LAND, PUBLIC WORKS AND UTILITIES
Through the incorporation of energy efficient features in design, new public building projects completed in 2000 had achieved an annual saving of 270 000 megajoules in energy consumption, resulting in a reduction of 33 000 tonnes of CO2 emission into the atmosphere and an estimated saving of $75 million in electricity charges in 2001. As part of the maintenance of existing buildings, replacement of old light fittings with energy saving ones achieved an annual saving of 22 500 megajoules in energy consumption, resulting in a reduction of 2 750 tonnes of CO, emission and an estimated saving of $6.3 million in electricity charges.
The department has taken the lead to promote the use of an 'Overall Energy Approach' in achieving a desirable air quality in the built environment while maintaining the energy efficiency of a building. The purpose is to minimise a building's energy consumption by means of various energy recovery systems that enable a certain proportion of wasted energy to be recovered for further utilisation. A Special Unit was established to carry out air quality monitoring and assurance works for new building projects. To promote the use of renewable energy in buildings, the department aimed to generate an estimated total of 850 kilowatts of clean power through the incorporation of building-integrated photovoltaic panels in projects. designed during the year.
The department is seeking opportunities to preserve existing buildings to save construction time and cost, and to conserve the majority of a building's embodied energy by extending its life. The District Community Centre cum Singleton Hostel in Sai Ying Pun, completed in 2001, is a typical example of this new initiative. It has successfully preserved the granite verandah façade of the Old Mental Hospital (which was constructed in 1892) and at the same time maximised the development potential of the site through the addition of a new building block.
Apart from sustainable building design, the department is concerned with the green management in offices and possible adverse impacts - such as construction wastes, air, noise and water pollution caused by construction activities on site. Environmental site management is a priority and the performance of contractors is closely monitored. In 2001, the number of court convictions for environmental offences at public sector construction sites was significantly lower than that at other construction sites.
The department's efforts were recognised when it received the Green Office Gold Award and a Certificate of Merit in Best Environmental Reporting in the 2000 Hong Kong Eco-Business Award, which was organised by the Environmental Campaign Committee, in collaboration with the Chinese General Chamber of Commerce, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce and the Hong Kong Productivity Council, with financial support from the Environment and Conservation Fund.
Land Administration
The Lands Administration Office of the Lands Department consists of a headquarters, 14 District Lands Offices and various specialist sections. Its main functions are land acquisition, land disposal, land management and lease enforcement. Relevant statistics are given in the Appendices.
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