香港環境保護 ENVIRONMENT HONG KONG 2020 CONTENTS

Foreword By The Secretary Stakeholder Engagement 03 For The Environment 41

Building Partnerships 42 Permanent Secretary / 05 Director’s Message Community Awareness 45 Pollution Prevention & 49 Sustainable Development 06 Control Cross-boundary and Air 52 International Cooperation Noise 11 52 Water 13 Environmental Assessment 18 Environmental Compliance 21

24 Resource Management

Waste Reduction 25 Waste Facilities 32 Energy 35 Nature Conservation 38 ENVIRONMENT HONG KONG 2020 FOREWORD BY THE SECRETARY FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Hong Kong as well as the world have been severely power systems for eligible schools and non- battered by COVID-19. While we join hands in fighting the governmental welfare organisations free of charge. In virus, the pandemic has once again reminded us that we the meantime, there are various on-going initiatives are only part of the nature. The well-being of us and our and promotion activities encouraging public future generations depends on whether we can co-exist participation in the development of renewable energy

with the nature in harmony to achieve sustainable and enhancement of energy efficiency. Moreover, a development. Amid the pandemic in 2020, the public engagement exercise has been conducted by Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has been the Council for Sustainable Development to gauge the pressing ahead with our work. Among the various views of the public on the long-term decarbonisation environmental challenges, climate change has a far- strategy of Hong Kong. In formulating the relevant reaching impact in particular. We must make a concerted policies, we will take into account the effort to accelerate the low-carbon transition through recommendations of the Council. emission reduction, energy saving and waste reduction, etc. Furthermore, we have devoted substantial resources to reduce the emission of air pollutants, including the As power generation is the major source of carbon implementation of various air quality improvement emission in Hong Kong, the Government has plans and promotion of cleaner production formulated various low-carbon energy policies, and technologies. As a result, all the major air quality has been promoting energy efficiency and parameters have shown significant improvement. conservation to the public, so as to mitigate climate change. The new “Feed-in Tariff” policy has been well Waste reduction is another complex challenge that received since its implementation. On this basis, we Hong Kong is facing. A multi-pronged approach should launched the Solar Harvest in 2019 to install solar be adopted to encourage people to “use less and

03 ù www.enb.gov.hk ù www.epd.gov.hk ENVIRONMENT HONG KONG 2020 waste less”. While it is necessary for the Government still has to extend its existing landfills to meet the Kong. to take measures and allocate resources, it is more actual needs of the community. important for the public to support our efforts by Lastly, I wish to thank colleagues of the Environment changing their mindset and habits. To this end, the In addition, on the prevention and control of water Bureau (ENB) and the EPD for their hard work and Government has made proactive efforts to call for pollution, the Government invested a total of $57 commitment to protect the environment for the public engagement in waste reduction activities. In billion from 1990 to 2019 to implement various benefit of people. 2019, we launched a number of new programmes to measures to provide proper treatment to effluent support waste reduction and clean recycling in the before it is discharged. In 2018-19, the expenditure in community, including the promotion of waste this regard amounted to $2 billion. Today, the overall reduction at source such as plastic-free takeaway and water quality of beaches, marine waters, rivers and using reusable tableware, implementation of food streams in Hong Kong has improved significantly, waste recycling, establishment of outreaching teams, achieving “Excellent” or “Good” grades. and allocation of over $200 million to support community-initiated waste reduction projects. Besides implementing various programmes locally, we have also intensified our collaborations with Apart from the T·PARK for treating sludge and the Guangdong Province and Macau to enhance the WEEE·PARK for treating and recycling waste electrical quality of our shared environment, with improvement and electronic equipment (WEEE) which commenced of regional air quality being one of our focus areas. operation in 2016 and 2017 respectively, other Moreover, Hong Kong and Guangdong teamed up for advanced facilities for recycling food waste, including the first time in 2019 to conduct shoreline clean-up the O·PARK1 and the facilities for food waste/sewage operations to enhance public awareness in clean sludge anaerobic co-digestion trial scheme, have been shorelines in a bid to step up protection of the marine progressively developed to turn waste into resources environment. or energy. The Integrated Waste Management Facilities (IWMF) Phase 1 designed for treating We have also devoted considerable resources to municipal solid waste (MSW) is also under construction nature conservation through, for example, providing and will further enhance our capability to turn waste funds for various conservation projects and expanding into energy. However, the above measures are still the protected areas. Looking ahead, let us work inadequate to handle all of our waste. While striving to together to promote green recovery, create a healthy develop facilities for waste reduction at source, clean and liveable city, conserve the natural environment Mr. Wong Kam-sing, GBS, JP recycling and turning waste into energy, Hong Kong and support the sustainable development of Hong Secretary for the Environment

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work for implementing MSW charging. To deal with waste are planning to tighten our Air Quality Objectives (AQOs) that was not recycled or not recyclable, we embarked on and have conducted a public consultation in this regard in the extension of the existing landfills, starting with 2019. Southeast New Territories Landfill in 2019. We have been closely collaborating with our regional Waste management is part of our international counterparts. During the year, we launched a joint study obligations. To prevent Hong Kong from becoming a on post-2020 regional air pollutant emission reduction dumping ground of overseas waste or a hub for illegal targets and concentration levels. We also organised the waste shipments, we are fully committed to curbing illegal first joint coastal clean-up with Guangdong authorities. transboundary waste movements. Our compliance team inspected more than 1 200 imported waste containers in Conserving Hong Kong’s natural environment forms an 2019, representing an increase of 50% over 2018. integral part of our goals. In 2019, we established the Advisory Committee on Countryside Conservation and

On energy, we have introduced more measures to launched the Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme support public participation in the development of to support the implementation of conservation and PERMANENT SECRETARY/ renewable energy (RE), including Solar Harvest and RE revitalisation projects in the remote countryside so as to Certificate. These and a wide range of ongoing protect our beautiful scenery for the enjoyment of the DIRECTOR’S MESSAGE programmes to tighten building energy standards, general public. promote energy saving, mandate energy efficiency labels In 2019, we continued to build capacity in the community teams were deployed in the community to help the public on home appliances, etc. demonstrated our full We are forging a strong partnership between the to work towards the ENB’s goals to reduce waste and understand how to practise waste separation at source commitment to pursuing the low-carbon goal. Government and the community to protect the climate impacts, improve air and water quality, strengthen and proper recycling. environment and promote sustainable development in cross-boundary collaboration on environmental Air pollution is closely related to energy consumption as Hong Kong, and to make the best outcomes through protection, and to improve and protect Hong Kong’s We also continue to develop waste collection and emissions generated from consuming energy aggravate collaboration and discussion. natural environment. treatment services. In 2019, we expanded programmes to local pollution and contribute to greenhouse gas collect food waste, and studied the introduction of a new emissions. The Government has been phasing out heavily We are expanding our waste reduction and recycling producer responsibility scheme on plastic beverage polluting vehicles, progressively tightening the emission programmes and have spared no effort in encouraging containers. Moreover, new waste-to-energy facilities were caps for power plants, requiring vessels to use cleaner public participation. The “Dump Less, Save More” being built, including the O·PARK2 and the IWMF Phase 1, fuels and investing in installing electric vehicle charging- Ms. Cheng Mei Sze, Maisie, JP campaign was launched in 2019 to bring home the to convert food waste and other MSW into energy enabling infrastructure and providing other support. As Permanent Secretary for the Environment / message of waste reduction. Moreover, outreaching respectively. We also continued to pursue the legislative these measures are beginning to yield positive results, we Director of Environmental Protection

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POLLUTION PREVENTION & CONTROL

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Air Quality in 2019 AQOs review: The improvements in air quality have made it feasible to set higher standards. AQOs are health-based The air quality in Hong Kong has been continuously and reviewed every five years. The latest review completed improving. Local levels of four major pollutants – in December 2018 determined that the AQOs for SO2 and sulphur dioxide (SO2), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), FSP could be tightened. This was generally supported in a respirable suspended particulates (RSP) and fine three-month public consultation held in the summer and suspended particulates (FSP) – have declined steadily the Government will press ahead with the change. AIR since 1999, falling by 19% - 81%. These achievements have been echoed regionally in the Guangdong-Hong Volatile organic compounds (VOCs): VOCs contribute to Kong-Macao Pearl River Delta Air Quality Monitoring regional photochemical smog, so Hong Kong and On the Upswing Network where measured levels of SO2, NO2 and RSP Guangdong agreed to monitor these pollutants in future dropped 29% - 84% between 2006 and 2019 and FSP and were executing a pilot monitoring in 2019. Hong Kong fell 14% since monitoring began in 2015. However, has implemented control of VOCs content in 172 types of

Air quality in Hong Kong has been steadily improving some challenges remain. Roadside NO2 levels still products and plans to tighten the limits for regulated thanks to efforts to reduce emissions from motor exceed the AQO, despite falling 34% from its peak in architectural paints and extend the control to more A three-month public consultation exercise was conducted between July and October 2019 to seek public views on the review findings and recommendations vehicles, power plants and other sources, and to 2011. And ambient ozone, which is mainly influenced consumer products. embrace cleaner technologies. This work continued by regional photochemical smog, is on the rise. These in 2019 with a further tightening of emission caps for problems are being addressed both locally and Highlights power plants, cleaner fuel requirements for marine regionally (see also Cross-boundary and International vessels, expansion of the charging network for Cooperation). $ Completed a three-month public consultation on the proposed tightening of AQOs. electric vehicles, and new trials and tax breaks for green transport technologies. The Government also $ Required marine vessels to use low sulphur concluded that Air Quality Objectives (AQOs) could marine fuel in local waters. be tightened for certain pollutants, thus raising the $ Tightened emission caps for power plants bar for healthy air in Hong Kong. effective 2024.

$ Tightened emission standards for newly approved non-road vehicles.

$ Implemented new indoor air quality objectives (IAQs) for the IAQ Certification Scheme for

Two public consultation forums were held to brief the public on the AQOs review A member of the public shared his views in the public consultation forum Offices and Public Places. and garner their views

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Motor Vehicle Emissions: public EV-chargers in Government carparks to about Focus on Innovation 1 800 by 2022 (up from about 860).

Electric vehicles (EVs): The Government promotes EV Green vehicle trials: The Government-backed Pilot use through tax breaks and infrastructural support. On Green Transport Fund (PGTF) has provided $154 million tax breaks, the Government fully waives the first for 183 trials of green innovative transport technologies registration tax for electric commercial vehicles, electric adopted by commercial transport operators by end 2019. motorcycles and electric motor tricycles. Electric private These include 110 trials of electric commercial vehicles, cars enjoy a first registration tax concession up to 65 trials of hybrid commercial vehicles and eight trials of

$97,500. If private car owners are replacing their old cars technologies applicable to conventional buses or ferries. Trial of electric medium goods vehicle (tractor) Trial of electric light goods vehicle with new electric ones, they can apply to the One-for-One In 2019, the Government launched a review of the scope Replacement Scheme, which provides a higher first of the PGTF to see how it can facilitate broader adoption registration tax concession up to $250,000. The of green innovative transport technologies. requirements for the latter tax break were relaxed in 2019 and by the end of the year, about 90% of first- Separately, the Government is also funding trials of 36 registered electric private cars benefited from the single-deck electric buses by the franchised bus scheme. companies and 33 of them now ply Hong Kong’s roads.

The Government will also expand the charging Moreover, in 2019 a consultancy study commenced on a infrastructure for EVs through the $2 billion “EV-charging pilot scheme for electric public light buses to consider the at Home Subsidy Scheme” announced in the 2019 Policy basic specifications and requirements for these light

Address. This will subsidise existing private residential buses and the associated charging facilities that would Trial of electric single-deck bus buildings to install EV charging-enabling infrastructure in suit local operating conditions. their carparks over three years. When this is added to the charging provision for new private residential buildings under a separate gross floor area concession scheme launched from 2011, about one-quarter of all parking spaces in private residential blocks in Hong Kong will be EV-charging enabled. Additionally, the Government allocated $120 million in 2019 to increase the number of

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New vehicles: Cleaner emissions from vehicles running Existing vehicles: Many existing vehicles were designed on fossil fuels are promoted through tax concessions with less strict emission standards than current new and/or tighter emission requirements. Environment- ones. The Government is retiring 82 000 pre-Euro IV friendly commercial vehicles receive tax breaks of 30% - diesel commercial vehicles through ex gratia payments to 100% on the first registration tax, depending on the eligible owners who remove their vehicles from the road. vehicle type and specific cap, and in 2019 the qualifying This programme will be completed on 30 June 2020 (the standards for this concession was tightened, in view of original deadline of 31 December 2019 has been vehicle technological advancement and the progressive extended). tightening of vehicle emission standards.

