Green Management in practice -
Wong Tai Sin District's experience
Over the past years, the Police Force has been stepping up efforts in "Green Management" action at all levels. In the "Frontline", Wong Tai Sin (WTS) District has been particularly active, and successful, in showing what can be achieved with a good balance of leadership, enthusiasm and tenacity.
For the second year running, WTS District entered and won the Gold Award in the Green Office category of HK Eco-Business Awards which aimed to honour businesses in HK that have demonstrated a commitment to environmental management. The award is in recognition of WTS District for its continuous effort to build a more environmentally friendly police station.
WTS is leading the way in green management at the grassroots level. A good example is its pioneering work in the paperless conference, specifically in respect of morning conferences and other regular meetings. Not only good quantities of paper and human resources are being saved, but the enthusiasm of the officers to save resources is infectious and is contributing to significant changes to the mindset of other officers in the Police Force.
Over the past two years, WTS had implemented various effective but basic green measures. A District Green Management Committee at DHQ level and Green Working Group at Divisional level continued to supervise and strengthen green efforts. Each committee member had been assigned to oversee different tasks like energy saving, waste management, and water reduction.
On waste management, coloured waste collection bins were placed in the stations in convenient places like lift lobbies. Paperless morning conferences were extended to cover all meetings. This resulted in a significant increase in the amount of recyclable waste collected such as plastic bottles, aluminium cans and waste paper as well as a reduction in paper consumption. Further, WTS continued the use of environmentally friendly food containers in divisional canteens for take-away food and prisoners' meals.
Water consumption was also reduced at WTS. This was achieved through notices, publicity and reduced use of high pressure water hoses for vehicle cleaning. On wastewater control, the use of grease traps and environmentally friendly cleaning materials also improved the quality of wastewater.
The District also continued its efforts to reduce energy consumption. Energy efficient lighting, timer switches and motion sensors had been introduced in suitable locations like changing rooms and corridors to reduce the use of lighting and air-conditioning. Most important of all, WTS continued energy saving efforts through housekeeping, briefings, notices and supervision. For example, all staff members are required to switch off lighting, air-conditioners and office equipment whenever the office is not in use. As a result, the electricity consumption remained stable in WTS.
To improve air quality, there was strict compliance on no-smoking (extended to cover staff canteens), the setting-up of convenient and sheltered Smokers' Corners, and the widespread use of outdoor planters and potted plants.
There had also been a greater emphasis on a 'Wait Green - Engine Off' policy with relevant logos prominently displayed in compounds. The tight control on parking permits continued to promote the use of public transport for commuting and car-pooling was encouraged to promote the use of shared transport.
Staff awareness on environmental conservation was enhanced by green corners and environmental murals set up in conspicuous locations in the station. WTS worked with EPD to arrange seminars for both disciplined and civilian staff to enhance their knowledge on environmental conservation. Community activities, involving JPC Green Ambassadors, were organised to publicise the messages of environmental protection.
The environmental future is exciting and already the impetus the Force gained through the Eco-Business Awards Competition is being developed in Formations throughout the Force. As the largest Government department, the Force could continue to lead the way in Green Management and encourage all of our colleagues elsewhere in the Government to join us in making Hong Kong a better place to live.
Wong Tai Sin gets Gold for being Green