Hong Kong has been facing two air pollution issues, namely local street-level pollution and regional smog problem. Diesel vehicles are the main source of street-level pollution. Smog, however, is caused by a combination of pollutants from motor vehicles, marine vessels, industry and power plants both in Hong Kong and in the Pearl River Delta region. Because of these air pollution problems, Hong Kong has yet to fully achieve the current Air Quality Objectives [see Air Quality Objectives Compliance Status]
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government gives high priority to controlling both local air pollution and regional smog problems. The main strategies include:
Implementing a wide range of measures to control emissions from motor vehicles, marine vessels, power plants, and industrial and commercial processes locally.
Working with Guangdong Provincial Authorities to implement a joint plan to tackle the regional smog problem
A. 路邊空氣：
1.以較環保的車種取代柴油車輛(Cleaner Alternatives to Diesel Vehicles)：
LPG Taxis and Light Buses
Taxis- To encourage a quick switch of the 18,000 diesel taxis to environmentally-cleaner vehicles, the government provided a one-off grant of $40,000 for each replacement of diesel taxis with one that operates on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in a subsidy programme starting in August 2000. The programme was completed at the end of 2003. Almost all (about 99%) taxis are now fuelled by LPG.)
Light Buses- We started a programme in August 2002 to offer incentives to encourage the early replacement of the 6,000 diesel light buses with LPG or electric ones. For diesel public light buses, we offered a one-off grant of $60,000 or $80,000 for each diesel public light bus that was replaced with an LPG or electric one respectively; for diesel private light buses, each replacement LPG vehicle was exempted from the first registration tax. At present, electric vehicles are exempted from first registration tax. The programme was completed at the end of 2005. Right now, about 68% of the registered public light buses run on LPG.)
2016年大力推動電動車:Electric vehicles have zero tail-pipe emission, and their wider use will reduce roadside air pollution. The number of electric vehicles has increased from less than 100 at the end of 2010 to nearly 4 000 now.
The Government will focus its efforts in promoting the use of electric vehicles in the public transport system, and has been working with the franchised bus companies to conduct trial runs of 36 electric single-deck buses within this year. The Government will also upgrade more public chargers to mediumspeed chargers, and support property management companies to install more charging facilities.
2. 收緊車用燃料及車輛廢氣排放標準\
Tightening Fuel and Vehicle Emission Standards：Emission standards for newly-registered vehicles have been progressively tightened since 1995. The most recent change is in 2012, when we implemented Euro V emission standards. A Euro V diesel vehicle emits about 95% less particulates and 78% less NOx than a pre-Euro vehicle manufactured before 1995.)
車用燃料標準Vehicle fuel standards
Petrol- We have tightened the sulphur content in unleaded petrol from 0.015% to 0.005% since January 2005 in tandem with the European Union.)
Ultra low sulphur diesel (ULSD)- ULSD has a sulphur content of 0.005%, which is the Euro IV requirement for motor vehicle diesel. It became the only motor diesel fuel available at petrol filling stations in Hong Kong, after the Government introduced a concessionary duty on ULSD in July 2000. Since April 2002, ULSD has been the statutory minimum requirement for motor vehicle diesel, 3 years ahead of the European Union. Hong Kong is also the first place in Asia to introduce ULSD on a full scale for its vehicle fleet.
Euro V diesel- On 1 December 2007, the Government offered a concessionary duty rate of $0.56 per litre for Euro V diesel, which has a sulphur content of 0.001%. Since then, all petrol filling stations in Hong Kong are exclusively offering this fuel. Starting from 14 July 2008, the duty rate for Euro V diesel has been waived to further encourage drivers to use this more environment-friendly fuel.)
Biodiesel- The Air Pollution Control (Motor Vehicle Fuel) (Amendment) Regulation 2009 came into force on 1 July 2010. The Amendment Regulation provides statutory control on the specifications of motor vehicle biodiesel and the labelling requirement on selling of motor vehicle biodiesel with biodiesel content over 5%. )
Euro V Motor Vehicle Fuels- As from 1 July 2010, we have tightened the statutory motor vehicle diesel and unleaded petrol specifications to Euro V level. The major difference between Euro IV and Euro V motor vehicle fuels (both diesel and petrol) is the tightening of the cap on sulphur content from 0.005% to 0.001%.)
