Drainage Services Department

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Green Office

We make every effort to practise the “green office” concept in every aspect of our day-to-day operation, putting in place a series of green policies and measures to raise environmental awareness of our staff.

Reducing Waste at Source

To bring the “green office” concept into full play, we introduced a number of measures aimed at reducing waste at source, including issuing guidelines on reducing paper consumption and green tips, as well as encouraging colleagues to print on both sides of paper and reuse one-sided paper and envelopes whenever possible. Moreover, we set up collection points to recycle items including toner cartridges, rechargeable batteries, waste paper, plastic and metal containers, as well as conducting regular office inspections to heighten environmental awareness among our colleagues.

The DSD has always supported the initiative taken by the Government to minimise the use of disposable plastic tableware in all the canteens, kiosks and restaurants in government properties and venues. In support of the initiative, we actively promote the use of reusable tableware for meetings and official events and foster a habit of bring-your-own tableware among our colleagues.

Keeping pace with the development of digital technology, we have been actively promoting “paperless meetings” by encouraging our colleagues to use electronic devices such as tablets and laptop computers for presentations and discussions in day-to-day meetings so as to reduce paper consumption. During the year, the DSD held a total of 183 paperless meetings and circulated 1,592 documents electronically. In addition, we have been promoting e-fax since mid-2017. As from 2018, all the administration divisions under the DSD have switched to e-fax for receipt and dispatch of documents. We now have a total of 142 e-fax numbers department-wide. Thanks to these paper saving measures, the DSD's paper consumption gradually declines, with a total paper consumption during the year of 9,091 reams⁴, down about 35% compared to 2009-10.

^{4. Excluding the paper used in tender/quotation exercises for new contracts/projects.}

Energy Saving

In the light of the suggestions set out in “Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2030+” to step up promotion of green buildings and reduce electricity consumption of government buildings, the DSD has implemented in its offices a number of energy saving measures including setting the room temperature at 25.5°C, reducing non-essential lighting and using timers to turn off office equipment after office hours. Moreover, we lead by example to proactively support energy conservation initiatives launched by other social organisations.

Supporting “Earth Hour 2020”

In support of “Earth Hour 2020”, a lights-off event organised by the World Wide Fund for Nature, many government premises and iconic landmarks throughout the territory went dark by switching off non-essential lights and electrical appliances for an hour from 8:30 pm on 28 March 2020 to show concern about and commitment to tackling the climate crisis and biodiversity decline of our planet. Heeding the call, all non-essential lights and electrical appliances in the DSD's offices and facilities were switched off for one hour on the evening of the event.

Green Procurement

Vigorously supporting the Government's green procurement policy, the DSD gives due consideration to environmental factors when procuring goods and services. For example, we adopt the EPD's list of Green Procurement Items. During the year, we purchased a wide variety of products in compliance with green specifications, including energy-saving electrical appliances (e.g. photocopiers, printers, electric fans, computers and refrigerators) and green office consumables (e.g. recycled paper, correction tapes, pencils, rechargeable batteries, toilet paper and garbage bags). To promote low carbon living in Hong Kong, we use electric vehicles as much as possible during construction.

Nourishing a Sustainable Culture

The Green Champions is formed by a group of the DSD's colleagues who have a passion for promoting sustainable green living and office culture. In addition to launching green events, they give their views to the Green Management Committee so as to promote colleagues' green awareness, encourage their participation in environmental protection and enhance sustainable development of the DSD. During the year, the Green Champions organised a series of activities such as a green farming competition and beach clean-up activities to share the joy of a sustainable way of life with colleagues and their families and develop an environment-friendly culture.

Colleagues have set aside some areas available within the DSD's facilities for farming lots where they can green the environment and get enjoyment out of farming with their families.

Green Farming Competition

Apart from co-organising coastal clean-up events with other governmental departments and organisations, the DSD also participated in an international coastal clean-up event organised by other organisations to remove refuse from beaches.