The Monthly Report of Sustainability Assessments (SA) lists the titles, brief descriptions and sustainability implications of new public policies and proposals that went through the SA process and were made known to the public through LegCo briefs or press releases etc during the report period. Internet links to the relevant background documents are also provided.

REPORT PERIOD : January 2010

Optimising the Use of Industrial Buildings to Meet Hong Kong's Changing Economic and Social Needs [LegCo Brief]

The Chief Executive announced a package of policy measures in his 2009-10 Policy Address to facilitate redevelopment and wholesale conversion of vacant or under-utilised industrial buildings. The objective is to provide readily available land and premises to meet Hong Kong's economic and social needs, including higher-value added economic activities such as the six economic areas identified by the Task Force on Economic Challenges.

Sustainability Implications: The proposal would make better uses of valuable land resources, help create employment and inject vibrancy in former industrial areas. The adoption of a "pay for what you build" basis for assessment of premium for redevelopment would encourage developers to go for less than maximum development intensity. The facilitation of wholesale conversion would defer the need for redevelopment of some existing industrial buildings, thus reducing construction waste and extending the lifespan of landfills.

Draft Tsz Wan Shan, Diamond Hill and San Po Kong Outline Zoning Plan Approved [Press Release]

On 22 January 2010, the Town Planning Board announced that the Chief Executive in Council had approved the draft Tsz Wan Shan, Diamond Hill and San Po Kong Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The approved OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Tsz Wan Shan, Diamond Hill and San Po Kong areas. The approved OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The amendments to incorporate the building height restrictions would help maintain the local character of the Area and preserve the views to the ridgelines. The adoption of a stepped building height design, non-building area and building gaps would, to a certain extent, facilitate air movement through breezeways. Suitable mitigation measures should be adopted to mitigate the possible adverse environmental impacts on the future housing development at Prince Edward Road East. Nonetheless, the amendments are generally in line with the sustainability principles to enhance environmental quality and vibrancy of Hong Kong's recreational opportunities and historical assets, leading to an overall improvement in the urban living space in Hong Kong.

REPORT PERIOD : December 2009

Ozone Layer Protection (Products Containing Scheduled Substances) (Import Banning) (Amendment) Regulation 2009 [LegCo Brief]

The Ozone Layer Protection (Products Containing Scheduled Substances) (Import Banning) (Amendment) Regulation 2009 is gazetted on 4 December 2009. The Amendment Regulation will ban the import of refrigeration, air conditioning and other products using hydrochlorofluorocarbons as refrigerants in accordance with the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.

Sustainability Implications: The statutory controls on the import of controlled products and the ozone layer depleting substances are in line with the sustainability principles of avoiding environmental problems for present and future generations, and seeking to find opportunities to enhance environmental quality.

Buildings Energy Efficiency Bill [LegCo Brief]

The Buildings Energy Efficiency Bill (the Bill) was gazetted on 4 December 2009. The Bill specifies the minimum energy efficiency standards for buildings in Hong Kong by mandating compliance with the Building Energy Codes.

Sustainability Implications: The proposed mandatory implementation of the Building Energy Codes should contribute positively to the reduction in energy intensity, moderating the growth in carbon dioxide emissions and alleviating air pollution.

The proposal is in line with the objective of increasing and sustaining conservation of energy in order to reduce the growing trend of energy use, which has been set out in the Government’s First Sustainable Development Strategy of Hong Kong. The proposal is also in line with the sustainability principle of improving consumption efficiency of natural resources.

Invitation for Expression of Interest in Private Hospital Development [Press Release]

The Government aims to increase the overall capacity of the healthcare system of Hong Kong and facilitate the development of the medical industry through the promotion of private hospital development. The Government has invited Expression of Interest from all interested parties to develop private hospitals at sites at Wong Chuk Hang, Tseung Kwan O, Tai Po and Lantau.

Sustainability implications: The provision of land for private hospital development could help enhance the capacity of the private sector to expand and to play a more important role in meeting the needs for healthcare service in the community. The policy and measures which seek to ensure fairness, transparency and parity treatment would provide a favorable environment and certainty for the interested parties to develop and compete through continuous service improvement, which would benefit both the patients and the medical industry. More importantly, the development and expansion of the private sector could provide patients with more choice and address the current imbalance between the public and private sector and ensure that our healthcare system would be sustainable to provide quality services to patients and to cope with the long-term demands for medical services in our community.

Proposed Free Trade Agreement Between Hong Kong and European Free Trade Association [Press Release]

On 22 December 2009, the Government announced that Hong Kong and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) had agreed to start negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) between the two sides in early 2010. The EFTA, comprising Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland, is an important trading partner of Hong Kong in Europe.

