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Green Manager Scheme a success
The Government's Green Manager Scheme is making contribution to the world- wide "Save Our Forests" effort - thanks to the success of the campaign to reduce paper consumption.
The success is quantified by the significant 25 per cent drop in the Government's paper consumption in the first six months last year compared with the same period in 1994.
The Government had consumed 147,477 reams (over 73 million sheets) of paper less in the first half of 1995.
This was achieved largely through the efforts of it's green managers to encourage printing on both sides of a sheet whenever possible, cutting down on photocopying and using the clean side of a used paper for note taking and drafting.
The reduction in paper consumption would roughly save 6,200 trees from being felled for their destination to paper mills.
A government spokesman said: "Our green managers have also achieved saving in electricity consumption through energy conservation measures.
"For example, staff are encouraged to switch off lighting and air-conditioning whenever the office is not occupied, such as during the lunch break.
"The success of the scheme provides new impetus for the Government to produce new guidelines for the Environmental Audit and to encourage the business community to set up their own Green Managers Scheme.
"Apart from achieving cost reduction, the scheme would increase competitiveness and enhance corporate image by turning a business operation into more environmentally friendly.
"The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has produced a guideline on green managers in business for issue to the business community.