Greener Office

" Our Own Operations

We will exercise the principle of Reduce, Reuse and Recycle in the consumption of materials and seek continual improvement in the efficient use of natural resources and energy in all our operations "

Green housekeeping has always been a high priority in the EPD.

We adopt green measures in our offices for the sake of saving energy and natural resources. Also we want to make our colleagues aware so that everyone, regardless of rank, does their bit in saving our environment. The EPD must be the leader in setting a good example to not only other government departments, but to their families and friends, and ultimately to the community at large.

Our first departmental green housekeeping guideline on the use of electricity was issued back in 1987. We were the first government department to specify the use of recycled paper for all our publications. In 1999, we took a step further and began using only photocopying paper with recycled content. We were also one of the first departments to utilise information technology to reduce paper consumption, as well to enhance office efficiency.

For 2000, we will investigate all major sources of paper and electrical consumption so that realistic reduction targets can be set. Further reduction in use of paper is expected with the start of the implementation of electronic workflow under the government's electronic transaction and service delivery initiatives. We will also extend the requirement of soft copies of reports to reduce the number of hard copies to be submitted by external parties.

Image of Only recycled paper is used for photocopying
Image of All publications are printed on recycled paper
Chart of Use of recycled paper is on the rise

Reduction of Material

  • Extensive use of electronic means for communication, including the sending of electronic files instead of hard copies, distribution of faxes via the computer network, etc., to save paper
  • Use of both sides of paper - e.g. use of used paper for drafting, computer printing and photocopying; duplex photocopying and computer printouts; etc.
  • Reuse of envelopes and file covers
  • Collection of computer printer toner and ink cartridges for refill and recycling
  • Use of ballpoint pen refills and clutch pencils
  • Use of rechargeable batteries where applicable
  • Refill of spent fluorescent markers
  • Use of hand dryer instead of paper towel in toilets
  • Use of water saving faucets
  • Reuse of water that has been used for hand washing for toilet flushing (at the Wanchai Environmental Resource Centre)

Chart of We have been able to reduce our consumption of paper over the past three years

Examples of Energy Saving

  • Air-conditioning at 22-25oC
  • Venetian blinds to protect against direct sunlight
  • Reflective film on windows against direct sunlight
  • Switching off of air-conditioners and lights when not in use, and sending "green reminders" to colleagues who forget
  • Automatic switch-off timers
  • Small air-conditioning and light zones in offices to facilitate switching off when not occupied
  • Energy efficient electronic ballast for lighting
  • Natural light where possible
  • Removal of unnecessary light bulbs
  • Use of stairs instead of lifts within the office
  • Power-saving features on all computers
  • Office equipment with energy-saving features

Image of Only the minimum number of light bulbs are used to save electricity
Chart of We have been able to reduce our consumption of electricity over the past three years

Recycling

  • Collection of wastepaper for recycling
  • Collection of film canisters, toner cartridges of fax machines, safety helmets and other plastics for recycling
  • Collection of aluminium cans and plasitc bottles for recycling

Image of A recycling corner at our office

Office Environment

Indoor air quality surveys have been conducted since 1998 by the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department at the 10 main indoor offices of EPD. The results showed that the air quality of our offices was generally in compliance with the indoor air quality guideline levels, but levels of carbon dioxide and/or total viable count of microbial/biological contaminants exceeded the set levels in some parts of the offices. Rectification measures have been taken aiming at full compliance with all the guideline levels. To provide a better working environment for our staff, a no-smoking policy has been adopted in all our offices since 1995. The ban has recently been extended to all departmental vehicles, in line with general government policy.

 
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