Measures Implemented: Indirect CO₂ emitted from electricity consumption is the major source of our emissions. To minimise its environmental impact, we have established yearly electricity saving objectives and consumption data are monitored closely. In 2007/08, we reduced electricity consumption by 840,000 kWh, equivalent to the reduction of about 600 tonnes CO₂ emissions.

Measures implemented: We have published ever since 1999 our environmental performance data in our annual “Environmental Report” (renamed as “Social and environmental Report” in 2007). Data on electricity consumption, our main source of emissions, is disclosed every year in the report.

Measures Implemented: Our Energy Efficiency Office provides advice on energy efficiency and renewable energy measures and application technologies to other government bodies as well as our own colleagues. Guidelines on energy saving measures are established and made available to our staff to guide their day-to-day operations. We have also appointed Green Executives in each division/unit to coordinate matters related to energy efficiency. Besides, staggered working hours are adopted to reduce emissions caused by traffic congestion.

Besides, energy efficient and renewable energy systems and facilities have been incorporated into the design of our headquarters building. Details of those features are set out at the end of this section.

Measures Implemented: On top of our day-to-day measures to minimise GHG emissions, additional measures, where appropriate, will be implemented to deal with days with severe air pollution.

Measures implemented: We have been working closely with members from representative organisations including professional institutes, trade associations and the academia to review and update various Codes of Practice, Guidelines and Schemes related to energy efficiency and renewable energy from time to time. We shall also organise seminars and workshops for the general public and related bodies to explain the requirements whenever the Codes, Guidelines and Schemes are revised or new editions launched.

In 2007/08, we provided professional advice to EPD in the preparation of the Guidelines for reporting progress under the Clean Air Charter. In the Clean Air Charter Workshop held in January 2008, our representatives also shared their experience in implementing measures to fulfill the Charter requirements.

Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Features of EMSD Headquarters

	Photovoltaic System The photovoltaic system installed on the roof of our headquarters building is the largest of its kind in Hong Kong. It comprises more than 2,300 panels covering a total surface area of about 3,200 m2 and has a maximum output of 350 kW. The system currently contributes approximately 3-4% of the total power source for the headquarters building.

	Solar Water Heating System The system comprises high efficiency evacuated tube type solar collectors, and can provide hot shower water for around 40 persons in the workshops.

	Sun Pipes Utilisation of natural light can minimise the artificial lighting demand in a building. Sunlight is captured through a dome shaped collector of each sun pipe on the rooftop. The light captured then travels down the highly reflective tubes of the sun pipes to illuminate the corridor on 7/F.

	Motion Sensors for Lighting Control The system automatically switches off the light fittings in a space when the motion sensors detect no people movement for a certain period of time. By the same token, the motion sensors automatically switch on the light fittings once motion of people is detected.

	Water-Cooled Ammonia Chillers Our headquarters building is equipped with water-cooled ammonia chillers that operate at low cost and can enhance the overall operating efficiency of the cooling system as compared to traditional air-conditioning systems. Moreover, ammonia is a highly environment-friendly refrigerant and can easily be found in nature.

	Solar Control Window Films Solar control window films can reduce about half of the solar heat and lower the average space temperature by 1-2 °C which result in saving in energy for air conditioning.

	Green Roof Garden Our green roof garden provides landscaped rest area for staff and keeps the roof surface temperature low in summer.