoparks Network (GGN), which is supported by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), announced that month that it had accepted the newly-renamed Hong Kong Global Geopark of China as a member. The GGN has 87 members in 27 countries and grants membership based on the special geological features and landforms of the geopark, as well as on whether social and economic benefits are provided to the surrounding communities through the promotion of sustainable eco-tourism. The then Chief Executive, Mr Donald Tsang, underscored Hong Kong’s commitment to these aims at the official opening of the Hong Kong Global Geopark of China in 14 December 2011.

“The designation of Hong Kong Global Geopark of China is a worldwide recognition of our significant geological heritage. It also recognises the joint efforts of the Hong Kong community in conserving our precious geo-heritage,” he said.

“The uniqueness of our Geopark not only lies in its geological features, but also in its proximity to our metropolitan area. Holding this [launch] event here in the bustling district of Tsim Sha Tsui also reflects our mission to bring the Geopark to the community, to our tourists and to our friends around the world.

“This new global status is a strong encouragement for us all to better understand, appreciate and conserve our natural environment.”

The Geopark has become a new icon of Hong Kong’s rich and varied landscape where the majesty of nature sits strikingly close to the heart of a dense and vibrant urban environment.

78 Children perform a show at the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Global Geopark of China (left) and study a model displayed at its visitor centre (right).

Pockets of Interest

Some 40 per cent of Hong Kong’s total land area has been designated as country parks and special areas for nature conservation, outdoor recreation and nature education. The 24 country parks and 22 special areas provide extensive hiking trails, barbecue, picnic and camp sites and visitors’ centres which attracted over 13 million visitors in 2011.

Within the country parks, though, there are 77 “enclaves” – areas surrounded by or adjacent to country parks but not part of the Barbecue, picnic and camp sites as well as hiking trails are featured in many country parks themselves. These enclaves include both privately-owned parks and special areas in Hong Kong to and Government land, and some of them have high conservation serve public outdoor recreation needs. value. In order to protect such sites, the 2010 Policy Address announced that the enclaves would either be incorporated into the country parks or undergo statutory planning procedures to determine their proper uses.

Town planning measures have now been applied to 42 of the enclaves and steps were taken to promote conservation in the remainder. The Environment and Conservation Fund announced Hiking in the natural environment of the that its Management Agreement scheme (see Conservation by Shing Mun Country Park. Managing the Land for further details), which provides funding to enhance the conservation of ecologically important sites under private ownership, would be extended to the country park enclaves and private land in country parks.

These measures underscore the community’s commitment to preserve its beautiful natural environment. Hong Kong may be a crowded city with huge pressures on land, but the Government recognises the value in co-existing with nature and ensuring the city stays much more than an urban jungle.

Looking Ahead A sixth “sister arrangement” will be signed between the Hong Kong National Geopark and Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark in Britain. The Global Geopark E-Classroom will be developed. The programme will enable online, real time presentations on geoparks to be delivered to people around the world.

79 Topical Issues NATURE CONSERVATION Topical Issues Supporting Our Geopark Conservation by Managing the Land Measures on Biological Diversity and Biosafety

Supporting Our Geopark

One of the hoped-for outcomes of a Geopark is that people will become more aware of the geological treasures in their community. Initiatives to support this goal in 2011 included:

Sister parks: A “sister arrangement” was signed with Germany’s Global Geopark Berstrasse-Odenwald to promote the sharing of information and management expertise, and to collaborate on tourism Young overseas visitors take promotion, research, education, training, a boat ride to one of Hong and raising public awareness about geo- Kong’s Geopark sites. conservation. Hong Kong Global Geopark previously signed similar arrangements with Yangdangshan Global Geopark, Kanawinka Global Geopark, English Riviera Global Geopark and Itoigawa Global Geopark. A group of young people from Japan’s Itoigawa Global Geopark also visited Hong Kong’s Geopark in 2011.

Exhibitions: Exhibitions were held during the year at museums and public venues to showcase Hong Kong’s Geopark through different painting styles and displays. Children are attracted to paintings of Hong Kong’s Geopark at an exhibition. Prehistoric room: The Prehistoric Story Room was opened in the Bank of China in Central, to bring the story The Prehistoric Story of Earth’s life history to more Room tells the story of people. It has displays of Earth’s life history and more than 100 fossils and displays related models. fossils.

80 Conservation by Managing the Land

The Government has two schemes to enhance the conservation of ecologically important sites under private ownership. Under the Management Agreement Scheme, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and landowners or tenants enter into an agreement to enhance the conservation of the sites. The NGOs, with support from the Environment and Conservation Fund, may provide landowners or tenants with financial incentives in exchange either for management rights over the land or their co- operation in enhancing conservation on the land. Three projects are being carried out at four sites and have been successful in their goal of balancing conservation with private ownership.

The Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Pilot Scheme allows participants to develop the ecologically less sensitive areas of a site while committing to long-term conservation of the more ecologically sensitive areas. One such project was proposed for Sha Lo Tung in 2008. The project was supported by the Advisory Council on the Environment from the conservation angle for onward submission to the statutory environmental impact assessment process and planning and land applications.

MA projects have been operating successfully to conserve ecologically important Sha Lo Tung is an ecologically important sites under private ownership in Fung Yuen (left) and Long Valley (right). site planned for the PPP Pilot Scheme.

Measures on Biological Diversity and Biosafety

The Convention on Biological Diversity, and the Cartegena Protocol on Biosafety to the Convention, were extended to Hong Kong in May 2011. The Convention has three main objectives: the conservation of biological diversity; the sustainable use of the components of biological diversity; and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the utilisation of genetic resources. The Protocol aims to ensure the safe handling, transport and use of genetically modified organisms resulting from modern biotechnology that may Numerous species of wildlife inhabit in have adverse effects on biological diversity. Hong Kong’s natural environment. The extension is a recognition of Hong Kong’s commitment to co-operate with the international community in protecting the natural environment. We brought our nature conservation policy and measures in line with the objectives of the Convention through the commencement of the Genetically Modified Organisms (Control of Release) Ordinance in March 2011.

81 Feature Article ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE Mission To serve the community through enforcing pollution control laws to safeguard people's health and welfare.

Pollution Control At Source Controlling Clinical Waste River Dance Looking Ahead

Environmental compliance work in Hong Kong is two- pronged. On the one hand, we provide the backbone to new anti-pollution laws and controls. We implement and enforce these measures and provide the “stick” behind the “carrot” of our supportive partnership initiatives with operators (see Customer Service and Partnerships for further details). An example of this kind of work was the introduction of clinical waste controls in 2011.

The other prong of our compliance work involves rectifying long-standing, community-based pollution problems through environmental improvement and enforcement measures. This can take some time to achieve. For example, in 2011 we made welcome progress in a two-decades-long effort to improve water quality and odour problems in the Tuen Mun River. That persistence is a hallmark of the strength of our commitment to environmental compliance.

Tuen Mun River and the Tuen Mun township.

Controlling Clinical Waste

Clinical waste is a concern both for the environment and public health and safety. Every year more than 2 000 tonnes of used or contaminated sharps (such as needles), unsterilised laboratory waste, human and animal tissues, infectious materials and dressings are produced from healthcare activities requiring disposal. Private clinics(left) and clinical waste commonly encountered (right).

82 In raising healthcare standard and minimizing risk to public health, the Government introduced the Clinical Waste Control Scheme in August 2011, which is backed up by legislative controls regulating the handling, collection and disposal of the waste. Clinical waste is segregated, properly packaged and Under the scheme, clinical waste should be properly labelled (left) for transportation (center) and disposal at segregated, packaged, sealed, stored, collected and CWTC (right). treated, There are about 8 000 clinical waste producers including big operators such as hospitals, government clinics and maternity homes, and small ones such as private medical and dental clinics (including Chinese medicine practitioners), medical and research laboratories, nursing homes and veterinary clinics. The movement of clinical wastes is monitored by a “trip About 5 500 waste consignments are produced each ticket” system. month.

Producers of clinical waste are required to arrange licensed collectors to collect and transport their waste to the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre (CWTC) for centralised disposal. Under specified conditions, healthcare professionals can also directly deliver a small quantity of clinical waste to CWTC for disposal. A “clinical waste trip ticket” system is used to monitor the movement of waste from the source to the disposal facility. Clinical Waste is transported in colour-coded and standardised transit skips on vehicles or marine vessels that are tracked realtime by GPS.

The CWTC has been modified to treat 15 tonnes of clinical waste per day, which are subject to high temperature incineration. Steps have been taken to reduce emissions of nitrogen oxides, sulphur dioxide and metals, and to meet current EU emission standards. Users of the facility would pay to have their waste treated there, at a rate of about $2.7 per kilogramme of waste.

In reaching out to healthcare providers and waste collectors, EPD held 36 sessions of talk in 2011 to promulgate proper practices and raise awareness about the control scheme. The combination of measures are also enforced through legislation that involves maximum fines of $50,000 to $200,000 upon conviction. The goal is to minimise public risk and elevate the quality of life in Hong Kong through excellent management of clinical waste.

EPD published two Codes of Practice to help the public to comply with the requirements of the Clinical Waste Control Scheme.

83 River Dance

The Tuen Mun River is a man-made channel that for years had man-made problems. The 4-kilometre river was created in the 1970s for flood control when the land to make Tuen Mun new town was reclaimed from the sea. About 500 000 people live along its catchment and over the years they dumped human, industrial and livestock waste into the river.

By the early 1990s the river was so heavily polluted that it supported almost no aquatic life. Dissolved oxygen (DO) in Tuen Mun river in the 1990s. particular was extremely low, only 1-2mg/L. It was around this time that a series of measures started being implemented that improved the water quality, although there were still lingering problems.

