Forward
This edition, a bit later than usual I'll concede, covers a diverse range of topics related to Sustainable Development in Hong Kong, focused on the energy sector. The end of the month marks the end of the Electricity market consultation, quickly followed by the first Enviroseries2005 conference Living under blue skies which will take place in Hong Kong on 12 May 2005.
Perhaps the landmark event from the past few weeks has been the publication of the long awaited electricity grid interconnection guidelines, a real positive step in the right direction for renewable clean energy sources.
And one final reminder, members are welcome to submit articles for newsletter publication, whether a success story, a rant about Hong Kong's pollution or sustainable development, do not hesitate to contact the editor.
John Herbert, HKSDF Editor
About HKSDF
Hong Kong Sustainable Development Forum (HKSDF) is a non-profit NGO based in Hong Kong. To find out more about HKSDF and the work we do visit http://www.hksdf.org.hk Feel free to circulate this newsletter amongst your friends and colleagues.
Chair's Message
Dear Members and friends of HKSDF,
Over the last few weeks, HKSDF has arrange to meet and discuss key issues with the Director of Building Department, Vice-Director of Housing and the Secretary General of the Institute of Director. Our goal is simple, to widen the awareness of sustainable development in Hong Kong and gently remind that HKSDF are watching!
We have initiated and will continue to participate, to involve our members and to give constructive views to government, chambers of commerce and the like for the promotion of sustainable development.
We welcome your participation and let's get involved.
Once again, I would to like to thank all the council members for their continuous support to our work. Thank You.
Mr Raymond H.M. Leung
Chair, HKSDF
Web-Site
Our website www.hksdf.org.hk is regularly updated and comprises information and news regarding sustainable development from Hong Kong and around the world. You are welcome to visit and give your views, suggestions and comments.
We closed the forum, and replaced it with Q&A section. Got a question? submit your SD related questions and we search out an answer.
Click here for the Q&A section
How can we better serve your needs? Let us know - email
Articles Needed
If you have written an article regarding Sustainable Development, submit a copy to HKSDF so it can be placed in our library of articles on the web-site. Publishing decisions rest solely with HKSDF.
Holy Smoke!
By John Herbert 27 April 2005
Not a report on recent papal deliberations! but the outcry following the AC (Audit Commission) report No. 44 March 2005 which examined amongst other subjects, the Hong Kong Diesel Vehicle Emission scheme [1]. Emissions from diesel vehicles are particularly disturbing being a primary source for the generation of RSP [2] discharged at street breathable level, and are proven source of serious health problems in Hong Kong.
The report exposed second-rate testing vehicle practices, 3rd world standards, and interdepartmental conflict. The AC website www.aud.gov.hk also provides a summary of the chapter 2 [3].
The report uncovered several flaws:
- HKSAR AQO (Air Quality Objectives) consistently exceeded;
- TD (Transport Department) examination protocol overlook tricks of the trade;
- Smoky vehicles remain on the road too long;
- Conflicting standards, TD specifies 60 HTU [4], whilst EPD sets out a lower standard 50 HTU;It is very disappointing that the AC found some many problems with ease, and our standard is very much lower than other developed economies, although the finding should come as no surprise, as anyone walking through Causeway Bay during rush hour will testify.
However, one particular aspect of diesel exhaust emissions seemingly overlooked is the heath-robinson particulate arrestors retrofitted to the thousands of small diesel vans popular in Hong Kong.
This makeshift filtering device (photo left) comprises an oval-shaped container and perforated outlet fitted to the exhaust pipe. It retains a wire-wool like matrix, and is secured with a $5 padlock. This filter is intended to trap particulates and soot - yet is frequently circumvented. Most probably because the design, if one can use that word, it rattles incessantly. One would expect that in the 21st century we would not need to resort to 19th century technology.
Of course, this raises another very important question why not enforce the usage of bio-diesel fuel in the city centre? According to HKU studies biodiesel, when burnt in regular diesel engines, without modification, has an exhaust free of particulate! [5], yet the Government continues to support the oil industry, spending millions of tax payers dollars funding these ineffective particulate arrestors.
Let us hope that TD and EPD are listening, and act upon the AC report, and take the right steps to move emission standards forward.
HKSDF in the media http://www.thestandard.com.hk/stdn/std/Metro/GD22Ak01.html (or pdf format here)
References
[1] Audit Commission Report March 2005 http://www.aud.gov.hk/pdf_e/e44ch02.pdf (viewed 27.4.2005)
[2] RSP (Respiratory Sized Particulate) are small particles of less than 10 microns in diameter that remain suspended in the air for weeks. Once inhaled, they penetrate deep into the lungs and lymphatic system, aggravate respiratory conditions like asthma, decrease lung functions, increase respiratory stress, and may even cause premature death.
[3] Chapter 2 Summary - http://www.aud.gov.hk/pdf_e/e44ch02_summary.pdf (viewed 27.4.2005)
[4] HSU is a unit to measure smoke opacity, i.e. the level of light that is being blocked by the smoke emitted. Sixty HSU means that about 60% of light is blocked by the smoke emitted.
[5] Bio-Diesel from recycled waste oil, combustion testing conducted by the University of Hong Kong. Findings also indicated a 8% increase in NOX emission. http://www.cse.polyu.edu.hk/~activi/BAQ2002/BAQ2002_files/Proceedings/PosterSession/55.pdf
Consultations
Electricity Market Stage Consultation
The Government is seeking views on the Future Development of the Electricity Market, this is Stage I of a two stage consultation. Please submit your views on or before 30th April 2005.
Click here to read the govt. consultation and background papers.
