Hong Kong Correctional Services Annual Review 2013[ Commissioner’s Foreword] [ Operations and Institutional Management ] [ Rehabilitation ] [ Industries and Vocational Training ] [ Human Resource Management ] [ Quality Assurance ] [ Administration and Planning ] [ Green Management ] [ Appendices ] |
Green ManagementThe Department always places ecological considerations in high priorities in every aspect of its operation. We strictly comply with relevant laws, regulations and standards pertaining to protecting the environment and strive to maintain excellent records and achieve demonstrable improvements. Correctional facilities are designed and operated in an environmental-friendly manner, while conservation of resources remains tightly enforced throughout. Going hand in hand, waste reduction, recycling, ecologically-sound supplies and education of staff and persons in custody are all pivotal components in departmental efforts towards good stewardship of the environment.
Environmental Management and AccountabilityThe Green Manager's Committee sets environmental objectives and adopts measures in line with relevant regulations. With feedback from staff, persons in custody, partners and other sources, the Committee implements policies mandated by the Department. The Environmental Auditing Team conducts comprehensive audit at institutions, reports the findings and makes recommendations to the Committee for sharing among staff members. Lo Wu Correctional Institution and Lai Chi Rehabilitation Centre were chosen as audit targets in 2013.
Environmental InitiativesThese include energy conservation and use of renewable energy, green housekeeping and gradual replacement of conventional electrical appliances and lighting with energy saving types. The Department adheres to full accountability in resource utilisation and works vigilantly to limit wastage, conserve water and control office-related consumption. Concrete actions in the year include conducting a Recycling Bin Beautification Design Competition among staff, enhancing efforts in source separation of wastes at facilities and staff quarters, recycling efficiency for materials used in workshops and food waste from institutions, and procurement of raw materials and equipment with minimal adverse environmental impacts for industrial production, such as using paper with recycled content to produce name cards, government envelopes, etc. Chemical and clinical by-products from facilities are handled by licensed contractors and strictly regulated. Emissions controls have been augmented in both institutional infrastructure and all motor vehicles of the Department. The "Waste No Food" Scheme initiated by the Lo Wu Correctional Institution in April to reduce leftover in meals is noteworthy. Persons in custody are encouraged to reduce the portion of their staple food including rice, chapatti and potatoes on a voluntary basis. 80% of the penal population at the Institution has joined the Scheme since implementation, resulting in 14 000 bowls of rice being saved each month. The Institution has also installed a food waste machine which can handle 100 kg of leftover daily to process the leftover collected into organic fertilizer. Sewage treatment and filtration systems are regularly inspected and upgraded to prevent the discharge of polluted effluent and to reign in any possible sources of contamination. Noise pollution reduction is a major issue. Noise levels at all locations are monitored and, where necessary and notably at workshops, proper ear protection are provided. Regular air quality assessments are conducted to safeguard the health and well-being of all.
Green CooperationEnvironmental campaigns are made possible through close ties with other agencies and organisations. In cooperation with the Government Logistics Department, greener biodiesel fuel has been on trial use at Pik Uk Laundry and four other institutions for the second consecutive year.
Conservation CampaignsWe use suppliers complying with high environmental standards, and strive to educate our staff and persons in custody with conservation training and formal ecology-related classes. To promote the awareness of staff and the public on environmental conservation, we took part in the annual Hong Kong Flower Show and won notable accolades for our efforts.
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