Livestock waste controls were phased in over several years

EPD field officers inspect storm manholes to trace during the 1990s, the Water Pollution Control Ordinance water pollution sources in Tuen Mun. began being applied in the area in 1992 to control industrial and other waste, and work was undertaken to rectify major expedient connections and sewerage problems. New dry weather flow interceptors were built to divert waste water away from the river, and new sewer mains started being built to previously unsewered villages.

All of these measures helped to improve DO levels and bring back life to the river, such as fish and egrets. However, the river was still smelly, creating a nuisance for residents. In 2007 the Tuen Mun River Beautification Scheme was announced, with odour control being one of the key objectives.

Since then, contaminated sediments have been dredged Improvements at Choi Yee Bridge Outfall from the riverbed, the Ho Pong Street Sewerage Pumping Station has been upgraded, and a new enforcement exercise was launched by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) to trace pollution sources. EPD staff inspected 4 000 storm manholes in 2010-11 and identified 180 pollution sources, 70 per cent of which were rectified by the end of 2011. One success in particular was the Before: A damaged After: The damaged identification of a damaged sewer within an industrial sewer causing pollution sewer repaired and building, which was causing major pollution discharges to discharges to the storm pollution discharges drain outfall at Choi Yee stopped. the storm drain outfall at Choi Yee Bridge. Bridge.

84 The result of these efforts has been significant improvement to the environment of the Tuen Mun River. Even more aquatic life has been observed in the area and the water quality at the lower reaches achieved an “excellent” grading for the first time. Significantly, the E.coli level has fallen by half to 1 500 counts per 100 mL. Tuen Mun River in the 2010s and its water quality monitoring results.

The work in Tuen Mun has not only involved tracing ENLARGE SEE DATA pollution. The EPD has collaborated with the Tuen Mun District Council to raise awareness, organise seminars and disseminate pamphlets and posters in the local community – every member of which ultimately benefits from the efforts to provide a cleaner, more pleasant river for residents and wildlife.

EPD representatives participate in a seminar organised by the Tuen Mun District Council.

Looking Ahead Work with providers of outreach community services to facilitate compliance with clinical waste controls, including training their frontline staff on handling clinical waste. Continue a rolling programme of awareness and education activities to promote the clinical waste control scheme to healthcare personnel and workers in the cleansing and recycling trades.

85 Topical Issues ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE Topical Issues Closed Beaches Re-open Pollution Complaints

Closed Beaches Re-open

Improvement works in Tsuen Wan, including anti-pollution enforcement, the building of sewerage and sewage treatment facilities and the opening of the Advance Disinfection Facility, led to the re-opening of four previously closed beaches in June 2011. The occasion was a welcome reminder of the positive benefits of water pollution control (see Water for further details).

Pollution Complaints

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) handled 20 178 Total no. of complaint cases pollution complaints in 2011 (21 915 if pollution complaints made to received police are included). This was down seven per cent from 2010 and continued a steady drop in complaints since 2007 when the total was 25 150 (27 531 including complaints to police). About one-fifth of complaints concerned vehicle emissions, a problem that is being addressed with new measures to tighten vehicle emission controls (see Air for further details).

Complaints to the EPD are handled by our Customer Service Centre (CSC), who was able to resolve about 37 per cent of complaints in ENLARGE SEE DATA 2011; the rest were referred to our regional or territorial offices for Pollution Complaints in 2011 follow-up. The CSC also handles enquiries and in 2011 received about 29 000 enquiries, of which 87 per cent were resolved by the Centre.

ENLARGE SEE DATA

(left)The EPD Customer Service Centre was awarded the Special Achievement in GIS by the leading GIS supplier ESRI, for the enhanced Pollution Complaint Management Modules system in its operations; (centre) EPD representative, Mr Dane Tsa, standing photo left, receives the award from ESRI president, Mr Jack Dangermond in July 2012; (right) a CSC operator is aided by GIS in handling a telephone complaint.

86 Feature Article ENERGY Mission To ensure reliable supplies of energy at reasonable prices, promote its efficient and safe use, and at the same time minimise the environmental impacts in the production and use of energy.

Lighting The Way Greener Light Bulbs External Lighting Issues in Hong Kong Making Progress: Energy Labels and the Building Energy Code Looking Ahead

Climate change brings us some unprecedented Trend and projection of climate changes in Hong Kong challenges, but there are things we in Hong Elements Trend Kong can do to make a difference and reduce Annual mean temperature +0.12 °C/decade our impacts on the environment. Efficient use of (1885 - 2011) cleaner energy can reduce our greenhouse gas Mean diurnal range -0.22 °C/decade emissions and thus our impact on climate (1947 - 2011) change. This is something within reach of Annual number of hot nights +3.9 nights/decade everyone, from households to building (1947 - 2011) managers to power companies. Annual number of cold days -2.2 days/decade The Government has been progressively rolling (1947 - 2011) out measures to promote energy efficiency for Annual rainfall +36 mm/decade certain products and sectors. In 2011 we paid (1947 - 2011) particular attention to lighting, which has on Annual number of +1.6 days/decade average accounted for about 15 per cent of thunderstorms days (1947 - 2011) total electricity consumption in Hong Kong over Annual number of heavy rain +0.3 days/decade the past decade. We consulted the public on a days (hourly rainfall > 30 mm) (1947 - 2011) proposal to restrict the sale of energy-inefficient Mean sea level (Victoria +28 mm/decade incandescent light bulbs, and consulted Harbour) (1954 - 2011) stakeholders on the guidelines for best practices in external lighting installations for further promulgation.

