Our Green Path in 2014/15

In 2014/15, we strove for continual improvement in the efficient use of energy and other resources while minimising of the impact of our operations on the environment. Environmental awareness was enhanced among our staff and customers, and our contractors are required to supply environmental friendly products and services to us.

Energy Saving

HKP endeavours to improve energy and operational efficiency and minimise electricity consumption while at the same time satisfying our operational needs.

• Indoor air temperature for HKP’s premises is maintained at 25.5°C to provide a comfortable environment for our customers and staff.
• External lighting at General Post Office and the Central Mail Centre is switched off after office hours.
• Energy-efficient lighting fittings are used in HKP’s offices.
• De-lamping is adopted for all premises of HKP.
  

  De-lamping in offices

• High energy-efficient lighting and electrical appliances are adopted in office renovating and reprovisioning projects.
• Our new Central Mail Centre adopts a green building design.
  

  Incorporation of sunlight to the operational floors

  

  LED exit sign

• Office areas are divided into separate electricity control zones where cost-effective and practicable.
• The operation hours of lifts are shortened and air-conditioning systems are cleaned regularly.
• Posters on energy saving are displayed at the Green Corner at the workplace.

Energy-cum-Carbon Audit / Carbon Audit

The Air Mail Centre reduced its greenhouse gas emission by 13% in 2014
year-on-year.

The Air Mail Centre took part in the Carbon Reduction Programme of the Hong Kong International Airport. Greenhouse gas emission of the Centre in 2014 was reduced by 13% compared to 2013. In addition, seven post office premises participated in the Energy-cum-Carbon Audit Programme organised by the Environmental Protection Department. Recommendations on Energy Management Opportunities and carbon reduction measures (such as de-lamping and replacement of LED lighting for the exit signs) were implemented.

Waste Minimisation

Three-coloured waste separation bins for collection of waste paper, aluminum cans and plastic bottles were provided at the General Post Office, the Central Mail Centre and the Air Mail Centre. Such provision was extended to the public hall of the General Post Office in February 2015.

Recycle bins placed at the public hall of the General Post Office and major offices.

140 tons of disposed wooden pallets were collected for recycling in 2014/15.

• Wooden pallets are used by bulk mailers for mailing bulk postings. We encourage mailers to collect the pallets after mail acceptance for reuse. In 2014/15, HKP delivered some 140 tons of wooden pallets left by bulk mailers at the Central Mail Centre to EcoPark for recycling .
• We started food waste collection at the staff canteen of the Central Mail Centre during the year. The arrangement will be extended to the staff canteen at the Air Mail Centre in early 2016.
  

  Food waste machine installed

  

  Wooden pallets collected

Paper Consumption

The Integrated Postal Services System (IPSS), which was being rolled out in phases in 2014/15, automates counter operation and integrates such operation with back end support processes. Following the implementation of IPSS, most paper-based reports are replaced by electronic forms, thus reducing paper consumption.

Operation at post office counters

Instant-print “postage label” to
the mail item posted

Cheque scanning by scanner

Recording mail acceptance information by barcode reader

Printing receipt line on the bill

Recycled paper accounted for 1/3 of our total paper consumption, thus saving around 8 900 trees.

Blank side of used paper is used for general office purpose as far as possible. Used envelopes and file jackets are reused for internal circulation. Staff are reminded to critically consider the need before making physical copies of documents. Service information leaflets are printed on recycled paper or paper made from wood pulp derived from sustainable forests. In 2014/15, recycled paper accounted for one-third of our total paper consumption.

We make extensive use of the HKP website (www.hongkongpost.hk), the HKP app and e-DMs to disseminate postal information and news to the public.

HKP website

• Customers are encouraged to access our services through online platforms instead of using paper forms. For the convenience of the public, 23 e-forms are now available on the HKP website for downloading or online submission.
• Customers are encouraged to make stamp purchases and access philatelic newsletters electronically. As at end March 2015, over 18 000 account customers, both locally and elsewhere, had registered to make stamp purchases online instead of using paper forms. The total number of online stamp orders increased by 3% in 2014/15 over 2013/14. Over 40% of our local standing order customers now receive philatelic newsletters and stamp order collection letters by email.
• Communication with applicants for job vacancies in HKP is by email as far as possible.
• Service leaflets are printed on recycled paper or paper made from wood pulp derived from sustainable forests, and the printing quantity is kept to the minimum.