Sustainability Implications: In overall terms, FTAs can bring better and more favourable market access opportunities to Hong Kong businessmen. They would help sustain the economic development of Hong Kong and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as an international trade, economic and financial hub.

Land Resumption for Urban Renewal Authority Development Project No. MTK/1/001 at Pak Tai Street/Mok Cheong Street, Ma Tau Kok [Press Release]

This project is included in the Urban Renewal Authority (URA)'s Business Plan for 2007/08. Its implementation will help to revitalise the old district and improve the living conditions of the residents. 54 private interests will be resumed under the Lands Resumption Ordinance. Upon completion of the resumption and clearance, about 776 square metres will be granted to the URA to develop a residential development with retail uses on the lower floors in accordance with the extant statutory plan prepared under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The proposed resumption of private land would facilitate implementation of the development project, which would result in better utilization of land resource, help generate more economic activities, and enhance the general amenities of the area. This is in line with the broad target set out in the document titled “A First Sustainable Development Strategy for Hong Kong” and published by the Government in 2005 to regenerate older urban districts by taking full account of the need for economic viability whilst emphasizing the importance of open space provision. The proposal may cause social disruption to some local residents. In this regard, mitigation measures are required under the Urban Renewal Strategy, including proper rehousing and compensation, social impact assessments and engagement of social service teams to affected residents, to help them re-establish themselves in an improved living environment.

Land Resumption for Urban Renewal Authority Development Project No. TKW/1/001 at Chi Kiang Street/Ha Heung Road, To Kwa Wan [Press Release]

This project is included in the Urban Renewal Authority (URA)'s Business Plan for 2007/08. Its implementation will help to revitalise the old district and improve the living conditions of the residents. 61 private interests will be resumed under the Lands Resumption Ordinance. Upon completion of the resumption and clearance, about 931 square metres will be granted to the URA to develop a residential development with retail uses on the lower floors in accordance with the extant statutory plan prepared under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The proposed resumption of private land would facilitate implementation of the development project, which would result in better utilization of land resource, help generate more economic activities, and enhance the general amenities of the area. This is in line with the broad target set out in the document titled “A First Sustainable Development Strategy for Hong Kong” and published by the Government in 2005 to regenerate older urban districts by taking full account of the need for economic viability whilst emphasizing the importance of open space provision. The proposal may cause social disruption to some local residents. In this regard, mitigation measures are required under the Urban Renewal Strategy, including proper rehousing and compensation, social impact assessments and engagement of social service teams to affected residents, to help them re-establish themselves in an improved living environment.

Draft Shau Kei Wan Outline Zoning Plan Approved [Press Release]

On 18 December 2009, the Town Planning Board announced that the Chief Executive in Council had approved the draft Shau Kei Wan Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The approved OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Shau Kei Wan area. The approved OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The imposition of development restrictions will help improve the urban design, landscape and visual quality of the area by maintaining an appropriate height profile, maintaining a reasonable development intensity while avoiding out-of-context buildings and preserving the views to the ridgeline and along harbourfront. Due respect has also been given to the historical site of the former barracks. This is in line with the sustainability principles in enhancing environmental quality and historical assets leading to an overall improvement in the urban living space in Hong Kong.

Approved Tung Chung Town Centre Outline Zoning Plan Amended [Press Release]

On 11 December 2009, the Town Planning Board announced amendments to the approved Tung Chung Town Center Area Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The draft OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Tung Chung Town Center area. The draft OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The imposition of development restrictions would help address public concern on massive and out-of-context developments, improve urban design and visual quality of the area by maintaining an appropriate building height profile taking into account the local character of the area. This is in line with the sustainability principle of enhancing environmental quality.

Draft Tsing Yi Outline Zoning Plan Approved [Press Release]

On 18 December 2009, the Town Planning Board announced that the Chief Executive in Council had approved the draft Tsing Yi Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The approved OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Tsing Yi area. The approved OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The revision to the Notes of the OZP to include the provision for application for 'asphalt plant' use in some zones might lead to potential adverse sustainability implications. Care has to be taken or review has to be conducted to address any potential impacts in subsequent stages.

REPORT PERIOD : November 2009

Air Pollution Control (Motor Vehicle Fuel) (Amendment) Regulation 2009 [LegCo Brief]

The Air Pollution Control (Motor Vehicle Fuel) (Amendment) Regulation 2009 is gazetted on 20 November 2009. The Amendment Regulation mandates the specification of biodiesel for use as motor vehicle fuel. It also requires labels to be posted at the selling points if the biodiesel content in motor vehicle fuel exceeds 5%.