87 We also included new products to be Observation Projection Elements covered by our Mandatory Energy Efficiency (1980 - 1999) (2090 - 2099) Labelling Scheme, which helps customers Annual mean 23.1 °C 26.1 - 29.9 °C to identify greener products, and we moved temperature towards implementing the mandatory Annual number of hot 16 87 - 175 Building Energy Code in 2012. Promoting nights energy efficiency is a key policy objective of Annual number of very 9 29 - 131 the Government and we will continue to hot days pursue various initiatives to improve Hong Annual number of cold 17 0 - 5 Kong’s performance in this area. days Source: Hong Kong Observatory

Hong Kong’s skyline lit at night.

Greener Light Bulbs

Every person and enterprise in the city uses electric lights, but not all electric lights are the same. Incandescent light bulbs (ILBs), which have been in common use in Hong Kong for decades, are very energy-inefficient: 90 per cent of the consumed electricity is lost as heat and only 10 per cent is used for lighting. Fortunately, there are a number of more energy-efficient alternatives available in the market. In 2011 the Government held a three-month public consultation on a proposal to restrict the sale of energy- inefficient incandescent light bulbs.

The proposal takes into account overseas experience in phasing out ILBs and suggests several controls. These include prohibiting the supply of those lamps that cannot meet the minimum energy performance standard (MEPS) and regulating the supply of those Examples of ILBs ILBs that can meet the MEPS through a registration system. Suitable MEPS for Hong Kong would be determined with reference to overseas mandatory schemes.

ILBs come in a range of forms so initially, it is proposed to phase out the most popular types – non- reflector ILBs of 25 watts or above including General Lighting Service lamps, candle-shaped lamps, and round-shaped and other decorative lamps. Tungsten halogen lamps are not included in the proposal but may be covered over time.

Alternatives to non-reflector ILBs, such as compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) and the rapidly developing light-emitting diode (LED) technology, can achieve major electricity savings. CFLs can save around 75 per cent of electricity compared to ILBs and on average last up to six to eight times longer or more. If we do adopt the proposed restriction on ILBs and switch to more efficient alternatives, we would save up to 390 GWh per year in electricity consumption – or more than 6 per cent of the total electricity consumption for lighting – and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 273 000 tonnes.

88 There would be financial benefits, too. A family of four could save up to $440 in electricity bills each year by replacing ILBs with energy-efficient CFLs.

The Government is now consolidating the views and responses received in charting the way.

This domestic lighting Examples of CFL (left) fitting uses CFL for and LED (right) lamps. illumination.

External Lighting Issues in Hong Kong

The Government takes note of the concerns over external lighting issues in Hong Kong, including possible light nuisance and energy wastage problems. In 2011, a Task Force on External Lighting was set up to advise the Government, with members drawn from professional bodies, relevant trades and green groups. They will focus on forging a community consensus and advise on the way forward to tackle external lighting that may cause light nuisance and energy wastage problems.

Meanwhile, we also consulted relevant stakeholders on a set of Guidelines on Industry Best Practices for External Lighting Installations for promulgation in early 2012. The Guidelines outline good practices in the design, installation and operation of external lighting. Examples include switching off external lights after a certain time at night, using automatic controls, installing shields and other features to prevent light over-spilling to nearby residences and into the sky, avoiding video walls that directly face residents, using more energy- efficient lighting equipment, and reducing the glare impact on road users. It is the intention of the Government to make use of these Guidelines to encourage early action by stakeholders to minimize the problems that may be caused by external lighting.

The Task Force will continue to discuss the relevant issues. The Government will consider the Task Force’s recommendations and take follow-up actions as appropriate.

Making Progress: Energy Labels and the Building Energy Code

The Government is also making progress in its on-going programmes to reduce Hong Kong’s impact on climate change. Two of these programmes in particular stand out: energy labels on energy efficient electrical appliances and the Building Energy Code.

The Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme requires certain product categories to display an energy label to consumers. The energy labels show one of five grades for energy efficiency, with Grade 1 being the most efficient. The initial phase of the scheme covers refrigerating appliances, air- conditioners and compact fluorescent lamps, and has been fully implemented since November 2009. Dehumidifiers and washing machines were added to the scheme in the second phase from September 2011.

89 These are all common household products and together account for about 70 per cent of the annual electricity consumption in the residential sector. By helping customers to make greener choices, the two phases of the scheme are expected to save about 175 GWh in energy saving per year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 122 500 tonnes per year.

