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To set an example in using eco-friendly vehicles, the Government has procured 193 hybrid vehicles during 2007/08, increasing its total hybrid fleet to 202. A batch of six environment-friendly electric scooters was also procured for the Police. These scooters made their debut at the Olympic Torch Relay in May 2008. We gave technical advice and support to clients in the procurement process, and provide on-going maintenance service.
Compared to conventional vehicles, hybrid cars are more energy efficient, produce less noise pollution as the motor is silent in its battery-driven mode and have higher starting torque. Hybrid cars also generate less dust from the braking systems as the vehicles use regenerative braking systems to charge the battery during braking. After all, hybrid vehicles perform no less than conventional ones. At the same time, electric scooters produce zero emission and are highly eco-friendly. We shall continue to identify further opportunities to procure eco-friendly vehicles so that the government fleet as a whole will become greener and more energy efficient.
We are delighted to support the Government Wi-Fi Programme ( Gov WiFi ) under the Digital 21 Strategy which aims to build Hong Kong into a wireless city. Under an agreement with the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, we have been providing engineering services for Wi-Fi facilities installation at about 350 government venues with 2,000 Wi-Fi hotspots, offering the public free wireless Internet access.
Technical expertise apart, our knowledge of various government venues and prior working relationships with site owners have led to smooth coordination with various bureaux and departments, a critical factor for timely implementation. In fact, we have completed more sites than planned in the first three months of the project, and progress continues to be ahead of schedule.
The free Wi-Fi facilities will benefit the general public, the business sector, the Information and Communications Technology industry, tourists and visitors and the community as a whole.
Traffic surveillance is an area where we work closely with clients to develop innovative solutions. Using HSDPA (3.5G) and HSUPA (3.75G) mobile networks for voice, data and video transmission, we provide mobile wireless CCTV traffic surveillance services to the Transport Department during special events and upon the occurrence of major traffic incidents. The system, carried in a van or on a motorcycle, can be quickly set up anywhere to deliver real-time video images to the Transport Department to facilitate traffic diversion and reduce congestion. The service was also deployed during the Olympic Torch Relay in May 2008 to monitor traffic conditions.
Another traffic surveillance solution, the 24x7 Continuous Roadside Surveillance, makes use of existing roadside facilities. The service is provided via a temporary roadside installation of a pole fitted with cameras to capture and transmit smooth video. Set-up and dismantling are easy without the need for excavation, thereby minimising disruption to traffic.
The services demonstrate our support to the Digital 21 Strategy, a goal of which is to promote the use of Information and Communications Technology to improve public service delivery.
As part of our on-going E&M operation and maintenance service for government buildings and venues, we consistently assist our clients in conducting energy audits in order to identify Energy Management Opportunities (EMOs) so as to determine where electricity can be saved. Based on the EMOs identified, we recommend energy saving implementation plans, using a combination of appropriate technologies and good housekeeping measures.
Whenever refurbishment and fitting out of government venues take place, our colleagues examine the compliance of the venues with Building Energy Codes, and provide technical support, including preparation of application documents, to register their buildings with the Hong Kong Energy Efficiency Registration Scheme for Buildings. During 2007/08, a total of 38 applications were made with successful registration. Energy saving in government premises is one of our value-added services to clients which not only reduces their energy bills but also contributes to a greener Hong Kong. |
