Commitment and Management
The Steering Committee on Green Management, which is chaired by the Director of Finance, Administration and Planning and comprises both civilian and disciplined representatives from various major formations at a senior level, serves as a focal point for directing energy and environmental management. The Steering Committee closely monitors the consumption of paper, envelopes, electricity, gas, fuel and waste paper collection. There are also six Regional Green Management Committees and a three-tier green manager structure to strengthen green efforts in the Force.
Waste Reduction
Following the substantial achievements of the past two years, relatively modest saving targets were set for 2005/06, including the reduction in electricity consumption of 4 per cent for the new Police Headquarters complex, and the reduction in paper consumption of 5 per cent for the whole Force. Measures such as communication by e-mail, photocopying on both sides of paper, using recycled paper and reusing of envelopes have become common practice throughout the Force. In addition, reference materials or information are now disseminated by e-mail and e-bulletin boards in place of hard copies.
During the year, formations reviewed the distribution list of documents to eliminate unnecessary distribution copies, and replaced paper-based returns by e-mails whenever possible. Paperless conferences were also encouraged at both headquarters and regional level. Staff were requested to use e-phone messages instead of writing messages on paper. Likewise, they were asked to print less paper by manipulating the layout of printouts for record-keeping purposes. Such green tips as printing multiple pages on one sheet were widely circulated among the staff. Other waste-minimising measures included re-formatting old floppy discs, purchasing rechargeable batteries, using environmentally friendly paper for fax machines, and sending electronic greeting cards.
Energy Conservation
A raft of measures was undertaken during the year to encourage energy conservation. Energy saving stickers were displayed at conspicuous places within the Force to enhance staff awareness. Unnecessary energy consumption was cut as far as possible by a series of housekeeping measures such as reducing water temperature for gas boilers, shortening the operational hours of lifts, and routine checking to switch off lights/air conditioners outside office hours. The Force also adopted the recommendation of the Environment, Transport and Works Bureau by setting the ambient office temperature to 25.5oC in the summer months while relaxing the dress code for male officers performing indoor office duties in plainclothes. Timer-switches for air-conditioning units as well as zonal lighting switches were installed in the changing rooms of Police stations.
Fuel consumption was another focus of the Force´s green management. For Police land transport, green driving practices were widely promoted and addressed in all driving training programmes. Specific measures adopted to contain fuel consumption included the use of more fuel efficient types of vehicles, continuous exploration of cleaner fuel types, close monitoring of the vehicle maintenance programme and replacement of less fuel efficient old vehicles.
Energy saving measures to reduce fuel consumption similarly applied to the marine fleet. The Marine Region conducted a study on the engine power curves of Police launches to identify the optimum engine revolution at which fuel consumption was most economical. Four stroke petrol outboard engines supplied by different manufacturers were put on trial in all new craft to capitalise on this new technology.
Environmental Awareness
To promote environmental awareness among staff in general, the Force publicised useful tips on green management in internal publications and through the intranet. Green management concepts were incorporated into the police training programmes and activities. Police Tactical Unit even designed its own promotional stickers to remind staff to switch off lighting and save energy.
The Force also aimed to promote the awareness of environmental protection among young people. The “Hang Seng Bank - Junior Police Call Environmental Detectives” competition, which included web games, environmental case studies and report presentations, was launched in April with sponsorship from Hang Seng Bank and was co-organised by World Wide Fund for Nature Hong Kong with the support of various private companies. Well received by primary and secondary students as well as JPC members, the competition attracted 100 000 entries for the web games, and over 1 200 environmental reports submitted by over 7 000 participants. Twelve young winners were awarded with scholarships and a five-day visit to Thailand, where they visited conservation areas.
Recycling and Other Initiatives
The Force has long adhered to the 3-R “Reduce, Re-use, Recycle” principles. In addition to energy saving practices, the Force engaged the services of two contractors selected by the Government Logistics Department for collecting waste paper. Green boxes were placed in formations to collect waste paper for recycling by these two companies. In 2005, the waste paper collected was over 230 000 kg.
Three-coloured waste separation bins for collection of waste paper, aluminium cans and plastic bottles were also distributed throughout Police premises, and an aluminium can and plastic bottle crushing machine was installed at the Police College.
Achievements and the Future
The inclusion of energy saving devices has been one of the core elements in the planning and design of new Police buildings. Once the buildings become operational, these devices can be further refined and monitored. An interim assessment revealed that the overall electricity consumption had been significantly reduced by 19.5 per cent when comparing November 2004 with November 2005 after a number of Energy Management Opportunities had been fully implemented in the new Police Headquarters since April. These EMOs included earlier switch-off of lighting, rescheduling of air conditioning operation for public areas and basement carpark ventilation system as well as adjusting lifts and escalators operating schedule.
The new New Territories South Regional Headquarters and Operational Base complex came into operation in October, incorporating a full spectrum of energy efficiency and conservation features. The Marine Outer Water District and Marine Division Operational Base complex, scheduled for completion in March 2006, also incorporates many green features such as carefully designed windows to give natural cross ventilation, a lofty high ceiling design for the main entrance to afford better distribution of air, the use of sun path analysis for sun shading devices and skylights, as well as environmentally friendly materials.
The Force is determined to keep up the momentum in its drive
to save energy for promotion of a greener working environment.
Major emphasis in the coming year will be placed on monitoring
the effectiveness of the energy saving measures in the new Police
Headquarters complex and on developing potential energy management
opportunities in new buildings based on the experience gained
in Police Headquarters.