Mandatory implementation of the Building Energy Code (BEC) is another way of saving electricity. The BEC stipulates the minimum energy efficiency design standards for air-conditioning, electrical, lighting and lift & escalator installations. In 2012 the BEC will become mandatory for Energy labels displayed on an air-conditioner (top left), CFL (top right), refrigerating appliance (bottom most new buildings, as well as major retrofitting works in left), dehumidifier (bottom centre) and washing existing buildings, under the new Buildings Energy machine (bottom right). Efficiency Ordinance.

The ordinance requires all new buildings that receive approval to begin construction on or after 21 September 2012 to meet the minimum standards. This means projects being planned back in 2011 and early 2012 will need to comply with the statutory requirement. Commercial buildings and the commercial portion of composite buildings are also Commercial and residential required to undergo energy audits on their central building services buildings in Hong Kong are installations once every 10 years, and they have to display the audit dependent on electricity- results at their main entrance. Within a decade, the provisions in the new consuming building services ordinance are expected to save Hong Kong more than 2.8 billion kWh of systems, such as those for air- conditioning, electrical, lighting electricity and to reduce carbon dioxide emissions by more than 1.96 and lifts & escalators. million tonnes.

The Government is also encouraging owners of existing buildings to conduct energy-cum-carbon audits and implement energy efficiency projects. These are supported by two funding schemes totalling $450 million that have been set up by the Environment and Conservation Fund (also see Community Awareness). As of December 2011, 791 applications had been approved involving subsidies of $309 million, benefiting more than 5 300 buildings. The total electricity savings from these projects amount to 140 GWh per year and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by around 98 000 tonnes.

These measures all add up to substantial reductions in Hong Kong’s electricity consumption. We still need to continue to seek out cleaner forms of energy, but in the meantime, there are steps that everyone in the community can take to reduce their carbon footprint and their impacts on climate change.

90 Adopting a green lifestyle can help save energy and reduce impacts on climate change.

Looking Ahead The Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance will be brought into effect in September 2012. The Government will also regularly review and tighten the Building Energy Code having regard to technological advancement. The three-year Buildings Energy Efficiency Funding Schemes under the Environment and Conservation Fund will come due in April 2012 and its way forward will be reviewed. The first two phases of the District Cooling System in the Kai Tak Development will be implemented. Actions will be taken to address the possible light nuisance and energy wastage problems that may be caused by external lighting, having regard to the recommendations of the Task Force on External Lighting. The proposal to restrict the sale of energy-inefficient incandescent light bulbs will be taken forward, having regard to the outcome of the public consultation.

91 Topical Issues ENERGY Topical Issues Clean Energy Advances Steering Towards Electric

Clean Energy Advances

The Government is actively promoting the use of clean fuels under a Memorandum of Understanding signed with the National Energy Administration of China in 2008. In keeping with that agreement, CLP Power Hong Kong Ltd. and its Mainland counterparts are constructing the Second West-East Natural Gas Pipeline (Hong Kong Branch Line) to supply more natural gas to Hong Kong by the Gas-fired power plant at Black Point. end of 2012. The China Guangdong Nuclear power Holding Co. Ltd will also continue to supply nuclear electricity for a further 20 years under a renewal agreement signed in 2009. These measures will help Hong Kong to increase its use of cleaner and non-fossil fuel energy.

Steering Towards Electric

The number of electric vehicles (EVs) in Hong Kong has started to expand as the Government actively promotes their adoption. EVs of different models from various companies are now available in the Hong Kong Market. The Government itself is purchasing EVs and in the 2011-12 Budget announced that priority would be given to EVs when replacing Government vehicles over the next two years, subject to the availability of suitable models and operational needs. By 2013 the Government expects to purchase about 200 more EVs.

EVs need to be supported by a network of charging stations. The Government has charging stations in its car parks and the private sector has also begun installing these facilities. A one-stop shop to assist private operators in this task was launched in 2011. The two power companies and the property development sector also pledged to add 200 more charging facilities to bring the total to more than 500 by the end of the year.

The Government has given priority to selecting electric vehicles (left) to replace its vehicle fleet and it has installed charging stations (right) in its car parks.

92 Feature Article SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Mission To promote sustainable development in Hong Kong.

Encouraging The Community To See The Bigger Picture Public Engagement on ‘Combating Climate Change: Energy Saving and Carbon Emission Reduction in Buildings’ Possible Actions Looking Ahead

Sustainable development is a goal that most societies today strive toward at the government-level. But in order to succeed, it also needs community support. The Hong Kong Government has been working to raise awareness and encourage people to think more broadly about their role in sustainable development.

One of the most important ways by which we do this is through public engagement on key issues that are important to further developing Hong Kong into a sustainable metropolis. The Council for Sustainable Development (the SDC) was established in 2003 to advise the Government on priority areas for promoting sustainable development and to harness public opinion on key sustainability issues through a bottom-up, open, inclusive and stakeholder-led engagement process.