3. 管制餘下柴油車輛排放的廢氣: (Controlling Emissions from the Remaining Diesel Vehicles)
Light diesel vehicles- A programme to help owners of pre-Euro light diesel vehicles to retrofit their vehicles with particulate traps or catalytic converters was completed in 2001. More than 80% of the fleet, or 24,000 light diesel vehicles, were fitted with these devices under the retrofit programme. A particulate trap/catalytic converter can cut particulates emission from a pre-Euro light diesel vehicle by about 30%. From December 2003, a regulation requiring all pre-Euro diesel light vehicles up to 4 tonnes to be installed with suitable particulate reduction devices has been implemented.
Medium and heavy diesel vehicles- A programme to help owners of pre-Euro heavy diesel, other than those heavy duty vehicles that require the operation of on-board equipment during idling (i.e. long idling vehicles) which were retrofitted separately in another programme, to retrofit their vehicles with catalytic converters was completed in 2004. More than 96% of the fleet, or 34,000 heavy diesel vehicles, were fitted with catalytic converters under the retrofit programme. A catalytic converter can cut particulates emission from a pre-Euro heavy diesel vehicle by about 25% to 35%. From April 2006, a regulation requiring all these pre-Euro heavy diesel vehicles to be installed with suitable particulate reduction devices has been implemented.
A similar programme to help owners of long idling pre-Euro heavy diesel vehicles (i.e. concrete mixer, gully emptier, lorry crane and pressure tanker) to retrofit their vehicles with catalytic converters was completed in 2005. About 95% of the fleet, or 2,500 long idling pre-Euro heavy diesel vehicles, were fitted with catalytic converters under the retrofit programme. From April 2007, a regulation requiring all these long idling pre-Euro heavy diesel vehicles to be installed with suitable particulate reduction devices has been implemented.
Buses- The franchised bus companies have retrofitted about 2,000 older buses of pre-Euro or Euro I models with Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC), which can reduce their particulate emissions by about 30%.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)- In 2010, the franchised bus companies completed retrofitting their Euro II and III buses with DPF, where technically feasible. A DPF can reduce particulate emissions from diesel vehicles by over 80%.
4. 教育市民使用污染較少的交通工具:闢設行人專用區:我們計劃在維港兩岸和多個新發展區闢設行人專用區，還打算在人煙稠密和空氣污染的地方擴大行人地帶，以減輕車輛產生的污染。修訂整體運輸策略的必要。運輸局局長日內將介紹基於「第三次整體運輸研究」的整套提議。事實上，我們已經改變有關策略，例如改善新區的鐵路服務和行人設施，鼓勵市民使用污染較少的交通工具。2013年未來7年是香港鐵路發展的豐收期，多條鐵路相繼通車，是我們理順公共交通系統，減少路面空氣污染的好時機。在發展鐵路的同時，我們將檢視其他陸路交通服務，理順不同公共交通工具之間的作用和角色。目前巴士服務路線重疊，部分使用量偏低。進行檢討時，我們會以巴士作為輔助性公共交通工具的角色為起點，優化路線、加強接駁功能、改善轉乘安排，以減低路邊空氣污染。
B. 電廠能源
5.電廠排放:Cutting Emissions from Power Plants
Electricity generation remains one of the major sources of air pollution in Hong Kong in 2012. It accounts for 47% of the SO2, 28% of the NOX and 16% of the RSP emissions. The emissions of power plants would affect the air quality in the Pearl River Delta region. Reducing their emissions could help reduce the regional levels of SO2, particulates, etc. Therefore, to help improve our air quality, the power companies must further reduce their emissions.
We amended the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO) in 2008 to ensure a smooth, timely and transparent implementation of the emission caps for the power plants by stipulating the emission caps under the Ordinance and allowing power plants to use emissions trading as an alternative means for achieving the emission caps for 2010 and beyond. We have issued since 2008 four Technical Memoranda (TM) pursuant to the APCO to stipulate emission caps for power plants from 2010 onwards. The latest Fourth TM was issued in December 2014 to further tighten the power sector’s emission caps for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and respirable suspended particulates from 2019 onwards by 63%, 40% and 44% respectively as compared with those caps stipulated under the First TM for 2010.