Sustainability Implications: The proposal is in line with the sustainability principles of seeking to find opportunities to enhance environmental quality, and promoting the use of renewable resources.

REPORT PERIOD : October 2009

Import and Export (Electronic Cargo Information) Regulation [LegCo Brief]

The Import and Export (Electronic Cargo Information) Regulation is the subsidiary legislation for implementing the Road Cargo System ("ROCARS"), which is an electronic system designed to facilitate customs clearance of road cargoes.

Sustainability Implications: ROCARS will provide a platform for future inter-modal customs clearance facilitation which, when put in place, will enhance the efficiency of transshipment of cargoes and hence generate economic benefits. In general, the proposal is in line with the sustainability guiding principle of improving mobility by facilitating the movement of goods.

Subsidiary Legislation and Technical Memorandum for Implementation of Minor Works Control System [LegCo Brief]

Following the enactment of the Building (Minor Works) Regulation which stipulates the modus operandi of the minor works control system in May 2009, it is necessary to make three further pieces of subsidiary legislation, concerning charging of fees, prevention of bribery as well as requirements on the submission of documents by the building professionals and contractors, for the commencement of the minor works control system. A technical memorandum concerning the modus operandi of supervision of building works (including minor works) has also to be made.

Sustainability Implications: In line with the sustainability principle of providing a living and working environment and pursuing policies which promote and protect the safety of the people in Hong Kong, the introduction of a streamlined building control system would facilitate building owners to carry out minor works, and help ensure the quality of building works and enhance public safety.

Approved Fu Tei Au and Sha Ling Outline Zoning Plan Amended [Press Release]

On 16 October 2009, the Town Planning Board announced amendments to the approved Fu Tei Au and Sha Ling Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The draft Fu Tei Au and Sha Ling OZP incorporating the amendments was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The proposed amendment to include a poultry slaughtering and processing plant would reduce potential health hazards posed by avian influenza in our densely populated community. Mitigation measures and operation control will be implemented to minimise the potential environmental nuisance, including noise, odour, wastewater etc. caused by the poultry slaughtering and processing plant to its neighbourhood.

Draft Wo Keng Shan Outline Zoning Plan Approved [Press Release]

On 16 October 2009, the Town Planning Board announced that the Chief Executive in Council had approved the draft Wo Keng Shan Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). The approved OZP provides a statutory land use framework to guide the development and redevelopment in the Wo Keng Shan area. The approved OZP was exhibited for public inspection under the Town Planning Ordinance.

Sustainability Implications: The proposed amendment would increase the landfill capacity which provides an effective intermediate solution to the problem of growing volume of waste generated by the increased population in Hong Kong. Appropriate mitigation measures and operation control will be implemented to minimise the potential environmental nuisance, including air, odour, water, etc. and adverse impacts on nearby graves caused by the proposed landfill extension to its surrounding area. However, care has to be taken to redress the public sentiment on the amendment.

REPORT PERIOD : September 2009

Public Service Broadcasting and the Future of Radio Television Hong Kong [LegCo Brief]

The Government announced that Radio Television Hong Kong (RTHK) would be tasked as the public service broadcaster in Hong Kong, with new resources provided for service enhancement which enable it to better serve the community.

Sustainability Implications: The proposal to maintain RTHK as a government department and serve as the sole publicly-funded broadcaster should help maintain a quality social infrastructure in Hong Kong. The proposal for expanding the scope of RTHK’s services, including the provision of dedicated digital television and radio channels for community and ethnic minority involvement in broadcasting, should contribute positively to cultural vibrancy and diversity in Hong Kong.

Review of Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance [Press Release]

The Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (PDPO) (Cap. 486) has been in force since 1996. The Government, with the support of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, has conducted a comprehensive review of the PDPO to examine whether its existing provisions still afford adequate protection to personal data having regard to developments, including advancement in technology, over the last decade or so. A considerable number of the proposals identified in the review will impact on various sectors of the community, public and private organizations as well as members of the public. The Government sees the need to conduct a public consultation exercise to gauge public views on the proposals. Views received will be consolidated and deliberated in deciding the general direction on the way forward of the legislative amendment exercise.

Sustainability Implications: The amendment proposals would enhance the protection of personal data and help foster a culture of respect for personal data privacy. It is conducive to the sustainability principle of fostering an ethical and progressive society.

REPORT PERIOD : August 2009 - No Item

Sustainable Development Division