West Kowloon Cultural District
The saga continues..................Once again the WKCD consultation period has been extended, currently the deadline for submission is 30th June 2005. Allegations of secret government reports regarding the contentious canopy are emerging, with Legislators calling upon Government to reveal all that it knows.
Click here to read the HKSDF response paper.
Causeway Bay Pedestrian Plan
The public consultation of the pedestrian plan took place between June and August 2004. The public responses are positive and encouraging. Suggestions and comments received have been carefully considered in finalizing the proposals.
Please be advised that a Public Consultation Report summarising the suggestions and comments received on the pedestrian plan and our responses (both English and Chinese versions) has been prepared and uploaded to PlanD's home page http://www.info.gov.hk/planning
If you need a hardcopy of the consultation report, please provide your mailing address to Planning dept. their e-mail address is sspd@pland.gov.hk . Should you have any questions, please contact the Planning dept. Mr. Dennis Tsang at 22314653.
HKREN
by John Herbert 27 April 2005
The unofficial Hong Kong branch of the Renewable Energy Network (HKREN) has floundered somewhat since the illuminating workshop last year, lead by Mei Ng from Friends of the Earth (www.foe.org.hk). Although the Council for Sustainable Development RE pilot report indicates an increasing awareness and demand for renewable energy from clean sources, the last REN response paper was literally put together overnight by Daphne and Lily.
The outlook for current consultation, the future development of the Electricity market, which is a key issue for the future development of renewable energy in Hong Kong, is seemingly doomed to the same fate. However, to help stem the tide, I have taken the initiative and created a temporary homepage, and discussion email forum, allowing all interested parties to stay in touch, and help push renewable issues forefront, here is the link: http://www.kelcroft.com.hk/hkren.htm
If new firms moving in is an indicator of future growth, the outlook seems positive, with Wind Prospect Ltd. a UK based wind farm contractor having just opened an office in the region to pursue opportunities in the region.
Read more about HKREN at http://www.kelcroft.com.hk/hkren.htm
Grid Connection
by John Herbert 27 April 2005
The EMSD has finally published the new code of practice for grid interconnection. The code provides broad technical guidelines enabling small scale renewable energy systems access to connection to the electricity grid (i.e. < 200kw). No word yet on net-metering, guaranteed response times, or other compensation for producing green electricity. The acceptance of internationally recognized codes and standards for inverters and the like, is very welcome. The guidelines were complied in collaboration with various parties, including HKIE, HKPVC, the Utility companies, and EMSD.
Whilst this is certainly an exciting move forward for RE systems, it is not backed up with legislation. Therefore, unlike other countries, for example China, responsibility has been once again delegated to the relevant utility. I find it particularly irritating, and somewhat disturbing that the guidelines include a private data disclosure clause, requiring RE system owners to record data and make that data available for the utility.
Whether these new guidelines will hasten the onerous application procedure or otherwise, only time will tell.
It does finally open the door for RE developers to establish themselves, connect to the grid for development, demonstration, etc., and leverage the advantage of being located at the heart of the world's factory for production.
Visit the www.emsd.gov.hk web site to download your copy (published in pdf format). EMSD state the printed version will be available in May 2005.
Design Competition
The Council for Sustainable Development has launched a design completion on 27 April 2005 to promote Sustainable Development in Hong Kong. The theme is Sustainable Development, the competition closing date is 31st May 2005. click here to read the competition poster (in pdf format)
To download the application forms here: English / Chinese
For more information visit http://www.susdev.gov.hk
Enviroseries 2005
Living Under Blues Skies........
The first of this years EnviroSeries 2005 events. This conference on 12 May 2005, will be held at the Marco Polo Hongkong Hotel and will focus on Power & Transport infrastructure in the PRD. With a range of great speakers, it is well worth the effort to attend hope to see you there!
click here to download the brochure (438Kb pdf format) or visit www.bec.org.hk for more registration and booking.
HKSCA & plastic bags.........
The HKSCA (Hong Kong Sustainable Communication Association) the publisher of the eco-pages, frequent organiser of related events, refer to www.hksca.org website for more information, has arranged energy seminars. And one event seemed particularly interesting, especially considering the sudden and recent interest in plastic bag usage.
Last month it was widely reported that Hong Kong residents use an average of five plastic bags per day! That amounts to a mind boggling 33,000,000 per year! and yet there is still no requirement for plastic bags to use bio-degradable material. The staggering number has caused a general uproar, with coverage on television, radio and press. The old chestnut, the plastic bag tax was resurrected again.
Anyway back to the HKSCA event, the flyer [A] caught my eye, with a quote from the HKPBMA (Hong Kong Plastic Bag Manufacturing Association) "Plastic bag probably the most environmentally friendly product in the world".
That doesn't seem very sustainable - does it?
Furthermore the HKPBMA attempting to defend it's position recently stated that if plastic bags were not used and presumably a lot of HKPBMA business lost, paper products usage would increase - missing the point entirely. Shoppers should of course use their own bag when ever possible.
If only a reputable designer would created one and start a trend, the masses would probably follow!
Feedback
Your feedback is vital, and will help us to work towards making Hong Kong a better place for all. Want more news, more events? need more social or networking opportunities? let us know. Your commentary or critique is sought, and encouraged. Removal instructions can be found at the end of this message.
Hong Kong Sustainable Development Forum is a non-profit NGO based in Hong Kong.To find out more visit http://www.hksdf.org.hk
Unsubscribe
If you no longer wish to receive HKSDF news, send an email message to
All removal requests will be strictly honored.
published online: 28 April 2004 | All Rights Reserved | Copyright 2005