The progress of emission reduction from the power sector is as follows –
on retrofitting existing coal-fired power generation units with emissions reduction devices, The Hongkong Electric Company Limited (HEC) completed retrofitting flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) system to two 350 MW coal-fired units (units L4 and L5) and one 250 MW coal-fired unit (unit L2) in Lamma Power Station between 2009 and 2010. CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP) completed retrofitting FGDs and low NOX control systems to four 677 MW coal-fired units (units B1 to B4) in Castle Peak Power Station between 2009 and 2011;
on the wider use of natural gas, the first gas-fired unit of HEC was synchronised in July 2006 and started its commercial operation in October 2006. Starting from 2010, HEC also operated another gas-fired unit (modified from two existing oil-fired gas turbines) as a baseload unit to reduce its emissions. In August 2008, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Co-operation with the National Energy Administration to enable an increase in the use of natural gas for power generation, under which CLP started to use the new gas from the Second West-East Natural Gas Pipeline in 2013; and on promoting renewable energy, HEC commissioned the first local commercial scale wind power station on Lamma Island in February 2006 and installed photovoltaic solar system at its Lamma Power Station between 2010 and 2013. Both power companies are studying the development of offshore wind-farms in the Hong Kong waters. Besides, the new Scheme of Control Agreements have provided for a higher rate of return of 11% for their investment in renewable energy facilities; a bonus in the range of 0.01% to 0.05% in permitted return depending on the extent of renewable energy usage in their electricity generation; grid connection arrangement will be standardised for back up power supply for customers with embedded renewable generation.)
2016新的《管制計劃協議》: The Government will discuss with the power companies the new Scheme of Control Agreements to improve the regulatory arrangements, so as to enhance energy efficiency and promote the development of renewable energy
6. 粵港合作:
Cooperation with the Mainland
In addition to reducing emissions from local sources, we have been joining hands with Guangdong to improve air quality of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region.
In December 2003, the two governments drew up the PRD Regional Air Quality Management Plan (the "Management Plan") under which both sides have been pursuing emission reduction measures targeting power plants, motor vehicles and heavily polluting industrial processes. The Special Panel on PRD Air Quality Management and Monitoring was set up under the Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Working Group on Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection (JWGSDEP) to follow up on the tasks under the Management Plan.
In November 2012, the governments of Hong Kong and Guangdong endorsed an emission reduction plan for the PRD region up to 2020 which set the 2015 emission reduction targets and 2020 emission reduction ranges for four major air pollutants, namely sulphur dioxide(SO2), nitrogen oxides(NOX), respirable suspended particulates(RSP) and volatile organic compounds(VOC) , and subsequently rolled out various emission reduction measures. . The two sides will prepare for a mid-term review on the emission reduction results for 2015 and finalise the emission reduction targets for 2020 so as to further improve regional air quality.
[參: http://hkm.appledaily.com/detail.php?guid=19440359&category_guid=4104&category=daily&issue=20160106]
From 2006 to 2013, the annual average levels of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and respirable suspended particulates as recorded by the PRD Regional Air Quality Monitoring Network recorded a decrease by 62%, 13% and 15% respectively. This indicates an improvement in regional air quality brought about by the emission reduction measures implemented by Guangdong and Hong Kong in recent years.
In September 2014, the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao jointly signed the “Cooperation Agreement on Regional Air Pollution Control and Prevention among Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao” with a view to fostering regional co-operation on air pollution control and prevention. The three sides also enhanced the regional air monitoring network in 2014. The number of monitoring stations has been increased to 23 with the inclusion of a station in Macao, and with real-time air quality information of the three places released. The network was also renamed as “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao PRD Regional Air Quality Monitoring Network”. In addition, the three governments commenced a Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Regional PM2.5 Study with a view to providing a robust scientific basis for mapping out further air quality improvement strategies for the region.
In addition, we launched the Cleaner Production Partnership Programme (the Programme) in collaboration with the Economic and Information Commission of Guangdong in April 2008. It encourages and facilitates Hong Kong-owned factories in Guangdong to adopt cleaner production technologies and practices through funding support and technology promotion activities, thereby contributing to improving the regional air quality. Both sides also jointly launched the Hong Kong – Guangdong Cleaner Production Partners Recognition Scheme in 2009 to recognize the efforts of enterprises in pursuing cleaner production.)
2016年重點去咗ozone: From 2010 to 2015, air quality has improved considerably. The average ambient and roadside concentrations of major air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and respirable suspended particulates, saw drops ranging from 12% to 25%, though that of ozone increased due to the regional smog problem. The Government will proceed with the review of the Air Quality Objectives within this year.
