2016 Environmental Report

Development Bureau

2016 Environmental Report Development Bureau

Contents

1. Introduction

2. Environmental Policy

3. Key Responsibilities

4. Environmental Goal

5. Environmental Performance of Major Policy Programmes

5.1 Land Supply  Policy  Promoting Environmental Initiatives  Development Controls  Land Control and Lease Enforcement Measures

5.2 Land Use Planning  Policy  Improving Air Ventilation and Urban Climate  Conservation-related Zones  Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines  Pedestrian and Area Improvement Plans  Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030  Lantau Development  Enhancement Projects for the Harbourfront  Planning Enforcement against Unauthorised Developments  Developments in the New Territories

5.3 Building Design and Maintenance  Policy and Vision  Green Building  Promoting Proper Maintenance of Existing Buildings

5.4 Urban Renewal  Policy  Work of the Urban Renewal Authority

5.5 Revitalising Industrial Buildings

5.6 Water Quality and Conservation  Conservation of Fresh Water

5.7 Energy Efficiency and Conservation  Water-cooled Air-conditioning Systems

5.8 Minimising Environmental Impact by Public Works Policies  Green Procurement in Public Works Projects  Control on Contractors’ Environmental Performance  Further Enhancement Measures and Low-carbon Construction

5.9 Greening, Landscape and Tree Management  Policy  Enhancement on the Quality of Landscape Design and Promotion of New Greening Technologies  Development of Professional Expertise, Public Education and Community Involvement  Urban Forestry  Targets for 2017

5.10 Heritage Conservation  Policy Statement  Current Framework of Heritage Conservation  Progress of Heritage Conservation Initiatives

5.11 Energizing Kowloon East  Policy  Facilitation of Transformation Process

6. Green Office Management  Managing Paper Consumption  Managing Energy Consumption  Green Purchasing  Staff Awareness

7. Views and Suggestions 4

1. INTRODUCTION

This report covers the Year 2016 on the environmental performance of the Planning and Lands Branch (PLB) and Works Branch (WB) of the Development Bureau (DEVB).

DEVB was established on 1 July 2007 following the reorganisation of the Government Secretariat’s Policy Bureaux. It consists of two policy branches: the PLB and the WB. The Secretary for Development (SDEV) is the head of the Bureau. He is assisted by the Permanent Secretary for Development (Planning and Lands) and the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works). PLB oversees the operation of four departments, namely Planning Department, Buildings Department, Lands Department and Land Registry; while WB is responsible for the operation of five departments, namely Architectural Services Department, Civil Engineering and Development Department, Drainage Services Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and Water Supplies Department.

2. ENVIRONMENTAL POLICY

We support the HKSAR Government’s initiatives to improve the environment by:

 ensuring that sustainable development is the starting-point of all our planning work for the development of Hong Kong;

 making available sufficient land and associated infrastructure for activities that are essential for the sustainable development of Hong Kong;

 promoting the development of sustainable and energy efficient buildings and fostering a quality and sustainable built environment for Hong Kong;

 adopting a multi-pronged approach to promote timely maintenance of existing buildings, which helps prolong the overall life span of buildings, optimises the economic value of our scarce land resource and improves the living environment, all of which contribute to a sustainable living environment;

 requiring ourselves and our agents to minimise any possible environmental impacts in implementing public works;

 revitalising historical and heritage sites and buildings through sustainable approaches;

 promoting a holistic approach to greening, landscape and tree management with a view to achieving a sustainable urban environment in Hong Kong;

 promoting energy efficiency and savings, waste reduction, recovery and recycling, and less consumption of resources;

 minimising the production of environmental pollutants and/or nuisance; and

 developing a culture of environmental protection and awareness among staff members.

3. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

DEVB is responsible for policy matters on land supply and disposal; land use planning; building control and safety; land registration; urban renewal; revitalising industrial buildings; landscape and tree management; water supply; slope safety; flood prevention; development-related heritage conservation and various works policies such as procurement, construction management and standards, safety and environmental management. The major areas of policy responsibilities include:

 overseeing land policy and the related legislation, land sale and disposal;

 managing land resumption and clearance compensation, and coordinating land use for potentially hazardous installation;

 overseeing land use planning policy and the related legislation, and issues on territorial, sub-regional and district planning;

 coordinating the overall planning of Lantau and maintaining close liaison with mainland authorities on cross-boundary planning issues;

 overseeing building control and safety and land registration, supporting timely building maintenance and encouraging innovative and environmentally friendly building design;

 implementing the Urban Renewal Strategy and overseeing the operation of the Urban Renewal Authority (URA);

 optimising the use of industrial buildings to meet Hong Kong’s changing economic and social needs;

 ensuring the provision of a reliable, adequate and quality water supply and an efficient water supply service;

 ensuring effective planning, management and implementation of public infrastructure development and works programmes in a safe, environmentally responsible, timely and cost-effective manner and maintaining high quality and standards;

 ensuring a high standard of slope safety, and greener and visually more attractive slope appearance;

 expediting the transformation of Kowloon East into an additional core business district to support Hong Kong’s economic development;

 alleviating the risk of flooding and incorporating environmentally friendly measures in river widening works and channel design;

 uplifting the quality of the living environment by promoting sustainable urban landscape and tree management; and

 protecting, conserving and revitalising historical and heritage sites and buildings through sustainable approaches for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations.

4. ENVIRONMENTAL GOAL

Our goal is for all developments in Hong Kong to be guided by principles of sustainability in order to balance social, economic and environmental needs, with a view to providing a high quality living environment for both the present and future generations of Hong Kong.

5. ENVIRONMENTAL PERFORMANCE OF MAJOR POLICY PROGRAMMES

5.1 Land Supply

Policy

Our land policy is to optimise the use of land within a framework set by land use zoning. When government land becomes available for disposal, it is, where appropriate, disposed of to the private sector or allocated to bureaux/departments for permanent development according to the plans/schemes approved under the statutory planning framework.

To this end, we are committed to increasing land supply to meet the demand of both the private and public sectors and to facilitate community and infrastructural development that are essential to the long-term social and economic development of Hong Kong.

To implement our land policy, we seek to achieve the optimal use of land resources and maintain an effective land administration system.

Promoting Environmental Initiatives

Through conscientious drafting of lease conditions in land grants, land exchanges and lease modifications, and engineering conditions in the allocation of government land to bureaux/departments, we provide one of the vehicles whereby the Government may implement its environmental initiatives. Examples include imposition of mandatory requirements for the provision of Liquefied Petroleum Gas filling facilities in petrol filling station leases where appropriate, identification of suitable sites for the waste recycling industry in conjunction with the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), provision of off-street bicycle parking spaces, and incorporation of the “Tree Preservation Clause” and the “Tree Maintenance Clause” in the existing and new short-term tenancies.

Development Controls

As a positive response to public aspirations for a quality city environment and increasing concerns about excessive development intensity, we reviewed individual sites for sale in the 2016-17 Land Sale Programme. For every site included in the Land Sale Programme, we examined the particulars of each site carefully and specified in the Conditions of Sale the maximum Gross Floor Area (GFA)/plot ratio and building height limit, as well as, where appropriate, 10 other development restrictions, such as site coverage limit, non-building areas, etc. Where necessary, we also conducted air ventilation assessme n t (AVA) to assess the impact of the development on the pedestrian wind environment and included the relevant restrictions in the Conditions of Sale for the sites concerned to ensure that the air ventilation impact on their surrounding area would not be unacceptable. In other circumstances where it was considered appropriate, the purchasers of the sale sites were required under the Conditions of Sale to carry out environmental-related assessments such as noise and air impact assessments. Where required, pre-land sale tree surveys were conducted to identify trees of particular value for special attention and suitable requirements would be included in the Conditions of Sale.

Land Control and Lease Enforcement Measures

To improve the environmental conditions of all unallocated government land and private land, the Lands Department (LandsD) has implemented effective land control and lease enforcement measures. During 2016, LandsD handled 2 140 lease enforcement cases against private land owners in respect of nuisances, erection of structures or conversion of uses not permissible under the leases. In the same year, 57 680 Government Land Notices under the Land (Miscellaneous Provisions) Ordinance, Cap. 28 were posted for the clearance of unauthorised dumping or occupation of government land.

5.2 Land Use Planning

Policy

We oversee the process of land use planning to achieve optimum and sustainable use of land, with the aim of making Hong Kong a better place in which to work and live. To this end, we continued to take various actions in 2016 to upgrade urban design, enhance the vista of buildings and improve air ventilation to generally provide a better living environment. Based on the principle of sustainable development, we also took forward initiatives on pedestrian planning and area improvement, and embarked on the planning work for new areas for development (including New Development Areas (NDAs) and New Town Extensions).

Improving Air Ventilation and Urban Climate

There is growing community aspiration for a better living environment. In recent years, the public has expressed concern about developments of high intensity and compact building bulk, which have visual and air ventilation impacts on the surrounding areas and are commonly called “wall buildings”. The public has also called for measures to prevent developments from creating “wall effect”.

