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Greener Housing for the MillenniumEnvironmental Report 2000/2001
Environmental Policy
About this Report
Chairman's Message
Director's Foreword
Environmental Hoghlights
Business Overview
Environmental Management System (EMS) Structure & Strategy
Environmental Aspects
Performance Review
Progress on Key Areas
Research and Studies
Goals and Targets for 2001/2002 and Beyond
Initiatives and Way Forward
Towards Sustainability in the Provision of Public Housing in Hong Kong
Verification
Annexes
Feedback

Asbestos
In the past year we have removed more than 5% of the known asbestos in our estates, bringing the total removed to 87.7%. We are closely monitoring the conditions of the remaining buildings containing asbestos until they are fully abated. 89% of our rental estates are now asbestos-free.

Hazardous Materials Use and Releases
In general, we do not need to use many substances that are hazardous. Substances such as oils and fuel, pesticides or poisons (e.g. rat bait), paints and solvents, or cleansing chemicals (e.g. chlorine bleaches) used in our properties are stored, used and disposed of in strict accordance with legislative requirements.

Asbestos
Since 1989, we have managed an Asbestos Abatement Programme through planned maintenance and estate redevelopment programmes. Asbestos removal is undertaken in accordance with the Air Pollution Control Ordinance.

In 1999, a joint departmental programme was initiated to prepare asbestos investigation reports and asbestos management plans for schools in public housing estates. Here are the details:

64 schools were surveyed in Phase I.
65 schools were surveyed during 2000 in Phase 2.
The results indicated that there was no imminent danger of asbestos fibre release. Nevertheless, abatement and monitoring measures have been arranged.
Phase 3 survey for remaining 126 schools will be completed by end of 2001.

Removal of asbestos under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance. Removal of asbestos under the Air Pollution Control Ordinance.

Last year, we planted 447 trees and 397 000 other plants in existing estates. We are trying to improve the living environment of our extensive planting programmes, and have set targets for the next four years to do more planting in existing estates.
Last year, we planted 447 trees and 397 000 other plants in existing estates.  

Estate Greening
We are trying to improve the living environment for our tenants through our extensive planting programmes, and have set targets for the next four years to do more planting in existing estates. Highlights from the year include:

14 075 trees planted in new developments.
At existing estates we planted 447 trees and 397 000 other plants (including shrubs, palms and ground cover plants).
We provided 69 800 seasonal flowers at prominent places in the estates during festivals.
We have incorporated guidelines on tree planting in our Design Manual, and also have a 'condition of sale' clause in Private Sector Participation Schemes (PSPS) requiring developers to initiate green measures.

We have also paid attention to the need to improve and 'green' existing slopes that have previously been hard surfaced. We have set up a Vetting Committee on Slope Appearance, which regularly reviews and controls the need for slope "shotcreting". In the past year we have provided green treatments to 4 existing hard surfaced slopes.  
A Tree Planting Day.
A Tree Planting Day.

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