Architectural Services Department

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Environmental Report 1998

Introduction

The Architectural Services Department (ArchSD) acts as the government's architect and professional adviser on all matters relating to the design, procurement and maintenance of all Government, Provisional Urban & Regional Council buildings, and schedule 1 (ex-government) hospitals with the exception of public housing.

In 1998, 121 projects were completed. Annual expenditure was approximately $13 billion HK. Environmental considerations have always been recognised by the Department. By implementing an Environmental Management System (EMS) in 1997, the significant aspects and impacts of work are now managed through operational controls, targets and objectives. The aim is for continuous improvement to environmental performance


Kowloon Walled City Park was awarded a diploma at the International Garden Exposition Stuttgart 1993	Murray Building won the Energy Efficient Building Award 1994	The Restoration of Tai Fu Tai won the HKIA Presidents Prize in 1989

Nov 1998 - Green Organisation Award from Friends of the Earth

Director's Message

It gives me great pleasure to issue our first Environmental Report. The implementation of EMS integrated with our ISO 9001 Quality Management System, took place on 15 Oct 1997. I would like to congratulate all my staff for their invaluable efforts towards this major achievement of being fully certified in March 1998 under ISO 14001. Our purpose is to focus with our clients, consultants and contractors, on trying to improve the environmental quality of our buildings by using a balanced approach taking into account current social, cultural and economic needs. We were very pleased and honoured to have been a winner in November 1998, as were Cathay Pacific, of the Green Organisation Award 1998 from Friends of the Earth. Protecting our environment is an issue we must all fully support, and I hope that all who read our report will give serious consideration to using an Environmental Management System.

1998 Targets and Performance

Between 15 Oct. 1997 and 14 Oct 1998, a total of 28 targets were set. Of these, 22 were met or bettered, 5 were on going and 1 achieved 50% success. On going targets are necessary as much of the work is new and includes research and the collection of data.

	To reduce energy consumption, including reducing electricity consumption and improving OTTV of buildings. 5 targets were set, 3 achieved, 1 is on going and 1 achieved 50% success. The reduction in energy consumption at APB Centre was 1%, rather than the target 2%, due to the conversion of a storage area into offices and more staff in the building.
	To reduce the use of materials and techniques which could have a harmful effect on the environment by reducing waste through the use of more prefabrications and/or factory manufactured items, and reducing the use of tropical hardwoods. 10 targets were in this section, 7 were achieved and 3 on going.
	To fully comply with environmental legislation by ensuring that estimates and contractual requirements reflect the statutory and designed environmental requirements. 5 targets set, 4 were met with 1 on going.
	To increase environmental awareness to our clients, consultants and contractors. 3 targets were set and all were met.
	To improve housekeeping through Green Management, including reducing paper usage. 5 targets were set and all were met. For the 1998/99 year we have increased our targets to 34, 28 are under similar headings as before with more demanding requirements and 6 are new targets.

Projects

Tai Po Waterfront Park - 97 HKILA Merit Award

Castle Peak Hospital Phase I Stage I - Energy Efficient Merit 98

Public Records Offices - Energy Efficiency Award 98

Environment considerations are taken into account during the project design process when we:-

	Analyze the site to utilize existing resources.
	Prepare options to minimize adverse environmental impacts.
	Conduct orientation studies.
	Seek energy efficient design by treating OTTV standards as minimal standards.
	Provide sun shading devices to reduce solar gain where appropriate.
	Check designs at all stages of the preparation process.
	Select materials to control insolation and insulate for maximum benefit.
	Plan landscapes to enhance the built environment.

Green Manager Under a Chairman, a Green Manager Committee (GMC) with representatives from all branches, has been established to apply a green housekeeping programme to the Administrative functions of the Department. The Committee sets annual targets for energy conservation and the reduction of waste, records achievements and progress of the targets, assesses the effectiveness of the measures taken and reports on progress to internal committees and to SPEL. Major activities are:-
	Staff awareness, encourage staff participation, setting up `Green' Board for publicity, and the recirculation of circulars on green housekeeping.
	Waste minimization, use both sides of the paper, re-use of envelopes, communication by e-mail, waste paper collection for recycling, and use of recyclable items.
	Energy saving, switching off lighting and appliances when not in use, designated staff to switch off lighting and appliances after office hours, use stairs instead of lifts, and minimize use of personal appliances. The reduction in the use of A4 paper, computer paper and envelopes by quarterly average was 2.7%, 3.1% and 3.7% from 1997 figures.

Notable Events

	* Oct 1997 * EMS implemented.
	* Oct 1997 * Environmental Awareness Seminar for ArchSD staff.
	* Oct 1997 * All consultants and contractors advised of ArchSD's Environmental Policy.
	* Mar 1998 * ISO 14001 Certification obtained.
	* Apr 1998 * Presentation Ceremony at Government House.
	* Jun 1998 * Trade Commissions contacted for environmentally friendly materials.
	* Oct 1998 * Environmental Carnival.
	* Nov 1998 * Green Organisation Award from Friends of the Earth.

For further information please contact Chief Architect/Central Management Branch Tel: 2867 3882 Fax: 2877 0594 e-mail address: cacmb@archsd.gov.hk