We have examined the practicality of stipulating AVA as one of the considerations for all major development and redevelopment proposals in future planning. A “Feasibility Study for Establishment of AVA System” (AVA Study) was completed in late 2005. The performance-based AVA methodology and a set of qualitative guidelines to achieve better air ventilation objectives were incorporated into the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) and promulgated in August 2006.

In July 2006, the then Housing, Planning and Lands Bureau and the then Environment, Transport and Works Bureau jointly issued a Technical Circular on AVAs. Proponent bureaux/departments or authorities responsible for major government projects are required to undertake AVA to ensure that air ventilation impact is given due consideration in the planning and design of the projects. We also encourage quasi-governmental organisations and the private sector to conduct AVA in the planning and design of their projects on a voluntary basis. In the case of redevelopment projects, URA has adopted the guidelines set out in the Technical Circular and conducts AVA for its large-scale projects under planning. For railway property development, the MTR Corporation Limited would take into account the Government’s guidelines on air ventilation in the planning and design of the projects, and conduct AVA for projects yet to be approved, where required.

The Government has observed the Technical Circular and conducted AVA where necessary for new public housing sites as well as individual land sale sites in the Master List, and in reviewing Outline Zoning Plans (OZPs) and carrying out planning studies. Taking into account AVA findings, appropriate development parameters such as site coverage, maximum GFA/plot ratio, building height, podium size, non-building area, building set back, etc. would be specified in the Conditions of Sale of the sites, on the OZPs and in planning briefs.

To provide a more comprehensive and scientific basis for urban climatic consideration in town planning, a Feasibility Study on “Urban Climatic Map and Standards for Wind Environment” (UCM Study) was completed in 2012. Through technical investigation, including field measurement studies, wind tunnel benchmarking studies and users thermal comfort survey, etc., the Study has established an Urban Climatic Analysis Map, an Urban Climatic Planning Recommendation Map and a set of planning and design measures to improve urban climate. It also recommended a wind performance criterion for air ventilation, an alternative prescriptive approach with requirements on building permeability, ground coverage, building setback and greenery, as well as refinements to the current AVA system.

To enhance the quality of the site wind data as part of the refinements to the AVA system as recommended in the UCM Study, a new set of standardised and comprehensive site wind availability data was uploaded onto the Planning Department (PlanD)’s website in mid-2015. It provides all essential wind data as inputs to AVA for planning and development projects and facilitates analysis under both annual and summer wind conditions. In planning of NDAs, the Government also takes into consideration the recommended planning and design measures for pursuing incremental improvement of the urban wind environment. Urban climatic and air ventilation considerations have also been taken into account in forming key strategic directions in the “Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030” (Hong Kong 2030+) as well as the “Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2030+”.

The Government continues to take progressive steps to implement the UCM Study’s recommendations.

Conservation-related Zones

The scarcity of land and increasing development pressure impose threats on our natural environment. Zoning designation helps safeguard our natural environment against undesirable development in areas of high conservation value.

As at the end of 2016, about 11 900 hectares of land in the territory (or 19.57% of land within statutory plans) fell within the following 13 conservation-related zones on the relevant statutory plans: “Conservation Area”, “Site of Special Scientific Interests”, “Country Park”, “Coastal Protection Area”, “Other Specified Uses” annotated “Comprehensive Development to include Wetland Restoration Area”, “Comprehensive Development and Wetland Protection Area” and “Comprehensive Development and Wetland Enhancement Area”.

Following the Chief Executive’s 2010-11 Policy Address, to forestall human damage, country park enclaves not yet covered by statutory plans would be either included into country parks, or have their proper uses determined through statutory planning. There are currently 77 country park enclaves, of which 23 have already been covered by OZPs before 2011. Amongst the remaining 54 country park enclaves, PlanD is responsible for preparing statutory plans to cover about half of them. PlanD completed the preparation of statutory town plans for enclaves in 2014, in that 22 Development Permission Area (DPA) plans covering 30 enclaves1 with an effective period of three years were gazetted. PlanD has taken steps to prepare OZPs to replace the DPA plans, except for Sai Wan which has already been designated as Country Park. There were 17 DPA plans replaced by OZPs as at end 2016. PlanD aims to complete all the remaining works on statutory plans for enclaves in 2017.

Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines

The HKPSG, comprising a total of 12 chapters, is a government manual of criteria for determining the scale, location and site requirements of various land uses and facilities. The purpose of the HKPSG is to provide specific standards and general guidelines to ensure that during the planning process, the Government will reserve adequate land to facilitate social and economic development and provide appropriate public facilities to meet the needs of the public. Apart from development purposes, the HKPSG also provides guidelines on environmental planning and conservation of our natural landscape, habitats, cultural heritage and townscape. The HKPSG is revised and updated from time to time to reflect and keep pace with government policies and the changing needs/aspirations of society.

1 They are Mau Ping, Mau Ping Lo Uk, Mau Ping San Uk and Wong Chuk Shan; Tin Fu Tsai; Sam A Tsuen; Siu Tan; Kop Tong, Mui Tsz Lam and Lai Chi Wo; So Lo Pun; Pak A; Tung A; Pak Lap; Pak Tam Au; To Kwa Peng; Ko Lau Wan, Mo Uk, Lam Uk, Lau Uk and Tse Uk; Sai Wan; Hoi Ha; Luk Wu, Upper Keung Shan, Lower Keung Shan, Cheung Ting and Hang Pui; Ngau Kwo Tin; Shui Mong Tin; Chek Keng; Yung Shue O; Yi O; Pak Sha O and Pak Sha O Ha Yeung; Kuk Po San Uk Ha, Kuk Po Lo Wai, Yi To, Sam To, Sze To and Ng To; Fung Hang; Yung Shue Au; Tai Tan, Uk Tau, Ko Tong and Ko Tong Ha Yeung; Chau Mei, Tai Tong, Chau Tau and Sha Tau; Cheung Sheung; Tai Ho and site near Wong Kung Tin; site near Ngau Wu Tok; as well as site near Tai Po Mei. 14

Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines

Pedestrian and Area Improvement Plans

PlanD has completed pedestrian plans for Causeway Bay, Kwun Tong, Tai Po Market and Central District, and area improvement plans (AIP) for Tsim Sha Tsui and Mong Kok with a view to bringing about an overall framework for improvement to congested urban areas. While some of the short-term pedestrian planning proposals have been completed, a number of the priority AIP projects are at various stages of implementation. The remaining pedestrian and AIP proposals would be taken forward for implementation under the existing mechanism and resource allocation system.

Landscaped Area at Ashley Road

Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030

The Government is carrying out an updating exercise of the territorial development strategy, which is known as Hong Kong 2030+. Hong Kong 2030+ provides a spatial framework to guide the future planning for Hong Kong beyond 2030. The update builds upon the foundation of the Hong Kong 2030: Planning Vision and Strategy published in 2007, with the vision for Hong Kong to become a liveable, competitive and sustainable Asia’s World City that underscores the overarching planning goal of championing sustainable development. To this end, three building blocks, namely planning for a 15 liveable high-density city, embracing new economic challenges and opportunities and creating capacity for sustainable growth, are proposed. A six-month public engagement exercise started in late October 2016. Strategic environment assessment (SEA) is in progress as part of the Hong Kong 2030+ study, with the aims to identify any environmental concerns early in the planning process, to evaluate the environmental performance of development scenarios, as well as to maximise environmental gain and ensure an acceptable environment in future. The updated territorial development strategy will be finalised taking into account the public views and findings of the technical assessments, including the SEA. The entire study is expected to be completed in 2018.

Public Engagement Booklet for Hong Kong 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy Transcending 2030

Lantau Development

The Lantau Development Advisory Committee (LanDAC) published its First-term Work Report entitled “Space for All” in January 2016, which sets out the vision, strategic positioning and planning principles for the development of Lantau, with initial proposals covering spatial planning and land use, conservation, strategic traffic and transport infrastructure, recreation and tourism, and social development, as well as short-term improvement measures.

In collaboration with LanDAC, we completed a three-month public engagement exercise in April 2016 to gauge the public views on Lantau development proposals with a view to developing Lantau into a smart and low-carbon community for living, work, business, leisure and study while balancing and enhancing development and conservation. As revealed by the 16 public views collected, the majority are in general supportive of the broad development direction of Lantau with “Development at the North; Conservation for the South”. Major economic and housing developments are proposed to be concentrated in the northern part of Lantau and the proposed artificial islands to be formed at the central waters between Lantau and Hong Kong Island; while the predominant part of Lantau would be used for conservation, leisure, cultural and green tourism.

The Spatial Planning and Development Framework for Lantau

Taking into consideration the public views received and LanDAC’s proposals, we are preparing the “Sustainable Lantau Blueprint” providing, among others, a reference roadmap for exploring and implementing the development and conservative initiatives in Lantau. The blueprint is planned for promulgation in the first half of 2017.

