P R E S S   R E L E A S E

Professor Arthur K C Li, Vice-Chancellor of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, said at a press conference announcing the launch of the new initiatives by the University to preserve a clean and green campus, "Our University is one of the most scenic campuses in Hong Kong.  The audit demonstrates the University’s firm commitment to the preservation of our already very "CLEAN AND GREEN" campus and its natural assets. It also sets the tone for continuous self-reflection and self-improvement by the University as an environmentally-conscious and responsible organization."

The audit found that various operations of the University are well planned and managed to minimize impacts on the environment and a good record of regulatory compliance has been maintained.  The air quality is good, the setting tranquil, the waters clean and the natural landscape green and inspiring.

As the first of a series of new initiatives to preserve a clean and green campus, the University introduced its first environment-friendly shuttle bus today.  The bus was installed with diesel oxidation catalysts to reduce smoke emissions.  The University plans to install this device to all the shuttle buses to ensure cleaner air on the campus.  Besides, the University will devise means to reduce the use of motor vehicles.  Ultra-low sulphur diesel will be used when available.  LPG mini-buses will also be on trial run on the campus in response to the government's Clean Air Campaign.

Other proactive measures include:

- A high-level steering committee will be set up to review, formulate, and implement relevant policies and strategies.  The University Safety Office will be reconstituted to include an Environmental Section, and coordinators will be appointed in individual units and departments to ensure campus-wide participation in various environmental initiatives;
- Indoor air quality and water quality will be monitored regularly;
- Green office practices will be introduced with an aim to reduce waste generation by 40 per cent in 10 years;
- Energy audits will be conducted in University buildings to assess the efficiency of energy use and identify areas for conservation and cost-savings;
- Contractors and canteens will be asked to comply with all environmental regulations and legislation and to prepare environmental management plans to pre-empt problems; frequent site inspections will be conducted to monitor their impact on the campus environment; new techniques to beautify artificial slopes will be introduced;
- Pro-active publicity programmes such as environmental awareness events will be organized to promote environment-friendly practices among all members of the University.

On the Ride Green Day on 5 June, University members also showed their support by minimizing the use of private vehicles and going to work by public transport as much as possible.