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 2020.

OBJECTIVE: TO ACHIEVE WASTE REDUCTION IN OUR OPERATIONS

Our Performance

Household Waste Recycling in Waste Collection Programme

In support of the Government's "Hong Kong Blueprint for Sustainable Use of Resources 2013-2022", up to 30 September 2020, we have provided collection services to 2 756 recyclables collection points in public places, schools, clinics and government venues for the collection of waste paper, metal and plastic materials.  All recyclables collected are delivered to waste recyclers for recycling.

The average weight of recyclable materials collected per month in 2020 is shown in the table below.

The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) took over the management of recycling bins in public places such as roadsides from FEHD starting from 1 October 2020.

Waste Recycling in Lunar New Year Fairs

In the year, we organised a total of 15 Lunar New Year Fairs in various locations of the territory.  Taking into account the large quantities of recyclables, such as carton boxes, and drinks bottles/cans that would be disposed by stall operators and the public visiting the fairs, we set up recyclables collection points at convenient locations of each fair site to facilitate separate collection of such recyclables.

The total weight of recyclables collected from the Lunar New Year Fairs in 2020 is shown in the table below.

Food Waste Recycling in Public Markets

To further support the Government's waste reduction initiatives, we have been participating actively in the Food Waste Recycling Partnership Scheme organised by EPD since 1 July 2018.  The number of public markets / cooked food venues under the management of FEHD taking part in the Scheme had increased from 40 in 2018 to 53 as of 1 July 2020. 

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 10 700 litres in 2020.  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 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 1:0.3.

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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 inspect licensed food premises regularly to check compliance with 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 against those food premises not complying with licensing requirements and conditions.  During the year, we conducted 207 149 inspections to food premises and took out 3 129 prosecutions against food premises.

Environmental Hygiene Facilities

It is our policy to build properly designed off-street RCPs equipped with modern deodorising systems and vehicle exhaust extraction devices to minimise environmental nuisance to nearby residents.  Besides, 51 public toilets were refurbished/facelifted in 2020.

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.

Since February 2011, we have allowed stall tenants of public markets not to dismantle serviceable fixtures and installations, such as metal gates and security metal frame/mesh covers, upon termination of their market stall tenancies so that the fixtures and installations may be reused by new tenants.  This arrangement not only reduces waste but also avoids noise and other nuisances generated from the related demolition and construction works.

Pest Control

In the prevention and control of pests that endanger public health, 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.

We prefer environmentally friendly methodologies, technologies and products, and will consider using non-chemical agents before resorting to pesticides.  We are very cautious in choosing pesticides, so that pest disinfestations are carried out effectively and with the least impact on the environment.  To minimise the detrimental effect on non-target living organisms, we choose insecticides, such as synthetic pyrethroid, which pose less hazard to human beings.  Pests and nuisance-causing animals are disinfested judiciously to avoid unnecessary disturbance to the ecological system.  We also advise stakeholders on how to solve pest problems by improving environmental hygiene.

Mosquito Control

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

In the year, the control programme against malaria transmissible mosquitoes, covering some 600 streams, was 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.

For the control of dengue vector mosquitoes, we emphasise environmental control measures which aim at eliminating the breeding places of vector mosquitoes (e.g. removal of disused containers and fallen leaves, clearance of surface channels, etc.).  Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis is used for killing mosquito larvae, and is applied to breeding places that cannot be eliminated immediately.  In areas where breeding places are abundant, we put trapping devices using adult mosquitoes as carrier to disseminate biological control agent.

Rodent Control

In drawing up rodent disinfestation programmes, we always emphasise the elimination of food sources, harbourages and disposal routes for rodents to suppress their proliferation.  Trapping of rodents and anticoagulants that are considered to be much safer than acute rodenticides are used, although it takes longer time to kill a rodent.

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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 six crematoria.  To control the quality and volume of emissions generated from cremation services, we have –

• monitored the operation on a daily basis and 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 real time information to EPD for monitoring the pollution level of air pollutants to make sure that they operate within the statutory limit; 
• used biodiesel (B5 diesel) to replace ultra-low sulphur (0.005%) diesel as fuel for existing cremators and used Town Gas as fuel for newly built cremators;
• used eco-coffins for the cremation of unclaimed bodies;
• encouraged the public and funeral service operators to use eco-coffins;
• reminded the public and undertakers of burials not to put metal or plastic objects or any other excessive funeral objects inside coffins to minimise the emission of air pollutants during the cremation process;
• imposed an additional licensing condition on licensed undertakers of burials requiring coffins presented for cremation to be free from metal and plastic ornaments/attachments on external surfaces; and
• imposed an additional licensing condition requiring licensed 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 690 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 and Ozone Layer Protection Ordinance (Cap. 403) in respect of refrigerant used for the air-conditioning system.  We follow the measures adopted by the Government Logistics Department in vehicle procurement and fleet management to reduce emission of air pollutants as follows –

