[Vision and Statement of Common Purpose and Values] [Foreword] [Operations]
[Regional Commanders' Report] [Personnel and Training]
[Management Services] [Finance, Administration and Planning]
[Environmental Report] [Organisation] [ Annexes, Crime Charts and Appendices ]

Waste Reduction
Following the success in 2003/04 of reducing consumption of paper by 6 per cent and consumption of electricity by 2.3 per cent, the Force set a target to formations to reduce electricity consumption by another 4 per cent, and that of both paper and envelope by 10 per cent in 2004/05.

It was particularly encouraging to note a more than 20 per cent decrease in the consumption of envelopes and gas in 2004. The rise by 4 per cent in electricity consumption was due to the decanting of Police Headquarters in the latter half of 2004 as electricity was consumed in both new and old offices during the decanting period. The decanting exercise also provided an opportunity for the formations to dispose of their unwanted publications. As a result, a significant increase in waste paper collection was recorded.

The Force continued its sustained efforts to minimise paper consumption. Measures such as communication by e-mail, photocopying on both sides of paper, using recycled paper and reusing envelopes have become habits of staff at all levels. Reference materials or information were disseminated by e-mail and e-bulletin boards instead of hard copies.

To promote the reduced use of paper, the Force encouraged formations to adopt the "Paperless Conference" mode at both headquarters and regional levels. Electronic notice boards were set up in the Hong Kong Island Region and Traffic Kowloon West in late 2004. Staff members were also encouraged to print less paper by manipulating the layout of printouts for record-keeping purposes. Other waste-minimising measures included the re-use of floppy discs through re-formatting, the purchase of rechargeable batteries, the use of environmentally friendly plain paper fax machines, and the provision of electronic greeting cards to replace paper cards.

Energy Saving
Unnecessary energy consumption was cut as far as possible by a series of housekeeping measures such as setting a higher room temperature for cooling systems or reducing water temperature for gas boilers, shortening the operation hours of lifts, and routine checking to switch off lights and air conditioners outside office hours. Timer-switches were installed for air-conditioning units in the changing rooms of Police stations and the Police clubs managed to cut gas consumption by 15 per cent and electricity consumption by 2 per cent respectively in 2004.

For Police land transport, specific measures were adopted on fuel efficiency, including the use of more fuel-efficient types of vehicles, continuous exploration of cleaner fuel types and close monitoring of vehicle maintenance programmes, pursuit of enhanced hydrocarbon recovery system and promoting good driving practices.

Energy saving measures to reduce fuel consumption were also taken by the marine fleets. These included the enhanced use of the "loitering engine" and reduction of "full speed engine trials".

Staff Environmental Awareness
To promote environmental awareness amongst staff, the Force publicised useful tips on green management in internal publications and through the intranet. Fourteen "green corners" were set up in Police premises, where officers could exchange ideas on green management. Suggestion boxes were set up to encourage green ideas from staff. Some premises organised promotional activities to foster staff participation.

The Police Training School (PTS) incorporated green management concepts in its training programmes and activities. Briefings on green management for PTS staff were organised with the assistance of the Hong Kong Productivity Council, Environmental Protection Department and Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD). Visits to Kadoorie Farm and Ocean Park also enhanced PTS staff's understanding of green issues.

The Police Tactical Unit (PTU) introduced incentive schemes to encourage green practices. PTU even designed its own promotional stickers to remind staff to switch off lighting and save energy. Appointing green wardens in the Force also proved effective in fostering staff participation. To review its current green practices for continual improvement, Support Wing appointed officers to conduct an internal energy audit in 2004.

Recycling and Other Initiatives
During the year, waste paper, can and plastic bottle collection points were placed in Police premises. Private contractors were engaged for regular collection of used paper and ink cartridges. Mong Kok District introduced the recycling of confiscated DVD/VCD/CDs in 2002 and the practice was further extended to Crime Kowloon West in 2004. Inclusion of energy-saving devices was one of the core elements in the planning and design of the new Police Headquarters Complex. The new Headquarters Complex has been awarded by EMSD the Registration Certificates for Compliance with Code of Practice for Energy Efficiency of Electrical Installations, Lighting Installations and Lift and Escalator Installations. The new energy saving installations, such as sea water cooled chillers and timer control for outdoor lighting, provided an excellent platform on which to kick-start energy saving programmes in the new Complex.

Achievements and The Future
The Force won the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Best Practice Silver Award in the Hong Kong Awards for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Competition organised by the EMSD in 2004. The Award reflected the concerted efforts of individual formations in energy savings through deliberate and focused strategies. With the enthusiasm and commitment of the staff, the formations continued to demonstrate good energy saving practices and attained very encouraging results as evidenced by the significant reduction in electricity bills. During the competition period from October 2003 to September 2004, the top three savers, namely Auxiliary Support Bureau, PTU and Training Wing, successfully achieved a reduction of 18 per cent in electricity consumption. Other formations also attained a reduction of between 2 and 6 per cent.

For the future, the Force will continue to adhere to the 3-R principles "Reduce, Re-use, Recycle" in our day-to-day housekeeping. Planned actions in the coming year include setting consumption targets and actively pursuing new environmental initiatives for better green management. The Green Manager Scheme will also be re-introduced with a view to appointing personnel at different levels to develop and promote green measures in Police premises.