Meanwhile, a remote sensing system to detect polluting Tighter emission standards for non-road vehicles were petrol and LPG vehicles processed 1.22 million vehicle also introduced in phases in 2019 to prevent owners counts in 2019, up 33% after it was substantially from transferring old vehicles that are no longer expanded in 2018. This resulted in 5 332 emission test roadworthy to non-road applications. The new standards notices being issued to vehicle owners, 9% lower than in for newly approved non-road vehicles will catch up with 2018, indicating the success of pollution control Internal bus of airport the latest emission standards for newly registered road measures. vehicles.

Road-based policies also promote the adoption of low- emission vehicles. The Government is preparing to fully subsidise a trial to retrofit Euro IV and V diesel double- deck franchised buses with enhanced selective catalytic reduction systems, to confirm the emission performance of this technology in Hong Kong. The requirements of buses plying through the franchised bus low emission zones in Central, Causeway Bay and Mong Kok were tightened to Euro V from 31 December 2019.

Non-road medium goods vehicle

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Power Plant Emissions and Indoor air quality (IAQ): The IAQ Certification Scheme Other Developments for Offices and Public Places was updated with new  parameters in 2019, following a review of Hong Kong’s Looking Ahead Power plants: Electricity generation at Hong Kong’s IAQ objectives with reference to guidelines from the power plants is a major source of emissions, accounting World Health Organisation. By the end of the year, 166 premises were certified based on the new parameters. for 47% of SO2, 28% of NOx and 16% of RSP in 2018 (the Embark on the legislative process to update latest year for figures). The 8th Technical Memorandum, AQOs and plan for the next review. which set tighter emissions caps for power plants from Launch the $2 billion “EV-charging at Home 2024, was issued in 2019 and will reduce SO2, NOx and Subsidy Scheme” to subsidise installation of RSP emissions by 40%, 29% and 20% respectively, charging infrastructure for electric vehicles compared to 2022 levels. In preparation, the power in the carparks of existing private residential buildings. companies are increasing gas generation to reduce the use of coal, improving thermal efficiency of gas-fired Prepare to launch a trial of electric public generating units, and taking more energy from light buses and associated charging renewable sources. Excellent Class Certificate under the new IAQ Objectives facilities.

Prepare to launch a pilot scheme of electric Marine emissions: Marine vessels accounted for 49% ferries for in-harbour routes. of total SO2 emissions in 2018. To reduce the problem, the sulphur content of marine light diesel locally supplied Complete the review of the PGTF and take to marine vessels is capped at 0.05%. For ocean-going forward proposed measures. vessels (OGVs), the requirement has been to use fuel with Launch a $7.1 billion incentive-cum- sulphur content not exceeding 0.5% only while at berth. regulatory scheme to progressively phase This was tightened in January 2019 so that OGVs have to out about 40 000 Euro IV diesel commercial use the same low sulphur fuel at all times when they are vehicles. in Hong Kong waters. The requirement would reduce SO2 New IAQ Objectives and RSP emissions from OGVs by 76% and 71% respectively in 2020, compared with 2016.

Good Class Certificate under the new IAQ Objectives

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On the Right Track transport for residents commuting between the New On the Road to Innovation Territories and Kowloon while protecting them from Railways are a critical component of Hong Kong’s excessive rail noise. Traffic noise affects the largest number of people of transportation network and can bring many benefits, any noise source in Hong Kong. Better road layouts, including speed in getting around the city and the noise barriers and low-noise road surfaces (as well as removal of roadside air pollution. But railways are also tighter noise standards for vehicles) can help to noisy and EPD has been working with railway reduce the problem, but these options are not always NOISE operators to minimise the impacts. Recently, the focus feasible, particularly for existing roads. EPD therefore has been on the new Tuen Ma Line, which links several is encouraging the use of innovative noise mitigation existing railway lines. designs for windows and balconies to protect Quieter Pathways residents in new blocks. Sections of the Tuen Ma Line run close to residential flats and hence have operational noise that potentially In collaboration with stakeholders, the Hong Kong

Reducing noise to acceptable levels is a challenge in exceeds acceptable noise levels. The environmental Housing Authority and The Hong Kong Polytechnic

Hong Kong’s dense urban landscape, but EPD has impact assessment (EIA) process pinpointed the Noise Barriers of Tuen Ma Line in Hung Hom University, new designs have been developed and deployed a wide range of legal, technological, problem areas and the Mass Transit Railway implemented, including an enhanced acoustic balcony planning and management tools over the years Corporation Limited (MTRCL) responded by locating and a baffle-type acoustic window. Apart from towards that goal. Recent examples include the Tuen most of the railway sections in underground tunnels. achieving good noise reduction up to 12 dB(A), these Ma Line, which was designed with tunnels and However, this approach was not workable in two areas designs also allow for natural air ventilation. distancing to limit noise impacts on residents; – Hin Keng (Tai Wai) and Hung Hom, where the Tuen innovative window designs to reduce noise for Ma Line runs 40-150 metres from residential blocks. occupants of new housing blocks; and the promotion of quieter construction technologies. The MTRCL therefore has erected noise barriers and semi-enclosures at these sites to reduce noise Highlights exposure. It has also conducted a noise performance $ test for the Tuen Ma Line and will carry out regular Completed resurfacing 88 local road sections with low-noise road surfacing materials, noise monitoring to ensure that operational noise benefiting 142 000 people. levels comply with the statutory requirements. $ Completed retrofitting noise barriers at 18 road

Route Map of Tuen Ma Line sections, benefitting 58 000 people, and began Tuen Ma Line Phase 1 covers the Tai Wai area and will work on another two road sections. start operating in early 2020, which will improve public

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To help the public understand the benefits of these EPD continued to develop and promote innovative Softening the Hammer’s Blow designs, EPD participated in an innovation awards noise mitigation design in 2019, through such programme organised by professional institutes and activities as seminars, site visits and workshops, where Noise is unavoidable in construction work, but it can be held seminars promoting the designs for legislators, stakeholders are encouraged to think outside the box minimised. Noise standards and other regulations were developers, environmental consultants and industry and become familiar with these new approaches to legislated 30 years ago, in 1989, and ever since EPD has experts. These occasions facilitated the exchange of reducing noise exposure. During these activities, we been working to identify and promote quieter industry views and encouraged wider application. have made use of 4D virtual reality (VR) technology to construction equipment and methods. For example, About 40 public housing projects and 80 private ones enable architects, engineers and acoustic consultants owners who purchase labelled Quality Powered have now been proposed with these novel designs. to visualise their designs and enable the general Mechanical Equipment are allowed to enjoy a full tax Once these developments are completed, about public to better understand how they can reduce concession in the first year of purchase from 2018-19 100 000 people will benefit. noise. (previously the concession was 20% a year over five years). EPD also regularly organises workshops, seminars and other gatherings on quiet construction in

collaboration with the Hong Kong Construction Heavy construction at a stone's throw away Association (HKCA) and Hong Kong Institute of Acoustics.  To further address construction noise issues, especially daytime construction noise and domestic renovation Looking Ahead work, a first-ever comprehensive consultancy study has been commissioned in Hong Kong. One task has been to EPD has been actively organizing technical seminars on promoting development 4D VR technology in illustrating noise reduction effectiveness of acoustic window Continue to leverage smart technologies to and use of innovative acoustic window to the industry collect information on quiet technologies and practices pre-empt, minimise and resolve noise from 12 other cities with similar characteristics to Hong problems. Kong. More than 10 quiet technologies were identified and had in common an emphasis on non-percussive Continue to use the EIA process to address public concerns and achieve an acceptable approaches that are 10 - 20 dB(A) quieter than noise environment from new infrastructure conventional ones. projects.

Information on these technologies will be disseminated Continue to promote state-of-the-art technologies to the construction trade to to trade associations in the coming year and regularly reduce noise and enhance guidelines on Participants in technical seminars included industry experts, project architects, International Noise Seminar organised by the East and Southeast Asia Regional updated to help builders turn down the volume of their quiet practices. environmental consultants, academics, etc. Chapter of the Acoustical Society of America work.

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Water Quality in 2019 Public Engagement to Protect Our Shorelines Highlights

Hong Kong’s Water Quality Objectives (WQOs) were all Much of the waste that pollutes our shores arises $ Invested $57 billion in sewage infrastructure mostly met in 2019, marking another year of healthy from sea-based and coastal activities. The from 1990-2019, including $2 billion in 2018-19 waters. The 41 gazetted beaches recorded 100% Government organised several initiatives in 2019 to alone. compliance with bacteriological WQO for the 10th year raise people’s awareness of the problem and $ Achieved 100% compliance with WQOs at all 41 in a row, while marine and river water quality encourage behavioural change. gazetted beaches. WATER compliance was about 90%. These results are the $ Co-ordinated and organised more than 110 outcome of years of investment in sewerage Fun-fair and other publicity: The Plastic-free Fun Fair local shoreline clean-up activities. Shoreline Offensive infrastructure and efforts in pollution control. was part of World Environment Day activities (see Community Awareness) organised in June. Activities $ Organised the first joint coastal clean-up effort with Guangdong authorities. Since 1990, the Government has invested about $57 included a presentation ceremony with awards for billion in sewerage infrastructure, including $2 billion Clean Shorelines Heroes who have contributed to The quality of Hong Kong’s waters has improved invested in 2018-19 alone. The centrepiece is the protecting the marine environment. significantly over the years. However, the state of Harbour Area Treatment Scheme (HATS), which has cleanliness at the shoreline has been attracting helped to reduce E. coli counts to 350 per 100mL in increasing public attention. The Government has recent years – a level acceptable for secondary contact taken an integrated approach to handling marine recreational activities, such as rowing and sailing. refuse by co-ordinating efforts through the Inter- departmental Working Group on Marine Near-shore pollution, however, requires a different Environmental Management, engaging the solution. The Government has been actively rectifying community to participate in making Hong Kong’s misconnections of sewers and stormwater drains, shorelines cleaner, and collaborating with installing dry-weather flow interceptors and enhancing neighbouring cities. public awareness. In addition, an ongoing programme

to divert sewage from village houses to public sewers The Secretary for the Environment meeting with Outstanding Clean Shorelines Heroes at a presentation ceremony and sewage treatment works had reached 14 000 houses in 255 villages by the end of 2019.

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Clean-up events: EPD initiated more than 110 territory-wide coastal clean-up activities in May and June to encourage people to help keep Hong Kong’s shores clean, in line with the theme of World Oceans Day 2019. The activities involved about 2 400 participants who cleaned up more than 50 local beaches.

Representatives from Interdepartmental Working Group on Marine Environmental Management joined a beach clean-up operation before the kick-off ceremony

The Secretary for the Environment visited the world's largest solar powered vessel - the Race For Water travelling around the world solely using a combination of clean energy sources: solar power, wind power and hydrogen

Shoreline clean-up activity with Islands District Council Shoreline clean-up activity with Tai Po District Council

Kick-off ceremony of International Coastal Clean-up 2019 Hong Kong

EPD staff participated in a shoreline clean-up activity at Ting Kok East in support of the Biodiversity Festival 2019

Government officials also participated in the International Coastal Clean-up 2019 Hong Kong event held in September and the Race for Water Odyssey event in November arranged by the Consulate General of Switzerland, to engage Clean Shorelines Heroes and other stakeholders.

EPD officiated the kick-off ceremony

Shoreline clean-up activity with Tuen Mun District Council

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Regional Collaboration

Marine refuse is a problem across the region. Hong Kong has been collaborating with our regional counterparts to both monitor the problem and conduct clean-up activities.

