Recognising the need to win support from all segments of society for environmental initiatives, the EPD has been building partnerships with relevant stakeholders and professionals at both the local and national levels. The experience gained from these outside contacts is invaluable.

Locally
The EPD has formed partnerships with local industries that attract a number of pollution complaints from the public. The purpose is to promote compliance and gain a better understanding of the challenges faced by these industries. In 2000 formal partnerships were established with the construction industry, motor vehicle repair workshops and restaurants, and in 2001 these resulted in some concrete achievements. A three-part programme was mapped out with the construction industry which included providing workers with an illustrated handbook and training, looking into ways of recognising contractors with good environmental practices, and enhancing communication with government works departments and the general public to prevent potential problems at the earliest stage. The Hong Kong Motor Vehicle Repair Association co-operated with the EPD and the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) to test a machine that controls the release of harmful volatile organic chemicals during paint spraying. The restaurant trade also co-operated with the EPD and HKPC to test a cheaper electrostatic precipitator which traps greasy exhausts and some of the odour from kitchens. A new partnership was formed in 2001 with the property management sector, which resulted in a successful pilot programme to educate residents, contractors and workers about the restrictions on noisy work and the need to control dust, odours and waste and water pollution.

Additionally, the EPD organises seminars and other events with local partners. The EPD and Hong Kong Baptist University jointly organised an international forum on Food Waste Composting in October 2001, which was well-attended by the restaurant trade. The EPD and the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce co-organised a seminar in September on corporate environmental reporting, with support from the Hong Kong Productivity Council and the Business Environment Council. The seminar attracted more than 100 organisations and the EPD used the event to disseminate its guidebook on helping private organisations prepare environmental performance reports.