Managing Indoor Air Quality in Hong Kong
Public Consultation
(ACE Paper 46/99)
for information
Purpose
This paper informs Members of the proposed indoor air quality (IAQ) management programme currently under consultation, and seeks Members' views thereon.
Background
2.Members were briefed on 27 October 1998 about the findings and recommendations of the consultancy study on "Indoor Air Pollution in Offices and Public Places". Taking into account comments made by Members and others in the community, we have prepared a proposed IAQ management programme. This has recently been put out for consultation with professional bodies and the public.
Indoor Air Quality Management
3.The proposed IAQ management programme will start with a publicity campaign to raise public awareness of IAQ and an IAQ Information Centre will also be set up in 2000 for disseminating IAQ information. The Government will take the lead in implementing an IAQ certification programme for selected government buildings in 2000. In parallel, private owners and building management will be invited to participate in the certification programme. Three years after the implementation of the certification programme, i.e. in 2003, we will review the position and consider the need to broaden the scope and to make annual certification a compulsory requirement.
4.To evaluate and manage indoor air quality, we have prepared a set of recommended air quality objectives as well as a set of technical guidance notes for the better management of IAQ.
Consultation
5.We commenced consultation on this proposal with various professional bodies in August this year. A wider public consultation on the programme is now underway and our proposed programme will be further refined to respond to public aspirations. The consultation period will end by 31 December 1999. A consultation paper on "Management Indoor Air Quality" and a set of Guidance Notes for better management of IAQ in offices and public places are attached for Members' information.
Advice Sought
6.Members are invited to comment on the consultation package for improving IAQ in Hong Kong. Our intention is to take into account all the views expressed in the consultation exercise before finalising our proposal in early 2000.
Planning, Environment and Lands Bureau
November 1999