Notification and Alert Mechanism: Arrangements have been made for Hong Kong and Guangdong authorities to notify each other of possible surges in water-borne refuse through a mechanism set up by the Hong Kong-Guangdong Marine Environment Management Special Panel. In 2019, the alert mechanism was activated on three occasions.

World Oceans Day 2019 - Coastal Clean-up in Guangdong and Hong Kong Marine milestone: Hong Kong and Guangdong collaborated for the first time on coastal clean-up activities, in a milestone for closer collaboration on the EPD staff together with volunteers from the Construction Industry Council participated marine environment. Guangdong organised clean-ups in a beach clean-up activity at a beach at Shap Long, Chi Ma Wan at 14 coastal cities for government officials and volunteers, while Hong Kong organised more than 110 activities (see above). The theme of the events was Care for Our Ocean, Keep Our Beaches Clean.

Hong Kong members of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Marine Environmental Management Special Panel together with members of the Scout Association of Hong Kong took part in a beach clean-up activity at Shui Hau, Lantau Island

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Special Clean-up Operations Pak Kok Tsui (Pebble Beach) Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter Mangrove in Shui Hau

Coastal sites with accumulated refuse that cannot be During the in-depth clean-up operation at the Pebble cleared through routine cleansing are the target of Beach on Lamma Island, a blanket of refuse (marine special clean-up operations. These are co-ordinated by refuse piled up, mixed with sand and covered by EPD through the Interdepartmental Working Group on vegetation) of 230 tonnes was removed and the Marine Environmental Management. natural ground was then restored.

In 2019, several operations were carried out that removed hundreds of tonnes of waste. At Pak Kok Tsui on Lamma Island, the Civil Engineering and Marine refuse scavenging at Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter Development Department and Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) jointly cleared about 230 tonnes of waste from a pebble beach. At Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter, the FEHD and Pre-operation briefing to local stakeholders and NGOs Lands Department (LandsD) removed about 5 tonnes of marine refuse trapped at vacant lands between shipyards. The FEHD, LandsD, and Agriculture,

Fisheries and Conservation Department also did the The clean-up at mangrove in Shui Hau was the first successful mangrove clean-up trial first successful trial clearing marine refuse from The joint clean-up actions at Aberdeen Typhoon Shelter collected around 5 tonnes of mangrove bushes at Shui Hau Beach on Lantau Island. marine refuse at vacant lands near shipyards And at Lap Sap Wan, the FEHD performed a total of 120 clean-up actions during the year with support Clean-up operation carried out via sea transport to overcome the road access problem from the Marine Department, which overcame the difficulty of removing collected refuse from the site by road.

Use machinery to assist in the clean-up operation Installation of floating boom at box culvert outfall to trap refuse

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Lap Sap Wan  Looking Ahead

Roll out more measures to combat near- shore pollution in Victoria Harbour.

Expand the sewerage infrastructure to enhance territorial water quality.

Strengthen efforts and engage the public in cleaning up shorelines.

During regular clean-ups, refuse are collected in bags, temporarily stored on-site and removed by vessel when weather and sea conditions permit

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Roadworthy New Option preservation of cultural relics. The CKR project will The three road projects will be commissioned in reduce the travelling time between West Kowloon and phases starting from 2021/22 and will benefit Good planning can avoid and minimise unwelcome Kowloon Bay to about five minutes during peak hours, residents with free-flowing traffic and the associated environmental impacts from new roads and while also keeping road traffic noise at bay. Vehicle environmental improvements. ameliorate existing impacts. Three recent road exhaust emitted inside the tunnel will be properly ENVIRONMENTAL projects – Central Kowloon Route (CKR), Trunk Road T2 treated prior to discharge. Highlights ASSESSMENT (TRT2), and Tseung Kwan O-Lam Tin Tunnel (TKO-LTT), which together form Route 6 – illustrate such benefits. The majority of TRT2 and TKO-LTT will also be built in $ Applied smart technologies to facilitate EPD’s This strategic road network will greatly ease traffic tunnels to contain noise and air pollution as well as services, including the development of a 3D congestion in Kowloon and thus reduce noise and air Critical Components visual impacts. TRT2 will connect with CKR and TKO- Geographic Information System (GIS) and a pollution for nearby residents. Optimal use of LTT to provide an express link between West Kowloon Cave Automatic Virtual Environment (CAVE) immersive visualisation. underground tunnels has avoided and minimised and Tseung Kwan O. The design of TRT2 is based on environmental impacts in densely populated areas, as deep-tunnel, no-dredging, no-reclamation approaches Environmental assessment and planning require $ Approved EIA reports for Shuen Wan Golf have the installation of an air purification system and to avoid water quality and marine ecological impacts. Course and Yuen Long Effluent Polishing Plant. developers and policymakers to identify, avoid, the use of landscaped deck noise enclosures/barriers Water quality impacts from dredging work for TKO-LTT minimise and mitigate unacceptable impacts arising $ Provided environmental advice on “Hong Kong and low-noise road surfacing. are effectively minimised by adopting the innovative from development projects at an early stage. The 2030+: Towards a Planning Vision and Strategy “temporary steel cofferdam and double water gate Transcending 2030” and other strategic studies. effectiveness of this approach can be demonstrated The 4.7-kilometre-long dual 3-lane CKR connects West system”, which is a partition in the water to separate in two recent projects: a major road network in $ Vetted the environmental implications of 290 Kowloon with East Kowloon. The project enhances the the area to be reclaimed, thus preventing Kowloon that will address serious traffic congestion funding and policy proposals submitted to the surrounding environment through greening, garden environmental impacts such as sediment dispersion to Executive Council, Legislative Council and other and noise; and a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal important bodies. view platforms to cover some road sections and the the open sea. that will supply cleaner fuel to local power plants. In both cases, environmental impacts were minimised $ Organised training courses and refresher sessions on the EIA process for professionals and mitigated before work proceeded. The and stakeholders. Government also introduced new technologies to foster understanding among the public and $ Fostered EIA exchange and collaboration with Mainland China, held working meetings stakeholders of the outcomes of the EIA process. with Guangdong’s Department of Ecology and Environment and EIA authorities from the Greater Bay Area, and participated in attachment programmes with the national Ministry of Ecology and Environment and Macao Location Plan of Central Kowloon Route, Trunk Road T2 and the Tseung Kwan Photomontage of a Garden View Platform / Landscape Deck of Central Kowloon Environmental Protection Bureau. O-Lam Tin Tunnel together forming Route 6 Route in Yau Ma Tei area

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Home Base for LNG Terminal during its construction and operation. These included CAVE and Other Smart Tools restricting construction activities during the peak The Government has set targets to reduce Hong occurrence season of the finless porpoise and the Public engagement is a key component of the Hong Kong’s climate change impacts in the Hong Kong calving season of the CWD; imposing speed limits on Kong environmental planning and assessment system Climate Action Plan 2030+, including generating about vessels to reduce chances of collision between vessels and EPD is continuously looking for ways to further 50% of electricity by natural gas by 2020. To achieve and marine mammals; and adopting quieter enhance the process. Recent developments in smart the goal, a LNG receiving terminal is needed to meet construction methods to reduce underwater sound. In technologies offer huge opportunities to enhance the the growing demand and ensure the city has steady addition, the EIA recommended measures to enhance public engagement process by producing more and adequate supplies. Potential localised impacts the marine environment and fisheries resources of intuitive, interactive and user-friendly presentations from the project have been identified and minimised southern Lantau and support sustainable and making the presentation of complex ideas more through the environmental assessment and planning development of the fishing industry. intelligible. Recently, EPD introduced several smart process. technological tools:

The EIA concluded that the environmental impacts

During the planning and EIA stages, an offshore LNG associated with the construction and operation of the • A 3D GIS system is taking shape which can enhance receiving terminal that includes a Floating Storage offshore LNG terminal met the required screening and scoping exercises in a project’s initial Regasification Unit was identified to have a much environmental standards. The LNG terminal will stage. The environmental impact of projects can smaller footprint than other options – approximately contribute to better air quality and the overall goal of be presented in layers to help the public better 2.5 hectares versus 41 hectares for a land-based combating climate change in Hong Kong, without understand the projects and comment on the facility, meaning much less habitat loss. compromising other environmental goals. environmental impacts.

Due consideration was given to the location of the • A virtual reality application is being tested to offshore LNG terminal to avoid impacts on sensitive provide a realistic visual and sound experience to areas, such as marine parks, habitats frequented by users, facilitating better appreciation of the before- the Chinese white dolphin (CWD) and finless porpoise, and-after-effects of mitigation measures such as noise barriers. and recreational zones along the southern coastline of The Hong Kong offshore LNG terminal will give Hong Kong access to steady and adequate natural gas supplies (Artist's impression and simulation renderings are for Lantau Island. Within these constraints, a site was illustration purpose only) • The 4D interactive CAVE technology goes a step selected about four kilometres east of Tau Lo Chau further by providing an immersive environment near the Soko Islands. with a 360-degree comprehensive perspective that improves analysis and understanding of projects and The EIA also identified a suite of proactive measures their potential impacts. This was included for the first to further control the project’s potential impacts

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time in a presentation to the Advisory Council on the Environment of an EIA for upgrading sections of Kam  Tin Road and Lam Kam Road. Looking Ahead The Government will continue to refine its use of these technological tools and explore other smart technologies Continue to improve on the use of smart to enhance the environmental planning and assessment technologies. process, as well as the associated public engagement exercises. Continue to promote stakeholder liaison and professionalism on EIA principles, processes and assessment.

Continue to strengthen connections and collaborations with Mainland China and international authorities and experts on EIA systems and practices.

Continue to provide environmental advice on Government policies, plans and programmes at an early stage.

Integrated 4D Database with CAVE Visualization Baseline environmental information, such as land use zoning, displayed in a 3D format facilitating screening and scoping of the potential environmental issues of a project

Making use of Lands Department’s 3D map in the 4D immersive system for the appreciation of the site conditions of a project

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“Techno-Monitors for Mega Projects” platform displays each vehicle’s locational time log and has an email alert system signalling when vehicles Tracking technology means monitoring can be done enter restricted zones. This provides an effective and virtually and at a distance. This is a huge benefit when comprehensive system to avoid any irregularity. it comes to mega projects that cover large areas. Three recent projects illustrate how that technology is being applied in Hong Kong. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE Three-Runway System (3RS): With more than 200 marine vessels working each day under multiple contracts for 3RS, monitoring their individual location, speed and orientation for non-compliance can be a Route Tracking Function viewed in a dedicated website for close-up monitoring Eyes on the Ground challenge. A Maritime Surveillance System receiving a and the Screen signal in real time every 30 seconds from the automatic identification system from each vessel has Portable Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking system securely installed in trucks provided a technical solution. EPD deploys new technological tools and old- fashioned feet on the ground to deter and apprehend CCTV to monitor Chinese White Dolphins: Apart offenders of Hong Kong’s anti-pollution laws. Recent from eyeballing the Dolphin Exclusion Zone for examples include tracking devices to monitor protection of dolphins, trained observers also use Highlights the dumping of waste and protect Chinese white closed circuit television (CCTV) to scan the area and dolphins, stepped-up enforcement against illegally zoom in for closer inspection. The system also has Tung Chung Road set as restricted zone with geo-fencing function to send email upon detection of entry $ Inspected more than 1 200 imported waste imported waste in collaboration with the Customs infra-red and high-resolution modes to enhance containers, up more than 50% over 2018. More and Excise Department (C&ED), and outreach and visibility of dolphins at night and in adverse weather. than 130 containers of illegally imported waste inspections to reduce pollution from plastic waste were intercepted, up more than 70% over 2018. recycling operations. Tung Chung New Town Extension: Illegal $ Completed 61 prosecutions involving illegal construction and demolition waste disposal at this site waste imports and exports, against 43 prosecutions completed in 2018. can be monitored by smart tracking technology. All

dump trucks must have a global positioning system $ Increased the number of air pollution installed that signals its real-time location and status. abatement notices issued to waste plastics recycling yards to 17, compared with 3 in 2018. For close-up visual monitoring of vehicles, a dedicated