7. 節能:
Buildings account for 89% of the total electricity consumption at end-use level in Hong Kong. Therefore, promoting energy efficiency in buildings is an effective measure to achieve energy conservation and help alleviate climate change.
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions arising from electricity consumption in buildings, an important step which could be taken by owners and managers of buildings is to find out the amount of greenhouse gas released to the atmosphere arising from the operation of their buildings and to take appropriate actions to reduce such emissions.
To this end, the Environmental Protection Department and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department have drawn up a set of "Guidelines to Account for and Report on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Removals for buildings (Commercial, Residential or Institutional Purpose) in Hong Kong".
The Guidelines provide a systematic and scientific approach for building owners and managers to account for and report on the greenhouse as emissions arising from the operations of their buildings in Hong Kong, identify areas of improvement and conduct voluntary programmes to reduce and / or offset emissions arising from buildings according to the their own goals.
A Hong Kong Energy Efficiency Registration Scheme for Buildings (HKEERSB) has been launched since 1998. The HKEERSB promotes the application of a comprehensive set of Building Energy Codes (BECs) which stipulate the minimum energy performance standards of different building services including lighting, air conditioning, electrical, lift and escalator installations.
The Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance (Cap. 610) was enacted in 2010 for full operation on 21 September 2012. It provides a legal basis for the mandatory implementation of the Building Energy Codes to stipulate the minimum energy performance standards of four major building services installations viz. lighting, air conditioning, electrical and lift & escalator installations.)
2016呼應聯合國氣候大會: The Paris Climate Conference held last month achieved positive outcomes by laying down a clear direction and objectives for global co-operation to address climate change. To this end, the Government will take forward mitigation measures proactively and has published the Hong Kong Climate Change Report 2015. The Chief Secretary for Administration will chair an inter-departmental committee to steer and co-ordinate the implementation work.
2016《香港都市節能藍圖2015~2025+》及「強制性能源效益標籤計 劃：The Energy Saving Plan for Hong Kong’s Built Environment 2015~2025+ has set a new target of reducing energy intensity by 40% by 2025. The Environment Bureau will expand the scope of the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme to cover more electrical appliances and promote low-carbon living in the community.
C. 船:
8.管制船舶排放:減少船舶排放
Reducing Marine Emission
To control emissions from marine vessels, Hong Kong has adopted MARPOL Annex VI requirements and regulated excessive vessel smoke emissions. The Government has also been leading by example by powering Government vessels with Euro V diesel. The sulphur content of locally supplied marine light diesel is capped at 0.05% starting from 1 April 2015. Ocean going vessels are required to switch to compliant fuel (i.e. fuel with sulphur content not exceeding 0.5%, liquefied petroleum gas and any other fuel approved by the Director of Environmental Protection) from 1 July 2015. The Government has been collaborating with the governments in Pearl River Delta to reduce vessel emissions in the region.
2016包括珠江三角洲的船：Co-operation with the Mainland will be strengthened. The focus will be on designating an emission control area in the waters of the Pearl River Delta, reducing emissions from marine vessels, monitoring air quality, and studying the formation and control of ozone and fine suspended particulates.
D. 綠化
9. 綠化:
Greening can bring about many benefits. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, thus refreshing the air for our breathing. They also absorb gaseous contaminants such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide in the atmosphere.
Greening can beautify our environment, especially in a densely populated city like Hong Kong where trees and shrubs provide freshness, beauty, comfort and elegance for our enjoyment. It can improve the urban living conditions and enhance the quality of our lives.
To better guide the planning, design and implementation of greening works, the Government started to develop Greening Master Plans (GMPs) since 2004. The Plans aim to define an overall greening framework by identifying suitable locations for planting with desirable themes and species, thus paving the way for continuous and consistent results in enhancing the green environment.)
Besides GMPs, greening has been positively integrated into the design of government buildings. In addition to implementing greening at ground levels, Government has been exploring ways to increase the greening areas in government buildings, like roof greening and vertical greening.
Since 2001, Government has been incorporating roof greening designs where practicable into the appropriate new government building projects. The buildings involved include schools, crematoria, hospitals, offices, community centres, etc. Furthermore, Government has been taking the chance during the major roof works of existing government buildings to introduce retrofitted roof greening to the buildings where practicable since 2006. Roof greening not only provides extra green spaces but also improves cityscape and enhances the effectiveness of heat insulation. When applied on a large scale, it can attenuate urban heat island effect as well.
