HKCEC recognised for efforts in Carbon Footprint Reduction
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Ltd (HML) has been presented the Award for Organisation with the Highest Amount of Carbon Footprint Reduction and the Carbon "Less" 14% Certificate of the Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence (HKAEE) today in recognition of HML's efforts in carbon reduction during 2009.
Participating in the scheme for the first time, comparing 2009 with 2007, HML is glad to have achieved a total of 14% carbon reduction which is far more than the minimum requirement. In addition, HML has received the "Award for Organisation with the Highest Amount of Carbon Footprint Reduction" among 103 organisations receiving the Carbon Less Certificate. HML is always committed to promoting sustainability and a low-carbon environment. Equipped with 87 escalators, 25,800 fluorescent tubes and 1,045 faucets, etc in a total gross area of 306,000 square metres, energy and water consumption is the major source of carbon emissions of Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). HML has elected to reduce carbon footprint by implementing various energy and water saving initiatives as the first step towards carbon reduction.
Energy-saving initiatives include phased replacement of T8 fluorescent tubes by T5 fluorescent tubes, installation of LED lights in advertising lightboxes, installation of variable-frequency drives on escalators, replacement of insulation of chilled water pipes and stringent control on lights on-off policy, etc. Energy consumption was reduced by a significant 16% over a two-year period. Watersaving initiatives include gradual adoption of automatic operated faucets. HML also encourages all staff members to contribute and establish "green" work practices.
Ms Monica Lee-Müller, Deputy Managing Director of HML, said, "HML has set up a cross department "Green Committee" since 2007 to formulate environmental protection measures in HKCEC. The award is encouraging and demonstrates the collective efforts and support from the HML team. With over 1,000 events held at the HKCEC annually, our long-term target is to mobilise organisers, exhibitors and visitors to join our carbon footprint reduction programmes."
HML has recently launched a new Go Green page on HKCEC website to provide updates on HML's commitment, investment, operation and activities on green. For details, please go to http://www.hkcec.com.
Launched in 2009, the Carbon "Less" Certificate of HKAEE aims to encourage local buildings and organisations to achieve a verified reduction of carbon emissions and to take measures to reduce their carbon footprints. Participating buildings and organisations should engage an independent qualified service provider to quantify the net carbon emissions, and submit the report to Hong Kong Productivity Council for review. First-time participants for the Carbon "Less" Certificates scheme should have achieved at least 3% reduction in overall carbon footprint against baseline.