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Illegal Waste Imports Targeted EPD also maintains close communications with Cleaner Plastics Recycling overseas enforcement agencies and local shipping The global recycling market is facing greater companies to guard against repatriated waste Hong Kong had about 130 plastics recycling operators restrictions. Mainland China banned waste plastics containers being sent to Hong Kong that did not at the end of 2019, a number that has been increasing imports at the end of 2018 and will ban waste paper originate from Hong Kong. particularly after the Mainland banned plastics imports by the end of 2020, and the Basel Convention imports in 2018. Plastic recycling processes can be a on transboundary movements of hazardous waste will major nuisance to neighbours because they involve also be applied to waste plastics from 1 January 2021. grinding, shredding, melting, extrusion and pelletising, Hong Kong is taking steps to ensure it adheres to the which generate dust, odours and visible fumes if new requirements and at the same time does not proper air pollution control equipment is not in place. become a waste dumping ground itself. To minimise these nuisances, EPD has developed a EPD has been collaborating with C&ED to inspect two-prong strategy. On the one hand, compliance is container shipments based on risk assessment and EPD staff conducted container inspections at C&ED’s cargo examination centres being promoted through a practice guide on proper intelligence about illegal waste imports. In 2019 these recycling and pollution control for waste plastics, actions were stepped up and extended to the airport. developed with the Hong Kong Productivity Council; More than 1 200 container inspections were an easy-to-read leaflet has been distributed to the conducted, up more than 50% compared to 2018. recycling trade; and forums and seminars on best A typical waste plastics recycling yard in New Territories - an open yard with over- stacked waste plastics More than 130 containers of illegally imported waste practices have been organised for the trade with the were intercepted versus about 80 in 2018, and 61 Recycling Fund Secretariat and other partners. Two of prosecutions were completed. The illegally imported the latter events were organised in April and May 2019 waste intercepted included waste flat panel display with 30 and 60 participants, respectively. units, waste batteries, waste printer toner/ink EPD staff intercepted illegally imported waste computers from Panama at the Kwai Chung Container Terminals in April 2019 cartridges, e-waste and waste printed circuit boards. On the other hand, enforcement has been stepped All illegal shipments are returned to their places of up. In 2019, EPD conducted more than 800 inspections origin and details of each case are shared with the of waste plastics recycling yards, issued 17 air relevant overseas enforcement agencies for follow-up. pollution abatement notices and two noise abatement notices, and initiated eight prosecutions. A GIS database has also been established showing the location of these yards and related information to facilitate follow-up actions.

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 Looking Ahead

Enhance import and export control over waste paper and waste plastics, in view of the Mainland’s coming import ban on paper waste and the new waste plastics transboundary movement control under the amended Basel Convention.

An example of the poorly enclosed waste plastics recycling yards causing air and noise nuisance to the neighborhood in Yuen Long and North District

Recycling of waste plastics often generates strong malodor of burning plastics and visible fumes

A typical waste plastics recycling yard in New Territories – an open yard with chaotic housekeeping

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RESOURCE MANAGEMENT

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Waste Loads revenue generated from MSW charging will be dedicated to enhancing efforts to promote waste Highlights In 2019, MSW disposal at landfills fell 3.2% to about reduction and recycling. 11 060 tonnes per day, alongside an economic $ Continued to heighten awareness of MSW contraction. Coupled with the legislative work, we have launched charging, including the launch of the “Dump preparatory measures to raise awareness of and Less, Save More” campaign to promote waste The largest components of MSW were food waste provide assistance to the public in waste reduction and reduction and the establishment of new outreach teams (currently known as “Green (30%), followed by waste paper (24%) and waste recycling. These measures are framed around the WA STE Outreach”) to provide on-site assistance plastics (21%). The measures outlined in this report concept of "ECO", which aim to reduce not only waste in waste reduction and recycling in the REDUCTION aim to achieve deeper and sustainable waste but the carbon emissions associated with waste community. reduction, facilitate recycling and turn more waste into disposal (such as methane gas emissions and loss of $ Extended glass container collection and useful resources or energy. resources that can be recycled or reused). Major treatment services and launched the Glass Time for ECO Action highlights in 2019 include: Container Recycling Charter. Incentive to Reduce Waste $ Continued to review the Plastic Shopping Bag Education and publicity: A territory-wide publicity and Charging Scheme with a view to improve its Charging for the disposal of municipal solid waste Experience in other cities, such as Taipei City and Seoul, education campaign was launched on the theme of effectiveness and prepare for launching a (MSW) is part and parcel of the Government’s waste public consultation on the way forward. has shown that MSW charging is an effective tool to “Dump Less, Save More”. The campaign encouraged reduction strategy. To reap the full benefits of MSW create incentives to drive behavioural changes in waste everyone to participate in reducing waste at source $ Pressed ahead with the preparation for a new charging, its preparation and implementation has reduction. Hong Kong, which faces generally growing and engaged a range of stakeholders, including producer responsibility scheme on plastic to be backed up by “ECO”: education, community beverage containers. waste loads must give serious consideration to MSW educational institutions, property management support, and outreach assistance. In 2019, we charging if it is to meaningfully reduce waste disposal. companies and non-government organisations. $ Commenced a technical trial on the focused on expanding the scope of "ECO" activities, In this regard, the Government has been exploring application of reverse vending machines (RVMs) in the collection of waste plastic following the introduction of an amendment bill options for implementing MSW charging through a beverage containers. on MSW charging in late 2018, and improving the bottom-up approach and getting the public prepared. recycling and recovery of a range of wastes. $ Through the Recycling Fund, provided rental support to recyclers and launched a new A bill to amend the Waste Disposal Ordinance (Cap scheme to support new and start-up recycling 354) to implement MSW charging was introduced into enterprises. the Legislative Council in November 2018. The $ Collaborated with the retail trade to explore proposed charges will be levied through the dual Briefing session arranged by EPD on 16 February 2019 at the Hong Kong Baptist practical measures to reduce the use of University to keep the participants of Student Environmental Protection Leader modes of charging, either by pre-paid designated Training Scheme (SEPLS) abreast of the latest development of MSW charging with plastic packaging materials. a view to conveying the message of “Dump Less, Save More” to the teaching staff garbage bags or by weight-based “gate-fee”. The and undergraduates

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Community support: Community Involvement Projects have been funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund since 2015 to facilitate waste separation at source and recycling, as well as to try out MSW charging in different settings. By end of 2019, the Fund has approved a total of about $110 million for more than 130 projects. In addition, the Government is launching pilot schemes to collect waste plastics from non-commercial and non- Briefing session on MSW charging at a participating school Briefing session on MSW charging industrial sources and food waste, and to test the application of RVMs for collecting waste plastic beverage containers. To further strengthening the community recycling network, regularised funding will be provided to Community Recycling Centres starting from the financial year 2020-21. Promotional booth at a participating residential estate

Community Involvement Projects

Environmental carnival and promotional booths

Distribution of dummy designated garbage bags for trial use

Monitoring of the usage of the dummy designated garbage bags Environmental education activities at a participating shopping mall

Promotional booth at a participating school

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Outreach assistance: New outreaching teams have MSW Charging Trial Project in Public Rental been established to go out into the community and Housing Estates help the public put waste reduction and recycling into practice.

In addition, EPD continued to proceed with MSW charging trial projects. Some 19 organisations partnered with EPD in 2018 to launch trial projects in four sectors – public rental housing estates, rural SEN met the residents of a participating estate Assessing the waste disposal quantities of a participating premises areas, shopping malls and the catering trade – to test the use of mock designated garbage bags and familiarise participants with the operations of MSW charging. The outcome of these trials would shed light on how different sectors could practice waste reduction in tandem with MSW charging in future.

Promotion booth at a participating building Monitoring of the usage of the dummy designated garbage bags

Promotional booths at the lobby of a participating building

Meeting with Estate Management Advisory Committee Promotional booths at a participating estate during the Chinese New Year Carnival

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MSW Charging Trial Project in Rural Villages MSW Charging Trial Project for the Catering Trade

A cleaner collecting waste wrapped in a dummy designated garbage bag from a tenant

Briefing session on MSW charging

Inspection of dummy designated garbage bag usage in a participating restaurant Assessing the weight of waste wrapped in dummy designated garbage bags in a participating restaurant

MSW Charging Trial Project in Shopping Malls

Assessing the weight of waste of a participating shopping mall

Promotion sticker displayed in a participating restaurant

Promotional booth at a participating rural village Promotion booth set up in a participating shopping mall

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Producer Responsibility Schemes WEEE: The PRS on WEEE came into full effect in 2018. Plastic shopping bags: The PSB Charging Scheme, It requires suppliers to pay recycling levies for a range first introduced in 2009, was Hong Kong’s first PRS. We

Producer responsibility schemes (PRSs) place the onus of regulated electrical equipment, including air- consider that there is room for further enhancement on relevant stakeholders, including manufacturers, conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, and will gauge the public’s view to map out the importers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers, to televisions, computers, printers, scanners and forward in due course. share the responsibility for proper handling and monitors. Sellers have to arrange the free removal service of such equipment, which will be treated and Plastic beverage containers: Plastic beverage disposal of specific wastes. The Government is The launch ceremony of the New Chapter for Glass Bottle Recycling on 10 January 2019 implementing a PRS on glass beverage containers recycled by licenced recyclers. Much of WEEE is sent to containers account for 60% of waste plastic containers progressively, alongside existing ones on waste the WEEE·PARK, the government recycling facility for disposed of in the landfills. In 2019, we studied the electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE) and plastic WEEE, which processed 23 980 tonnes of WEEE in introduction of PRS for waste plastic containers and shopping bags (PSBs). Preparatory works are also 2019. decided to first press ahead with one on plastic underway for a new PRS on plastic beverage beverage containers. We will consult the public on the containers. detailed proposals. We also commenced a technical trial on the application of RVMs in June 2019 to

Glass beverage containers: Good progress is being prepare for a more extensive pilot scheme on RVMs to made on the PRS on glass beverage containers. In be rolled out subsequently. 2017-18, Glass Management Contractors (GMCs) were appointed to undertake glass container collection and Plastic disposable tableware: A consultancy study treatment services across the territory. By end of on the feasibility of regulating it in future is being conducted. Plastic disposable tableware was also one 2019, the GMCs had collected about 21 000 tonnes of The E-waste collection vehicle waste glass containers – up 60% over 2018. A Glass of the focuses of major publicity campaigns to reduce Provision of glass bottle collection and treatment services by glass management waste in 2019 (see Community Awareness and Water). Container Recycling Charter was also launched, contractors targeting particular catering and property management sectors, and nearly 1 000 interested parties have signed up. EPD also redesigned a new label for glass container recycling bins and launched promotional and publicity activities. Necessary legislation is being prepared for the full implementation of the PRS. The collection station, education and publicity activities The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, visited the Waste Glass Bottle Recycling Plant in Tuen Mun with members from the Advisory Council on the Environment and green groups

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Collect to Reduce A Food Waste Charter launched under the Food Wise Waste plastics: Waste plastics account for about one- Hong Kong Campaign in 2013 has continued to fifth of the total tonnage of MSW disposed of at

Apart from MSW charging and PRSs, the Government encourage businesses to reduce food waste at source, landfills. Apart from the PSB Charging Scheme has launched programmes to improve the collection such as by offering portioned meals. The response has launched a decade ago and the proposed PRS on and recycling of two problematic waste sources – food been positive: by end of 2019, about 870 organisations plastic beverage containers, the Government has waste and waste plastics. have signed the Charter. launched a pilot scheme to collect and recycle plastic waste. The first contract was awarded in late 2019 for

Food waste: Food waste is the largest component of Eastern District, with service commencing in 2020. MSW disposed of at landfills, which can be turned into Different types of plastics will be collected from non- biogas for generating electricity and compost for commercial and non-industrial sources, sorted, gardening if properly treated. To turn food waste into shredded, and recycled into new materials such as energy, the Government opened a dedicated food plastic pellets. The pilot scheme will be extended to waste recycling facility, O·PARK1, in 2018, which has Kwun Tong and Sha Tin districts in 2020, with the the capacity to treat up to 200 tonnes of food waste ultimate aim to cover all of Hong Kong in the longer per day. A second facility, O·PARK2, will open in 2022 term. In addition, the Government pledged in the 2019 with a capacity of 300 tonnes per day (see Waste Policy Address Supplement to collaborate with the Facilities). These projects are being supported by a retail trade to explore practical measures for reducing pilot food waste collection service launched in July the use of plastic packaging materials. 2018, which targets at institutions, organisations and the commercial and industrial sector. We will extend Waste paper: Waste paper, similar to waste plastics, the scheme to cover more participants, including accounts for some 20 percents of the total tonnage of residential estates, in early 2021. MSW disposed of at landfills. To stabilize and increase the quantity of local waste paper to be collected and With new technologies embedded, smart bins can help monitor and collect data of recycled properly, as well as to enhance the quality The Government has also provided on-site food waste disposal, track participation rate, arrange on-time collection services, and minimise potential odour and hygiene problems composters to housing estates participating in food and value of local waste paper to be exported to other waste recycling since 2011. By end of 2019, 86 estates economies, the Government consulted the local waste with about 84 000 households have joined paper recycling trade in late 2019 on the plan to programme, converting 245 tonnes of source- engage service contractors to carry out territory-wide separated food waste into 23 tonnes of compost for collection and processing of locally-generated waste gardening use. paper for onward export and recycling.

