ArchSD Sustainability Report 2007

We serve our community by providing user friendly, environmental friendly and sustainable buildings and open areas. To continuously improve our services, we strive to engage with the public, conduct research and collect opinions.

Developing public buildings and open spaces for the community that facilitate the widest possible spectrum of users is one of our key responsibilities. As a continuation of our research on Universal Accessibility (UA), the research report "Universal Accessibility for External Areas, Open Spaces and Green Spaces" which follows the publication of the research report "Universal Accessibility - Best Practices and Guidelines" in 2004, is nearing completion in 2007.

In line with the first report, the ensuing research study continues to explore the holistic and innovative design approaches to improve accessibility in the built environment of Hong Kong. In particular, it aims at recommending best practices and design guidelines for the widest spectrum of users to access external areas, open spaces and green spaces.

The research will attempt to focus on topics such as access planning, external connections, landscaped spaces, outdoor furniture and fittings, visual contrast, lighting, safety and maintenance. A photo gallery consisting of good local and overseas examples will be incorporated in the report to illustrate best practices for reference. In the report, some existing provisions, lessons learnt and key issues of forward planning for an accessible environment will also be examined and illustrated through case studies.

We will promote best practices and guidelines on Universal Accessibility in external areas, open spaces and green spaces through conferences. Moreover, a set of guidelines for "Universal Accessibility Design Submission (UADS)" will be drafted in 2007 to promote Universal Accessibility design in future projects.

In transmitting our research on Universal Accessibility into our building designs, we take into account the needs of different users at the design stage. Our commitment to embracing this consideration was praised in the Most Inclusive Society Awards organised by the Rehabilitation Alliance Hong Kong and sponsored by the Equal Opportunities Commission. Kwai Tsing Theatre won the Award in the Public Non-Residential category, the Victoria Park in the Open Space and Theme Park category, and the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Jockey Club Rehabilitation Complex in the Rehabilitation Institute category.

In 2006, we stepped up our site supervision and intensified independent mosquito checks on site and mosquito control on slopes in order to eliminate any mosquito breeding ground.

During the critical wet season, we adopted the practice of 'one independent audit check for new works site', and also took similar measures at our maintenance works sites. Furthermore, seven new works sites voluntarily installed mosquito trap devices to monitor the level of mosquito activity.

Increased awareness among our staff and contractors is also a key to execute appropriate mosquito control measures on site. We participated in an inter-departmental task force and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department's Anti-mosquito Campaigns, conducted in-house trainings, and enhanced our Operational Instruction No. 10/2004 - 'Mosquito Control Management'.

As a public agent that focuses on design and building, our role is not limited to create sustainable public buildings; we also enhance the awareness of the public of public architecture. In October 2006, we organised a Public Forum entitled “Public Architecture in Hong Kong” to provide a platform for architects, educators, students and other stakeholders to share their views on the present and future development of public architecture in Hong Kong.

The General Specification of Buildings was revised in 2006 and will be re-published in 2007. The revision was primarily focused on improving our standards of specifications relating the sustainability, quality and the environment as a whole. The new General Specification for Buildings - 2007 Version will include a 3-month consultation period before coming into force. Comments from major industry players including Hong Kong Construction Association and Hong Kong Institute of Architects will be sought.

We also compiled information on a quarterly basis for preparing and publishing the Tender Price Index for building works and building services works in order to adjust building cost data for estimating purposes. Both publications are shared with the public through our departmental website.