6 TARGETS - Our Progress and 2009 Aims

We have long-term objectives for each of our programme areas and our internal operations, and within these we set shorter-term targets. Some of these are specific for the year, others are on-going to ensure we meet our ultimate goals.

1.   Better Air Quality

Long term objective (1):
Reduce local air pollution.

2008 Targets
Progress in 2008
2009 Targets
i.

Amend the Air Pollution Control Ordinance and Regulations to:

  - stipulate emission caps for power plants;
  - tighten motor vehicle fuel specification to Euro V standards;
  - mandate the use of clean fuel by the industrial and commercial sectors.
Mostly Achieved.
The amendments to stipulate emission caps and allow emissions trading for power plants and to mandate the use of clean fuel in industry and commerce have been completed.
On Euro V, we are liaising with oil companies on supplies in the region in preparation for amending legislation. All petrol stations offer Euro V diesel exclusively, after a concessionary $0.56 duty was introduced in December 2007.
i.

Make proposals to limit VOC content in vehicle refinishing and vessel paints, adhesives and sealants, and enhance legislative control of ozone depleting substances.

ii. Carry out a trial on using ultra low sulphur diesel in domestic ferries.
iii. Work on specifications for biodiesel use in motor vehicles.


ii.

Consult the public on using remote sensing equipment to strengthen the control of emissions from petrol and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicles.

Working towards target.
Preparatory work for the consultation is completed. The timing of the launch needs to be determined.
Long term objective (2):
Review Hong Kong's Air Quality Objectives and develop a long-term air quality management strategy.
2008 Targets
Progress in 2008
2009 Targets
i.

Complete the review of Air Quality Objectives by the end of 2008.

Working towards target.
Extra time was needed to perform computer modelling on future air quality and to conduct a cost-benefit analysis on control measures needed to achieve the new objectives.
i.

Complete the study in the first half of the year and conduct a comprehensive public engagement exercise in the second half of the year to solicit views from the public and stakeholders, with the aim of finalising the new Air Quality Objectives and the long-term management strategy within 2009.

2.   Better Water Quality

Long term objective :
Implement HATS Stage 2 to improve the harbour's water quality and sustain the improvements in the long term.

2008 Targets
Progress in 2008
2009 Targets
i.

Obtain approval under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance for HATS Stage 2A.

Achieved.
The EIA report was approved in October 2008.
i.

Commence operation of the advance disinfection facilities for HATS.

ii. Seek Legislative Council approval for tunnelling works under HATS Stage 2A.
iii. Obtain funding to build or upgrade the HATS Stage 2A sewage conveyance system, advance preparation works and odour control facilities in 2009.
ii.

Commence a study on co-use of land for HATS Stage 2B.

Achieved.
The study began in May 2008.

3.   Environmentally Sound Waste Management and Facilities

Long term objective :
Promote waste reduction and recycling, and develop integrated waste management facilities to reduce the environmental burden and landfill space requirement arising from waste disposal.

2008 Targets
Progress in 2008
2009 Targets
i.

Develop long-term plans for integrated waste management facilities (IWMF) to achieve bulk reduction of municipal solid waste.

Achieved.
The results of a site search for developing IWMF were announced in January 2008, followed by a public engagement exercise and engineering and EIA studies that began in November 2008.
i.

Complete the EIA study of the first phase of the Organic Waste Treatment Facilities at Siu Ho Wan.

ii. Complete the EIA study for the West New Territories Landfill Extension.
iii. Examine the feasibility of introducing a mandatory PRS for used electrical and electronic products and consult the public.
iv. Implement the Environmental Levy Scheme on Plastic Shopping Bags.
v.

Extend the Programme on Source Separation of Domestic Waste to
1 140 housing estates / buildings.

ii.

Develop voluntary producer responsibility schemes (PRSs) for waste electrical and electronic equipment in collaboration with major stakeholders before the end of 2008.

Achieved.
The Computer Recycling Programme and Fluorescent Lamp Recycling Programme were launched in early 2008, both funded and administered by the respective trades.
iii.

