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 environmental activities

We will ensure that all our staff are aware of our Environmental Policy, that they will be able to provide detailed information about our Policy and our initiatives to our stakeholders on their particular areas of concern

The EPD introduced formal training in environmental management for our staff in 1997. New staff are briefed on environmental management, including our Environmental Policy, during their induction course. New and existing staff also attend seminars or workshops to improve their knowledge of environmental management. In 2001, 28 staff attended a one-day seminar on best environmental practices in the workplace, which was organised by the Hong Kong Productivity Council; six staff attended environmental management courses organised by external organisations; and 58 staff attended two in-house courses on environmental management systems organised by the Waste Facilities Division.

We continually try to raise staff awareness of environmental protection through departmental circulars, postings on Green Corner notice boards, direct e-mails, a green management corner on the departmental computer network, the staff newsletter EPD Life, our annual report Environment Hong Kong, this Environmental Performance Report and our Internet homepage.

A Green Action Team is in place in every office to ensure staff comply with good green office management practices. The team makes surprise inspections and sends friendly reminders to colleagues who forget to follow green office management practices.

Our colleagues are encouraged to contribute green ideas through a staff suggestion scheme. Winning proposals receive cash prizes and/or departmental commendations, resulting in some innovative ideas being adopted. In 2001, green ideas from our colleagues were received although there were no award-winning suggestions.