Green Procurement

HKP adopts the green specifications promulgated by the Environmental Protection Department in arranging procurement as far as practicable. Green guidelines are implemented into new cleansing contracts, and emission standards are incorporated into the tender specifications for hired vehicle service. Trade-in arrangement with contractors for used cartridges in HKP offices was implemented. In 2014, HKP’s green purchase value accounted for 92.7% of the total expenditure for products on the green procurement list promulgated by the Environmental Protection Department, improving from 84.5% in 2013.

Green purchase value in 2013 and 2014

We implemented the e-procurement system in January 2015 for purchase of personal computers, network products and server systems under the GLD Standing Offer Agreement.

Postal Vehicle Fleet

Half of our vehicle fleet is environmentally-friendly.

To support Government’s green initiatives to reduce emission, HKP maintains a postal vehicle fleet that complies with the statutory environmental requirements. As at March 2015, we had 159 environmentally-friendly vehicles, including 81 vehicles which complied with the Euro V emission standards and eight electric vehicles. This represented 51% of our fleet as at March 2015, compared to 42% in March 2014. We also adopt other means with less environment impacts for postal operations. Currently, we have 107 bicycle beats for mail delivery service in rural areas. Our staff on driving duties strictly comply with the statutory requirement on switching off idling engine.

Environmental friendly electric vehicle

Bicycle beat performing mail delivery

Maintenance of our postal vehicles conforms to the internationally recognised ISO 14001 standards.

Green Measures for Stamps and Philatelic Products

We engage security contractors to print our stamps on Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) Mix paper, which is sourced from forests that operate in compliance with strict FSC environmental guidelines and is easily recycled. Other philatelic products, including first day covers and souvenir covers, are also printed on environmentally-friendly paper.

Green Awareness Promotion among Staff

661 staff members attended the environmental protection training module in 2014/15.

To raise awareness and cultivate a green culture in our workforce, we have made continued effort to educate our staff on environmental protection. These activities include:

• We introduced an environmental protection module in our staff training programme to enhance understanding of the corporate Environmental Management System and disseminate useful tips on energy saving, water conservation and waste minimisation. 661 staff members took this module in 2014/15.
• We encouraged staff to attend seminars and talks on environmental protection and sustainability issues for capacity building, such as the “Energy Efficiency and Conservation Public Seminar”, “Briefing Sessions on Government Energy Consumption Report and Monitoring” and “Green Building Management and Carbon Audit” organised by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department; and “Carbon Audit - A Roadmap to Low Carbon Community” and “Seminar on Green Procurement” organised by the Environmental Protection Department.
  

  Hongkong Post employees attending an environmental protection training programme

• We introduced regular column in the departmental staff newsletter to dissemnate information on green initiatives implemented in the Department.
• Regular staff briefing sessions have incorporated topics on green practices and tips.
• Promotional posters are regularly placed on notice boards and green corners in the workplace.
• Environmental guidelines are circulated among staff to encourage them to put environmental protection measures into practice, both in the workplace and at home.
• At the approach of festive seasons such as Christmas and the Lunar New Year, green tips are circulated to remind staff to enjoy a green festival by reducing waste and recycling.
• “Save Energy” labels of electricity saving and water saving labels are displayed next to equipment /installations to remind staff of good housekeeping measures.
  

  Environmental article published in the departmental staff newsletter

Participation in Green Campaigns

HKP participates in campaigns organised by external organisations advocating protection of the environment. In 2014/15, we took part in a variety of activities, such as the “Green Day” organised by The Community Chest of Hong Kong, “Hong Kong No Air-Con Night” by Green Sense, “Earth Hour 2015” by World Wide Fund for Nature and “Tree Planting Challenge 2014” by Friends of the Earth (HK).

Hongkong Post employees participating in Tree Planting Challenge 2014

We also encouraged staff participation in various environmental protection initiatives, such as the mobile service for collection of used electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE), Biz-Green Dress Day for managerial staff and sustainability-conscious food consumption in official entertainment.