Paving blocks made of recycled material being trialled at Tsing Yi Estate.
	Timber Savings by Construction Practice (tonnes) Text-only version Last year we saved at least 33 000 tonnes of timber by using alternative construction practices. Tropical Hardwood We have been using reusable metal hoardings, metal formwork and prefabricated building components to reduce the use of timber in the construction of our housing blocks. Up to 1999, it was estimated that more than 929 000 tonnes of timber have been saved. Last year we saved at least another 33 000 tonnes. At the same time, we are also investigating the use of timber from suitably accredited sustainable sources. In the meantime we continue to make every effort to reduce our use of timber. Use of Recycled Materials in Conserving Resources We already use Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA) as a partial cement substitute in a variety of uses. We have investigated and found we can increase the amount used. This has two benefits. We use less cement thereby saving large amounts of energy in its production at quarries. Also we utilise a waste product from another industry (PFA is a by product of power generation). We also intend to increase the use of recycled crushed aggregates (mainly from demolition works), because use of recycled aggregates reduces the demand for freshly quarried materials. We use recycled crushed aggregates in drainage and earthworks and are awaiting the results of a trial by Works Department on use of recycled aggregates in concrete. Actual and Forecast Cement Savings through PFA Substitution Text-only version We aim to minimise resource use and minimise the impact of resource extraction. Energy Efficiency Registration Scheme We are actively participating in the Hong Kong Energy Efficiency Registration Scheme for Buildings. In 2000, in addition to New Harmony 1, the New Harmony Annex 5 Block was successfully certified for compliance with the Code of Practice for Energy Efficiency of Lighting Installation. The adoption of the new lighting design in New Harmony Blocks has resulted in an estimated electricity saving of HK$0.3M per year for the domestic blocks tendered in 2000/2001. Energy Conservation & Energy Efficiency Energy efficiency is a key element of our energy management strategy which seeks to minimise energy usage in the communal areas of HA properties. The Energy fficiency Committee: Conducts regular monitoring of electricity consumption to avoid unnecessary power consumption. Monitors electricity accounts to minimise electricity charges. Identifies energy saving opportunities. Past initiatives to use energy efficiently, which we will continue to implement in new projects, include use of energy saving lamps and energy-efficient floodlights in car parks, adoption of automatic timer control systems, replacing less efficient lift drive systems, optimising energy use in air conditioning systems and water pumps, and introducing thermal efficient measures in window designs for Harmony and Concord Block types. We will continue to work on the following: We are now adopting higher lighting output (2 x 24W) compact fluorescent lamps which will reduce the number of lamps in corridors by 40%. Tests are being carried out on the use of more efficient electronic ballasts in fluorescent luminaries on their reliability, energy performance and suitability for hot and humid climate conditions. Electronic ballasts were fitted in 5 car parks last year. Following a pilot trial, photocell lighting control will be installed next year in 16 estates. We have successfully registered two shopping centre developments under the Hong Kong Energy Efficiency Registration Scheme for Buildings; one centre in compliance with the Energy Codes for lighting, A/C and electrical installation, and the other in compliance with the Codes for lighting and A/C. Electricity Usage in Common Areas in Public Housing Estates Text-only version Annual HA Office Electricity Usage Text-only version Electricity usage in our offices (per office area) remained about the same as last year. It increased by 0.23%. We incurred higher energy usage as we had to fit out our new extension building at our Headquarters before our staff occupied it in January 2001. We are reducing electricty consumption in common areas in public housing estates. Last year, this saved HK$36M. < Previous PageNext Page >Back to Top 2001 Housing Authority. All rights reserved.