Apart from roof greening, Government has been exploring opportunities for vertical greening in government buildings. Since 2008, vertical greening has been adopted in some government capital works projects including schools and government buildings. Vertical greening not only increases the amenity value of the site but also improves air quality. In the long run, it can also reduce urban heat island effect.)
E:其他
10.其他:揮發性有機化合物
VOCs mean volatile organic compounds and are found in a wide variety of products such as solvent-based paints, printing inks, many consumer products, organic solvents and petroleum products. In addition to motor vehicles, the use of these VOC-containing products releases VOCs that eventually cause air pollution and smog.)
VOCs play a significant role in the formation of ozone and fine particulates in the atmosphere. Under sunlight, VOCs react with nitrogen oxides emitted mainly from vehicles, power plants and industrial activities to form ozone, which in turn helps the formation of fine particulates. The accumulation of ozone, fine particulates and other gaseous pollutants results in smog that reduces visibility. The economic growth in the Pearl River Delta comes with increased formation of these pollutants, thus aggravating the regional smog phenomenon. Smog is particularly severe under stagnant weather conditions, e.g. a typhoon approaching, or northerly winds that are common in autumn)
Smog can irritate our eyes, nose and throat, or can worsen existing heart and respiratory problems such as asthma. People with heart and lung problems, the elderly and children whose respiratory systems are still developing are most at risk. Healthy adults of all ages who exercise or work vigorously outdoor are more sensitive to the pollution because of their higher level of exposure than people who are less active outdoors. Prolonged exposure to severe smog condition may cause permanent damage to lung tissue and affect our immune system. In addition, smog impairs visibility and has a negative impact on tourism.)
What has the Government done to reduce VOC emissions and smog? Implemented VOC Regulation in phases since April 2007 to control the VOC content in architectural paints/coatings, printing inks and six selected consumer products (i.e. air fresheners, hairsprays, multi-purpose lubricants, floor wax strippers, insecticides and aerosol insect repellents), and require emission reduction devices to be installed on certain printing machines. The regulation was amended in October 2009 to extend the control in phases starting from 1 January 2010 to vehicle refinishing paints/coatings, vessel and pleasure craft paints/coatings, adhesives and sealants.)
參考:
環保署問題及解決方案http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/tc_chi/environmentinhk/air/air_maincontent.html
香港清新空氣藍圖 http://www.enb.gov.hk/tc/files/New_Air_Plan_tc.pdf
香港清新空氣藍圖(English)
歷年施政報告
參考:
1. 環保署, Letter to the editor of South China Morning Post - Response to reader's letter relating to air quality, 28-05-2015
2. 環保署, Letter to the Editor of South China Morning Post - Response to an article on emissions control for petrol and LPG vehicles, 25-11-2015
3. 環保署, Letter to the Editor of South China Morning Post – Response to a reader’s letter on measures to improve air quality in Hong Kong, 3-12-2015
延伸閱讀：
1. 左丁山, 低油價害環保, 香港:蘋果日報, 10 Dec, 2015
2. 港政策落後 無助減排, 香港:蘋果日報, 14 Dec, 2015
3. 左丁山, 環保不成錢作怪, 香港:蘋果日報, 16 Dec, 2015
4. 高慧然, 好彩爆得早, 香港:蘋果日報, 17 Dec, 2015
5. 左丁山, 中國汽油不減價, 香港:蘋果日報, 23 Dec, 2015
6. 空氣污染 忽視本地源頭, 東方日報, 2016年1月11日
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government gives high priority to controlling both local air pollution and regional smog problems. The main strategies include:
Implementing a wide range of measures to control emissions from motor vehicles, marine vessels, power plants, and industrial and commercial processes locally.
Working with Guangdong Provincial Authorities to implement a joint plan to tackle the regional smog problem
A. 路邊空氣：
1.以較環保的車種取代柴油車輛(Cleaner Alternatives to Diesel Vehicles)：
LPG Taxis and Light Buses
Taxis- To encourage a quick switch of the 18,000 diesel taxis to environmentally-cleaner vehicles, the government provided a one-off grant of $40,000 for each replacement of diesel taxis with one that operates on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) in a subsidy programme starting in August 2000. The programme was completed at the end of 2003. Almost all (about 99%) taxis are now fuelled by LPG.)
