Chapter 4 - ENVIRONMENTAL OBJECTIVES AND PERFORMANCE

In line with Government's efforts in protecting the environment, we incorporate environmental considerations in the formulation of our policy and deliver our services in an environmentally responsible manner. The following is an account of our main objectives and performance in 2009.

OBJECTIVE: TO ACHIEVE WASTE REDUCTION IN OUR OPERATIONS

Our Performance

Household Waste Recycling in Waste Collection Programme

In support of the Government's "A Policy Framework for the Management of Municipal Solid Waste (2005-2014)", we have provided services to 2 577 recyclable collection points in public places, schools, clinics and government venues for the collection of waste paper, metal containers and plastic materials. All recyclables collected are delivered to waste recyclers for recycling. 

The average weight of recyclable materials collected per month in 2009 is shown in the table below.

Chemical Waste Recovery and Waste Water Drainage at FEHD's Vehicle Depots

Waste lubrication oil, spent batteries and air conditioning refrigerants from FEHD vehicles are properly recovered and collected by approved contractors. During the year, we continued to use synthetic lubrication oil that can considerably lengthen each service interval for oil changing. The waste lubrication oil recovered was 16 200 litres in 2009. Proper drainage systems are also provided for our vehicle washing bays to avoid pollution to storm water drainage.

All the departmental depots are in compliance with the requirements under the Waste Disposal (Chemical Waste) (General) Regulation and Water Pollution Control Ordinance and are issued with relevant licences by Environmental Protection Department (EPD).

Use of Retread Tyres

In response to the Government's initiative on waste reduction and environmental protection, retread tyres are used on the departmental vehicle fleet whenever possible. The current ratio on brand-new tyres to retread tyres is 1:0.43.

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OBJECTIVE: TO MINIMISE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT IN THE DELIVERY OF OUR SERVICES

Our Performance

Licensing Control and Enforcement on the Operation of Food Premises

We conduct regular inspections to licensed food premises to check compliance in the licensing requirements and conditions which include-

• grease traps installed in food premises are functioning properly to prevent discharge of oil or grease into public drains or sewers;
• plumbing systems in food premises are properly maintained to prevent discharge of offensive or noxious effluents into public places;
• fumes and hot air are discharged in such manner as not to be a nuisance. Metal hood, air-ducts, extraction fans, grease filters/water scrubbers of exhaust systems are maintained in good order; and
• waste is properly stored in dustbins for collection.

Enforcement action will be taken on those food premises not complying with licensing requirements and conditions. During the year, we conducted 199 025 inspections to food premises and took out 4 295 prosecutions against food premises.

Environmental Hygiene Facilities

We continue to replace temporary roadside RCPs with off-street facilities in enclosed buildings equipped with modern deodorizing installations to minimise environmental nuisance to nearby residents.

Besides, in 2009, 18 public toilet improvement projects were completed as part of the Public Toilet Improvement Programme and 77 aqua privies were converted into flushing toilets.

The drainage systems in our facilities including markets, hawker bazaars and RCPs are checked regularly to avoid water pollution. All cooked food markets and cooked food centres have proper drainage systems with grease traps to prevent the discharge of pollutants into surface channels.

Pest Control

In the prevention and control of public health pests, we have adopted an Integrated Pest Management approach to rationalise the work to minimise the impact of pest prevention and control on non-target animals and the environment.

Environmentally friendly methodologies, technologies and products are used. Non-chemical agents will be considered before adopting the use of pesticides. We are also very cautious in the choice of pesticides so that pest disinfestations are carried out effectively and with the least impact on the environment. To minimise the detrimental effect to non-target living organisms, we choose synthetic pyrethroid insecticides which generate fewer hazards to human beings. Pests and nuisance-causing animals are disinfested judiciously to avoid unnecessary disturbance to the ecological system. Advice on environmental improvement for solving pest problems is given to the parties concerned.

Mosquito Control

We continue to adopt non-chemical means as far as possible in mosquito control. Mosquito breeding can be forestalled by killing the insect at its adult and/or larval/pupal stages. We apply larvicidal oil or pesticide strictly on a need basis and to specific spots only.

