新聞文章

Dear Chief Executive Mr. John Lee, 

The Green Earth's policy recommendations for Policy Address 2025 

As the government is currently consulting the public for the 2025 Policy Address, The Green Earth would like to submit our recommendations addressing the pressing environmental issues and promoting sustainable development in our city for your kind consideration. 

Waste reduction 

Implement a progressive and meaningful Producer Responsibility Scheme (PRS) for single-use plastic beverage containers: Given the government’s plan to introduce a PRS for plastic beverage containers and beverage cartons in 2025/26, we recommend setting a higher recycling target of at least 70% after the introductory period. Incentivizing retailers to set up reverse vending machines (RVMs) ahead of the launch of the PRS will enhance the needed facilities to foster public recycling habits. 

Retrieve plastic bag levies from retailers: Retrieving levies from retailers under the Plastic Shopping Bag Charging Scheme will ensure funds are directed towards environmental initiatives, enhancing the effectiveness of waste reduction efforts. 

Set up recycling stations in vacant shop spaces in municipal buildings: Utilizing vacant spaces in municipal buildings as recycling stations will save the costs for renting private spaces in this economically difficult time, and enhance the accessibility of recycling facilities,enhance the accessibility of recycling facilities, therefore, encouraging greater public participation in recycling and complementing the existing GREEN@COMMUNITY network. 

Plan for the future food waste treatment facilities with a focus on biofuel production: Developing food waste treatment facilities that prioritize biofuel production will meet growing demands on biofuels, and contribute to a sustainable waste management system. 

Introduce waste charging in government premises first: Implementing municipal solid waste (MSW) charging in government premises as a start will demonstrate leadership in waste reduction, while demonstrating the proper and effective ways on waste reduction.

Energy and decarbonisation 

Install shore power facilities in Kai Tak: Shore power facilities will allow high-emission cruises to turn off their engines while docked, significantly reducing air pollution in the Kai Tak area and protecting public health. 

Set Energy Use Intensity (EUI) targets for buildings: Mandating EUI targets will promote energy-efficient building design and operation, contributing to significant carbon reduction. 

Mandate Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) for data centres: Requiring data centers to meet PUE standards will enhance energy efficiency, hence, reducing energy consumption and carbon emissions in a fast growing industry. 

Offer subsidies or green loans for energy-saving renovations: Financial incentives for energy-efficient upgrades will encourage property owners to invest in renovations, thereby reducing long-term energy consumption and contributing to the city’s carbon neutrality goals. 

Promote renewable energies, such as offshore wind farms: Developing offshore wind farms will diversify Hong Kong’s energy mix, thereby reducing reliance on carbon-intensive fossil fuels to help decarbonize the city.

Sustainable tourism and trail management 

Include tourist education on hiking safety and etiquette in eco-tourism promotion: Educating tourists on responsible hiking practices will help protect Hong Kong’s natural environment, enhance the visitor experience, particularly for high-end tourists, and contribute to the sustainable development of eco-tourism. 

Condition mega event subsidies on environmental impact reduction measures: Requiring event organizers to adopt eco-friendly practices as one of the conditions for receiving subsidies will reduce the environmental impact of mega events, aligning with Hong Kong’s sustainability goals. 

Incorporate sustainable trail management into the trail building and maintenance plan: Sustainable trail management will preserve Hong Kong’s natural trails, minimizing environmental impact while maintaining their natural appeal for locals and visitors. 

We believe these recommendations align with the government’s goals of promoting a sustainable and livable Hong Kong, as outlined in initiatives like the Waste Blueprint for Hong Kong 2035, Climate Action Plan 2050, and the GREEN@COMMUNITY network. Implementing these measures will address immediate environmental challenges and position Hong Kong as a leader in sustainable development in the region. We are pleased to discuss our recommendations in more detail with the authorities.

Thank you for your kind attention and consideration. 

Sincerely, 

Edwin Lau, MH
Founder and Executive Director
The Green Earth