Build an Inclusive Workplace and Society
A Holistic Approach to Safety and Sustainability
From policy formulation and risk management to performance measurement and training, we implement a holistic approach to embed a culture of safety, sustainability and environmental responsibility across our operations and value chain.
Workplace Safety Management
Our department-wide ISO 45001 Occupational Health and Safety Management System aligns with global best practices and industry standards, ensuring employee protection across offices and project sites. The Occupational Health and Safety Representatives Working Group actively addresses concerns, monitors performance and drives continuous improvements. Through regular safety inspections, we identify potential hazards, assess risks and impacts and develop targeted mitigation measures.
Awareness and Training
We raise safety awareness through specialised training and programmes, including:
- Safe lifting operations for mobile plants
- Construction and environmental engineering safety
- Site safety protocols in maintenance works
To reinforce procedure knowledge and ensure preparedness, we conduct department-wide emergency drills and use insights to refine our practices.
Collaboration with Contractors
Contractors are our essential partners in fostering a robust health and safety culture. In addition to providing guidelines, we embed our safety, sustainability, environmental and technical requirements into contracts to encourage and accelerate their adoption. The implementation of following innovative practices and technologies on ArchSD’s projects elevates onsite safety and sustainability performance, setting a benchmark for industry best practices.
Energy Efficiency
- Install energy-saving lighting systems
- Use intelligent sensors
- Use renewable energy
- Build temporary transformers
Emission Mitigation
- Suppress construction dust
- Install noise enclosure and acoustic screen
- Operate hydraulic crusher for demolition work
Waste Management and Reduction
- Use pre-cast and lightweight concrete
- Sort construction and demolition waste onsite
- Encourage recycling
- Upcycle used materials
People
- Make prior work arrangements in times of heat stress, adverse weather and extreme conditions
- Provide rechargeable cordless tools for workers
- Conduct volunteer renovation work for neighbouring stakeholders
- Establish a 24-hour enquiry and support hotline for stakeholders
Safety First at Construction Sites
As part of ArchSD’s commitment to uplifting site safety, we mandate strict contractor compliance with our robust safety requirements and industry best practices. We support our contractors through comprehensive guidance materials, including: codes of conduct and practices, Labour Department Work Safety Alerts, Site Safety Checklists and Audit Results, safety reminders and briefing notes, etc.
To enforce occupational health and safety compliance, our Departmental Safety & Environmental Advisory Unit conducts surprise site inspections, verifies Smart Site Safety System (4S), and raises site safety issues and hazards for corrective action in a timely manner.
In 2024, we conducted a total of 218 site inspections to gauge performance on the following areas:
In addition, we conduct regular project meetings to monitor and evaluate contractors’ environmental and safety performance. These meetings enable proactive collaboration to develop rectifying measures and remediation plans when performance falls below standards.
Throughout 2024, we organised a number of events to enhance onsite safety performance, increase awareness of common hazards and preventive measures, and provide updates on smart safety management systems and technologies.
Over 400 contractors, consultants and colleagues participated in the ArchSD Safety Forum.
ArchSD participated in the 1st InnoExpo organised by the Occupational Safety and Health Council to promote innovative site safety technologies and digital works supervision system.
In May 2024, the ArchSD participated in the Smart Site Safety System (4S) Labelling Scheme established by the Development Bureau and the Construction Industry Council to uplift site safety and encourage a wider adoption of 4S adoption in the industry. By December 2024, ArchSD had received the 4S Label certification for its 58 capital works contracts and 9 term contracts.
Raising and Recognising Sustainability Performance
The ArchSD partners with industry stakeholders to deliver outstanding sustainability performance and service in our facilities development and maintenance. During the reporting year, we conducted a total of 63 knowledge-sharing workshops and talks as well as 150 public engagement events to advance best practices for sustainable built environment.
In addition, we formally commend contractors, subcontractors and site personnel for exemplary achievements in environmental performance, site safety and a considerate attitude in carrying out public works. Through two flagship award schemes, we seek to celebrate leadership while motivating industry-wide adoption of sustainable construction practices.
