P R E S S   R E L E A S E

As an environmental conscious and responsible organization, The Chinese University of Hong Kong has recently stepped up measures for the preservation of its already very "CLEAN AND GREEN" campus by improving the efficiency of the lighting system.

The Chinese University of Hong Kong has one of the most scenic campuses in Hong Kong.  The University has been very proactive in environmental protection:
1. Last year, it initiated a comprehensive environmental audit, the first of its type among local tertiary institutions.
2. It has published the first environmental report.
3. A high-level steering committee was set up to formulate, and implement relevant University-wide action plan to protect its campus environment and promote general awareness of environmental protection.
4. Last year, all our school buses on campus were installed with diesel converters to reduce smoky emission.
5. To meet the demand for more trained specialists in environmental protection, the Environmental Science Programme was strengthened 
6. It is the first local tertiary institution to initiate a Lighting Retrofit Programme on campus to greatly reduce energy consumption.

The Lighting Retrofit Programme was initiated in 48 non-residual buildings on campus to save energy and to protect environment.  The primary objective is to effectively use of energy by installation of more energy conservative lighting equipment and maintain the best possible visual comfort for teaching, learning and scholastic activities.  The Programme will be completed by the end of August 2001 and it is projected 30% energy consumption can be saved.

To raise the environmental awareness and to promote environment-friendly practices among all members of the University, the University has kick-started the Environmental Protection Week today.  Mrs Lily Yam Kwan Pui-ying, Secretary for the Environmental and Food, Professor Arthur K C Li, Vice-Chancellor of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Mrs Lessie Wei Chui Kit-yee, Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Mr Robert J S Law, Director of Environmental Protection, Professor Liu Pak-wai, Pro- Vice-Chancellor of The Chinese University of Hong Kong, and Professor Chan King-ming, Chairman of the University Steering Committee on Environment, The Chinese University of Hong Kong officiated at the opening ceremony.  A Tree-planting Ceremony followed the opening ceremony.

The Environmental week will feature a Green Campus Exhibition, a Waste Reduction Workshop and an environmental walk on campus and a debate on the "total ban of the use of disposable wares on campus".  Next Wednesday, a forum on Vision Planning: Hong Kong 2030 will take place.  Panelists include Mrs. Mei Ng, Director, Friends of the Earth, Professor Yeung Yue-man, Professor of Geography & Chairman, Land & Building Advisory Committee, Mr. Augustine Ng, Assistant Director, Territorial & Sub-Regional Planning, Planning Department, Mr. Andrew S L Lam, President, Hong Kong Town Planning Association, Mr. Ho Wai-chi, Executive Director, Green Peace.  Besides, there will also be a photo contest, energy saving logo design contest, energy usage guessing game, etc, to raise everyone's concern on campus about energy saving, waste reduction and appreciation of the beautiful environmental around us.