Staff Awareness, Training and Participation

" Our Own Operations

We will ensure through appropriate training and professional development that every member of our staff has the knowledge and competency to assume their environmental responsibilities, and to participate constructively in the environmental activities "

Formal training on environmental management began in 1997 and all new staff is briefed on green management as part of their induction course. To ensure our staff have the proper training in environmental management and auditing, a full-day course is now run annually. Up to 1999, some 261 out of about 1,650 staff have attended at least one of such courses. To prepare the WFBU staff for ISO14000 certification, EMS awareness training will be provided to over 200 staff in 2000.

Awareness on environmental matters is enhanced continuously through various means, including the dissemination of relevant information through departmental circulars, postings on Green Corner notice boards, through a green management corner on the departmental computer network and direct e-mails, as well as the staff newsletter EPD Life.

Green labels are posted at strategic locations - e.g. next to light switches and air-conditioning controls - as reminders. Staff found not adopting green practices during surprise inspections by the Green Action Team - e.g. leaving the lights on in an empty room - are sent friendly reminders. Our colleagues are encouraged to contribute ideas on green practices through the staff suggestion scheme - winning proposals receive cash prizes and/or departmental commendations, resulting in some very innovative ideas being adopted. One winning suggestion was a competition amongst the sections, which collected most re-usable paper with only one side printed on. Competitions are popular with the staff and are an excellent means to carry or reinforce messages.Through our staff committee, staff and their families are encouraged to participate in green activities outside the office such as visiting the Mai Po Nature Reserve, joining Dolphin Watch cruises, participating in tree planting programmes, supporting No Plastic Bag Please signature campaigns and taking part in Ride Green days. We will continue promoting these types of green activities.

Image of Our staff have easy access to green management information on the departmental computer network
Image of Green activities are organised to raise the environmental awareness of our staff and their families