Secure passage of the Product Eco-responsibility Bill by the Legislative Council.

Achieved.
The Product Eco-responsibility Ordinance was enacted in July 2008.
iv.

Recruit 920 housing estates / buildings to participate in the Programme on Source Separation of Domestic Waste by the end of 2008.

Target exceeded.
By the end of 2008, 996 housing estates / buildings had signed up.

4.   Greener Energy Management

Long term objective (1):
Ensure the public will continue to enjoy a safe, reliable and efficient energy supply at reasonable prices, while at the same time minimise the environmental impacts of the production and use of energy.

2008 Targets
Progress in 2008
2009 Targets
i.

Finalise the regulatory arrangements of the post-2008 electricity market and monitor the implementation, particularly measures relating to environmental protection.

Achieved.
New Scheme of Control Agreements were signed with both power companies in January 2008 and include terms for better emission performance, wider use of renewable energy, and the promotion of energy saving initiatives to customers.

Nil.

Long term objective (2):
Formulate policies and implement measures to promote energy efficiency and conservation, and the development of renewable energy in Hong Kong.

2008 Targets
Progress in 2008
2009 Targets
i.

Roll out the first phase of the mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme after completing the legislative process and plan for coverage of its second phase.

Achieved.
The Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance was enacted in May 2008 to implement the Scheme. Amendments to the Ordinance for the implementation of the second phase of the Scheme are being prepared.

i.

Table an amendment regulation to the Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance in the Legislative Council for the second phase of the mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme.

ii. Introduce a bill to the Legislative Council on the mandatory implementation of the Building Energy Codes.
iii.

Roll out the Buildings Energy Efficiency Funding Schemes.

iv. Conduct studies on phasing out incandescent light bulbs, and energy wastage from external lighting.
v. Make preparations for the implementation of a district cooling system in the Kai Tak Development.
ii.

Prepare a detailed proposal for the mandatory implementation of the Building Energy Codes, taking into consideration views received during a public consultation.

Mostly Achieved.
The legislative proposal is under preparation.

iii.

Encourage wider adoption of renewable energy in the finalised post-2008 Scheme of Control Agreements.

Achieved.
The Agreements were signed with the two power companies in January 2008 and include provisions to encourage wider adoption of renewable energy.

5.   Nature Conservation

Long term objective :
Formulate policies and implement measures to regulate, protect and manage natural resources that are important for the conservation of the biological diversity of Hong Kong.

2008 Targets
Progress in 2008
2009 Targets
i.

Oversee the implementation of the New Nature Conservation Policy, in particular the pilot schemes on management agreements and public-private partnerships.

 

Achieved.
In 2008, the Government supported one application under the Pilot Scheme for Public-Private Partnership, which will be located in Sha Lo Tung. Funds from the Environment and Conservation Fund were also granted for continuation of two Management Agreements at Long Valley and Fung Yuen.

i.

Continue implementing the New Nature Conservation Policy, in particular taking forward the Sha Lo Tung project.

ii. Set up a Geopark in Hong Kong and aim to apply for its listing as a national geopark by the end of 2009.
iii. Introduce a legislative proposal to the Legislative Council to extend the Convention on Biological Diversity and Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety to Hong Kong .

 

ii.

Amend the Schedule of Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance so as to meet international obligations under the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora.

Achieved.
The amendments were completed and ready to be tabled at the Legislative Council for negative vetting in January 2009.

6.   Quieter Environment

Long term objective :
Reduce and minimise road traffic noise through implementation of noise abatement measures.

2008 Targets
Progress in 2008
2009 Targets
i.

Further develop and continue implementation of the proposed noise mitigation measures (measured in terms of progress made, including studies that have commenced).

Achieved.
Completed investigations of the feasibility of using low noise road surfaces (LNRS) on all selected local road sections; completed a study to optimise the design of noise barriers; and continued studies to improve the design of LNRS materials and improve flyover joints.

i.

