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The EPD strives to control the impacts of its own operations on the environment, as well as those of the community. We have an Environmental and Energy Policy, which was revisited in 2008. It sets out our aims for compliance, pollution prevention, response to environmental incidents, minimisation of consumption and other internal issues. Systems are in place to manage and monitor our impacts, and take action where needed.
Green housekeeping has been our concern since the department was formed in 1986 and we have continued to improve our performance in this area. The first departmental guideline, on the use of electricity, was issued to our staff in 1987. A government-wide Green Manager Scheme was launched in the mid-1990s, with strong support from the EPD, and the EPD set up its own Green Management Committee in 1994, chaired by our Director, to set the direction for green management in the department. Green Action Teams were established at each office to carry out green measures. A number of environmental measures have been introduced, such as collecting paper and film canisters for recycling, recycling used laser toner cartridges and ink-jet cartridges, and recycling plastic office stationery. To further reduce the consumption of paper, communication by e-mail is now extensively used among all our professional staff and our technical staff. An electronic fax system has also been implemented since 2001 to send and receive fax transmissions electronically to reduce use of paper. The EPD was the first government department to specify use of recycled paper in all its operations. Moreover, suggestions on green measures are continuously sought from our staff through the Departmental Staff Suggestion Scheme.
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| Recycling boxes for different types of recyclable items are available in our offices |
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Green information is posted on our offices' Green Corner notice boards |
Energy Audits were conducted by external consultants for our offices from 2006 to 2008 to identify energy saving measures. These energy saving measures are being implemented as appropriate. Annual internal green audit is also carried out as part of our environmental management system.
Some of the biggest potential environmental impacts from EPD operations concern waste facilities. Landfills, refuse transfer stations and the Chemical Waste Treatment Centre are monitored for pollution and required to meet strict environmental standards. These standards are specified in our contracts with the waste management operators. Our Environmental Infrastructure Division obtained ISO 14001 certification which was renewed for three years in 2009.
Our laboratories are also monitored and required to comply with statutory environmental requirements. Emergency response systems are in place to cope with any incidents at waste facilities or laboratories.
To ensure our staff are well aware of our environmental policy, new staff are briefed on green management measures as part of their induction programme. Furthermore, our staff are provided with training on environmental management through attendance at relevant courses. Our staff committee organises outings for staff and families to participate in green activities outside the office.
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| Our staff and families visit one of our waste facilities |
In 2002, we combined the environmental management system and safety & health management system to form an integrated management system. This is managed by the Departmental Environment, Safety and Health Committee (DESHC) to provide direction and strategy and monitor progress of integrated management issues. For updated development and information on EPD's operational impacts, please refer to the latest Environment Hong Kong.
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