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 2022
Green Buildings
The new Fan Garden for married junior police officers and the rebuilt Police Officers' Club were awarded Final Gold rating under the Building Environmental Assessment Method (BEAM) Plus (New Buildings) version 1.2 by the Hong Kong Green Building Council to recognise the Force's commitment and contribution to sustainable development in designing and building green and contemporary police premises.
Photovoltaic panels are installed on top of the Police Officers' Club and two residential blocks at the Fan Garden to generate electricity.
Green Features
Apart from the Fan Garden and the Police Officers' Club, photovoltaic panels are installed in premises such as the Kowloon East Regional Headquarters Complex, the Auxiliary Police Headquarters and the Border District Headquarters to tap renewable energy. The Kowloon East Regional Headquarters Complex also has a solar hot-water system to pre-heat water.
The Border District Headquarters harvest solar energy above its car park using photovoltaic panels .
Other green features at the Kowloon East Regional Headquarters Complex include a vertical green wall on the outside to lessen heat absorption and energy consumption, and shading fins to avoid excessive solar radiation.
To promote the use of electric vehicles so as to improve roadside air quality and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, quick-charging facilities have been installed in some premises of the Force, such as the Police Headquarters Complex.
Charging points for electric vehicles at the Police Headquarters Complex.
Housekeeping Measures
The Force implements green measures that reduce energy consumption. Such measures include turning off lights and other electrical equipment which are not in use, shortening the operating hours of lifts and escalators during off-peak periods, setting up gardens on the roofs and using ultraviolet window films to lower room temperatures.
Notices and stickers are displayed near light switches and other electrical appliances to promote energy saving, and in pantries and toilets to promote less use of water and paper towels. Notices are also affixed to windowsills to encourage opening windows in winter for better ventilation and reducing the use of air-conditioning where appropriate.
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 for avoiding the use of disposable tableware. Posters are displayed in common areas encouraging staff to use their own containers and reusable tableware.
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. Rainwater harvesting systems are set up for irrigation, which is another way of conserving water.
Green Procurement
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.
Food Wise Campaign
To support the Environmental Protection Department'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 meals thoughtfully and take away leftovers.
Waste Reduction
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 Force's premises facilitate the recycling of waste paper, plastics, metals and glass bottles.
Regular activities are held to provide a platform for staff to exchange unwanted goods, such as books and electrical appliances.
Police barges are fitted with a high-standard biochemical domestic sewage treatment setup to minimise the effluent discharged.
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 continues to participate in the Used Clothing Collection Campaign organised by the Christian Action and the lights-off event, Earth Hour 2022, 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.