Enhancement Projects for the Harbourfront

We are committed to protecting Victoria Harbour and beautifying the harbourfront. Subject to the actual circumstances of harbourfront sites, the Government is gradually constructing, through effective resources allocation, harbourfront promenades at both sides of Victoria Harbour to improve their accessibility for public enjoyment. In 2016, the Urban Design Study for the Wan Chai North and North Point Harbourfront Areas conducted stage 2 public engagement exercise between June and August to gather public views on the refined urban design framework, proposed harbourfront enhancement initiatives and a master layout plan. Separately, the Civil Engineering and Development Department (CEDD) continued its study to establish the technical feasibility of a boardwalk underneath the Island Eastern Corridor. In 2016, a two-stage community engagement exercise was launched to collect public views on the proposed boardwalk schemes.

The Government is working with the Harbourfront Commission to take harbourfront enhancement work to the next level. We will continue to work with the Commission to ensure that our planning, land use and urban design for the harbourfront are in line with our stated mission to protect the Victoria Harbour, and to enhance the harbourfront for the enjoyment of our residents and visitors with participation of the community.

Urban Design Study for the Wan Chai North and North Point Harbourfront Areas

Planning Enforcement against Unauthorised Developments

Unauthorised developments (UDs) have led to environmental degradation in the rural New Territories, and are causing nuisance to local communities. They have damaged the natural environment and also caused problems like flooding, air and water pollution, traffic congestion, sometimes even posing a threat to public safety. Planning enforcement and prosecution actions against UDs are therefore necessary to help prevent further degradation of the rural environment.

In 2016, 471 new UDs, including mainly open storage, container-related uses, vehicle parks and land/pond filling, were detected in the rural areas. The Planning Authority issued a total of 3 458 warning letters/reminders for 660 cases, 2 014 enforcement notices for 373 cases, 650 reinstatement notices for 100 cases and 2 319 compliance notices for 347 cases. A total of 171 notice recipients, who did not comply with the requirements of the notices, were prosecuted, convicted and fined. During the year, enforcement and prosecution actions resulted in the discontinuation of 335 UDs occupying 72 18 hectares of land, while another 35 UDs covering eight hectares of land were regularised through the planning application system.

During the year, PlanD organised roving exhibitions and the Outreach Programme to secondary schools to publicise, inter alia, the planning enforcement efforts.

Developments in the New Territories

NDAs in Kwu Tung North, Fanling North and Hung Shui Kiu

Kwu Tung North and Fanling North NDAs have followed the sustainable development principle, with emphasis on urban design and the adoption of environmentally friendly and energy saving measures. In response to the public’s aspirations for a better quality living environment, the final development proposals for the Kwu Tung North and Fanling North NDAs have accorded high priority to “green design”.

The Hung Shui Kiu area is characterised by the presence of large tracts of open storage and port back-up uses (generally known as “brownfield land”) intermingled with licenced structures, squatters and other temporary structures. Through comprehensive planning and provision of enhanced infrastructure, the Hung Shui Kiu NDA project will incorporate land occupied by brownfield and other uses including squatters and abandoned and spoilt farmland as part of the new town development, so as to transform the chaotic and damaged rural lands into optimal land uses. The NDA is also designed to be a green city with sustainable and energy saving strategies in respect of town planning, urban design, green transportation and infrastructure to achieve environmental efficiency, carbon emission reduction and sustainable living. The Hung Shui Kiu NDA Planning and Engineering Study has adopted an open and collaborative three-stage community engagement programme to incorporate public views into the planning and design of the NDA. In September 2016, the Revised Recommended Outline Development Plan which had taken into account the public views and was supported by technical assessments was promulgated. The Environmental Impact Assessment report which confirmed the environmental acceptability of the development proposals was approved in December 2016.

The Future Regional Economic and Civic Hub around the Proposed Railway Station in Hung Shui Kiu NDA

Planning and Engineering Study for Housing Sites in Yuen Long South

The planning and engineering study for Yuen Long South is to examine and optimise the development potential of the degraded brownfield land for housing purpose and other uses with supporting infrastructure and community facilities. The study will explore measures for creating a sustainable and liveable community in Yuen Long South as an extension of Yuen Long New Town.

Stage 3 Community Engagement on the Draft Recommended Outline Development Plan was completed in April 2016.

Taking account of the public comments received in Stage 3 Community Engagement and the technical assessments, the Draft Recommended Outline Development Plan is being revised. Environmental Impact Assessment is being undertaken to confirm the environmental acceptability of the development proposals.

Artist Impression of the Future Revitalised Nullah in Yuen Long South

The Planning and Engineering Study on Tung Chung New Town Extension

The Planning and Engineering Study on Tung Chung New Town Extension was completed in 2016, with the Environmental Impact Assessment report approved by the Director of Environmental Protection with conditions in April 2016. The Tung Chung New Town Extension comprises Tung Chung East and Tung Chung West. About 49 400 flats will be provided in the extension area and the first population intake is expected by end of 2023 at the earliest. A commercial hub with a gross floor area of about 877 000m2 for office, retail and hotel uses is also proposed in Tung Chung East, and it is expected that some 40 000 job opportunities could be created. Tung Chung East extension will be predominantly reclamation area. We propose to build the eco-shoreline by using reef balls to increase habitat in front of a seawall so as to provide a better marine ecosystem. The landscape framework of the new town extension is designed to co-ordinate the proposed vibrant streetscapes, open space system, Central Green, town park and waterfront promenade to create strong linkages across the entire area and connect with the existing town centre.

Tung Chung East Extension

Tung Chung West will mainly be preserved and restored. An innovative sustainable drainage and flood prevention system with storm-water attenuation and treatment ponds is proposed in Tung Chung Valley to maintain the water quality of Tung Chung River and prevent flooding which would affect the developments along the river. A channelised section of Tung Chung River at the northeast of Shek Lau Po together with the immediate upstream section up to Shek Mun Kap Road will be revitalised into a river park for recreational use with a view to enhancing ecology and promoting water-friendly culture. The detailed design for Tung Chung East and Tung Chung West commenced in June and September 2016 respectively.

Storm-water Attenuation and Treatment Ponds in Tung Chung West 22

5.3 Building Design and Maintenance

Policy and Vision

Our vision is a safe and healthy built environment and an attractive city outlook worthy of a dynamic world-class city. We aim to achieve this through quality construction, proper building maintenance, clearance of illegal structures, public education and community participation in a culture of good building care.

Green Building

Private Buildings

In response to rising public concerns over the impact of building bulk and height on the built environment, we have since April 2011 introduced an enhanced package of measures to foster a quality and sustainable built environment. The measures include requiring new buildings to (i) undertake the Building Environmental Assessment Method (BEAM) Plus assessment by the Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC); (ii) comply with the sustainable building design guidelines promulgated by the Buildings Department (BD) on building setback, building separation and greenery coverage; (iii) provide energy consumption information; and (iv) meet the Residential Thermal Transfer Value standards for external walls and roofs of new residential (since April 2015) for seeking GFA concessions for their green/amenity features and non-mandatory/non-essential plant rooms. Since its implementation in April 2011, over 480 new building projects approved by BD have registered for the BEAM Plus assessment under the new GFA concessions policy. We will continue to monitor the effectiveness of these measures in promoting green buildings in Hong Kong.

Government Buildings

In April 2009, we promulgated a comprehensive target-based environmental performance framework jointly with the Environment Bureau (ENB) for new and existing government buildings with a view to promoting green buildings in Hong Kong. The targets under the framework were uplifted in early 2015. These include all newly-built government buildings of construction floor areas above 5 000m2 with central air-conditioning which are required to obtain the second highest grade or above under the BEAM Plus green building rating system conferred by HKGBC, and a new target of reducing a further 5% of electricity consumption of government buildings is set for the years from 2015-16 to 2019-20 under comparable operating conditions, using the electricity consumption in 2013-14 as the baseline. Since the launch 23 of the BEAM Plus green building label on 1 April 2010, over 90 government projects have been registered for the assessment.

We collaborated with the Construction Industry Council to develop the Zero Carbon Building (ZCB) in Kowloon Bay. The ZCB is the first of its kind in Hong Kong and comprises a zero carbon building and a landscape area. It aims to showcase the state-of-the-art eco-building design and technologies to the construction industry locally and internationally, and raise community awareness of low carbon living in Hong Kong. The ZCB started operation in end June 2012, and was officially opened to the public in December 2012. In 2015, the ZCB won the National Energy Globe Award Hong Kong, an international environmental accolade, from the Austria-based Energy Globe Foundation.

Promoting Proper Maintenance of Existing Buildings

Proper building management and timely maintenance of existing buildings help prolong the overall life span of buildings, optimise the economic value of our scarce land resource and improve the living environment, all of which contribute to a sustainable living environment. To this end, BD has been undertaking a multi-pronged approach in promoting proper maintenance of existing buildings, as detailed in the following paragraphs.

