Noise Complaints against HA Constructions Sites Text-only version EPD records show that the number of noise complaints decreased from 214 cases in 1998 to 93 cases in 2000. Minimising Noise We are aware that road traffic noise can potentially affect the living environment of our tenants. Therefore, we conduct noise impact assessments for our new projects. In the past year, only one Noise Abatement Notice was received in rental housing estates managed by HA, and noise abatement measures were completed within the period required. In order to further reduce pump-room noise, we have selected two sites for a trial using smaller / night-duty water pumps.     We have been testing the use of hydraulic concrete crushers on demolition sites as a way for reducing noise. In addition we have inspected all pump rooms, air handling and machine rooms in housing estates to ensure that noise generation is not excessive. Where the performance characteristics of the system have changed during operation, we have undertaken remedial measures. For instance, we have corrected the air conditioning system at Wong Tai Sin and Lek Yuen shopping centres. Waste Management & Reduction Different types of wastes are produced in our day-to-day operations. These include construction and demolition (C&D) waste in construction projects, refuse collected in our housing estates and wastes generated from various office activities. We are committed to wise management of waste and wherever possible we seek ways to reduce waste by adopting the well-known hierarchy of: reduce, reuse, recycle. Our efforts and achievements over the past year are described in the following sections. Pulverised Fuel Ash We are contributing to the utilisation of waste materials from other industries such as pulverised fuel ash (PFA) generated from the power stations in Hong Kong. Since 1990, all structural concrete for foundation works have incorporated PFA as partial cement replacement. We have also conducted a research study to review both local and international practice on the wider use of PFA in structural concrete and we will implement measures to increase the amount of PFA we use. Last year we saved 22 000 tonnes of cement, and we expect to save a further 30 000 tonnes in the coming year. Since the introduction of PFA into our foundation works, we have used an average of 48 000 tonnes of PFA each year. Construction Waste Reduction We require our demolition, piling, building and civil engineering contractors to: Separate inert and non-inert materials on-site and to break up large debris and concrete. Inert materials can be used in reclamation or site formation work, and reused as hardcore or granular fill, or as recycled aggregates for drainage and earthworks. Use re-usable metal formwork and hoardings and prefabricated building elements. Adopt a trip-ticket system to monitor waste disposal to prevent illegal dumping. Submit and execute waste management plans as part of contract requirements. In addition to reducing generation of construction and demolition waste, the use of metal formwork and prefabricated components have other environmental benefits, e.g. conserving timber resources and minimising construction dust and noise nuisance (as concrete mixing and prefabrication activities can be carried out off site with better environmental controls). The use of prefabricated building elements reduces construction waste and has other environmental benefits.     Wastewi$e We have joined the Wastewi$e Scheme to consolidate our efforts in waste reduction. The Scheme Advisor has reviewed our current waste management practices, and targets based on waste reduction and use of recyclable and recycled materials have been set. Some specific targets are: Increase use of recycled paper to 35% Reduce consumption of wooden pencils by 20% Reduce use of non-refillable ball-point pens by 20% Toner cartridge recycling rate set at 25% for Development and Construction Branch and Finance Branch & Administration Division, and 72% for Management Branch Increase quantities of waste paper collected for recycling from estates by 10% Incorporate enlarged refuse rooms for waste sorting and recycling into design of specified housing estate block types < Previous PageNext Page >Back to Top 2001 Housing Authority. All rights reserved.