SHKP Environmentally Friendly Joint Action 2003

Sun Hung Kai Properties (SHKP) hosted a kick-off ceremony on March 15 for the 2003 SHKP Environmentally Friendly Joint Action campaign. The campaign, now in its second year, involves SHKP and various sectors of society joining together to promote environmental protection. The focal point of this year's campaign is saving energy. SHKP will promote energy saving to more than 200,000 households in the over 200 estates, and 200-plus commercial and industrial buildings and shopping centres under its management.

Guests at today's ceremony included Rita Lau, JP, Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works (Environment), Wendy Kwok, SHKP's Green Ambassador, Alkin Kwong, Committee Chairman of SHKP Environmentally Friendly Joint Action, Ellen Chan, Assistant Director (Waste Division) of the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), CK Lee, Assistant Director (Energy Efficiency) of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), representatives from The University of Hong Kong's (HKU) Department of Mechanical Engineering, green groups, SHKP and its subsidiaries, and delegates and Green Ambassadors from selected estates.

The Joint Action campaign in 2002 followed the EPD initiative to reduce waste, and set targets of collecting 12,000 tonnes of recyclables and reducing waste production by 10,000 tonnes. Estates under SHKP management practiced green management and organized over 6,000 activities and seminars to promote environmental education throughout the year, attracting over one million participants. They also formed a thousand-strong team of Green Ambassadors to encourage residents to join environmental activities. The enthusiasm of management staff and residents paid off, and Joint Action eventually collected 14,633 tonnes of recyclables and reduced waste by 10,327 tonnes, surpassing the original targets.

For 2003, Joint Action will focus on saving energy. Using the slogan 'Energy Saving to the power N, helps the Earth get well again', Joint Action plans a massive energy saving campaign involving all the properties under SHKP management. The goal this year is to reduce overall energy use by ten per cent. The campaign will educate people about the importance of saving energy for the next generation, encouraging them to conserve the limited natural resources we have.

There are various ways of conserving energy and resources, such as using less water, reducing electricity consumption and using energy from renewable sources. The campaign will take a systematic approach, overseen by a special committee with representatives from SHKP, EPD, EMSD and HKU's Department of Mechanical Engineering. The first step will be to carry out a detailed energy audit of SHKP's residential, commercial and industrial buildings and shopping centres. The properties will then be put in three classes: those without an existing energy saving programme, those practicing some form of energy conservation, and model properties that already conserve energy and where the potential for additional savings is limited. Different energy saving goals will be set for each class, and reviewed regularly to monitor progress.

Joint Action Committee Chairman Alkin Kwong said that SHKP has always been committed to protecting the environment, as it 'builds homes with heart' and strives to make Hong Kong a better place to live. For decades SHKP has been mindful of environmental concerns in every stage of the development process, from property design and choice of materials to construction, project management and estate management. The developer has won many awards for its efforts.

Mr Kwong also said that with the success of last year's waste recycling and reduction programme, Joint Action would concentrate on saving energy this year. The campaign will set an example by saving energy and resources in the public areas of SHKP properties, and mobilize the more than 200,000 households in its vast network of estates and over 200 commercial and industrial buildings and shopping centres to practice energy saving.

Green awareness in all aspects of development
SHKP considers green factors when developing new projects. The orientation of a building is carefully planned so units get the most natural light and good ventilation, saving power on artificial light and air conditioning. Protecting the environment is also a major consideration during construction. Construction site noise control and water treatment measures meet all government requirements, and extra steps are taken to reduce waste, such as using recycled wastewater to wash vehicles leaving the site. Other measures include using environmentally-friendly materials like special flooring and lead-free paint, and SHKP incorporates various green facilities in its properties like solar energy cells and dual-flush sanitary fittings. Topped off by innovative green management, all these features help to build a better future for our children.

Hong Yip and Kai Shing win numerous awards for environmental efforts
SHKP members the Hong Yip Service Company and Kai Shing Management Services also make a concerted effort to promote environmental protection and green management. Hong Yip and Kai Shing took various honours in the 2002 Hong Kong Eco-Business Awards given out by the Environmental Campaign Committee, the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and Hong Kong Productivity Council. Wonderland Villas managed by Hong Yip won the Gold Award in the Green Property Management (Private Housing) category. Kai Shing won various prizes: Siu Lun Court won the Grand Award for Green Property Management (Private Housing), Hillsborough Court won a Certificate of Merit in the Green Property Management (Private Housing) section, and the Super e-Management Centre won a Certificate of Merit in the Green Office Award (SMEs) category. More, Hong Yip also won the Most Environmentally Friendly Property Management Award from the Hong Kong Housing Authority for the third year running. Fu Tung Estate under its management came first in the Green Property Management Award from the Housing Department. These awards are recognition of the high standards of eco-management achieved by both companies.