EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Code of Practice

The Consultants have prepared a draft Code of Practice (CoP) to help the practising professionals to ensure acceptable IAQ with reference to the established practice of other countries, including Canada, USA, Finland, Sweden, Australia and Singapore. It is recommended the final CoP should be finalized after consultation with the building developers, property managers and building professionals. It will serve as the cornerstone of the indoor air pollution control programme and should include the following essential elements:

IAQ Guidelines/Objectives

The Study recommended the use of the Finnish model of setting three levels of IAQ objectives complemented by the classification of office types according to their abilities to attain these objectives should be considered. In the system, the lowest level is to meet the basic health-based standard; and the two higher levels allow the owners to aim at optimal health outcomes when more resources and technical capabilities are available. The result of having greater prestige and higher values of the premises serves as the major incentives for the owners to pursue for better IAQ. The Study showed that the lowest level should have already been achieved in almost 65% of the office premises of Hong Kong.

Control Strategies

The Hong Kong Government's initiative to improve IAQ in Hong Kong premises will be taken forward by a special Management Group to be chaired by the Environmental Protection Department who was the convenor of the IAQ study. The main function will be to co-ordinate the implementation of a system of control based on the various options proposed; to review progress using indicators such as complaint cases; and to recommend action to make the scheme work more efficiently wherever necessary.

The Study made a very detailed evaluation of suitable systems for institutionalising the control of IAQ in Hong Kong. Four options were identified, viz.

For Option A, the CoP will be issued as guidelines for the professionals and building management on a self-regulatory basis. This option has the advantages of a fast-track programme, flexible in actual implementation and with little resistance anticipated from the affected parties. The effectiveness of implementation, however, cannot be guaranteed.

Option B makes use of the provisions of certain existing regulations by administrative means such as through the drafting of Technical Memorandum, to make reference to the CoP. Amendment to those regulations is not required. Option C is to amend the existing regulations or licensing provisions of Chapters 123, 132 and 172 for the enforcement of the CoP. Both Options B and C provide the Government with the enforcement power but require certain lead time and much effort in coordinating the various control bodies. Option D involves the introduction of a new and comprehensive legislation to provide the most effective coverage for IAQ enforcement. However, the legislative process will be lengthy and that considerable resource implications and restructuring should be anticipated.

Other than Option D, the other options can be adopted in various combinations for implementation. The Management Group should determine the best option and oversee all the related activities and progress and review the situation in three years' time.

Residential Premises

The indoor air quality of residential buildings is also an important area, but, from a practical point of view, can only be controlled on a voluntary basis. The government should initiate public education to promote the importance of maintaining good practice related to indoor air quality. Public awareness campaigns are essential to bring the issue of IAQ to the attention of the general public. It would be useful to establish a contact/information centre to which questions and requirements for measurements could be addressed.