By 2011, four public engagements had been carried out, addressing solid waste management, renewable energy and urban living space; population policy; air quality; and building design to foster a quality and sustainable built environment. A fifth engagement was conducted in 2011 to address climate change at a level that connects to virtually every person in Hong Kong: energy use and carbon emissions from our buildings.

The Government’s sustainable development programme also involves working with schools to raise awareness and supporting projects that promote the concept in the community. By casting a wide net, it is hoped more people will be drawn into the effort to achieve a more sustainable development for Hong Kong.

Four public engagement processes have been held, addressing solid waste, renewable energy and urban living space (left); population policy (centre left); air quality (centre right); and building design to foster a quality and sustainable built environment (right).

93 Public Engagement on ‘Combating Climate Change: Energy Saving and Carbon Emission Reduction in Buildings’

Nearly 90 per cent of electricity consumption in Hong Kong takes place in buildings – to power air-conditioners, lights, household and office appliances and equipments, lifts and other building installations and systems. In terms of the main contributors to Hong Kong’s greenhouse gas emissions, buildings come out on top, contributing about 60 per cent of our total greenhouse gas emissions.

Reducing electricity consumption in buildings means changing the behaviour of building users – that is, everyone in Hong Kong. The latest public engagement by the SDC aimed to engage the whole community in identifying the best ways forward in this regard.

The engagement focused on maximising building energy efficiency through “demand-side management”. This means making the buildings themselves, the installations and appliances in them and the use of these facilities as energy efficient as possible so as to reduce electricity consumption and thus the carbon footprint.

The Government has already taken some steps in that direction. Regulations are in place that govern the overall thermal transfer value of buildings and make building services installations more energy efficient. There is also a Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MEELS) that governs five types of electrical appliances. These are good moves towards better energy efficiency, but there is still much room for improvement.

The Central Government Offices and the Legislative Council Complex at Tamar are built with state-of-the-art energy- efficient designs and technologies.

Possible Actions

The public engagement focused on two areas of discussion: systemic enhancement and facilitation in changing behaviour. The former aims to make the buildings and appliances more energy efficient, the latter to make people use them more efficiently.

Six possible actions were proposed for systemic enhancement:

To consider tightening the Building Energy Code, which sets minimum energy performance requirements for air-conditioning, lighting, electrical systems and lifts and escalators. Discussion focused particularly on tightening the energy performance of such buildings services installations and extending the Building Energy Code to other installations.

94 To consider providing recognition for buildings that achieve high energy efficiency. To explore extending the MEELS to other electrical appliances. To consider tightening up the energy efficiency grading levels for room air-conditioners and refrigerators under the MEELS. To explore phasing out energy-inefficient incandescent light bulbs. To explore phasing out energy-inefficient electrical installations and appliances.

As for behavioural change, five actions were proposed:

Promoting energy/carbon audits to priority building user groups such as government departments, public housing estates, large corporations and listed companies. Encouraging a better understanding of energy consumption, for example introducing electricity bills that show year-on-year comparisons of an individual unit’s consumption. Making more use of energy efficiency management systems, as a number of information technology products and intelligent building environmental management systems can help users to adopt more energy-efficient practices. Promoting the adoption of energy-efficient electrical appliances among the trades. Reviewing the electricity tariff structure.

The SDC facilitated discussion on these proposals through 28 public engagement events, including five regional forums, that were attended by some 1 300 stakeholders from the relevant trades, professional bodies, green groups, academia and the general public. Some 1 740 organisations and individuals provided feedback and submissions. There were also some 4 560 broadly identical returns A regional forum is held at New on one single issue in the engagement. The feedback and Territories East in August 2011. submissions will form the basis of the SDC’s recommendations on the way forward which will be made in a report to the Government in 2012.

Climate change is a complex global issue that requires every sector in society to work towards containing its impacts on humanity and the planet. There are large numbers of possible solutions, but identifying the best options for particular groups and circumstances requires that those groups be engaged in the process. By opening a dialogue with the community, it is hoped that we can devise solutions for Hong Kong's contributions to addressing the issue of climate change that are feasible and practical to implement.

Looking Ahead The SDC will present a report to the Government on the findings and recommendations from the public engagement on “Combating Climate Change: Energy Saving and Carbon Emission Reduction in Buildings”. The ninth round of applications to the Sustainable Development Fund will be launched. The award presentation ceremony for the Third Sustainable Development School Award Programme will be held and the next round of the Sustainable School Development School Award Programme and Sustainable Development School Outreach Programme will be organised.

95 Topical Issues SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT Topical Issues Carbon Calculator Seven New Sustainable Development Projects Supported Schools Get Low-Carbon Message Sustainability Assessment

Carbon Calculator

To help building users better understand their impacts on the environment, the SDC launched the web-based Carbon Manager in September 2011 – an online carbon management tool specially designed for Hong Kong conditions that calculates the carbon footprint of users.