Mandatory Building and Window Inspection Schemes

The Mandatory Building Inspection Scheme (MBIS) and the Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme (MWIS) have been in operation since 2012. With the rationale of “prevention is better than cure”, the two schemes will help tackle the problem of building neglect at source. Owners of private buildings in Hong Kong (except domestic buildings not exceeding three storeys in height) that are aged 30 years or above and ten years or above respectively will be selected in turn to carry out prescribed inspection of the common parts, external walls, projections and signboards of the buildings under the MBIS, and of the windows in the building under the MWIS and, if necessary, to carry out prescribed repair.

To facilitate owners in need to comply with the statutory requirements, the Government has adjusted the number of new target buildings to be selected to better deploy resources to providing technical and financial support and attending to the needs of owners, in collaboration with our partner organisations. In particular, the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) and URA have jointly launched the Mandatory Building Inspection Subsidy Scheme (MBISS) since August 2012 to subsidise eligible owners the full cost (subject to a cap) of the first prescribed building inspection carried out by a registered inspector. As for repair works found necessary under the MBIS, building owners may apply 24 for financial assistance under the various existing schemes administered by HKHS, URA and BD.

Financial and Technical Assistance for Building Maintenance Works

To assist building owners in carrying out maintenance and repair works, BD administers the Building Safety Loan Scheme (BSLS) which provides loans to individual owners of private buildings who wish to obtain financial assistance in carrying out maintenance and repair works to reinstate or improve the safety conditions of their buildings and/or private slopes.

Besides, HKHS and URA also administer other schemes to provide financial and technical assistance to building owners to undertake building repair and maintenance works. Such include the Integrated Building Maintenance Assistance Scheme (IBMAS) administered by URA providing owners in need with one-stop financial assistance and technical support; the Building Maintenance Grant Scheme for Elderly Owners administered by HKHS which caters for the need of elderly owners, and the “Smart Tender” Building Rehabilitation Facilitating Services scheme administered by URA that strengthens technical support for property owners.

Enforcement Actions against Unauthorised Building Works and Building Dilapidation

BD has all along been taking enforcement action against both unauthorised building works (UBWs) and building dilapidation. BD has adopted since April 2011 a revised enforcement policy against UBWs, whereby the scope of UBWs that would be subject to priority enforcement was extended to include UBWs on rooftops and podiums, as well as in yards and lanes of buildings. Under the revised enforcement policy, BD issued 12 901 removal orders against UBWs and 969 repair/investigation orders on building dilapidation in 2016. 3 362 prosecutions have also been instigated by BD for outstanding removal orders of UBWs. In 2016, BD continued to implement the enhanced enforcement strategy against UBWs in New Territories Exempted Houses, and 529 removal orders were issued accordingly.

5.4 Urban Renewal

Policy

The purpose of urban renewal is to improve the living environment of residents in older urban areas while endeavouring to preserve local characteristics and social networks of the local community. It involves redeveloping dilapidated buildings, rehabilitating poorly maintained buildings, revitalising old districts, and preserving buildings of historical, cultural or architectural significance.

We formulate the overall urban renewal policy, and provide support and policy guidance to URA, a statutory body established in May 2001 to undertake urban renewal.

The Urban Renewal Strategy promulgated by the Government in February 2011 (the 2011 URS) is a government strategy to be undertaken by URA and all other stakeholders/participants involved in urban renewal to rejuvenate older urban areas by way of redevelopment, rehabilitation, revitalisation and heritage preservation. According to the 2011 URS, promoting sustainable development in the urban areas is one of the objectives of urban renewal.

Work of the Urban Renewal Authority

Under the 2011 URS, URA has adopted “Redevelopment” and “Rehabilitation” as its core businesses.

By end 2016, URA and its strategic partner, HKHS, had commenced a total of 60 redevelopment projects and three preservation-cum-revitalisation projects. URA also introduced a holistic and district-based approach for implementing its redevelopment projects in To Kwa Wan, so as to raise the quality of the environment and improve the road networks by enhancing the overall planning for the community.

To assist owners in need to inspect or rehabilitate their buildings, URA has been providing financial and technical assistance through Operation Building Bright (OBB), IBMAS, MBISS and “Smart Tender” Building Rehabilitation Facilitating Services. Since 1 July 2015, URA has taken over from HKHS and started to provide territory-wide service under IBMAS. A new subsidy known as the Green Items Subsidy has been introduced under IBMAS to encourage building owners to adopt recognised green materials or to install energy efficient building services systems in carrying out their building rehabilitation works.

URA continued with its revitalisation initiatives in 2016. One notable example was the revitalisation of the Central Market. In September 2015, URA decided to adopt a simplified scheme for revitalisation of the Central Market which would allow for earlier completion of this project for public enjoyment. The relevant planning and building approvals were obtained in 2016.

On the preservation front, in 2016, URA completed the third and final phases of renovation of building units it voluntarily acquired at the Prince Edward Road West revitalisation project and put them to adaptive re-use. In the same year, URA also completed necessary demolition works and commenced foundation works at the Shanghai Street/Argyle Street project.

Since the formalisation of its environmental policy in 2009, URA has been incorporating various environmental provisions in its redevelopment projects, seeking to improve energy efficiency of buildings, reduce water consumption and waste generation, and minimise environmental nuisances during construction and demolition. URA has championed the “modest design concept” at its Kai Tak development, emphasising practicality and durability. The Kai Tak development has won the Grand Award of Green Building Award 2016 for residential building category granted by HKGBC.

By end 2016, URA had received 14 BEAM Platinum Awards and 13 provisional green building awards for projects at the design and construction stages.

URA supports the Government’s policy to reduce the city’s carbon intensity and conducts an annual carbon audit in URA-owned and/or managed premises. The carbon audit of URA’s headquarters conducted in 2013-14 resulted in a 7% reduction in carbon emissions against the baseline level (for like-for-like comparison). In recognition of this effort, the Environmental Campaign Committee had awarded the Carbon Reduction Certificate to URA which would remain valid until 2017.

All of URA’s main offices have obtained the “Good Class” certificate under the Indoor Air Quality Certification Scheme for Offices and Public Places run by EPD and the Hong Kong Inspection Body Accreditation Scheme for the year of 2016.

In 2016, URA was also awarded a “Good Level” Wastewise Certificate by the Environmental Campaign Committee for its efforts in reducing paper and other waste and increasing recycling. 28

5.5 Revitalising Industrial Buildings

The package of measures to promote revitalisation of existing industrial buildings (“the revitalisation measures”) came into operation on 1 April 2010. The objective is to facilitate redevelopment and wholesale conversion of old industrial buildings with a view to providing more floor space to meet Hong Kong’s changing social and economic needs. In September 2011, we completed a mid-term review on the revitalisation measures, and subsequently introduced a number of refinements to allow more flexibility in wholesale conversion and encourage adoption of green building design and features in the converted buildings. We also extended the deadline of application for the revitalisation measures for three years, from 31 March 2013 to 31 March 2016. Further refinements to the revitalisation measures came into effect in February 2014. The refinements would help address certain difficulties currently faced by applicants of wholesale conversion and redevelopment of industrial buildings. These revitalisation measures ended on 31 March 2016.

Wholesale conversion of existing industrial buildings for more gainful uses is itself an environmentally friendly and sustainable way to provide suitable premises to support various social and economic activities, because this would help contain the generation of construction waste and thus extend the lifespan of landfills. We encourage wholesale conversion projects to go through BEAM Plus assessment by HKGBC. The BEAM Plus is Hong Kong’s unique assessment system for green building certification to enhance building environmental sustainability. The assessment would contribute to promoting healthy indoor environments, and reducing energy, water and resource consumption as well as carbon footprint of the proposed conversion projects.

The revitalisation measures help regenerate older industrial areas, inject new vibrancy into the local communities and create jobs. During the six-year period, a total of 248 applications were received under the revitalisation scheme for industrial buildings. As at end 2016, 143 applications had been approved, involving about 1.67 million m2 of converted or new floor space.

5.6 Water Quality and Conservation

Conservation of Fresh Water

In 2016, Hong Kong consumed about 987 million cubic metres (mcm) of fresh water. With anticipated population increase and economic growth, fresh water demand will likely rise to about 1 100 mcm in 2030. Even though our current water supply arrangement will be sufficient to meet our forecast demand in the coming years, it is prudent to enhance Hong Kong’s water security and resilience to uncertainties such as climate change. Furthermore, we would like to enhance Hong Kong’s role as a good partner to other municipalities in the Pearl River Delta in promoting sustainable use of water in the light of rapid growth of water demand in the region. Therefore, in 2008, we promulgated the Total Water Management (TWM) strategy, which will provide a firm foundation to sustain the use of our precious water resources. The strategy aims at containing the growth of water demand and developing new water resources to strengthen our water supply.