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Recycling Support  Practical assistance, including funding and land, is Looking Ahead provided to recyclers to help them to operate. In 2019, the Government completed a review of its $1 billion Recycling Fund, which resulted in a higher cap on the Continue to conduct trial projects and Extend the pilot scheme to collect and recycle accumulative funding that an enterprise could receive, community involvement projects on MSW plastic waste to three districts. an increased rental subsidy for recycling businesses, charging, and to assist the community in reducing and separating waste at source Introduce territory-wide waste paper and a dedicated scheme to incubate new and smart through the expansion of community collection and recycling services for locally- technologies, among other measures. A new scheme recycling network (CGS an CRC) and generated waste paper. was also launched for new and start-up enterprises. outreaching service. The Administration Building of EcoPark in Tuen Mun The Recycling Fund has supported 247 projects with Conduct a consultancy study on plastic-free Prepare for consulting the public on a new school lunch arrangements and launch two about $247 million since its launch in 2015. PRS on plastic beverage containers, and the pilot schemes, one providing about 100 enhancement of the PSB Charging Scheme. schools with small food waste composters The 20-hectare EcoPark, which provides long-term and education kits and the other subsidising Prepare for rolling out the pilot scheme on about 50 primary and secondary schools to land at affordable cost to recyclers, added a new RVMs for the collection of plastic beverage install equipment, such as refrigerators and tenant in 2019, bringing the total number of lots containers. disinfection machines, so that students can leased to private recyclers to 12. Other suitable land bring their own lunches in reusable containers. has been allocated for short-term tenancies to Continue to implement progressively the PRS on glass beverage containers. recyclers, with 17 sites allocated by end of 2019. Continue with a consultancy study on the Extend the pilot scheme to collect and recycle feasibility of controlling the use of disposable Given the difficult business conditions for recyclers in food waste to cover more institutions and plastic tableware. 2019, the Government also offered the trade rental organisations, as well as some residential estates. support. Tenants of the EcoPark were given a rental The 3D landfill model at EcoPark's Visitor Centre concession of 50% for six months. Other recyclers located outside the EcoPark could also apply for assistance through the “One-off Rental Support Scheme” newly launched under the Recycling Fund, offering a monthly subsidy up to $25,000.

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Waste-to-resources energy and compost. In 2018, the O·PARK1 was commissioned at Siu Ho Wan in North Lantau to treat Waste can be used to generate by-products such as up to 200 tonnes of food waste per day. By the end of biogas, electricity and compost, and extract other 2019, it had recycled more than 48 000 tonnes of food useful materials. Waste recycling can also reduce waste into 9.5 million kilowatts of electricity that was emissions of greenhouse gases from landfills, so it is a used to support the electricity demand of O·PARK1, carbon-friendly option. Hong Kong’s suite of current with the surplus exported to the electricity grid for use WA STE and upcoming waste handling facilities includes the by the general public. The facility also produced 900 FACILITIES following: tonnes of compost for gardening use. A contract was awarded to build O·PARK2 in North District, which is Highlights Food waste as a resource: Food waste comprises expected to be commissioned in 2022 to treat 300 about 30% of MSW and typically has gone straight to tonnes of food waste per day. $ Awarded the contract to design, build Creating Value landfills. But with treatment, it can be converted into and operate O·PARK2 to scale up the from Waste recycling capacity of food waste; the target commissioning date is 2022.

$ Commissioned pre-treatment facilities for a Hong Kong has habitually relied on landfills for waste trial scheme for co-digestion of food waste and disposal. But that is changing with the introduction of sewage sludge at the Tai Po Sewage Treatment a variety of waste recovery programmes (see Waste Works and began investigation and design work for similar facilities at Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Reduction) and the development of recycling facilities Works. to convert waste into useful materials and energy. Work continued on these facilities in 2019. We also $ Received a Merit Award for the T·PARK in the 2019 Hong Kong Awards for Environmental proceeded with projects to extend our landfills to Excellence (HKAEE). contain unavoidable waste, and to convert restored O∙PARK1 adopts anaerobic digestion and composting technologies to recycle O∙PARK1 combines environmental protection, multi-technology and education in a source separated food waste into biogas and compost single facility, marking a new milestone of waste-to-energy landfills into community amenities. $ Continued with the design and construction works for the Integrated Waste Management Facilities (I·PARK), which will open in 2025.

$ Continued with construction works for the extension of Southeast New Territories (SENT) Landfill and a landfill gas utilisation plant at the West New Territories (WENT) Landfill.

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In addition, EPD and Drainage Services Department Sewage sludge solution: Since 2015, the T·PARK has Recycling WEEE: WEEE stands for waste electrical and Landfills for the Remnants are collaborating on a trial scheme to pre-treat and used waste-to-energy technology to reduce the bulk of electronic equipment, which may contain components mix food waste with sewage sludge, for anaerobic co- sewage sludge by up to 90%. The facility was also and materials, including metals and plastics, that can Hong Kong has three strategic landfills that have digestion at existing sewage treatment works. The aim designed as a community amenity, with spa pools, an be recovered for reuse and recycling. Some WEEE also received growing quantities of waste over the past is to optimise the use of existing facilities and to education centre, a bird sanctuary and other features. contains chemical materials that need to be treated decades. Before all the necessary waste treatment establish the technical feasibility of this scheme. Food In 2019, T·PARK won a Merit Award in the HKAEE before they are fit for recycling. In March 2018, the and recycling facilities are up and operating, we have Waste Pre-treatment Facilities were commissioned in (Public and Community Services category). WEEE·PARK was fully commissioned to provide no choice but to extend the landfills’ capacity to meet 2019 at the Tai Po Sewage Treatment Works for the collection and treatment services for dismantling, Hong Kong’s pressing needs. first trial project. Preparatory works are also underway detoxifying and recycling regulated WEEE into for another trial at the Sha Tin Sewage Treatment reusable materials. The facility is in support of the In 2019, construction works was in full swing to Works. Producer Responsibility Scheme on WEEE (WPRS) that expand the SENT Landfill, tender documents were came into full effect in 2018 (see Waste Reduction). By being prepared for the extension of the North East the end of 2019, 23 980 tonnes of regulated WEEE had New Territories (NENT) Landfill, and design and other been processed by the WEEE·PARK. preparatory work was underway for the extension of the WENT Landfill. Integrated Waste Management Facilities. The I·PARK is an indispensable part of Hong Kong’s waste management strategy. I·PARK will have the capacity to T·PARK combines advanced technologies including sludge incineration, power treat 3 000 tonnes of MSW per day with advanced generation, seawater desalination and wastewater treatment incineration technology, the process of which will generate 480 million kilowatt hours of surplus electricity every year that will be exported to the power grid (enough to support 100 000 households). The site will also have a mechanical sorting and recycling facility that can treat 200 tonnes of MSW per day to recover useful resources. I·PARK is being built on an artificial island near Shek Kwu Chau and is scheduled to start operating in 2025.

The construction works of the extension of SENT Landfill in full swing

T∙SPA - Supported by the heat energy recovered from the sludge incineration process, Food Waste Pre-treatment Facilities for food waste/sewage sludge anaerobic co- the three spa pools indicating hot, ambient and cool temperatures offer seamless sea digestion trial scheme at Tai Po Sewage Treatment Works view of Deep Bay, a perfect place to relax and refresh

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We have also been installing facilities to recover In order to utilise valuable land once landfills are energy from landfill operations. Landfill gas utilisation restored, we have converted some of the 13 restored  plants are operating at SENT and NENT Landfills to landfills into community amenities such as a golf produce town gas from landfill gas. A similar facility is driving range and football training centre. In 2019, Looking Ahead being developed at the WENT Landfill to generate EPD signed an agreement to provide Tung Wah Group electricity for export. In 2019, we also received of Hospitals with funding support to prepare the On food waste, continue developing support from the Sai Kung District Council for a pilot restored Tseung Kwan O Stage 1 landfill for O·PARK2 as well as pre-treatment facilities solar farm project at the SENT Landfill to test the development as a camping and green education for trials of anaerobic co-digestion with sewage sludge at Tai Po and Sha Tin feasibility of using restored landfill slopes for ground. sewage treatment plants. renewable energy projects. NENT Landfill in operation Continue with the design and construction work of IWMF1.

Develop a yard waste processing centre in Tuen Mun to handle Government yard waste and explore the production of biochar from yard waste to turn the waste into energy and useful products.

Continue with construction works on the extension of SENT Landfill and preparatory work for the extensions of NENT and WENT Landfills. WENT Landfill in operation

Continue implementing the pilot solar farm project at the SENT Landfill.

Start operation of the landfill gas utilisation plant at WENT Landfill.

EPD signed an agreement with Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs) to provide TWGHs with funding support to carry out pre-construction activities for a camp site-cum- green education ground at the restored Tseung Kwan O Stage I Landfill

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A Boost for RE

Electricity generation accounts for nearly two-thirds of Hong Kong’s greenhouse gas emissions, making it a prime target for action. The Government is tackling both the source (fuel used for energy) and end user ENERGY (buildings and consumers) to reduce the impacts on climate change, as well as leading by example.

Clean Energy Future Cleaner fuel: Hong Kong’s electricity is increasingly Highlights being generated through cleaner fuels. At the same

time, the Government has been ramping up RE The Government has been adopting different RE technologies. The Drainage Services Department installed a new combined heat and power generating system $ Pursued legislative amendments to exempt programmes, including using the $2 billion dedicated in Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works to convert biogas produced in the process of Hong Kong has made great progress reducing its sewage sludge treatment into electrical and thermal energy in 2019 individual participants in the Feed-in Tariff (FiT) funding to install RE systems, such as solar panels, at Scheme from applying for business registration energy-related impacts on climate change, thanks suitable government premises. FiT Scheme: The FiT Scheme was introduced in 2018 and paying profits tax in respect of FiT to an aggressive programme that involves switching to provide incentives for the private sector to invest in payments. to cleaner fuels and renewable energy (RE) and distributed RE. By the end of 2019, more than 7 000 $ Introduced Solar Harvest to install solar energy improving energy efficiency in buildings and products. applications had been received and about 6 000 of generation systems for free for schools and Since 2015, energy intensity (energy used per GDP them had been approved, which is in stark contrast to welfare organisations. unit) has decreased by more than 30% compared the decade before the FiT Scheme was launched when $ Launched the RE Certificate Scheme to offer the with 2005 levels, putting us on course for achieving only about 200 private RE systems connected to the community another option for supporting clean our target of a 40% reduction by 2025. Meanwhile, power companies’ grids. The estimated annual energy. carbon intensity (carbon emissions per GDP unit) has electricity generated by these approved applications $ Achieved a 5% reduction in electricity fallen by 34% compared with 2005 levels, which aligns will provide enough power to support almost half of consumption in government buildings within with our target of a 65-70% reduction by 2030. Further the residential units in Wanchai. In 2019, to facilitate four years. initiatives were introduced or strengthened in 2019 to participation in the FiT Scheme as far as practicable, $ Implemented the new Building Energy Code keep Hong Kong on the path to a clean energy future. the Government pursued legislative amendments so and added five more products to the Mandatory The Government has been installing solar panels at premises where technically feasible. The installation of a solar energy generation system at Tai Po Water that individuals who install RE systems at their Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MEELS). Treatment Works by the Water Supplies Department was completed in 2019 residential premises need not pay profits tax and $ Saw 3 800 organisations sign the Energy Saving apply for business registration for the FiT payments Charter and more than 1 500 premises sign the they receive. 4T Charter.

