Environmental Report

We comissioned a number of studies in the past year. In particular, we are putting our effort into finding more effective ways of reducing waste and incorporating more environmentally friendly construction materials and methods.


		Reduction of Construction Waste A team of local experts is investigating effective waste management practices in building and demolition works. It will also identify opportunities for reuse and recycling. The one year long project is scheduled to finish by the end of 2001.
Landscaping in King Lam Estate, Tseung Kwan O.

Wider Use of Pulverised Fuel Ash (PFA)
In this study our consultants concluded that PFA (a waste product of coal-fired power stations) can be more widely used as a partial cement substitute, subject to some limits, in certain applications. Since its introduction, we have used an average of
48 000 tonnes of PFA each year. We intend to increase the amount of PFA that we use in construction, as a substitute for cement, as follows:

		Use up to 35% PFA in foundation works (up from the previous maximum allowable 25%)
		Use up to 25% PFA in certain superstructure elements where construction time is not critical (previously was 0%)

In 2000/ 2001 we saved 22 000 tonnes of cement (itself derived from the non-renewable quarrying of limestone rock, as well as being very energy-intensive in its production) by substituting PFA. It is expected that wider use of PFA in the Authority's construction works can further save 30 000 tonnes of cement in the coming year.

Traffic Noise Mitigation Measures
This study involved an appraisal of noise abatement measures and their effectiveness. A design guide will be produced based on the results of the study.

Radon in Public Housing
We commissioned a detailed survey of 100 flats in 25 estates in 2000 as a follow up to previous surveys in 1994 and 1998. We found that radon levels in all occupied flats remained at safe levels. Higher levels of radon were detected in unoccupied vacant flats. This could be attributed to poor ventilation. For this reason, we recommended that our residents maintain good ventilation in their flats as a good way to maintain air circulation and prevent radon build up.

Emergency Response Plans
In this study, our consultants identified the potential environmental risks associated with our business operations and concluded that they are relatively low. Nevertheless, control and prevention measures were drawn up to minimise these risks. A number of comprehensive action plans and guidance on how they should be implemented in case of an environmental accident, were also provided. The Plans are tailored to different types of environmental accident and their severity, and will be provided to front-line staff. Relevant training will also be provided.

Environmentally Responsible Procurement
In order to act in an environmentally responsible manner and influence others to do the same, we commissioned a consultancy firm to study our procurement practice and investigate the environmental impact of some of the products and services we use. The consultants quantified and ranked the environmental risks of 25 generic products based on their environmental impact at different stages of their life-cycle. The consultants also interviewed ten groups of our contractors and service providers on their environmental management practices. From these findings, we now have an environmental procurement policy.

	Environmental Awareness in the Community We commissioned The University of Hong Kong to conduct an opinion survey on our tenants' environmental awareness. Researchers interviewed 1 033 of our residents. In general, tenants knew that environmental protection was important but realised that their awareness of HA initiatives was weak. Tenants' environmental awareness was rated as barely satisfactory. Less than half of the residents knew the Waste Recycling Credit Scheme competition but more than three quarters agreed that it should continue. Nevertheless, about three quarters of respondents knew that there were recycle bins on their estates and more than half said that either themselves or their families used them. A fifth of residents said they always used the recycle bins. Tenants were asked the reasons for not using the recycle bins. Based on this information, we are investigating ways to increase the convenience and number of recycle bins. About two thirds of residents said they would participate in environmental campaigns and activities. Residents rated HA's efforts to provide environmentally friendly and green estates as fair.