The building user can input such information as their electricity consumption, floor space, number of nearby trees, town gas use, vehicle fuel use, etc., and the tool will calculate their energy consumption performance and provide relevant energy-saving and carbon-reducing recommendations. The energy performance is assessed with reference to the relevant building user group to which the user belongs.

The Carbon Manager has been developed by the Hong Kong Productivity Council under the commission of the SDC.

Seven New Sustainable Development Projects Supported

The Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) was set up in 2003 to provide funding for projects that promote sustainable development concepts and practices in the community. In 2011 the eighth round of the SDF saw a total of $7.3 million awarded to seven projects, several of which related to climate change. The projects are being implemented by academics and statutory and non-profit organisations and their titles include:

96 Enhancing the Role of the Travel Trade in Reducing Tourism’s Carbon Footprint (Hong Kong Polytechnic University); Carbon Footprint Management at Home for Sustainable Low-Carbon Living (City University of Hong Kong); Hong Kong Platforms (University of Hong Kong); Enhancing the Low-Carbon Competitive Advantage across the Manufacturing Sector of the Hong Kong Apparel Supply Chain through Effective Carbon Disclosure and Carbon Emission Reduction (Clothing Industry Training Authority); Sustainable Building Index (Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency); Moving the Construction Sector towards Sustainable Development: Industry Engagement in Developing Corporate Sustainability Guidebook for SMEs in the Construction Sector in Hong Kong (Business Environment Council); Educating for a Sustainable Future – a New Senior Secondary On-line Education Resource Library Based on Real-life Industry Experiences (Hong Kong Productivity Council).

Since 2003, the SDF has provided more than $42 million to 45 projects.

Schools Get Low-Carbon Message

Low-carbon living was promoted to schools through the SDC’s Sustainable Development School Outreach Programme and the Sustainable Development School Award Programme.

The School Outreach Programme offers sustainable development talks, workshops and school-based activities that are targeted at students, and in 2011, 60 schools were enrolled. The School Award Programme recognises schools that adopt sustainability practices on campus and promote the Students show their creative ideas in the Sustainable Development Wall Painting Design message to families and local communities; the third round of Competition. “The Most Creative Award” winner the Programme was organised in 2011 with 42 schools is pictured right and “The Most Effective participating. Message Award” is left.

Sustainability Assessment

The Government has a sustainability assessment (SA) system to integrate sustainability principles into the policy-making process. Overseen by the Environment Bureau’s Sustainable Development Division (SDD), all major initiatives of bureaux and departments are assessed under the SA system and their sustainability implications are required to be set out in submissions to the Policy Committee and the Executive Council and in public consultation documents. The SDD processed 165 SAs in 2011.

97 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We would like to thank the following persons and organisations for their contribution of photos (in alphabetical order):

Chang, Patrick (Mr)

Civil Engineering and Development Department

Drainage Services Department

Electrical and Mechanical Services Department

Highways Department

98 The Hongkong Electric Company Ltd

Information Services Department

Leisure and Cultural Services Department

MTR Corporation Ltd

Mok, Joseph (Mr)

99 FEEDBACK

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100 Annex ENLARGED IMAGES AND DATA

INTRODUCTION

WQO compliance in beach water in Hong Kong 1986-2011

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101 Annex WQO compliance in beach water in Hong Kong 1986-2011 Year WQO Compliance % 1986 74% 1987 65% 1988 65% 1989 78% 1990 83% 1991 78% 1992 75% 1993 68% 1994 68% 1995 59% 1996 66% 1997 63% 1998 78% 1999 85% 2000 85% 2001 83% 2002 80% 2003 83% 2004 83% 2005 83% 2006 83% 2007 83% 2008 83% 2009 93% 2010 100% 2011 100%

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102 Annex

Map showing schematic layout of sewage conveyance system constructed and implemented under HATS Stages 1 and 2A, and location of Biological Treatment Works under Stage 2B. BACK

103 Annex Air quality trends in Hong Kong 1999-2011

Annual Averages of air pollutant concentrations (μg/m3)

Year RSP NOx NO2 SO2 O3 (Ozone)# General Roadside General Roadside General Roadside General Roadside General 1999 52 91 114 452 57 99 18 27 34 2000 48 84 113 415 52 96 16 28 32 2001 51 80 112 386 55 99 16 19 36 2002 46 70 101 366 50 92 17 18 36 2003 54 76 102 346 53 95 17 17 40 2004 60 80 106 342 58 101 25 24 43 2005 55 75 103 356 52 96 22 22 35 2006 54 75 102 354 52 96 22 21 36 2007 55 73 99 336 53 97 21 22 37 2008 51 68 99 331 53 98 20 23 39 2009 47 61 88 314 50 110 14 14 43 2010 45 60 94 318 52 117 12 10 39 2011 48 61 91 326 53 122 13 12 41

