Hong Kong Police Review 2021
The Force is committed to environmental protection and sustainable development. Operations and services comply with green legislation, environmental-friendly codes of practice and good environmental management practices. Members of the Force are encouraged to minimise waste and prevent pollution. The Steering Committee on Green Management monitors the implementation of energy-saving and environmental management initiatives.
Environmental Performance in 2021
Energy-saving Projects
The Force saves energy by converting solar energy to electricity, replacing room coolers with high-efficiency versions, installing motion sensor lighting, installing lighting timers and substituting lighting systems with LED lights.
New Green Building
To achieve sustainable development, the new Fan Garden for married junior police officers adopts energy-saving features and renewable energy technology. Photovoltaic panels are installed on the roofs of two of the five residential blocks to convert solar energy to electricity. All lifts are equipped with regenerative drives which reduce energy usage. A rainwater harvesting system is in place for irrigation.
Photovoltaic panels are installed on the roof of a residential block at Fan Garden to convert solar energy to electricity.
More Green Facilities
Other premises of the Force also make use of photovoltaic panels to tap renewable energy, such as the new Kowloon East Regional Headquarters Complex, the Police College and the Auxiliary Police Headquarters.
Photovoltaic panels harvest solar energy above the parking area of the Auxiliary Police Headquarters.
Housekeeping Measures
Green measures that reduce energy consumption include turning off lights and electrical equipment which are not in use, reducing the operation of central air-conditioning systems in cold weather, lowering the water temperature in bathrooms in summer, and shortening the operating hours of lifts and escalators during off-peak periods.
Notices and stickers are displayed near light switches and other electrical appliances to encourage energy saving, and in pantries and toilets to promote less use of water and paper towels.
Paper consumption is kept low by employing electronic means to disseminate information as far as possible. Members of the public are encouraged to view the Police Public Page at www.police.gov.hk and the Force's social media channels for information.
Staff canteens and recreational venues observe the Government's policy of avoiding the use of disposable tableware.
Staff canteens apply surcharges to disposable tableware to support environmental protection.
Water Conservation
Buildings of the Force are equipped with smaller shower heads and with water taps that have flow controllers and automatic sensors to reduce water usage. The Fan Garden and the Kowloon East Regional Headquarters Complex both have rainwater harvesting systems for irrigation, which is another way of conserving water.
Green Products
Most vessels of the Marine Police use biodegradable B5 diesel, and fire extinguishers installed in new vessels meet the requirements of the Government's Reference List of Green Products. In addition, measures are in place to manage the emission level of engines in new vessels.
In support of the Government's green procurement policy, the Force procures electric vehicles to replace conventional vehicles, and also buys other green products such as office furniture, equipment and stationery.
Indoor Air Quality
The Force participates in the Environmental Protection Department's (EPD) Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Certification Scheme. Large offices with air-conditioning systems undergo regular IAQ inspections by an accredited body.
Food Wise Campaign
To support the EPD's Food Wise Charter, the Force reduces food waste by requesting canteen operators to review their food supplies and provide food portioning options, and by encouraging staff members to order food thoughtfully and take away leftovers.
Recycling Programmes
The Force runs recycling programmes for paper, cans, plastic bottles, glass bottles, cartridges, used cooking oil, fluorescent lamps, rechargeable batteries and electrical appliances. Recycling bins on the premises facilitate the recycling of waste paper, plastics, metals and glass bottles.
Carbon Audits
Carbon audits of 63 police buildings were conducted from January 1 to December 31. Results showed that greenhouse gas emissions from these buildings had on average 0.14 tonnes of carbon dioxide per square metre of floor area.
Environmental Awareness of Staff
Green management concepts are incorporated into staff training programmes and activities, and discussed regularly at briefings, meetings and training sessions. Green Wardens promote in-house awareness of green office practices and circulate green tips periodically.
Engagement with Stakeholders
The Force runs the Used Clothing Collection Campaign jointly with the Salvation Army and Christian Action. It participated in the lights-off event, Earth Hour 2021, organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature.
The Way Forward
The Force fully supports the Government's environmental protection policies and initiatives to combat climate change. It will continue to implement the 3-R principles – reduce, reuse, recycle – across its daily operations, closely monitor the effectiveness of energy-saving measures, and explore ways of expanding and promoting green management principles.