What You Can Do To Reduce Greenhouse Gas From Buildings

Below are some useful tips that may help you to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from buildings:

Air Conditioning

Avoid installing air-conditioners where they will be exposed to direct sunlight. Close off areas that do not require air-conditioning, and turn air-conditioners off in unoccupied rooms. Place weather strips on doors and windows to prevent the leakage of cool air. Clean or replace the filters in all air-conditioners at the beginning of summer, and clean them every two weeks from then on. Set the office temperature at 25.5°C in summer and fix thermometers at various office locations to regularly cross check the temperature setting. Carry out regular leakage check on the air-conditioning system to check for possible leakage of refrigerants.

Saving Energy

Use energy-saving light bulbs. Use daylight whenever possible. Place your lighting carefully where you need it. Use dimmers where possible (except for fluorescent lamps and compact fluorescent bulbs). Use non-opaque, light-colored lampshades. Keep light fixtures and lamps clean to maximize their efficiency. When buying new lighting, consider choosing compact fluorescent bulbs, which use 75% less energy than standard bulbs for the same amount of illumination. Switch off the lights and air-conditioning when not in use. Ensure that computers are switched off before the end of a working day. Make good use of the energy-saving features and options which come with the Operating System of the computers. Switch off all electrical appliances or, where appropriate, switch them to the energy-saving mode when not in use. Encourage the use of staircase instead of taking the lift for inter-floor traffic. Use energy efficient electronic equipment as far as possible. Keep track of the power consumption records and take measures to reduce the increase in power consumption.

Paper Saving

Disseminate information by electronic means (i.e. via email or e-bulletin boards) as far as possible. Set duplex printing as the default mode for most network printers. Order recycled paper for office photocopying. Think carefully how many copies you need and do not copy too many. Use e-fax to screen junk fax. Place boxes and trays beside photocopiers as containers to collect single-sided paper for reuse and used paper for recycling. Encourage the staff to use paper on both sides, reuse envelopes and loose minute jackets, and use the backside of letter pads with outdated letterhead for drafting or printing. For easier recycling, separate waste before disposal.

Water Saving

Carry out regular leakage tests on concealed piping and check for overflowing tanks, waste, worn tap washers and other defects in the water supply system. Fix dripping taps immediately. Reduce water pressure to the lowest practical level. Collect used water if possible for cooling purposes, floor cleaning and yard washing. Turn off the water supply system at night and on holidays. Ensure that hot water pipe runs are as short as possible and that cold water pipes are laid away from heated areas. Place posters and other publicity materials in prominent places to encourage water conservation. Determine water requirements for each facility and check usage frequently. Use reclaimed water for non-drinking use.

Vehicle Maintenance

Keep your car properly tuned: an inefficient car will use more fuel and emit more pollutant, which will harm the environment and cost you more money. Maintain correct tyre pressure by inspecting your tyres regularly and inflating them to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. Avoid sudden acceleration, because it increases fuel consumption. Switch off when idling.

For more information, please visit: http://www.gov.hk/en/residents/environment/index.htm

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