Our Responsibilities

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.

Staff Training and Development

The EPD's Human Resources Unit (HRU) is responsible for the training and development of staff. In 2004, HRU and the departmental groups organised 30 continuous professional development courses on various environmental subjects for about 400 colleagues, and four environmental management sessions on ISO14001. The HRU also co-ordinated four local environmental conferences for 200 professional staff, and collaborated with the Hong Kong Polytechnic University on vocational workshops on noise, air and water monitoring and landfill management for 285 Inspector Grade staff. Two experience-sharing workshops were organised for senior professionals and directorate-level staff in the department on landfill extension, effluent reuse, sewage treatment, major infrastructure developments and cross-border projects. EPD professional staff received training for an average of 7 days each in 2004. Technical staff recorded an average of 6 days training each.

Raising Staff Awareness

Staff are encouraged to participate in various environmental schemes in the workplace. We collect and reuse office recyclables, such as spent toner cartridges and used plastic stationery. Energy Wardens have been appointed in each branch office to strengthen energy saving practices. In 2004, we participated in the Hong Kong Awards for Energy Efficiency and Conservation in Government Premises and the Environment, Transport and Works Bureau's Used CD Recycling Programme, to further encourage staff participation in these areas.

Outside the workplace, the EPD undertakes to raise environmental awareness among staff and their families through various outings. In 2004 we arranged guided tours to Ping Shan Heritage Trail, Ocean Park, Tsim Bei Tsui Eco Tour and the Waste Separation Pilot Facility at Island East Transfer Station.

Our colleagues are also encouraged to contribute green ideas through the Departmental Staff Suggestion Scheme and useful proposals are honoured with awards.