# O3 (Ozone) is not measured at roadsides because of very low concentrations. BACK

104 Annex Quantity of Municipal Solid Waste Disposed 2005-2011

Quantity of Municipal Solid Waste Disposed (ten thousands Year tonnes) 2005 343 (0) 2006 339 (-1.0%) 2007 335 (-1.0%) 2008 330 (-1.5%) 2009 327 (-0.9%) 2010 333 (+1.7%) 2011 328 (-1.3%)

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105 Annex CROSS-BOUNDARY AND INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION

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106 Annex AIR

Breakdown of sources of air pollution in Hong Kong in 2010

Air Pollution SO2 NOx RSP VOC Public Electricity Generation 50% 25% 16% 1% Road Transport 1% 30% 21% 23% Navigation 48% 32% 36% 11% Civil Aviation 1% 4% 1% 1% Other Fuel Combustion 1% 9% 12% 3% Non-combustion 0% 0% 14% 61%

BACK Hong Kong’s emission reduction targets Emission Level Change in Emission Emission Emission Level 2010 (tonnes) Pollutant Level 1997-2010 Reduction Target 1997 (tonnes) (preliminary (preliminary figures) for 2010 figures)

SO2 82 000 35 500 -57% -40%

NOx 154 000 108 600 -30% -20% RSP 15 500 6 340 -59% -55% VOC 81 700 33 700 -59% -55%

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107 Annex Roadside air quality trends in Hong Kong 1999-2011

Pollutants (μg/m3) Year NOx RSP NO2 SO2 1999 452 91 99 27 2000 415 84 96 28 2001 386 80 99 19 2002 366 70 92 18 2003 346 76 95 17 2004 342 80 101 24 2005 356 75 96 22 2006 354 75 96 21 2007 336 73 97 22 2008 331 68 98 23 2009 314 61 110 14 2010 318 60 117 10 2011 326 61 122 12

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108 Annex

Remote sensing equipment detecting on-road vehicles emission levels (left) and chassis dynamometer testing vehicle compliance with statutory emission standards at designated vehicle emission testing centres (right), both help improve roadside air quality. BACK

109 Annex NOISE

First convictions 2002-2011

Year Individual Proprietors Bodies Corporate 2002 39 130 2003 30 71 2004 16 83 2005 7 52 2006 12 59 2007 12 37 2008 6 32 2009 11 45 2010 16 59 2011 15 42

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110 Annex Repeat convictions 2002-2011

Year Individual Proprietors Bodies Corporate 2002 1 68 2003 0 22 2004 0 13 2005 0 5 2006 0 10 2007 0 3 2008 0 4 2009 0 4 2010 1 2 2011 1 5

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111 Annex WASTE

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112 Annex Trend of sludge arisings 2010-2020

Year Sludge Volume (tonnes per day) 2010 804 2011 823 2012 900 2013 1 050 2014 1 400 2015 1 400 2016 1 400 2017 1 400 2018 1 500 2019 1 500 2020 1 500

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113 Annex WATER

Map showing the scopes of HATS Stage 1 and Stage 2A. BACK

114 Annex Annual beach rankings from 1997 to 2011 Number of Beaches in Each Rank Percentage of WQO-compliant Year Very Total Good Fair Poor beaches Poor 1997 10 16 12 3 63.4% 41 1998 16 16 8 1 78.0% 41 1999 22 13 6 0 85.4% 41 2000 21 14 6 0 85.4% 41 2001 21 13 5 2 82.9% 41 2002 23 10 2 6 80.5% 41 2003 23 11 1 6 82.9% 41 2004 25 9 5 2 82.9% 41 2005 23 11 1 6 82.9% 41 2006 22 12 5 2 82.9% 41 2007 25 9 7 0 82.9% 41 2008 24 10 7 0 82.9% 41 2009 23 15 3 0 92.7% 41 2010 23 18 0 0 100.0% 41 2011 31 10 0 0 100.0% 41

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115 Annex ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE

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116 Annex Tuen Mun River Water Quality E. coli (cfu/100 mL) Year Water Quality Index Annual Geometric Mean 1988 11.3 / 1989 12.4 555 293 1990 12.5 321 163 1991 11.7 63 963 1992 11.0 97 368 1993 8.3 31 391 1994 9.3 48 331 1995 6.6 29 351 1996 7.3 39 003 1997 5.4 20 831 1998 5.8 10 490 1999 5.8 7 375 2000 5.3 9 998 2001 5.7 31 394 2002 5.8 15 331 2003 5.3 6 508 2004 5.8 10 440 2005 5.1 5 463 2006 5.3 15 302 2007 4.9 5 098 2008 4.7 3 963 2009 5.0 2 947 2010 4.7 4 607 2011 4.2 1 499

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117 Annex Total no. of complaint cases received

Year No. of complaint cases 2007 27531 2008 25206 2009 24498 2010 23678 2011 21915

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118 Annex Pollution Complaints in 2011

Pollution Percentage Air 46% Noise 29% Water 8% Waste 15% Miscellaneous 2%

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