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Solar Harvest: Launched in 2019, Solar Harvest allows RE Certificate Scheme: As the FiT Scheme was eligible non-government and non-profit-making feeding more RE into the grid, the power companies schools and welfare organisations that receive started selling RE in the form of RE Certificates in recurrent Government subventions to have the 2019, thus providing another means for the Government installing small-scale solar energy community to show support for RE. Organisations and generation systems for them for free. More than 210 enterprises can also buy these Certificates to offset applications were received during the year. In addition their carbon emissions identified in carbon audits. to generating electricity, the system can also be a teaching aid. Saving Energy

Buildings account for about 90% of electricity consumption in Hong Kong, so a basket of initiatives has been implemented to promote energy efficiency

and conservation among builders and users.

Leading by example: The Government has been Retrofitting of energy-efficient chiller plant proactive in reducing its own electricity consumption Buildings and products: The latest Building Energy and recorded good news in 2019. We achieved our Code, for central building services installed in new We have seen very encouraging response to the FiT Scheme. By the end of 2019, goal of reducing consumption by 5% from 2015-16 to more than 7 000 FiT applications have been received and about 6 000 of them have Solar Harvest installs small-scale solar energy generation systems for schools and buildings or existing ones undergoing major been approved by the two power companies welfare NGOs for free. More than 210 applications were received in 2019 2019-20, using 2013-14 as the base year – meaning we renovation, came into effect in 2019 and enhances were one year ahead of schedule. Energy-saving energy efficiency standards by 18% compared with the measures included energy audits and energy-saving first version in 2012. A tax deduction also came into retrofits in about 340 major government buildings. effect in 2018-19 that lets private building owners fully Moving forward, we aim to raise our energy deduct capital expenditure on green installations performance by a further 6%. This new Green Energy including RE in the first year of purchase. The MEELS Target applies not only to government buildings but for electrical products was also expanded to include also infrastructure. five more types of products.

Energy Saving for All Campaign: The 2019 campaign Schools can make good use of the solar energy generation systems installed under Solar Harvest to enrich the teaching of STEM (science, technology, engineering and saw 3 800 organisations sign the Energy Saving mathematics) and environmental education

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Charter to maintain average indoor temperatures in Promoting new technology: Hong Kong’s innovation venues such as malls, offices and schools at 24-26 and technology achievements in energy efficiency and  degrees Celsius from June to September; switch off conservation were showcased at the Green I&T Day appliances when not in use; procure energy-efficient organised by the ENB and the Electrical and Looking Ahead appliances; and engage staff and students to adopt Mechanical Services Department. More than 600 energy-saving practices. Owners and managers of participants from the trade, academia and public Continue to encourage the development of more than 1 500 premises also signed the 4T Charter organisations attended, and there were more than 30 RE in both the public and private sectors. to set targets for energy-saving with a timeline, be local and Mainland exhibitors. transparent in tracking the results, and encourage Review the Building Energy Code in light of the latest technologies and other people to work together towards the target. The 2019 The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, visits a booth set up by the developments. Energy Saving Championship Scheme again honoured Electrical and Mechanical Services Department introducing the E&M InnoPortal at the Green I&T Day top performers in energy efficiency and conservation, Further expand the scope of MEELS. and received more than 800 entries. Conduct energy-cum-carbon audits in major government buildings and install more energy saving and small-scale RE systems.

At the launching ceremony of the Energy Saving for All Campaign, the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, encouraged the public to save energy and take action to mitigate climate change

The Charter on External Lighting encourages participants from different industries to collaboratively minimise light nuisance and provide the public with an environment conducive to sleep

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Countryside Conservation which is held every 10 years. The CCO promoted the festival and co-ordinated with Government The Countryside Conservation Office (CCO) was departments to expedite repair works on failed established in 2018 to protect the natural ecology and natural slopes and damaged footpaths, assisted in the architectural and cultural heritage resources of Hong Lai Chi Wo annual cleaning day, and organised talks Kong’s remote countryside. Lai Chi Wo and Sha Lo and workshops, all in advance of the festival. Tung were identified early on as pilot areas for NATURE projects. In 2019, the CCO’s work was advanced with CONSERVATION the setting up of the Advisory Committee on Countryside Conservation (ACCC) in July to help guide Cantonese opera performance as an integral part of the religious celebration of the efforts and the launch of the Countryside Hing Chun Yeuk Da Chiu Festival To Preserve, Protect Conservation Funding Scheme (CCFS) in October. and Promote The ACCC is advising the CCO on priorities for Highlights conservation and revitalisation and on the policy and Hong Kong’s abundant natural resources belie its operation of the CCFS. Members include scholars, $ Established the Advisory Committee on reputation as an urban jungle. They range from professionals, rural/district stakeholders and green Traditional “Fa Pai” showcasing the name of the event, auspicious words and the sponsoring bodies of the Hing Chun Yeuk Da Chiu Festival Countryside Conservation and launched the rugged mountains and deep valleys to sandy shores group representatives, as well as Government officials. Countryside Conservation Funding Scheme. and shaded woods. These resources need careful $ Proceeded with statutory procedures to management to protect them and derive value, such Some $500 million has been allocated to the CCFS to designate the Southwest Lantau Marine Park. as nursing grounds for fisheries and recreation for support local non-profit making organisations and $ residents and visitors. In 2019, the Government’s villagers in conducting conservation and revitalisation Proceeded with legislative amendments to implement a new fisheries management initiatives in support of those goals included launching projects. The first funding applications were invited strategy in marine parks. a fund for countryside conservation projects, making from existing Nature Conservation Management $ progress on marine parks management, and Agreement (MA) projects, where additional funding Consulted the public on enhancing the recreation and education potential of country continuing to implement the Biodiversity Strategy could enhance the revitalisation of architectural parks and special areas. and Action Plan. heritage and/or cultural assets and supplement the $ Celebrated the 40th anniversary of the execution of the MA projects. Religious rituals performed in the celebration of the Hing Chun Yeuk Da Chiu Festival MacLehose Trail.

The CCO also contributed to a cultural event in Lai Chi $ Continued implementing the Biodiversity Wo, the Sha Tau Kok Hing Chun Yeuk Da Chiu Festival, Strategy and Action Plan 2016-21.

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Enhancing Marine Legislative amendments were also put forward for the Country Parks: Country parks and special areas cover and Country Parks implementation of a new fisheries management 44 300 hectares of Hong Kong’s land. As part of a strategy in marine parks to enhance protection for consultancy study on how to enhance their

Steps were taken in 2019 to expand marine parks and fisheries resources, particularly coral communities recreational and educational potential, the enhance fisheries management within them, and to and fish spawning and nursing grounds. Commercial Government put forward four proposals for public consult the public on improving recreational and fishing will be banned in four marine parks – Hoi Ha consultation in 2019: enhance existing facilities (such educational services within country and marine parks. Wan, Yan Chau Tong, Tung Ping Chau, Sha Chau and as providing advance booking of campsites, more Lung Kwu Chau. Commercial fishing by registered viewing platforms and facilities for different ages and

Marine Parks: The statutory designation procedures local fishing vessels will still be allowed in the Brothers physical abilities); set up open museums for historical Marine Park and new marine parks to be designated relics; introduce tree top adventure facilities; and to establish the Southwest Lantau Marine Park, New viewing platform at High West covering about 650 hectares, got underway in 2019, in western waters through the marine park fishing provide “glamping” sites and eco-lodges. These MacLehose Trail’s 40th Anniversary paving the way for the park to come into operation in permit system. These arrangements also take effect in proposals were all supported by the public and are April 2020. This park will enhance protection for April 2020. being implemented in stages. Some new viewing The iconic 100-kilometre MacLehose Trail traverses Chinese White Dolphins and the marine environment. platforms and water filling stations have already been The Government also continued pursuing additional rolled out for public enjoyment. eight Hong Kong country parks. Also known as one of measures, such as artificial reefs and fish fry the world’s “20 Dream Trails” as named by National

th restocking, to increase fisheries resources in marine Geographic magazine, the trail celebrated its 40 parks, facilitate rehabilitation of the ecosystem, and Anniversary in 2019. A wide range of public events promote eco-tourism. were organised to encourage enjoyment of the trail, including the Complete Walk on MacLehose Trail 2019, MacLehose Trail 40th Anniversary Celebration Day, MacLehose Trail Maintenance Workshop, MacLehose Map of the Proposed Southwest Lantau Marine Park Trail Campers, and the Excursion with Experts at MacLehose Trail. Thematic videos were also produced

to showcase the MacLehose Trail’s natural treasures Interactive exhibition introducing proposals for enhancing the recreational and and spectacular scenery to local residents and educational potential of country parks and special areas overseas visitors.

New Fisheries Management Strategy in Marine Parks

Besides its enchanting scenery and being a popular hiking spot, Fan Lau Tung Wan is also an important habitat of Chinese White Dolphins within the Southwest Lantau Marine Park

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• Promote community involvement. The 2019 Hong Kong Biodiversity Festival featured activities organised by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department with 45 partners from within the Government, public and private sectors, universities and the community. Highlights included the “Savouring Nature Exhibition” and themed eco- tours led by knowledgeable guides, to demonstrate The Hong Kong Biodiversity Festival 2019 was the collaborative effort of the Government and external partners. It featured numerous fun-filled activities, including the collaborative efforts of the Government and non- "Savouring Nature" exhibition, ecotours, workshops and film appreciation activities, over a period of three months government organisations in conserving biodiversity. Eco-tour on introducing MacLehose Trail A species action plan for Chinese Pangolin was formulated to provide a framework of actions to better conserve the species in Hong Kong, and contribute to its protection in the region  • Enhance conservation measures. A species action Looking Ahead plan for the globally threatened Chinese Pangolin was launched in collaboration with local experts.

Guidelines on designing wildlife crossing systems Enhance the CCFS by expanding the scope were updated to improve habitat connectivity. of proposals to be supported.