Continue developing and implementing noise mitigation measures, including noise barrier retrofitting work on 36 road sections and trials of low noise road surfaces.

ii.

Continue implementation of noise barrier retrofitting work for 36 identified road sections and a trial of low noise resurfacing work on local road sections.

Achieved.
Work to install noise barriers continued on three road sections and began on seven other sections. Three more road sections were re-surfaced.

7.   Cross-boundary and International Co-operation

Long term objective :
Contribute to regional and global efforts to improve the quality of the living environment.

2008 Targets
Progress in 2008
2009 Targets
i.

Commence a consultancy study on climate change in Hong Kong.

Achieved.
Commenced in March 2008.

i.

Continue the consultancy study on climate change in Hong Kong.

ii. Continue implementing the Cleaner Production Partnership Programme (measured by number of participants at awareness promotion activities and number of funding applications approved).
ii.

Launch the Cleaner Production Partnership Programme to encourage and facilitate Hong Kong-owned factories in the Pearl River Delta region to adopt cleaner production technologies and practices, with the aim of helping to improve regional air quality.

Achieved.
The programme was launched in April 2008. The Government will provide funding support of over $93 million.

8.   Prevention and Mitigation Through Environmental Impact Assessment

Long term objective (1) :
Promote Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) to the public locally and internationally by providing easy access to the SEA Manual and related information.

2008 Targets
Progress in 2008
2009 Targets
i.

Upload the latest SEA resources from around the world to our site, mainly by hyperlinks, including SEA regulations, SEA guidance documents, SEA reports, SEA reference materials, etc.

Achieved.
About 100 documents and hyperlinks were uploaded to the web-based SEA Knowledge Centre in 2008.

i.

Disseminate information and knowledge on SEA through the web-based SEA Knowledge Centre (measured by the number of visits to the site).

Long term objective (2) :
Help the public to understand Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) findings.

2008 Targets
Progress in 2008
2009 Targets
i.

Gather and disseminate knowledge in the application of the 3-D EIA public engagement tool for easy reference by EIA practitioners and the public.

Achieved.
The 3-D EIA public engagement tool was required in the EIA study briefs of 35 major development projects. Five EIA studies using the 3-D tool were made available for public inspection in 2008. A library was also established of 3-D EIA visualisations of the major findings of EIA reports.

i.

Conduct a review of the guidance notes for the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance.

ii. Continue gathering and disseminating knowledge in the application of the 3-D EIA public engagement tool for easy reference by EIA practitioners and the public (measured by resources added to the 3-D EIA library).

9.   Sustainable Development

Long term objective :
Promote sustainable development (SD) in Hong Kong.

2008 Targets
Progress in 2008
2009 Targets
i.

Provide secretariat support to the Council for Sustainable Development, which was established to advise the Government on the preparation of an SD strategy for Hong Kong and promote public awareness and understanding of the principles of SD.

Achieved.
In 2008 the Council submitted a report to the Government with recommendations based on the findings of the Better Air Quality Engagement Process; published a booklet on Sustainable Development Fund projects and reported on their progress; and completed the First Sustainable Development School Award Programme.

i.

Conduct a new public engagement process on building design to foster a quality and sustainable built environment.

ii.

Promote understanding and application of SD principles, as well as the sustainability assessment system, among government bureaux and departments.

Achieved.
In 2008 over 280 government officials participated in training sessions.

10.   Building Partnerships and Encouraging Compliance

Long term objective (1) :
Enhance environmental awareness of the need to control cooking fume emissions for the restaurant trade and reinforce the partnership programme for the vehicle repair workshop trade.

2008 Targets
Progress in 2008
2009 Targets
i.

Enhance the features of the Green Restaurant and Green Garage partnership programme websites to make them more user friendly and attractive to the trades.

Achieved.
New features have been added to the two websites, making them easier to use.

Nil.

ii.

Promote the Vehicle Repair Workshop Programme at a special seminar.