Green Contractor Award
Since 2001, the ArchSD has organised the annual Green Contractor Award to recognise excellence across five key environmental dimensions, namely energy efficiency, water conservation, waste reduction, emissions mitigation and comprehensive environmental management. The Award also honours contractors’ sustained efforts in advancing sustainability. In 2024, all active construction and maintenance projects with contract values exceeding $50 millions participated in this rigorous competition.
| Award | Awardee | Contract |
|---|---|---|
| Merit Award | Gammon Construction Limited | Contract No. SS L501 Design and Construction of Kwun Tong Composite Development |
| Merit Award | Shui On Construction Company Limited | Contract No. SS J506 Design and Construction of Western Police Married Quarters |
| Contract No. SS M502 Design and Construction of Reprovisional of Kong Wan Fire Station | ||
| Contract No. SS L517 Design and Construction of Open Space with Public Vehicle Park at Yen Chow Street West, Sham Shui Po | ||
| Green Contractor Award (Term Contract) | Cheung Hing Construction Company Limited | Contract No. TC M938 Term Contract for the Maintenance of Slopes for which the Architectural Services Department (Property Services Branch) is Responsible [Designated Contract Area: New Territories and Outlying Islands (North)] |
| Special Award (Empowering New Generation) | Gammon Construction Limited | Contract No. SS L501 Design and Construction of Kwun Tong Composite Development |
| Special Award (Empowering New Generation) | Hip Hing Engineering Company Limited | Contract No. SS L508 Design and Construction of Expansion of the Legislative Council Complex |
| Contract No. SS K502 Design and Construction of a District Court Building at Caroline Hill Road | ||
| Contract No. SS L502 Design and Construction of a New Public Market in Tin Shui Wai |
Winners of the Green Contractor Award
Considerate Contractors Site Award Scheme
Jointly organised by the Development Bureau and the Construction Industry Council, this Scheme encourages contractors, subcontractors and site personnel to maintain the highest standards of responsible site operations, environmental stewardship, public health protection and safety excellence. In 2024, ArchSD’s contractors earned 17 awards across three prestigious categories: Considerate Contractors Site Awards (CCSA), Outstanding Environmental Management and Performance Awards (OEMPA) and Innovation Awards for Safety and Environmental Excellence (IASEE):
| Award | Contractor | Contracts | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CCSA | OEMPA | IASEE | ||
| Public Works - New Works | ||||
| Merit | Merit | Merit | China State Construction Engineering (Hong Kong) Limited | Contract no. SS L514 Construction of Heritage Conservation and Resource Centre |
| Merit | Merit | Bronze | Hip Hing Engineering Company Limited | Contract no. SS L508 Design and Construction of Expansion of the Legislative Council Complex |
| Merit | Merit | Merit | China State Joint Venture | Contract no. SS K509 Design and Construction of Kong Nga Po Police Training Facilities |
| Merit | Bronze | Merit | Hip Hing Engineering Company Limited | Contract no. SS L502 Design and Construction of a New Public Market in Tin Shui Wai |
| Public Works - RMAA Works | ||||
| Merit | N/A | N/A | Wan Chung Construction Company Limited | Contract no. TC K929 Term Contract for the Maintenance of Slopes for which the Architectural Services Department (Property Services Branch) is Responsible [Designated Contract Area: Kowloon and Lantau Island] |
| Merit | N/A | N/A | Chun Wo Joint Venture | Contract no. TC J921 Term Contract for the Alterations, Additions, Maintenance and Repair of Buildings and Lands and Other Properties for which the Architectural Services Department (Property Services Branch) is Responsible [Designated Contract Area: Wan Chai (South) and Wan Chai (North)] |
| Merit | Merit | Merit | CWED Joint Venture | Contract no. TC K928 Term Contract for the Maintenance of Slopes for which the Architectural Services Department (Property Services Branch) is Responsible [Designated Contract Area: Hong Kong Island and Outlying Islands (South)] |