Hong Kong’s average daily per capita domestic fresh water consumption (excluding flushing) stands at a level of around 130 litres. We consider that there is possible scope for reduction in water consumption to be achieved through public education and promotion on water conservation. Early education is an effective means to inculcate the younger generation about adopting good water saving habits. Against this, our water conservation promotion thrust started at school education. Since 2009, the Water Supplies Department (WSD) has launched a series of educational programmes including school roadshows, school water audits and Water Conservation Ambassadors Selection Scheme to cultivate good water saving habits amongst school children and encourage them to promote water conversation to their peers and family members. In 2015-16 school year, WSD launched an integrated education programme (IEP) “Cherish Water Campus” for primary schools. The IEP integrates theory with practice to broaden the knowledge of students in water resources and raise their awareness of water conservation. By the end of 2016, over 200 schools have joined the programme.

Opened in 2012, WSD’s Water Resources Education Centre (WREC) in Mong Kok has attracted over 48 000 visitors, mainly from primary schools and non-profit organisations to learn more about the values of water resources and water conservation. To further promote the concepts of water conservation, we are constructing a new WREC with an expanded exhibition area for more new initiatives and in-depth materials covering various aspects of water conservation and water resources to cater for a wider spectrum of visitors of all ages from students to the general public. The new WREC is scheduled for opening in 2018-19.

As for promotion of water conservation to the general public at large, WSD has been organising roving exhibitions at shopping malls and housing estates in the territory. Since the implementation of the “Let’s Save 10L Water” campaign in March 2014, we have engaged about 140 000 households to pledge their support for using water wisely and saving of 10 litres of fresh water per day with the installation of complimentary flow controllers for taps to help save water in return. We have continued with the programme for the installation of flow controllers in public rental housing estates. Over 185 000 flow controllers had been installed in 85 000 households in 52 public rental housing estates. In November 2016, WSD held “Water Conservation Week 2016” under the theme “Save Water We Can”. The five-day event featured a rich variety of activities with the aim of encouraging further water conservation steps to be taken to build a community-based water saving culture.

Opening Ceremony of “Water Conservation Week 2016”

As regards non-domestic consumers, WSD has carried out retrofitting works to replace plumbing appurtenances with water saving devices, and has installed flow controllers to existing taps and showers in government venues and schools. WSD has also continued conducting water efficiency audits and developing best water-using guidelines for other selected government facilities (e.g. Correctional Services Department) and high water-consuming commercial trades (e.g. laundry).

Since 2009, WSD has implemented the voluntary Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) to encourage consumers to use appliances and equipment which conserve water. Up to end 2016, WELS has covered 31 showers for bathing, water taps, washing machines and urinal equipment, as well as flow controllers for showers and taps. To further promote the use of WELS products, WSD will launch the requirements for mandatory use of WELS products on 1 February 2017 with one-year grace period. Under the mandatory requirements, for all proposed plumbing works for kitchens of domestic premises as well as for bathrooms and toilets in all premises that involve installation of showers for bathing, water taps and urinal flushing valves, models of devices registered under the WELS should be used unless exemption is granted under special circumstances.

The substantial completion of the Water Mains Replacement and Rehabilitation (R&R) Programme to replace/rehabilitate about 3 000 km of aged water mains in end December 2015 has brought about significant improvement to the water supply networks. The number of water mains burst incidents has decreased substantially from the peak of over 2 500 cases in 2000 to 116 cases in 2016. The water mains leakage rate has also been reduced from exceeding 25% in 2000 to 15.2 % in 2016.

WSD is progressively establishing a Water Intelligent Network (WIN) for continuous monitoring of network performance in a holistic manner by utilising advanced technology. Under WIN, the networks will be divided into about 2 000 District Metering Areas (DMAs) installed with high-tech monitoring and sensing equipment. As at end 2016, some 970 DMAs had been set up. An intelligent network management computer system will be put in place for analysing the data collected for continuous monitoring of the conditions of the networks. When WIN is fully implemented, it will help determine the most effective network management measures (including active leakage detection and control, pressure management, quality and speedy repair, reprovisioning of aged water mains which are beyond economic repair, etc.) for maintaining the healthiness of the networks.

To save our precious fresh water resources, WSD has been supplying seawater for toilet flushing since 1950s. On average, it saves about 270 mcm of fresh water for flushing every year. Following completion of the infrastructures for the supply of seawater to Pok Fu Lam and North West New Territories (Tuen Mun East, Yuen Long and Tin Shui Wai), the population coverage has increased from 80% to 85%. Conversion of flushing supply to seawater in Tin Shui Wai was completed by end 2016 and the conversions in Pok Fu Lam, Tuen Mun East and Yuen Long are now underway.

On the supply side, alternative water resources that are not susceptible to climate change including seawater desalination and reclaimed water are being developed. Having completed the planning and investigation study on a proposed desalination plant in Tseung Kwan O, WSD has engaged a consultant in November 2015 to embark on the design of the plant with a water production capacity of about 135 million litres per day (Mld) expandable to 270 Mld to 32 meet 5% to 10% of the overall fresh water demand of Hong Kong. WSD also targets to effect the supply of reclaimed water to the north-eastern part of the New Territories progressively starting with Sheung Shui and Fanling from 2022 onwards. WSD has invited tenders for the associated infrastructures and construction works are targeted to commence in stages from the second quarter of 2017. Concurrently, WSD’s consultants are developing an appropriate financial and legal framework for the supply of reclaimed water to the public in Hong Kong. The estimated amount of fresh water that can be saved by supply of reclaimed water to the north-eastern part of the New Territories for toilet flushing is about 21 mcm per year after full commissioning.

To further ensure sustainable use of water resources, WSD has engaged consultants to conduct a comprehensive review of the current TWM strategy for timely introduction of new initiatives to further strengthen Hong Kong’s resilience and preparedness to future uncertainties and challenges.

5.7 Energy Efficiency and Conservation

Water-cooled Air-conditioning Systems

In collaboration with the relevant government departments, a scheme was introduced in June 2000 to promote the use of fresh water cooling towers (FWCTs) in water-cooled air-conditioning systems, namely the FWCT Scheme, which is more energy efficient than the conventional air-cooled air-conditioning systems. Up to end 2016, the number of designated areas for application to join the FWCT Scheme has been expanded to 115 as compared to the initial six in 2000. 1 040 applications have been received for joining the scheme and 696 installations (involving 2 255 FWCTs) have been completed and put into operation. The estimated annual energy saving of the completed installations is 458 million kilowatt-hour (kWh), equivalent to reduction of carbon dioxide emission of about 320 000 tonnes per year. It proves to be a promising way to improve the energy efficiency of air-conditioning systems.

5.8 Minimising Environmental Impact by Public Works Policies

The environmental issues associated with the construction industry are unique and complex. Notwithstanding these challenges, every practicable measure is taken to ensure that the environmental integrity of the projects under the Public Works Programme is continually preserved through improved management and enhanced controls. To achieve this objective, we have implemented a range of environmental improvement measures in public works projects, including the introduction of a systematic environmental management process, the application of more effective nuisance controls, the promotion of recycling and reduction of construction waste, the wider use of recycled aggregates, the improved requirements of site cleanliness and tidiness, and the enhanced tree preservation measures, etc.

We have set out comprehensive guidelines and procedures for conducting environmental impact assessment for projects falling outside the coverage of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, in order to attain the highest standard in environmental performance. Contractual provisions have been included in public works contracts to require contractors to adopt the best environmental site practices. We will continue to improve the design and construction planning of public works projects to further reduce their impact on the environment.

Specifically, we require, as part of our works policies, project proponents to prepare a Construction and Demolition Materials Management Plan for identifying and implementing measures to minimise the generation of construction waste and maximise its reuse/recycling through proper planning and design. We have applied the concepts of standardisation, simplification and single integrated element, and used prefabricated components during the design and construction stages of works. We have promulgated specifications to promote the use of recycled aggregates in filling works, road sub-base construction, concrete production, etc. Also, site hoardings and signboards are made of metal material to facilitate reuse. Moreover, we have stopped using tropical hard wood in falsework, formwork and other temporary works. We require public works contractors to prepare and implement an Environmental Management Plan (EMP) setting out effective measures to control nuisances such as air, noise and water pollution, and to minimise the generation of construction waste. The EMP also stipulates the need of on-site sorting of construction and demolition materials to facilitate recovery, reuse and recycling. The “Pay for Environment” scheme continues to encourage contractors to invest more resources in environmental management. The scheme is a good management tool for project teams to monitor contractors’ environmental performance. 35

Green Procurement in Public Works Projects

The Government is taking the lead in making Hong Kong a green city through a number of measures including the expansion of green procurement in the Government. In this connection, ENB has set up an Inter-departmental Working Group on Green Government Procurement. To encourage the wider use of green materials in public works projects, we have set up a Sub-group on Green Procurement in Public Works Projects under the above Inter-departmental Working Group to identify and monitor the use of green materials in public works projects and to formulate guidelines, policies and strategies to promote their use.