Achieved.
EPD collaborated with two trade associations and the Hong Kong Productivity Council to organise a forum in December 2008 to enhance environmental knowledge of practitioners. About 70 stakeholders attended.

Long term objective (2):
Provide a common integrated electronic platform for quality management of enforcement information and for facilitating data sharing and modelling use.

2008 Targets
Progress in 2008
2009 Targets
i.

Roll out the integrated electronic platform in mid-2008.

Achieved.
Implementation of the platform was completed in December 2008.

Nil.

11.   Internal Operations

Long term objective (1) :
Pursue continual improvement in the environmental performance of our internal operations by implementing an effective management system.

2008 Targets
Progress in 2008
2009 Targets
i.

Continue to monitor the potentially significant environmental aspects of internal activities.

Achieved.

i.

Continue to monitor the potentially significant environmental aspects of internal activities.

ii. The EEMT to identify and implement energy / emissions reduction measures.
ii.

The Energy and Emissions Management Team (EEMT) to identify and implement energy / emissions reduction measures.

Achieved.
The EEMT, formed in 2007, has identified energy / emissions reduction measures and they are being implemented.

Long term objective (2) :
Demonstrate efficiency and commitment to environmental conservation by reducing expenditure and resources consumption.

2008 Targets
Progress in 2008
2009 Targets
i.

Continue paper saving initiatives to keep paper consumption to a minimum.

Achieved.
Paper consumption fell by 4.3 per cent over 2007.

i.

Continue paper saving initiatives to keep paper consumption to a minimum.

ii. Continue energy saving measures in conjunction with the energy audit.
iii. Monitor consumption and encourage recycling.
iv. Continue Indoor Air Quality certification work and arrange renewal as necessary.
ii.

Continue energy saving measures in conjunction with the energy audit (measured in terms of power consumption in offices).

Target exceeded.
Electricity consumption was reduced by 1.8 per cent over 2007, exceeding the consumption reduction target of 1.5 per cent set for 2008.

iii.

Continue energy audits in offices to look for energy saving opportunities (measured in terms of self-audits conducted).

Achieved.

iv.

Monitor consumption and encourage recycling.

Achieved.
Used toner cartridges from photocopiers that were disposed of as waste in the past were recycled.

v.

Continue Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) certification work and arrange renewal as necessary.

Achieved.
A total of 15 EPD premises have been certified, with one classed as 'excellent' and the others as 'good'.

Long term objective (3) :
Ensure treatment and disposal of wastes at our facilities are managed in the most environmentally acceptable manner.

2008 Targets
Progress in 2008
2009 Targets
i.

Continue close supervision of our waste facilities contractors, aiming at full compliance with both legal and contractual environmental requirements.

Achieved.
Of 24 858 environmental monitoring measurements carried out at landfills and refuse transfer stations, 24 817 complied with contractual requirements.

i.

Continue close supervision of our waste facilities contractors, aiming at full compliance with both legal and contractual environmental requirements.

12.   Our Staff

Long term objective :
Promote staff environmental awareness and encourage participation.

2008 Targets
Progress in 2008
2009 Targets
i.

Arrange training sessions / seminars and awareness campaigns for staff.

Achieved.
76 staff attended nine training sessions on different green management topics.

i.

Continue encouraging staff to attend training sessions / seminars and awareness campaigns.

13.   Promoting Community Involvement

Long term objective :
Encourage the public to switch to a greener lifestyle.

2008 Targets
Progress in 2008
2009 Targets
i.

Promote government initiatives on environmental protection.

Achieved.
37 roving exhibitions were organised to promote 'Switching Off Idling Engines' and 'Source Separation of Waste', and 317 activities on green living, energy saving and waste reduction were organised for various sectors of the community.

i.

Continue to promote government initiatives on environmental protection.

ii. Continue to enhance public involvement and participation in environmental protection
ii.

Enhance public involvement and participation in environmental protection.

Achieved.
Tens of thousands of people and hundreds of organisations participated in numerous on-going programmes in 2008. See Promoting Community Involvement for details.