In the year, the control programme against malaria transmissible mosquitoes, covering some 600 streams, is reported with favourable result with no evidence of local transmission of malaria.

In areas where malaria vector mosquitoes are detected but with a low population, local species of mosquito larvae eating fishes are released to abate mosquito breeding. To further reduce the impact on the environment, Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis are used for killing mosquito larvae. Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis produce crystal proteins which can be converted into toxins in the gut of the mosquito larva. The toxins act on larvae of limited species including mosquitoes, blackflies and non-biting midges.

Rodent Control

In drawing up rodent disinfestation programmes, we always take into account the environmental concern. Anticoagulants considered much safer than acute rodenticides are used although it takes longer time to kill a rodent. Trapping of rodents and elimination of food and harbouraging places for rodents are preferred to using chemicals.

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OBJECTIVE: TO MEET THE COMMITMENTS IN THE CLEAN AIR CHARTER

The commitment in the Clean Air Charter to control the quality and volume of emissions of air pollutants has direct relevance to our cremation facilities and the departmental vehicle fleet.

Our Performance

Cremation Services

FEHD manages 6 crematoria. To control the quality and volume of emissions generated from cremation services, we have-

• regularly serviced and maintained cremators through the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD);
• installed a Telemetry and Monitoring System in new cremators with online computerised network supplying information to EPD for monitoring the pollution level to make sure that they operate within the statutory limit;
• used ultra-low sulphur (0.005%) diesel for cremators using diesel and used town gas for newly built cremators;
• used eco-coffins for the cremation of unclaimed bodies;
• encouraged the public and funeral service operators to use environmentally friendly coffins;
• imposed an additional condition on undertakers of burials requiring coffins presented for cremation to be free from metal and plastic ornaments/attachments on external surfaces; and
• imposed an additional condition requiring undertakers of burials to provide eco-coffins for sale as an option to customers.

Incorporating Environmental Considerations in the Use of Departmental Vehicles

Our fleet of some 750 vehicles of different types fully comply with the latest statutory requirements in the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (Cap. 311) and the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) on emission. We follow the measures adopted by the Government Logistics Department (GLD) in vehicle procurement and fleet management to reduce emission of air pollutants as follows-

• replace all diesel light buses by LPG ones in phases. We now have 159 LPG light buses, 91% of our light bus fleet;
• give priority to environment-friendly vehicles when procuring departmental vehicles that are due for replacement;
• require drivers of government vehicles to switch off the engine while waiting; and
• procure specialized vehicles complying with the latest Euro V emission standard.

Moreover, we participate actively in trials that facilitate assessment of pollutant-reduction devices on vehicles, especially those for heavy-duty vehicles like refuse collection vehicles. We continue to work together with EMSD and GLD to explore using other pollutant-reduction devices to protect the environment.

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OBJECTIVE: TO PROMOTE GREEN HOUSEKEEPING WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT

We are mindful of the importance of good green housekeeping and raising environmental awareness among staff through green messages and regular reminders.

Our Performance

Green Ambassador Scheme

Following the launch of Green Drive in the Department in 2003, we have so far appointed 59 Green Ambassadors and 39 Green Assistants in the Department to co-ordinate the implementation of green housekeeping practices in every district and section, and to monitor the effectiveness of such practices.

To assist the Green Ambassadors and Green Assistants in upkeeping their knowledge on environmental management, we maintain a dedicated green management webpage on our departmental intranet with ample information on the latest green housekeeping measures, and encourage them to attend relevant seminars and workshops.

Managing Paper Consumption

Common paper-saving measures such as using paper on both sides, keeping photocopying to the minimum, reusing used paper for drafting are widely practised in the Department. In addition, we-

• frequently use the website of the Centre for Food Safety to promote food safety messages to reduce the need to produce hard copies;
• have ceased publishing hard copy of the Department's annual report since the 2002 issue;
• have implemented the Electronic Leave Application and Processing System (eLAPS) since mid 2004 for use by staff progressively;
• have ceased publishing hard copy of the Department's environmental report since the 2008 issue;
• disseminate circulars, telephone directories, reference materials or information by emails and e-bulletin boards;
• encourage communication through electronic means;
• exercise strict control over the printing volume of publications and publicity materials;
• provide e-version of our publicity materials via the Department's homepage as far as possible;
• use duplex printers; and
• circulate the "Guideline on Economy Use of Paper" regularly to raise staff awareness.

