HKCEC recognised for efforts in carbon footprint reduction

HONG KONG – The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre’s management (HML) has been presented the Award for Organisation with the Highest Amount of Carbon Footprint Reduction at the Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence.
 
The award was in recognition of HML’s efforts in carbon reduction during 2009. Participating in the scheme for the first time, comparing 2009 with 2007, HML had a 14 per cent carbon reduction, which is more than the minimum requirement.
 
The venue also received the Carbon ‘Less’ 14 per cent Certificate.
 
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 per cent 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.
 
“HML has set up a cross department ‘Green Committee’ since 2007 to formulate environmental protection measures in HKCEC,” says Deputy Managing Director of HML, Monica Lee-Müller. “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.”
 
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