Under the framework for procurement of recycled and other green materials in public works projects promulgated in January 2011, works departments and the Housing Department have been using paving blocks with recycled waste glass as constituent material (eco-pavers) in road maintenance contracts and selected housing projects. From October 2010 to end 2016, about 1.175 million m2 of eco-pavers have been laid in both public works projects and housing projects which have used about 22 720 tonnes of recycled glass. Waste glass cullets have been used as fill materials in selected projects and the performance is being monitored.

We continue to use electric vehicles in public works contracts as far as practicable. 68 electric vehicles have been in service under the maintenance and capital works contracts awarded since 2012. Seven more electric vehicles are expected to be delivered progressively under various works contracts tendered in 2016.

Control on Contractors’ Environmental Performance

Contractors’ environmental performance has a major impact on the successful implementation of our environmental policies. In this regard, we have been monitoring and assessing the environmental performance of public works contractors, and regulating action in the form of suspension from tendering may be taken against any contractors with repeated convictions in environment-related offences or poor site hygiene.

Further Enhancement Measures and Low-carbon Construction

Environmental management is an ongoing task that needs tenacity, vigilance and foresight. To achieve this and to set an example for the construction industry to follow, we will continue to promote the use of green materials in public works projects, to promote good waste management practices and measures through public awards, in-house training and workshops, to review and refine the operation of environmental management measures on public works sites, and to strengthen and enhance the “trip ticket” 36 system. We are also preparing the implementation of the requirement that only public works contractors with certification for environmental management systems to the ISO 14001 standard shall be eligible for tendering in Group B and Group C public works contracts. The ISO 14001 certification will facilitate construction companies to ensure continual environmental improvement, comply with legislation, reduce environmental risks and liabilities, and enhance staff environmental awareness.

With a view to encouraging the use of non-road mobile machinery (NRMM) meeting the emission requirements under the EPD’s legislation and accelerating the phasing out of the non-compliant NRMM, we have promulgated requirements mandating the use of four types of NRMM approved under the legislation in new major capital works contracts in a progressive manner.

On-site activities including site offices and construction works are the largest contributor to the emissions in the construction projects. In this regard, we continued the green measures in 2016 for the reduction of carbon emissions in construction activities in public works projects. The use of B5 diesel (i.e. a blend of 95% Euro V diesel and 5% biodiesel) for all non-road based construction machinery is now a mandatory requirement for new public works projects. In addition, we have adopted the specifications for sustainable designs and green features in public works site offices with a view to promoting green site offices in new public works.

5.9 Greening, Landscape and Tree Management

Policy

The Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section (GLTMS) in DEVB will continue to improve the greening, landscape and tree management regime by promoting a holistic approach to enrich vegetation diversity and enhance overall “Place Ecology” of Hong Kong. To this end, we will enforce the principles of “Right Tree, Right Place” through developing the concepts of lifecycle planning for all trees. We will continue to deliver higher quality landscape planning and design in the upstream by adopting a multi-pronged approach and proactive strategy for enriching vegetation diversity; while undertaking more diligent vegetation management and maintenance in the downstream.

Enhancement on the Quality of Landscape Design and Promotion of New Greening Technologies

The GLTMS has continued formulating standards and guidelines on proper planting practices and guidelines to promote a holistic and sustainable approach to landscape design beyond just the aesthetic dimension, but also the environmental benefits that an enriched vegetated landscape can bring. The GLTMS will progressively introduce greater diversity of complementary species mix in our urban landscapes. A study commenced in 2016 with a view to formulating a practical tree selection guide for different typical street typologies, based on the underlying principle of “Right Tree, Right Place” and life-cycle planning of trees.

To promote landscape provisions in our dense and compact city, the GLTMS continued to organise promotional activities for the industry to enhance their knowledge on landscape technology, such as rooftop and vertical landscapes.

Development of Professional Expertise, Public Education and Community Involvement

The GLTMS also works to structure the education and practices of the arboriculture and horticulture industry and raise the industry’s professional standing. In 2016, the GLTMS helped form a Steering Committee of the Horticulture and Arboriculture Trade Confederation to facilitate industry communication and assisted the Arboriculture and Horticulture Industry Training Advisory Committee in developing a qualification framework.

Working with representatives of arboriculture and horticulture industry on positive capacity building

The GLTMS website (www.greening.gov.hk) was revamped in 2016 to provide a user-friendly and informative platform for knowledge-sharing as well as publicity of planting, landscape and tree management policies, best practices and design.

Urban Arboriculture presents the range of considerations faced by the arboricultural industry and tree management departments when undertaking tree risk assessment and management of our urban forestry assets.

To promote the enhancement of our urban landscape and living environment, a series of seminars were organised by the GLTMS in 2016. Topics included enhancing vegetation diversity, place making and street ecology, and a series of talks on urban and sustainable design. Seminars were held on ‘Tree Care before Wet Season’ for the public, in particular, the private property owners/managers to promote adoption of good practices and understanding of their responsibilities in the management of trees within private premises.

In 2016, we conducted kindergarten school visit programme to foster the greater awareness of our landscape environment and to educate students on the basic knowledge of trees, as well as promoting the key message of importance of proper tree care to the community. More than 5 000 students from over 100 kindergartens attended the programme in 2016.

The “I want to be a Tree Doctor” Kindergarten School Visit Programme is a continual effort in public education.

Urban Forestry

Urban forestry provides the strategic framework for sustainable long-term management of our urban vegetation in a holistic manner through the asset life-management of trees in the city environment to regulate, regenerate and replenish our urban tree stock, maximises vegetation diversity from tree to herbaceous species, improves ecological health within our urban forestry assets, 40 and fosters a deeper understanding on the life-cycle of trees and vegetation in a city environment toward a more sustainable and resilient future.

The GLTMS focuses on priority tasks including the enhancement of tree risk management, promotion of a quality-oriented approach to tree management, enhancement of the tree complaint handling mechanism and the emergency response arrangement, positive capacity building and enhancement of training to raise the professional standard of tree management personnel, and enhancement of public education and community involvement.

In 2016, the GLTMS promulgated a Handbook on Tree Management to provide private property owners with guidelines and standards of good practice on tree management. With the Home Affairs Department’s assistance, the handbook will be incorporated under a new section on tree safety in the code of practice under the Building Management Ordinance, Cap. 344 to raise awareness of responsibility and improve the knowledge and standards of practice among private property owners, management agencies and owners’ corporations. The GLTMS also organised seminars and field demonstrations for property management staff to enable them to have a better understanding of the handbook, and has launched a new set of TV and radio announcements in the public interest to encourage private property owners to carry out regular tree inspections and maintenance and undertake mitigation measures on trees when necessary to ensure public safety.

The GLTMS launched the Handbook on Tree Management in April 2016.

To raise the professional standards of the industry, the GLTMS organises a broad range of training programmes for both government staff and members of the industry. A total of around 5 700 participants were recorded in 2016.

To promote community involvement in tree risk management to better protect public safety, the Tree Register provides real-time updating tree information of the following categories of trees on a geo-referenced map: 41

1. Important trees that are subject to regular monitoring including all Old and Valuable Trees and stonewall trees; 2. Problematic trees identified in the annual Tree Risk Assessment exercise for which mitigation measures have yet to be completed; and 3. Complaint or referral cases received that require continuous monitoring.

In collaboration with other departments, District Councils, schools and non-government organisations, a variety of public education and community involvement activities have been organised to foster a culture of care in Hong Kong for greenery across the territory. A total of over 10 400 participants were recorded in 2016.

Targets for 2017

The GLTMS will continue to deliver the following targets:

 provide policy steer and advice;

 formulate urban forestry management strategies encompassing urban arboriculture, urban ecology and urban landscape in holistic approach for a sustainable and resilient cityscape;

 develop sustainable urban landscape and promote vegetation diversity and urban arboriculture;

 positively build capacity in our arboricultural and landscape contracting industry;

 coordinate government’s efforts in the effective implementation of the tree risk assessment and management; and

 increase public awareness of urban forestry through cooperation with District Councils, schools and non-government organisations so as to better protect public safety.

5.10 Heritage Conservation

Policy Statement

As promulgated in 2007, the Government seeks “to protect, conserve and revitalise as appropriate historical and heritage sites and buildings through relevant and sustainable approaches for the benefit and enjoyment of present and future generations. In implementing this policy, due regard should be given to development needs in the public interest, respect for private property rights, budgetary considerations, cross-sector collaboration and active engagement of stakeholders and the general public.”

Current Framework of Heritage Conservation

Statutory Monument Declaration System

In accordance with section 3 of the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance, Cap. 53 (the Ordinance), SDEV as the Antiquities Authority may, after consultation with the Antiquities Advisory Board (AAB) and with the approval of the Chief Executive declare, by notice in the Gazette, any place, building, site or structure, which the Authority considers to be of public interest by reason of its historical, archaeological or palaeontological significance, to be a monument. Declared monuments are afforded statutory protection under section 6 of the Ordinance, which prohibits any excavation, carrying on building or other works on the monuments, and any action to demolish, remove, obstruct, deface or interfere with the monuments unless a permit is granted by the Authority.