• Mainstream biodiversity. Biodiversity considerations Continue collaborations with other departments and stakeholders at Lai Chi were incorporated into the revised Chapter 10 Wo and Sha Lo Tung on conservation (Conservation) of the Hong Kong Planning Standards projects. th The public enjoyed the fun of ziplining on the MacLehose Trail 40 Anniversary Savouring Nature Exhibition Celebration Day and Guidelines, as well as the BEAM Plus New Continue with work to designate three new Buildings V2.0 that guides developers. Biodiversity Strategy marine parks in western waters, starting with Southwest Lantau Marine Park. and Action Plan (BSAP) • Improve knowledge. Species checklists for major

groups of terrestrial and freshwater species were Commence operation of the Hoi Ha Visitor The BSAP, launched in 2016, provides a framework for updated. The Government also commissioned Centre. developing resources and systems to conserve studies on territorial habitat mapping and ecosystem Study the feasibility of developing Pak Tam biodiversity in Hong Kong. The plan is divided into four services, and the development of a biodiversity Chung into a green tourism hub. areas and in 2019 progress continued to be made in information-sharing platform. each of them. Group photo with NGO partners at the opening reception of the Hong Kong Biodiversity Festival 2019

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STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

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Partnership Progress

Since the 1990s, EPD has had formal partnerships with four sectors that have often been the subject of pollution complaints and convictions: construction, property management, vehicle repair workshops and restaurants. The partnerships promote compliance BUILDING with environmental legislation through outreach, PARTNERSHIPS demonstrations, advice-sharing and other methods. In 2019, activities focused on the first three sectors. One of the signatory prize-winning architectural models

A Guiding Hand Construction: Several events were held to recognise good behaviour and share good practices. EPD and

HKCA co-organised the HKCA Environmental Awards

Outreach and support to polluters have been 2019, for which EPD judged the environmental hallmarks of EPD’s work for more than two decades. performance of entries together with the Highlights While environmental laws are necessary to deter Development Bureau and HKCA. The presentation pollution, operators also need advice and assistance ceremony in December attracted about 180 $ Promoted best practices to the construction on how to comply. EPD has long-standing formal participants from the construction trade. Awards were given to honour contractors for their outstanding achievements in industry through the HKCA Environmental environmental performance partnerships with key trades and it continued to Awards, Environmentally Friendly Green Model organise compliance activities in 2019. Efforts also got EPD was also a supporting organisation and judging Building Competition and MTRCL-EPD Joint Environmental Forum. underway to prepare waste importers, exporters and panel member for the Environmentally Friendly Green recyclers for coming controls on waste plastics and Model Building Competition, organised by the HKCA $ Conducted 20 environmental audits for the waste paper. and Central and Western District Office. Participants Wong Tai Sin District Council’s Quality Building Management Competition. used waste paper and other recyclable materials to

make models of iconic buildings in the district. $ Organised a seminar on green practices for the vehicle repair trade.

$ Held the first of three seminars to prepare waste handlers on coming import and export controls on waste plastics and waste paper. EPD’s representative and other officiating guests

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Property management: EPD has been an environmental assessor of the Wong Tai Sin District Council’s Quality Building Management Competitions since 2005 and in 2019 conducted 20 environmental audits of residential buildings and estates. Encouragingly, there has been a notable improvement in recent years in the standard of building Mr. Au Wai Kwong, Elvis, JP, Deputy Director of Environmental Protection is giving Group photo of the speakers and the participants The 2019 Environmental Seminar for the Vehicle Repair Trade an officiating speech management and the implementation of green measures, such as green roofing, food waste composting and use of renewable energy.

Group photo of officiating guests and the prize-winners

EPD’s speaker is giving a talk on “Challenges in Handling EIA Studies” Finally, EPD continued to work with the MTR Quality Building Management Competition (QBMC) Awards Presentation Ceremony of the Wong Tai Sin District Corporation Limited to jointly organise the MTRCL- EPD Joint Environmental Forum in November, which Vehicle repair workshops: A seminar for about 100 attracted about 140 participants from various trade practitioners and stakeholders was organised in Government departments, project proponents, March 2019 by EPD, Hong Kong Vehicle Repair consultants, contractors, the MTR and the Hong Kong Merchants Association, Environmental Vehicle Institute of Environmental Impact Assessment. This Repairers Association and Hong Kong Productivity annual event provides an opportunity for the different Council. Topics included green garage management Promotional visits to vehicle repair workshops parties to exchange knowledge and views and and practices, the latest environmental laws, control cultivate understanding on the latest developments in of vehicular emissions and the handling of chemical Lively group discussion session with all participants having the opportunities to share handling EIAs. The theme for 2019 was “Challenges and contribute waste. EPD also visited about 30 vehicle repair and Opportunities in a Decade of EIAs”. Speakers also workshops in Mong Kok and Tai Kok Tsui to promote talked about the new AQOs and the new concept of good environmental practices and raise awareness ecological civilisation. among practitioners.

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Preparing for Waste Shipment Controls 

Waste imports and exports are becoming subject to Looking Ahead greater controls around the world. In 2018, Mainland China banned waste plastics imports and in 2020 it plans to ban waste paper imports. At the same time, Continue to collaborate with the construction trade and stakeholders to the transboundary movement of many types of waste promote good environmental practices. plastics will come under the Basel Convention’s control from 1 January 2021. EPD has stepped up Continue to support the vehicle repair trade and promote good environmental practices. enforcement (see Environmental Compliance) and is reaching out to prepare local operators for these Issue guidelines to the waste recycling developments. In December 2019 and January 2020, it trade on the import and export of waste planned three briefings for importers, exporters and plastics and waste paper. recyclers of waste plastics and waste paper, forwarders, and shipping companies. About 70 participants attended the December briefing and 200 were expected at the January briefings.

The trade is also being encouraged to communicate with overseas recycling facilities and authorities and EPD as soon as possible, to avoid repatriation of waste containers that sail through Hong Kong before proceeding to neighbouring Southeast Asian countries. EPD will also issue guidelines for the trade in advance of the coming deadlines. EPD held seminars to prepare the trade for the coming import and export control over waste plastics and waste paper

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Green Table Matters from designated premises and canteens serving mainly Government staff, from January 2019. Tenders Single-use plastics proliferate in the food business, for new and existing contracts will stipulate against from straws and disposable cutlery to plastic disposable tableware and ask vendors to use containers. The Government is pursuing several tableware made of greener materials, such as plant avenues to reduce this problem. fibres.

COMMUNITY Plastic-free Takeaway, Use Reusable Tableware AWA R ENESS Campaign: This initiative is a joint effort of EPD, Environmental Campaign Committee (ECC) and food The "Plastic-free Takeaway, Use Reusable Tableware” (Phase II) Campaign was and beverage sector to encourage customers to avoid launched at the World Environment Day and World Oceans Day to encourage the Highlights public to "Go Plastic-and-disposable-free" A Plastic-free Message disposables and bring their own reusable tableware. $ Customers can collect a sticker each time they do so Plastic-free beaches: Separate activities organised by Launched Phase 2 of the Plastic-free Takeaway, Use Reusable Tableware campaign. that can be redeemed for a set of stainless-steel EPD have targeted beaches, where plastic waste is a highly visible problem. The “Plastic-free Beach, Plastic waste was the major focus of community cutlery or a complementary offer provided by $ Organised the Plastic-free Fun Fair for World Tableware First” campaign encouraged beach-side Environment Day and World Oceans Day. engagement activities in 2019. People were urged collaborating restaurants. caterers and kiosks to replace disposable plastics with to ditch single-use plastic through an ongoing $ Supported 186 community-initiated projects tableware that is more environmentally friendly, promotional campaign. A reusable tableware lending Phase 1 of the campaign involved three major fast- through the Environment and Conservation including paper straws, wooden forks, paper Fund with a total grant of more than $205 programme was extended to major events. There food chains and ran from November 2018 to mid- containers and reusable utensils. million. were also shoreline clean-ups and fun fairs and January 2019. Its success was a springboard to a Lunar New Year fairs that promoted waste reduction. much-expanded Phase 2 that involved more than 30 $ Received a record 2 608 entries for the 2019 More than 110 shoreline clean-up activities were also HKAEE and Hong Kong Green Innovation Schools and businesses were also asked to cut down catering businesses with 630 outlets and more than co-ordinated and organised in May and June 2019, Awards and honoured 214 winners from 2018. on waste and show their green colours through 50 canteens and restaurants at Government venues. including the first collaboration with Guangdong on awards competitions. The catering businesses ranged from Hong Kong-style $ Welcomed more than 107 000 visitors to the tea restaurants to Chinese restaurants, Western cafes, this topic (see Cross-boundary and International Fanling, Wan Chai and Mobile Environmental Resource Centres and Lung Fu Shan kiosks and others, in addition to fast-food chains. Both Cooperation). Clean Shorelines Heroes were also Environmental Education Centre. phases together resulted in 2.4 million fewer sets of commended at the World Environment Day and World $ disposable cutlery being used and more than 175 000 Oceans Day ceremony. Enrolled more than 8 300 students in the Student Environmental Protection Ambassador gifts being distributed (reusable cutlery or Scheme and awarded 40 schools with the Hong Ban at Government venues: The Government has complementary offer). Kong Green School Award. banned plastic straws and polyfoam food containers

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corner, a pop-up library and artwork made from marine litter. Phase 2 of the Plastic-free Takeaway, Use Reusable Tableware campaign (see above) was also launched at the event. Community Green Stations (CGS) also organised activities on the same theme, and several local tours were organised by the ECC to promote appreciation of Hong Kong’s marine ecosystem.

Pun Choi banquet organiser used the reusable tableware provided by ECC to The ECC MTR Environmental Awards for Schools were Secretary for the Environment visited an interactive educational booth at the 2019 minimise the use of single-use plastic tableware World Environment Day and World Oceans Day Plastic-free Fun Fair handed out at the WED ceremony to winning primary Green Festivities and secondary school students who had participated in a poster design competition on the theme “All Go

Green messages are embedded into community-wide Plastic-free”. events that reach a large population and in 2019, the plastic-free message was prominent.

Banning plastic straws and polyfoam food containers in designated premises and World Environment Day (WED) 2019: This annual canteens mainly serving government staff from January 2019 event adopted a “Go Plastic-free” theme and for the

Reusable Tableware Lending Programme: EPD and first time incorporated World Oceans Day into the ECC launched this programme in 2018, which lends up celebrations as plastic waste in oceans has become a Event participants enjoying snacks made from food leftovers to 5 000 sets of reusable tableware for large events for growing global concern. Green Lunar New Year Fairs: After a pilot run at free, including free delivery, collection and cleaning Cheung Sha Wan Lunar New Year Fair in 2017 and five service. By the end of 2019, some 82 events had made The centrepiece of WED 2019 festivities was the "All Go Plastic-free" Poster Design Competition to encourage primary and secondary fairs in 2018, the Green Lunar New Year Fair use of the service, avoiding more than 408 000 pieces Plastic-free Fun Fair that involved nearly 30 students to unleash their creativity to promote the plastic-free message programme was extended to all 15 Lunar New Year of disposable tableware. organisations, including Government departments, non-government organisations, green groups, tertiary Fairs in 2019. The programme involved providing institutions and community groups. The fair was held facilities and education on resource recovery and at Tai Kwun in Central and featured activities such as recycling and encouraging vendors and visitors to upcycling workshops, interactive educational booths, reduce their waste. For example, Green Ambassadors sharing sessions, music performances, a story-telling shared festive green tips with visitors, shopping bag

46 ù www.enb.gov.hk ù www.epd.gov.hk STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT ENVIRONMENT HONG KONG 2020 sharing stands allowed visitors to drop off or pick up Green events: Since the launch of the Green Event Green Champions reusable bags, vendors could sign a “green stall Guidebook in late 2017, EPD has been working closely pledge”, and unsold goods and other materials were with organisers of mega events to implement green Schools and businesses are honoured every year for collected at the end for recycling or upcycling. To measures, such as the Hong Kong Sevens, Standard demonstrating tangible efforts to reduce their impacts support the Government’s drive to reduce plastic Chartered Hong Kong Marathon, Hong Kong Flower on the environment and help others to go green, such waste, reusable tableware lending services were also Show and Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival. Organisers as their suppliers and local community. provided, as well as recycling arrangements for of district-level events have also been encouraged to polyfoam, glass bottles and food waste. adopt a green culture. To formalise this commitment, Schools: 40 schools were honoured for their green EPD has invited organisers to make a “Green Event policy, implementation and environmental education Pledge” and by November 2019, more than 200 efforts at the 17th Hong Kong Green School Award Happy moments of a winning school at the 17th Hong Kong Green School Award organisations had taken the pledge. Outstanding ceremony. The winners included 29 primary and Presentation Ceremony green events are also honoured as “Green Outdoor secondary schools, who are also eligible to compete in Events” at the HKAEE. the Schools category of the HKAEE 2019, and 11 pre- schools. In addition, 35 schools were given the NO Disposables Campus Award for their efforts to go plastic-free and raise awareness of the issue.

