This year, apart from the environmental aspect we have expanded the scope of our reporting to cover our achievements in the areas of health and safety. All along, the Housing Authority has adopted high standards with regard to enhancing environmental efficiency in all areas of our operation, including development and management of our estates; promotion of healthy living; and maintaining a safe environment for our workers and tenants. We took steps to reduce waste generation by maximizing the use of recycled materials and increasing construction efficiency. In our project planning and design, we have adopted comprehensive microclimate assessment techniques to optimize wind environment, noise, heat and daylight conditions to the benefit of environmental comfort, hygiene and safety. We have also taken on board various energy saving measures in the management of our estates. Our experience with SARS has hammered home the need for stronger action on the cleanliness aspects in our estates. During the year we have taken resolute actions to achieve our objective of improving environmental hygiene at public housing estates, including many steps to foster community involvement. We implemented various cleanliness and environmental hygiene schemes at the community level, and available figures confirm that these schemes have been fruitful. At the core of our efforts is the creation of a sustainable living environment. Not until all residents learn to care about their own community can we hope to establish and nourish a quality living culture. Our frontline staff will continue with their commendable efforts to achieve this goal, and I strongly believe that the seeds we sow today will produce luxuriant growth in future. LEUNG Chin-man Director of Housing

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