• all diesel light buses have been replaced by liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) ones in 2012.  We manage about 190 LPG light buses;
• give priority to environmental-friendly vehicles when procuring departmental vehicles that are due for replacement; and
• procure specialised vehicles complying with the latest Euro VI  emission standard or above.

Moreover, to enhance environmental performance including emission reductions and enhancing energy efficiency, we will continue to participate actively in trials that explore alternatives of environmental-friendly vehicles and electric vehicles and the feasibility of using them in our fleet in order 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 60 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 –

• use the websites of the Department and the Centre for Food Safety to promote environmental hygiene and food safety messages to reduce the need to produce hard copies;

• disseminate circulars, telephone directories, reference materials or information by emails, e-bulletin boards and User Portal; 

• 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 “Guidelines on Economy in the Use of Paper” regularly to raise staff awareness.

The Department consumed 62 209 reams of paper in 2020, representing an increase of 10.4% against 56 351 reams of paper in 2019.  The rise in paper consumption was mainly due to an increase in departmental activities in 2020 including the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.  We will keep on promoting environmental awareness among colleagues and endeavor to economise paper consumption. 

Managing Energy Consumption

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

• standardising 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 utilising 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 and, where applicable, initiating retrofitting works on existing major electrical installations with a view to achieving better energy efficiency;
• switching off external lightings when not needed or after business hours;
• inviting EMSD to conduct energy audits and adopting relevant measures, such as replacing the air handling units and chilled water pipes of air-conditioning system, and installing motion sensors for lightings;
• 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.

Energy consumption of our government buildings and infrastructure facilities in financial year (FY) 2018-19 and FY 2020-21 is tabulated below:

* Includes electricity and town gas consumption

Saving in Energy Consumption

The total energy consumption of government buildings[1] and infrastructure facilities[2] under our management increased by 3.6% in FY 2020-21 as compared to FY 2018-19.  Under the comparable operating conditions in FY 2018-19, there was a decrease of 0.3% in energy consumption in FY 2020-21.  We will continue to strive to conserve energy by adopting energy saving measures in our daily operation.

[1] Government buildings include all covered non-infrastructural venues and facilities occupied and/or managed by the Government, their associated open spaces and other facilities that support the main function of the venues and facilities.

[2] Infrastructures include facilities, services and installations occupied and/or managed by the Government to meet basic needs of the community such as public latrines and bathrooms, public toilets, refuse collection points and aqua privies managed by FEHD.

Carbon Audit Results

Starting from 2018, we conduct annual carbon audit for our major buildings with annual electricity consumption over 500 000 kWh to monitor the greenhouse gas (GHG) emission.

In 2020, we conducted carbon audits for 52 buildings.  The total GHG emissions in FY 2019-20 were 118 341 tonnes of CO2 equivalent.

We will continue to work with EMSD to explore practical and effective energy saving and greenhouse gas reduction measures.

Maintaining Good Indoor Air Quality

We care about the indoor air quality of our offices and venues and have engaged EMSD to carry out proper maintenance and retrofitting works for the ventilation and air-conditioning systems concerned, such as regular cleansing of air ducts, replacement of air sterilisers and air handling units at suitable intervals, etc.  Besides, we have arranged for those offices and venues that meet the participating criteria to join the Government's Indoor Air Quality Certification Scheme.  In 2020, 34 offices and venues participated in the Scheme and all were awarded Good Class certification. 

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 use plastic bags made from materials with at least 50% recycled plastic content for our district cleansing services

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OBJECTIVE: TO PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS THROUGH PUBLICITY AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMMES

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 school 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 380 public seminars, school talks and outreaching programmes were organised by the HEERC in 2020.  The Mobile Education Centre (a publicity vehicle) of the HEERC conducted 26 visits to 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 broadcasting of television and radio Announcements in the Public Interest, display of posters and stickers as well as advertisements on public transport and social media.

We set up a Facebook page and an Instagram page for Keep Clean Ambassador Ah Tak to disseminate environmental hygiene messages.

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