Working with Our Contractors and Suppliers

" Our Own Operations

We require our contractors to adopt and implement sound environmental management systems and pollution control measures "

Waste Facilities' Contracts

Under existing contracts, contractors are required to operate the waste facilities according to stringent environmental requirements. To further improve the quality of new services in 1999, the tenders for the new Refuse Transfer Station to serve the areas of Tuen Mun and Yuen Long required the successful tenderer to develop and obtain ISO14001 EMS certification within 24 months of the contract award. All new waste facilities contracts will have similar ISO certification requirements, and two new contracts will be awarded in year 2000.

Influence on Government

Under the Waste Reduction Task Force for Government, we established a close working relationship with Government Supplies Department (GSD) in 1999 to establish green product specifications for common user items such as paper products. More recycled products and other green items are now available from GSD - and are much more widely used. The GSD now includes in its tenders new requirements to reduce packaging. Another example of our cooperation with GSD is the recycling of lubricating oil. Since 1997, the department has awarded contracts to a local oil recycler to collect waste oil from all government departments, recovering about 500 tonnes per year.

We initiated a study on Environmentally-Responsible Product Specifications for Government Procurement Items in August 1999, which is expected to be completed by year 2000. GSD and EPD will consider the implementation of the findings. Many outside parties, including government departments, statutory bodies, utility companies, green groups, have indicated interest in the findings.

Other Suppliers and Service Providers

For out-sourced services, we require our service providers to adopt green measures as much as possible. For example, where hardcopies are unavoidable, consultants are required to submit reports that are environmentally friendly, i.e. double-sided printing, simple binding, no excessive use of plastics, etc. The same goes for the production of the education packs used by our Community Relations Unit. Publicity souvenirs such as clips and rulers must be manufactured from recycled plastics.

In year 2000, a new mobile Environmental Resource Centre (ERC) will be set up on a vehicle which will be powered by the less polluting LPG fuel, together with the use of solar ventilation fans, and energy-saving bulbs.

To exert further influence on our contractors and suppliers, we will require them to provide information on their environmental performance starting from the year 2000.

Image of Environmental education packs are made from recycled materials