Administrative Grading System

The AAB, having regard to the assessments of the heritage value of individual historic buildings by an independent Historic Buildings Assessment Panel and the views and additional information received from members of the public and the owners of the buildings concerned during public consultation, has accorded Grade 1, Grade 2 and Grade 3 (or nil grade) status2 to individual historic buildings. Since 2009, the following six criteria have been used to assess the heritage value of historic buildings: historical interest, architectural merit, group value, social value and local interest, authenticity, and rarity. Compared with monument declaration, the grading system is administrative in

2 Under the grading system, Grade 1 status refers to buildings of outstanding merit, which every effort should be made to preserve if possible; Grade 2 status refers to buildings of special merit; efforts should be made to selectively preserve; and Grade 3 status refers to buildings of some merit; preservation in some form would be desirable and alternative means could be considered if preservation is not practicable. 43 nature to provide an objective basis for determining the heritage value, and hence the preservation need, of historic buildings in Hong Kong.

Internal Monitoring Mechanism

The Government has established an internal mechanism to monitor any demolition of/alterations to declared monuments/proposed monuments or graded buildings/buildings proposed to be graded. Under the mechanism, BD, LandsD and PlanD will alert the Commissioner for Heritage’s Office (CHO) of DEVB and the Antiquities and Monuments Office (AMO) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department regarding any identified possible threat which may affect privately-owned sites of archaeological interests, monuments and historic buildings that have been brought to the departments’ attention through applications and enquiries received and in the normal course of duty such as regular inspections.

The monitoring mechanism enables the CHO and AMO to take timely follow-up actions with the private owners concerned upon alerts from relevant departments that plans are afoot for the demolition or redevelopment of any privately-owned graded buildings, e.g. exploring with the owners feasible and agreeable conservation options. On the premise of respecting private property rights, we need to offer appropriate economic incentives to encourage private owners to conserve their historic buildings. In implementing this policy, we aim to strike a proper balance between preservation of historic buildings and respect for private property rights. The economic incentives for different historic buildings will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme

Launched in 2008, the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme (the Revitalisation Scheme) aims to preserve and put government-owned historic buildings into good and innovative use; to transform historic buildings into unique cultural landmarks; to promote active public participation in the conservation of historic buildings; and to create job opportunities, in particular at the district level.

Under the Revitalisation Scheme, non-profit-making organisations are invited to submit proposals to revitalise selected government-owned graded historic buildings in the form of social enterprises. Selection of revitalisation proposals rests with the Advisory Committee on Built Heritage Conservation, which was established in May 2016 to replace the former Advisory Committee on Revitalisation of Historic Buildings.

Where justified, we will provide financial support to the revitalisation projects, including:

 one-off grant to cover the costs of major renovation to the buildings, in part or in full;

 nominal rental for the buildings; and

 one-off grant to meet the starting costs and operating deficits (if any) of the social enterprises for the first two years of operation up to $5 million, on the condition that the proposals would become self-sustainable after this initial period.

Financial Assistance for Maintenance Scheme

To help upkeep privately-owned graded historic buildings, the Government has implemented the Financial Assistance for Maintenance Scheme (FAS) since 2008 to provide subsidies to private owners of graded historic buildings to carry out maintenance works.

Heritage Impact Assessment

To avoid undue impact on heritage conservation, project proponents for new capital works projects are required to assess whether their projects will affect sites or buildings of historic or archaeological significance (collectively known as “heritage sites”). If so, they have to undertake a Heritage Impact Assessment and devise mitigation measures as appropriate.

Progress of Heritage Conservation Initiatives

We have made good progress with a number of initiatives on heritage conservation in 2016:

 we set up the Built Heritage Conservation Fund (BHCF) to provide financial support for public education, community involvement and publicity activities, as well as academic research. The BHCF also provides funding to existing government measures and initiatives on built heritage conservation, including the Revitalisation Scheme and the FAS. Under the newly established BHCF, we have enhanced the FAS since November 2016 including increasing the grant ceiling from $1 million to $2 million for each works project, and extending the scope to cover not only privately-owned graded historic buildings but also government-owned declared monuments and graded historic buildings that are leased to non-profit-making organisations. We have also devised new schemes for public engagement projects and thematic research under the BHCF;

 there are five batches of historic buildings under the Revitalisation Scheme involving 19 projects, of which eight are now open to the public. Among 45

them, four projects won the UNESCO Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation. Batch V of the Revitalisation Scheme was launched in November 2016 and selection results will be announced in the first half of 2018;

 having regard to building structural safety and health standards, we updated the relevant practice note and practice guidebook on built heritage conservation in 2016 to provide more flexibility on building control and expand the scope for carrying out alteration and addition works for historic buildings with a view to further revitalising built heritage. In 2017, we will further update the practice guidebook by incorporating practical examples of recent adaptive re-use projects as case studies for reference to practitioners and conservationists;

 three historic buildings, Blocks 7, 10 and 25 of the old Lei Yue Mun Barracks in Chai Wan, were declared as monuments in accordance with the Ordinance in 2016. As of December 2016, there were 114 declared monuments in Hong Kong;

 as of December 2016, the AAB has confirmed the grading of 1 342 historic buildings. The AAB will continue to take forward the grading exercise and proceed to examine the remaining items on the list of 1 444 historic buildings and new items; and

 in 2016, the CHO organised a series of public education programmes and activities to encourage community participation in heritage conservation. For instance, music performances were held at YHA Mei Ho House Youth Hostel, Green Hub, the former Police Married Quarters and Stone Houses Family Garden from January to April 2016; King Yin Lei Open Days for underprivileged groups were held from March to April 2016; the “New Life @ Heritage II” roving exhibition was held from June to December 2016; “King Yin Lei Public Open Days” were held at selected weekends in July, August, October and November 2016; “Heritage Fiesta 2016” was held from October to November 2016; and a bimonthly newsletter “ 活化 @Heritage” featuring heritage issues and the work of the CHO has been published since 2008. 46

5.11 Energizing Kowloon East

Policy

The adoption of a visionary, coordinated and integrated approach to expedite the transformation of Kowloon East into an additional core business district (CBD) to support Hong Kong’s economic development was first announced in the 2011-12 Policy Address. In June 2012, a dedicated Energizing Kowloon East Office (EKEO) was formally set up to steer, oversee and monitor the transformation of Kowloon East into CBD. Specifically, the work of EKEO mainly involves land use review, urban design, and improving connectivity and associated infrastructure.

The temporary office building of EKEO under Kwun Tong Bypass is Hong Kong’s first low-carbon temporary office. It is also the first temporary office building with the BEAM Plus (New Buildings) Final Platinum Certificate endorsed by HKGBC. It demonstrates various environmental benefits and enhances the public’s awareness of the Energizing Kowloon East initiatives.

Energizing Kowloon East Office

Facilitation of Transformation Process

To facilitate the urban transformation process in Kowloon East, EKEO applies a “place-making” approach which is an integrated strategy for planning, design, implementation, management and community engagement to create quality public spaces for public enjoyment and improvement of the pedestrian environment. EKEO engages various stakeholders including local organisations, professional institutions, property owners, District Councils and the general public to collect their views. By the end of 2016, EKEO has organised more than 520 briefings, seminars, workshops, forums, conferences, exhibitions and visits with more than 13 100 participants, including those from 24 countries and the Mainland.

The Conceptual Master Plan (CMP) provides a broad framework to guide the formulation of major actions to facilitate the transformation process of Kowloon East. It is a living and evolving document updated periodically to take on board public views received in various public engagement process. The first CMP was published in October 2011 which focused on enhancing Connectivity, Branding, Design and Diversity (CBD2). The latest CMP 5.0, promulgated in November 2016, spins around the concept of smart, innovative and sustainable development with five focuses of work, namely Walkability and Mobility, Green CBD, Smart City, Socio-economic Vibrancy and the Spirit of Creation in addition to EKEO’s 10 main tasks.

The sustainability concept of “walkability” in Kowloon East is advocated through improving connectivity and enhancing the pedestrian environment. We continue to formulate and implement various quick-win and short-term proposals to improve the pedestrian environment and traffic conditions in the Kowloon Bay and Kwun Tong Business Areas. To enable the public to enjoy improved connectivity earlier, we formulated a new policy which was announced in the 2016 Policy Address. Under the policy, landowners are encouraged to provide pedestrian links connecting to their developments based on the planned pedestrian network for the two business areas through waiving land premium payable for the necessary lease modification.

We will continue to collaborate with different organisations and government departments to improve the back alleys in Kowloon East, and implement the back alley project with the spirit of co-creation and social inclusion to further improve pedestrian connectivity.