Secretary for the Environment and Chairman of the Environmental Campaign Committee visited a Green Stall at the Fa Hui Park Lunar New Year Fair

Secretary for the Environment returning the reusable tableware after using the lending service at a Green Lunar New Year Fair An outdoor environmental education activity of a participating school under the 17th Hong Kong Green School Award

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Businesses: The winners of the HKAEE 2018 were honoured at a ceremony in April 2019 in which 47  companies or organisations received gold, silver or bronze awards and 161 received certificates of merit. Looking Ahead In addition, six companies received Hong Kong Green Innovation Awards, while a new award, the Continue to encourage the public to reduce Outstanding Green Achiever Commendation Scheme, waste, particularly by avoiding the use of was introduced for managers and employees who disposable plastics and recycling properly. made exceptional efforts to improve the environmental performance of their companies and Continue to engage the community and the community. Seven individuals were honoured in promote the Government’s new environmental initiatives. the scheme’s inaugural year. Representatives of Gold Award winning organisations shared the stage with the Acting Chief Executive at the Presentation Ceremony of 2018 Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence Continue to organise environmental Hong Kong companies that achieve multiple commendation schemes and other environmental benchmarks, such as ISO 14001 activities targeting different sectors of the community. certification and certificates in waste reduction, energy saving, carbon reduction, IAQ and/or enhancing the environmental attributes of their products, are eligible for the title of Hong Kong Green Organisation (HKGO). More than 2 200 companies have obtained the HKGO title, including 989 awarded in 2018. In addition, more than 17 800 certificates have been issued since 2008. Collectively, participants have recycled more than 344 000 tonnes of waste paper, metal and plastics, saved 133 million kilowatts of energy, and reduced their carbon footprint by more than 383 000 tonnes. The Presentation Ceremony of 2018 Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence was held in April 2019 to present awards to organisations with outstanding environmental performance

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SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

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Public Engagement on Long-term Decarbonisation

In 2015, 196 United Nations Members adopted the The public engagement ran for three months, from 14 historic Paris Agreement to address climate change. June to 20 September, and involved dozens of SUSTAINABLE The Agreement also applies to the Hong Kong Special outreach activities, including visits to schools, Administrative Region. consultations with advisory bodies, meetings with DEVELOPMENT different stakeholders such as youth groups, The Government is seeking to reduce Hong Kong’s chambers of commerce, green groups and relevant carbon emissions over the long term, which will trades, and five regional forums. In addition, a roving The Inescapable require substantial contributions from every member exhibition was taken to 30 venues across various Challenge of of society and changes to our lifestyles and districts. Climate Change behavioural patterns. It is not easy to balance all considerations. To gauge public views and forge

consensus, the Government invited the SDC to Climate change is an imminent global challenge conduct a public engagement exercise on Hong Kong’s that will affect every corner of the planet and long-term decarbonisation strategy, using a bottom- every individual. Hong Kong has already started to up approach with active participation of stakeholders. experience some of the consequences with super Views were sought on three topics: typhoons striking in 2017 and 2018 and its warmest Cover of the public engagement document winter solstice ever in December 2018. The only Visit to school for presentation of the public engagement document on Long-term • Transition towards a low-carbon society, covering Decarbonisation Strategy way to effectively address climate change is to have people’s awareness of their contributions, carbon- everyone working together to reduce greenhouse reduction measures and perceived obstacles. gas emissions. In 2019, the Council for Sustainable Development (SDC) organised a three-month public • Energy use and decarbonising electricity generation Highlights engagement exercise to collect community views (Hong Kong’s main source of greenhouse gas on the way forward, which will provide input to the emissions), and the incentives, regulations, $ Through the SDC, launched a public Government’s long-term decarbonisation strategy for infrastructure and other support needed to achieve engagement exercise on a long-term the coming 30 years. this. decarbonisation strategy for Hong Kong.

Regional forum held for the public engagement of Long-term Decarbonisation $ Held a prize presentation ceremony for the • Low-carbon transport and how this could be Strategy Sustainable Development Promotion Award for promoted and enhanced. Students of Higher Education Institutions.

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Community Action  Schools and community groups are encouraged to contribute to sustainable development through Looking Ahead projects and promotion activities. Highlights in 2019 included: Receive a report from the SDC on the findings and recommendations arising • Recognition for five projects under the Sustainable from its public engagement on Hong

Development Promotion Award for Students of Students participating in the interactive drama under the Sustainable Development A visit to an organic farm organised by a school under the Sustainable Development Kong’s long-term decarbonisation strategy. School Outreach Programme: “The interactive drama is rich in plots and the theme School Award Programme to reach out to the community to explore working with the Higher Education Institutions. The Outstanding song is pleasant, which arouse my interests in low-carbon living practices” nature and putting sustainable development into practices Prepare to launch the next round of Project Award went to Criss Cross Country Parks applications under the Sustainable from University of Hong Kong students, who Development Fund. organised a land art project, literary walk, forum and

other events to promote the appreciation of nature and biodiversity.

• Participation from about 60 schools in the Sustainable Development School Award Programme, which aims to raise awareness and promote action Students participating in the workshop with field trip under the Sustainable A “No More Plastic Walking Tour” oganised by a Sustainable Development Fund among students and in the neighbourhood. Development School Outreach Programme: “The field trip with on-site experience Grantee to raise public awareness and encourage practices of reduction of excessive about sustainable development is worth more than a thousand words.” use of plastic packaging and disposable items

• Seminars, workshops and interactive dramas organised for about 90 secondary schools under the Sustainable Development School Outreach Programme.

• Preparations for the 14th round of applications under the Sustainable Development Fund which supports community groups to promote and implement sustainable development initiatives. Students participating in the seminar under the Sustainable Development School An upcycling session held by a Sustainable Development Fund Grantee to assist Outreach Programme: “The seminar explains sustainable development concepts the hospitality industry to reduce, recycle and reuse soap bars and bottled amenities simply with illustration by daily living examples.”

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CROSS-BOUNDARY AND INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION

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Partnership Activities

Hong Kong and Guangdong have collaborated on environmental protection and sustainable development for nearly three decades. While the initial focus was on cross-boundary pollution, as environmental challenges have become more CROSS-BOUNDARY complex, we have formed new collaborations, notably Deputy Director of Environmental Protection(3), Mr Owin Fung Ho-Yin (front row, The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing (right), was pictured with AND on climate change. In 2019, recognising that different second left), co-chaired in Hong Kong the twenty-seventh meeting of the Hong Kong- the Director-General of the Department of Ecology and Environment of Guangdong Shenzhen Environmental Cooperation Forum with the Deputy Director-General of Province, Mr Lu Xiulu (left), before the first meeting of the Hong Kong-Guangdong environmental issues overlap, the two sides agreed to Ecology Environment Bureau of Shenzhen Municipality, Ms Zhang Yali (front row, Joint Working Group on Environmental Protection and Combating Climate Change INTERNATIONAL second right), to discuss the environmental cooperation matters and review work in Guangzhou bring everything together under a single umbrella, the progress in 2019 COOPERATION JWGEPCCC.

This working group merges the former Hong Kong- Consolidating Our Vision Guangdong Joint Working Group on Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection, and the Hong Kong’s longstanding collaborations with our Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Liaison Group on Highlights regional counterparts on air quality, water quality, Combating Climate Change. The working programmes climate change and other environmental challenges of both groups, which chalked up a number of $ Permanent Secretary for the Environment / Director of Environmental Protection, Ms Merged two cross-boundary working groups continued to make excellent progress in 2019, but successes in 2019 (see the sections below), will Maisie Cheng Mei-sze (front row, third left), co-chaired in Macao the eleventh meeting into the Hong Kong-Guangdong JWGEPCCC. under a new umbrella: the Hong Kong-Guangdong of the Hong Kong-Macao Environmental Protection Liaison Meeting with the Director continue to drive forward as before. of Macao Environmental Protection Bureau, Mr Raymond Tam (front row, third right), Joint Working Group on Environmental Protection and to discuss the environmental cooperation matters, review work progress in 2018 and $ Launched a joint study with Guangdong on post- agree on the 2019/2020 work plan 2020 regional air pollutant emission reduction Combating Climate Change (JWGEPCCC). This brings a The Hong Kong Government also continued in 2019 to targets and concentration levels. comprehensive perspective to our commitments to participate in other regional meetings and events that $ environmental cooperation and collaboration across tackle shared environmental issues, including the 27th Agreed to include VOCs in the regional air quality monitoring network. the Greater Bay Area. Hong Kong-Shenzhen Environmental Cooperation

Forum, the 15th Pan-Pearl River Delta Regional $ Launched the first joint coastal clean-up action Environmental Cooperation Joint Conference, and the with Guangdong. 11th Hong Kong-Macao Environmental Protection $ Commended 180 enterprises under the Hong Liaison meeting. Strengthening ties and collaborations Kong-Guangdong Cleaner Production Partners is essential to improving our regional environment. Recognition Scheme.

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Cleaner Air EPD also held its first joint coastal clean-up with Guangdong’s Department of Ecology and Environment Hong Kong and Guangdong set joint targets for cleaner from 25 May to 8 June, 2019. Clean-up activities were air and actively monitor the results through the Pearl organised across 20 kilometres of coastline. In Hong River Delta Regional Air Quality Monitoring Network. The Kong, the participants included EPD and volunteers results show that levels of most of the six monitored from the Construction Industry Council, Estate Agents pollutants fell in 2019 compared with 2006. These results Authority and Scout Association of Hong Kong, who reflect an ongoing downward trend that has been focused their efforts on beaches on Lantau Island. achieved through efforts by the two sides to reduce emissions (see Air for details of Hong Kong’s Cleaner Production programme).

The Cleaner Production Partnership Programme, However, regional levels of one pollutant, ozone, have jointly launched by the Hong Kong and Guangdong increased by 36% since 2006. Ozone is linked to regional governments in 2008, has supported about 3 300 photochemical pollution. VOCs contribute to this projects from Hong Kong-owned factories in Hong problem so in 2019 the two sides agreed to make Kong and Guangdong Province on the adoption of The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing (third right), co-chaired in Guangzhou the sixth meeting of the Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Working Group on Cleaner Production with the Director-General of the Department of Industry and Information Technology of Guangdong Province, Mr Tu Gaokun (third left), to discuss and review work preparations for monitoring regional VOC levels and to cleaner production technologies to reduce air progress in 2019 and agree on the 2020 work plan strengthen collaboration on air quality forecasting. We pollutants emission, energy consumption and effluent will also set the post-2020 regional air pollutant emission discharges. Enterprises pursuing cleaner production reduction targets and formulate control measures. are awarded under the Hong Kong-Guangdong Cleaner Production Partners Recognition Scheme, and Cleaner Water 180 enterprises were commended for their efforts in 2019. We will continue to encourage enterprises to Marine refuse and clean shorelines have been the adopt cleaner production technologies and practices, focus of recent joint actions. In 2017, Hong Kong and thereby contributing to the improvement of the Guangdong launched a trial Notification and Alert regional environment. System on Marine Refuse to notify each other of possible surge of marine refuse so timely clean-up actions could be taken by relevant Government departments. In 2019, the system had been activated three times.

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Combating Climate Change  In 2019, we continued to work closely with the international community, including Parties to the Looking Ahead United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, Progressively implement VOC monitoring in in tackling the global climate crisis pursuant to the the PRD Regional Air Quality Monitoring objectives of the Paris Agreement. Locally, a three- Network. month territory-wide public engagement exercise was organised by the SDC to gauge public views on Hong Embark on a joint study with the Guangdong and Macao governments on Kong’s long-term decarbonisation strategy. Hong Kong “Characterization of photochemical ozone is seeking to expedite its move to a low-carbon society formation, regional and super-regional in line with the Paris Agreement to reduce carbon transportation in the Greater Bay Area”. emissions. The SDC will analyse the feedback received Extend the Cleaner Production Partnership and make recommendations to the Government, Programme for another five years to March which will provide references for the Government in 2025. developing a long-term decarbonisation strategy for Hong Kong (see Sustainable Development for further Implement the Minamata Convention on Mercury in Hong Kong. details).

Continue to join the international Other local climate change activities in 2019 included community in driving climate actions pursuant to the objectives of the Paris promoting the Low Carbon Living Calculator, which Agreement. has provided assessments to more than 17 300 uses since its launch in April 2018, and supporting non- profit organisations to carry out publicity and promotion activities related to low carbon living through the Environment and Conservation Fund.

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