To increase the environmental awareness of staff and see to it green measures are put into practice.

Since 1999, we have set up Environmental Audit Team to inspect selected penal institutions with a view to identifying areas where environmental performance can be improved. In 2009, the Team conducted environmental audits for Tung Tau Correctional Institution and Staff Training Institute. Aspects such as waste management and disposal, material management, energy and water management, and staff awareness and participation are covered in the audit inspection. The findings and recommendations of the Environmental Audit Team will be shared at the Green Manager's Committee meeting.

Institutions set up surveillance teams and appointed green executives to conduct routine checking on office premises to ensure that the green housekeeping measures were effectively implemented.

In our institutions and offices, room temperature was set at 25.5°C.  Unnecessary lightings, air-conditioning units and electrical equipment were switched off when not in use. Electrical appliances were checked and maintained regularly. Energy efficient equipment such as power-saving photocopiers and computers was used. “Energy Saving” stickers were affixed at all switches to remind staff the importance of energy conservation.

Institutions adopted energy efficient features and renewable energy technologies in daily operation. In Hei Ling Chau Addiction Treatment Centre, lamp lights using solar cell were erected along the vehicular road. In Pak Sha Wan Correctional Institution, Pik Uk Prison, Shek Pik Prison, Tung Tau Correctional Institution and Tong Fuk Correctional Institution, solar panels were installed to provide power supply for the hot water system.

The surveillance teams in institutions conducted routine inspections on water taps and shower heads so as to rectify water leakage problems at an early stage. We would reuse the treated effluent as flushing water in the staff barrack block to reduce water consumption and to reuse selected rinses from laundry operations to achieve water saving in Lo Wu Correctional Institution. New washing machines with increased productivity and water saving features were installed. Automatic switch-off device was added on water taps. Water flow was adjusted. Buckets instead of water hoses were used for washing floors. Rain water and water used for washing vegetables and rice was saved for watering plants. Water jet guns were used to remove dirt on cement floor in order to minimise the use of chemical cleansers and water consumption.  Save water stickers were posted near the water taps. Staff and inmates were constantly reminded of the need to save water through education and motivation.

We were committed to reducing paper consumption. Green executives of institutions promoted green practices in the offices and monitored performance on paper consumption on an on-going basis. Used paper, magazines and newspapers were collected for recycling.
Information technology was used extensively to achieve effective communication and reduction in paper consumption. The departmental web-based Intranet served as the departmental information portal for a wide variety of useful documents. This significantly reduced the need for hard copy circulation. Documents and information were mostly exchanged through electronic means among staff. The e-Leave system, the issuance of e-Pay slips and server fax services also helped reduce paper consumption. 

Scrap materials from various workshops of garment-making, bookbinding and carpentry were reused. Aluminum and paper off cuts generated from the sign-making and envelope-making production processes were collected and sold to approved contractors for recycling. Rags of linen were used for domestic cleaning and scrap wooden materials for vocational training. Condemned hardwood furniture was reused for making souvenirs for sale at Autumn Fair. We also collected used carton boxes from clients such as Post Office for reuse purposes.

Recycle bins for collection of aluminum cans, plastic bottles, paper waste and used computer discs were set up in Headquarters and institutions to foster staff awareness of green practice.

We used paper bags instead of PVC bags to pack windproof jackets for delivery.  Carton boxes tailored-made for envelop products were collected from clients for re-use in the next deliveries. 

Recycled paper was used for production of name cards and envelopes for the Government.

To promote staff’s awareness of environmental conservation, the Green Policy Contest was held under the Staff Motivation Scheme. 54 entries from 21 institutions/groups were submitted.

To promote the staff's interest and awareness of conservation of the natural environment, we took part in the Hong Kong Flower Show organised by Leisure and Cultural Services Department. In 2009, our Department and individual staff won a total of 13 prizes in the Hong Kong Flower Show for the outstanding efforts in preserving the natural environment.