Back alleys forming part of the pedestrian network

To create a Green CBD in Kowloon East, we are working on various projects proposed in the CMP to enhance the environment, including the face-lifting of Tsun Yip Street Playground; transformation of the King Yip Street nullah and the Tsui Ping River Garden; reprovisioning of Tsun Yip Street Playground facilities to Hong Ning Road Park and Ngau Tau Kok Service Reservoir; and improvement of Hoi Bun Road Park and its adjacent area. Construction works of the Tsun Yip Street Playground and Tsui Ping River Garden projects commenced in 2016. Investigation works to transform the King Yip Street nullah into “Tsui Ping River” – a river with environmental and 49 landscape upgrading are underway. In addition, we facilitate the Kwun Tong Sewage Pumping Station project to provide a landscaped deck which will be integrated with the future Cha Kwo Ling Promenade. We will continue to introduce more greening in accordance with the greening master plan for Kowloon East.

Face-lifting of Tsun Yip Street Playground

Reprovision of Shing Yip Street Rest Garden as Tsui Ping River Garden

On promoting green buildings, apart from adopting low-carbon and sustainable design principles in government projects, we also advocate green building design to the private sector. The commercial land sale sites in Kowloon East include a requirement to obtain at least BEAM Plus Provisional Gold or equivalent rating. We will continue to enrich and update the Green Map on EKEO’s website, showing all green buildings with BEAM Plus Gold or Platinum rating in Kowloon East to encourage new developments and conversion of existing buildings to adopt low-carbon design. As at the end of 2016, there were 24 buildings which had achieved such rating. The Green Map provides environmentally friendly information, including Green Check Points in Kowloon East, to the public.

Opportunities have been taken to investigate novel green measures in planning comprehensive redevelopment of government sites. In the study for the Kowloon Bay Action Area, an integrated waste handling facility has been proposed to demonstrate environmentally friendly food waste handling. Other 50 concepts of sustainable development and smart city initiatives in respect of information dissemination, traffic management, architectural design and facility management, integrated refuse collection and treatment, as well as provisions of more greening are being explored.

Kai Tak Fantasy is envisioned to be developed into a world-class tourism, entertainment and leisure attraction. It covers an area of about 90 hectares including the former airport runway tip, the Kwun Tong Action Area and the water body in between, i.e. Kwun Tong Typhoon Shelter (KTTS). We have commenced two feasibility studies on the runway tip and the Kwun Tong Action Area to take forward the Kai Tak Fantasy initiative, with a view to creating people and eco-friendly places for all.

We commissioned a smart city consultancy study in February 2016 to formulate a framework strategy, set direction and priority for various innovative proposals for Kowloon East. We are making preparation for Proof of Concept trials to demonstrate the effectiveness of some innovative proposals. Besides, we stipulate conditions for green building design, provision of smart water meter systems and electric vehicle charging facilities for new land sale sites as well as supply of real-time parking vacancy information of commercial car parks at appropriate sites. These would contribute to building a smart and low-carbon environment in Kowloon East.

As part of our initiative to provide a vibrant waterfront, we introduced the “Fly the Flyover Operation” project under Kwun Tong Bypass and transformed underutilised areas beneath the bypass into better facilities to serve the community. “Fly the Flyover 01” (FF01), opened in January 2013, has become a popular informal performance venue with flexible and green design for diversified activities. We are working on two more sites beneath the bypass (“Fly the Flyover 02 and 03”) for more creative, arts and cultural activities in Kowloon East. We selected a non-profit-making organisation as our project partner to manage and operate the three sites.

“Fly the Flyover 0123” under Kwun Tong Bypass 51

We will continue to organise and support various place-making events such as arts and musical performances, sports activities, carnivals and exhibitions. As at the end of 2016, 189 events by various groups were held in FF01 with more than 190 000 participants. Besides, we supported various events and activities with more than 560 000 participants. With improving water quality in KTTS, more water-related activities and events are expected to come.

Place-making events in Kowloon East 52

6. GREEN OFFICE MANAGEMENT

We are committed to improving and conserving our environment, and optimising the use of resources to reduce pollution and waste. We strive to implement various green housekeeping measures in daily office operations with a view to maintaining a green workplace and setting a good example for our departments. Our main focus of the green office management is on reducing paper and energy consumption.

Managing Paper Consumption

We have adopted a wide range of green housekeeping practices in daily office operations. We will continue our advocacy of environmental conservation and adopt the following green initiatives:

 use recycled paper in office operations;

 print and photocopy on both sides of paper;

 reuse single-side used paper for drafting, printing and receiving fax;

 reuse envelopes, loose minute jackets and action tags for internal transmission of documents and correspondence;

 communicate and disseminate information by electronic means within bureaux/departments as well as with members of the public;

 avoid printing or photocopying documents unless hard copy is absolutely necessary;

 keep the number of paper publications and copies of circulars to the absolute minimum;

 distribute softcopies by emails or CD-ROMs instead of print-outs;

 upload reports and consultation papers, circulars, posting notices, telephone lines and other publicity materials on e-bulletin board, intranet and internet website for circulation and general reference;

 avoid sending original documents which have been sent by fax or email;

 avoid the use of fax leader sheet unless it is absolutely necessary;

 send festive greeting cards by electronic mail, upload them to our homepage and minimise the use of printed cards; and

 encourage staff to use their own cups instead of paper-cups.

Managing Energy Consumption

To achieve the target of reducing energy consumption in government offices and buildings, we have adopted the following energy saving measures:

Energy Saving Measures Taken Lighting  motion sensors are installed in both office and common areas like lift lobbies, meeting and conference rooms and toilets, and lights will be automatically turned off within 10 to 15 minutes when no motion is detected by the sensors;  staff are encouraged to switch off the lights when they leave the cellular offices so as to achieve energy saving, in addition to installation of motion sensor lighting; and  task lighting is used in open plan offices and cellular offices without meeting facilities so as to achieve lower lighting power density, which in turn will save electricity and reduce CO2 emission. Air-conditioning  the air-conditioning provision inside cellular offices will be adjusted to a minimum level when no motion is detected by the sensors;  air-conditioning provision hours are adjusted according to operational needs;  maintain room temperature at 25.5 ˚C in summer season;  staff are encouraged to dress lightly to minimise use of air-conditioning in hot months; and  staff are encouraged to lower window blinds or curtains before leaving office to reduce direct sunlight on the following day.

Energy Saving Measures Taken Computers,  activate the standby mode features of personal photocopiers computers; and other  staff are encouraged to switch off the monitors during electrical lunch and when the staff are away from the workplace appliances for meeting;  staff are encouraged to switch off personal computers, photocopiers and other electrical appliances when they are not in use or after office hours;  switch off non-essential servers after office hours; and  set all photocopiers to energy saving mode when they are not in use for over 15 minutes. Others  assign last-man-out to check the effectiveness of energy saving measures;  staff are encouraged to walk up or down one or two storeys rather than using the lift;  display posters to publicise messages on environmental protection;  collect plastics, metals, waste paper, glass bottles and rechargeable batteries by setting up coloured recycling boxes at pantries/common areas;  ensure proper maintenance of our departmental vehicles and remind our drivers to switch off vehicle engines while waiting to avoid idling emission and achieve fuel saving; and  keep liaising with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department to explore feasible energy saving opportunities.

DEVB is one of the tenants of Central Government Offices (CGO) at Tamar, occupying office spaces from 15/F to 18/F and part of 6/F and 19/F of West Wing; and part of 17/F of East Wing. The adoption of the above energy saving measures had helped in the saving of electricity consumption of CGO. CGO was awarded the “Excellent” class under the Indoor Air Quality Certification Scheme (valid till 16 August 2018).

Green Purchasing

“Green” stationery items supplied by the Government Logistics Department, such as clutch pencils, refillable ball pens, recycled pencils and furniture made of chip board, are now widely used in DEVB. Other green items e.g. lead and mercury free dry batteries, recyclable laser printer toner cartridges and box files made of recycled paper are also ordered from contractors for office use.

It has all along been our practice to purchase only office equipment such as photocopiers, fax machines and printers with Energy Efficiency label. We also use e-tender whenever applicable.

Staff Awareness

The support and cooperation from staff members are always the key to the success of our green office management. Apart from the regular re-circulation of the relevant guidelines on paper and energy saving, we have from time to time actively encouraged our staff to support the green activities organised by other government departments and organisations. These would enhance their awareness on environmental protection and green management. For the years to come, we will continue to work closely with our staff with a view to fostering a green culture and ensuring that our offices operate in an environmentally responsible manner.

7. VIEWS AND SUGGESTIONS

If you have any views and suggestions in connection with this Environmental Report, you are welcome to contact us via email at [email protected] or by fax on 2523 5327 or write to us at 15/F, West Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong.

Development Bureau

Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar, Hong Kong

Fax No. : 2523 5327 E-mail Address : [email protected] Website : http://www.devb.gov.hk/