[Vision, Common Purpose & Values]
[Foreword]
[Operations]
[Regional Commanders' Report]
[Personnel and Training]
[Management Services]
[Finance, Administration and Planning]
[Environmental Report]
[Organisation]
[Annexes & Appendices]
[Information]
Environmental Report
Promoting Green Management
The Force's mission is to enhance staff members' environmental awareness through education and publicity, and to encourage their participation in conserving the environment. The Force collaborates with relevant organisations to promote environmental management, which includes compliance with the Clean Air Charter, relevant green legislation and codes of practice as appropriate.
Commitment and Management
The Steering Committee on Green Management, which is chaired by the Director of Finance, Administration and Planning, comprises both disciplined and civilian representatives from major formations and serves as the focal point for monitoring and addressing energy and environmental management issues in the Force. These issues include consumption of paper, envelope, electricity, gas and fuel, and waste paper collection. At regional and district levels, green management is a standing discussion item in the relevant forums such as the Regional Green Management Committee, and the Regional Commanders' Quarterly Conference.
Waste Minimisation
Measures such as communication by e-mail, printing on both sides of the paper, and re-using of envelopes have become common practice in the Force at all levels. The Force encourages the issue of reference materials through electronic means such as e-mail and e-bulletins instead of hard copies. In 2008, Western District set up an electronic notice board for internal communication. This helped reduce paper consumption. The adoption of paperless conference at both headquarters and regional levels was also encouraged.
Energy Conservation
Energy-efficient light bulbs and tubes are widely used in the Force. During the year, stickers promoting energy saving were displayed at conspicuous places within Force premises to enhance staff awareness of energy conservation. Unnecessary energy consumption was avoided through a series of housekeeping measures such as dividing office areas into separate lighting control zones, reducing water temperature for gas boilers, and shortening the operation hours of lifts. Staff were reminded to switch off lights and air-conditioners when they left the office, and to turn off all electrical equipment when not in use. Routine spot checks on lighting and air conditioners were conducted outside office hours.
Formations with upsurges in electricity consumption were reminded to take appropriate measures to check their electricity usage. The air-conditioning operating hours in Arsenal House were revised in 2008 and a solar water heating system was set up on the rooftop in Tsim Sha Tsui Police Station in October, providing sufficient hot water for shower points between 4/F and 6/F of the building.
Raising Environmental Awareness among Staff
To promote environmental awareness among staff, the Dos and Don'ts on electricity consumption were posted on the Intranet, and re-circulated by individual formations at six-month intervals. Wan Chai District displayed green messages on energy saving and environmental protection at its in-house LED display panels to remind officers to observe green practices. Some formations organised promotional activities to enhance staff participation. A Greening the Station Competition was organised in Yuen Long District to promote staff's awareness of green initiatives and 18 Green Corners were set up in Police premises to provide forums for sharing of views and good practices on green management. Green management concepts were also incorporated into Police training programmes and activities.
Recycling Programmes and Other Initiatives
During 2008, the Force engaged the service of two contractors for collecting paper wastes. Conspicuously-labelled 'recycle green boxes' were placed in formations to collect waste paper for recycling.
The three-coloured waste separation bins for collection of waste papers, aluminium cans and plastic bottles were widely distributed in Police premises. In addition, an aluminium can and plastic bottle crushing machine was installed at the Hong Kong Police College to help instil an environmentally responsible culture among staff and trainees.
Energy conservation and environmental friendliness continued to be a core element in the planning and design of new Police buildings. The construction of Tuen Mun Junior Police Officers' Married Quarters and the new Central District Headquarters and Central Division building, scheduled for completion in 2010, will adopt a number of green elements. These include floor refuse sorting rooms, light and water preservation, and energy efficient architectural design for the building. For the new Central District Headquarters and Central Division building, plantings will be provided at the rooftop of the annex block.
Engagement with Stakeholders and Partners
The Force works closely with the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) to identify energy saving opportunities at all times. Thus far, EMSD has completed energy audits for more than 20 Police premises, and the resultant Energy Management Opportunities have been implemented or are being pursued. Under EMSD's Hong Kong Energy Efficiency Registration Scheme for Buildings, the Kowloon East Operational Base was recognised as having complied with the Code of Practice for Energy Efficiency of Lift and Escalator Installations in December 2008.
Police Headquarters was awarded an Energy Wise Environmental Label under the Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence in 2008 for having achieved sufficient energy-saving measures to meet the standards of the Building Energy Codes of EMSD.
In support of green events organised by other departments or organisations, the Force continued to promote the Used Clothing Collection Campaign jointly organised with the Salvation Army, and participated in the Friends of the Earth's One-hour-long Lights Out on the Summer Solstice event in June 2008.
Action Blue Sky Campaign
The Force works in partnership with EMSD to identify suitable Police premises for inclusion in its project list for Indoor Air Quality measurements and ventilation improvement works. During the year, the Force took part in the Carbon Audit on Buildings scheme. Given its size and the fact that it is 18 years old, Arsenal House East Wing was selected as a pilot building.
The Force also made efforts to reduce fuel consumption and air emissions. Following successful trials, 92 environmental friendly hybrid saloons were introduced to the Police fleet in 2008. To sustain the Force's efforts in reducing vehicle fleet emissions, six zero emission electric scooters were purchased for evaluation trials in 2008. A further four machines will be delivered in early 2009. Transport management systems are in place to monitor fuel consumption, and the on-going adoption of more fuel-efficient vehicles will ensure the continued reduction of emissions.
Similar green measures were taken to reduce the fuel consumption and air emissions of the Marine fleet. Ultra low sulphur content fuel continued to be used to reduce smoke and pollutant emissions. The latest version of environmental friendly and fuel economical propulsion engines was introduced into the fleet through the Versatile Maritime Policing Response craft replacement projects.
The Force will continue to follow the 3-R principles of Reduce, Re-use, Recycle in our day-to-day operations. The effectiveness of the energy saving measures adopted in the Force will be monitored closely. In support of Government policy on environmental protection, the Force will continue to explore ways to further promote green management.
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