Managing Electricity Consumption

We continue to adopt the following energy-saving measures in our offices and venues-

• standardizing the indoor temperature setting of all air-conditioned offices and venues to conform with Government standard of 25.5oC, except otherwise approved by our Green Manager based on technical and operational considerations;
• shading sun-exposed windows to prevent solar heat gain and keeping exterior doors / windows closed as much as possible to prevent leakage of conditioned air;
• de-lamping in areas if over-illuminated and utilizing natural light as far as practicable;
• designating staff to conduct regular green checks in office;
• using energy-saving lightings in our offices and facilities as far as possible and promoting the use of energy-saving bulbs by stall owners in our markets and cooked food centres;
• holding regular discussions with EMSD staff to identify energy saving opportunities;
• inviting EMSD to conduct energy audits and adopting relevant measures such as replacing conventional ballasts with electronic ballasts and conducting illumination reviews as recommended by EMSD;
• circulating the "Guidelines on Energy Conservation" regularly to remind staff of energy saving practices; and
• displaying energy saving stickers at conspicuous places in offices to enhance staff awareness on energy conservation.

Promoting 4-R Principle

We promote the principle of "Reduce, Reuse, Recycle and Replace" and encourage staff to practise it in daily work where appropriate or applicable. Some examples of the 4Rs are as follows-

Reduce

• reduce paper consumption; and
• reduce the use of water by using water taps with sensor control and installing cisterns with dual flushing volumes.

Reuse

• reuse stationery such as envelopes and file jackets; and
• use blank side of used paper for drafting or printing documents for internal use.

Recycle

• collect toner cartridges and waste paper for recycling.

Replace

• replace the paper-based leave application system by the eLAPS ; and
• replace paper greeting cards by e-cards during festive seasons.

Using More Green Products

We continue our efforts in using and purchasing more green products. Green products such as photocopying papers made from recycled material / renewable forests, clutch pencil and lead refill, pencil made from recycled materials, mercury-free batteries and environmentally friendly soap in liquid and cake form are maintained as our standard stock items to meet daily operational requirement. We encourage the trade-in of used ink/toner cartridges by arranging contract with trade-in requirements and also arrange the sale of used toner cartridges through auction. We also procure recycled toner cartridges for our printers in offices; and black polythene bags made from materials with at least 70% recycled plastic content for our district cleansing services.

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OBJECTIVE: TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS THROUGH EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES AND CAMPAIGNS

Our Performance

Internal

To increase awareness among staff, we have encouraged our staff to participate in inter-departmental seminars and training in environmental management.

External

To promote public understanding of environmental hygiene, our Health Education Exhibition and Resource Centre (HEERC) organises talks, outreaching programmes, as well as public seminars. In addition, messages on environmental protection such as the economical use of paper and plastic bags and waste reduction are also covered. A total of 2 380 public seminars, school talks and outreaching programmes were organised by the HEERC in 2009. The Mobile Education Centre (a publicity vehicle) of the HEERC visited over 220 schools, housing estates and public parks in the year in its outreaching educational efforts.

It is our ongoing effort to put across messages on keeping a clean environment to the public through various means, such as television and radio Announcements in the Public Interest, display of posters and stickers as well as advertisements at bus shelters. Support is also given to cleansing campaigns organised by non-government organisations.

During the year, in collaboration with other government departments, we organised the community-wide "Anti-rodent Campaign" and the "Anti-mosquito Campaign" on the themes of "Prevent Disease - Eliminate Rodent Nuisance" and "Prevent Japanese Encephalitis and Dengue Fever Act Now". Messages on pest control were disseminated through the publicity and educational programmes under these campaigns.

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