Light Buses- We started a programme in August 2002 to offer incentives to encourage the early replacement of the 6,000 diesel light buses with LPG or electric ones. For diesel public light buses, we offered a one-off grant of $60,000 or $80,000 for each diesel public light bus that was replaced with an LPG or electric one respectively; for diesel private light buses, each replacement LPG vehicle was exempted from the first registration tax. At present, electric vehicles are exempted from first registration tax. The programme was completed at the end of 2005. Right now, about 68% of the registered public light buses run on LPG.)
2016年大力推動電動車:Electric vehicles have zero tail-pipe emission, and their wider use will reduce roadside air pollution. The number of electric vehicles has increased from less than 100 at the end of 2010 to nearly 4 000 now.
The Government will focus its efforts in promoting the use of electric vehicles in the public transport system, and has been working with the franchised bus companies to conduct trial runs of 36 electric single-deck buses within this year. The Government will also upgrade more public chargers to mediumspeed chargers, and support property management companies to install more charging facilities.
2. 收緊車用燃料及車輛廢氣排放標準\
Tightening Fuel and Vehicle Emission Standards：Emission standards for newly-registered vehicles have been progressively tightened since 1995. The most recent change is in 2012, when we implemented Euro V emission standards. A Euro V diesel vehicle emits about 95% less particulates and 78% less NOx than a pre-Euro vehicle manufactured before 1995.)
車用燃料標準Vehicle fuel standards
Petrol- We have tightened the sulphur content in unleaded petrol from 0.015% to 0.005% since January 2005 in tandem with the European Union.)
Ultra low sulphur diesel (ULSD)- ULSD has a sulphur content of 0.005%, which is the Euro IV requirement for motor vehicle diesel. It became the only motor diesel fuel available at petrol filling stations in Hong Kong, after the Government introduced a concessionary duty on ULSD in July 2000. Since April 2002, ULSD has been the statutory minimum requirement for motor vehicle diesel, 3 years ahead of the European Union. Hong Kong is also the first place in Asia to introduce ULSD on a full scale for its vehicle fleet.
Euro V diesel- On 1 December 2007, the Government offered a concessionary duty rate of $0.56 per litre for Euro V diesel, which has a sulphur content of 0.001%. Since then, all petrol filling stations in Hong Kong are exclusively offering this fuel. Starting from 14 July 2008, the duty rate for Euro V diesel has been waived to further encourage drivers to use this more environment-friendly fuel.)
Biodiesel- The Air Pollution Control (Motor Vehicle Fuel) (Amendment) Regulation 2009 came into force on 1 July 2010. The Amendment Regulation provides statutory control on the specifications of motor vehicle biodiesel and the labelling requirement on selling of motor vehicle biodiesel with biodiesel content over 5%. )
Euro V Motor Vehicle Fuels- As from 1 July 2010, we have tightened the statutory motor vehicle diesel and unleaded petrol specifications to Euro V level. The major difference between Euro IV and Euro V motor vehicle fuels (both diesel and petrol) is the tightening of the cap on sulphur content from 0.005% to 0.001%.)
3. 管制餘下柴油車輛排放的廢氣: (Controlling Emissions from the Remaining Diesel Vehicles)
Light diesel vehicles- A programme to help owners of pre-Euro light diesel vehicles to retrofit their vehicles with particulate traps or catalytic converters was completed in 2001. More than 80% of the fleet, or 24,000 light diesel vehicles, were fitted with these devices under the retrofit programme. A particulate trap/catalytic converter can cut particulates emission from a pre-Euro light diesel vehicle by about 30%. From December 2003, a regulation requiring all pre-Euro diesel light vehicles up to 4 tonnes to be installed with suitable particulate reduction devices has been implemented.
Medium and heavy diesel vehicles- A programme to help owners of pre-Euro heavy diesel, other than those heavy duty vehicles that require the operation of on-board equipment during idling (i.e. long idling vehicles) which were retrofitted separately in another programme, to retrofit their vehicles with catalytic converters was completed in 2004. More than 96% of the fleet, or 34,000 heavy diesel vehicles, were fitted with catalytic converters under the retrofit programme. A catalytic converter can cut particulates emission from a pre-Euro heavy diesel vehicle by about 25% to 35%. From April 2006, a regulation requiring all these pre-Euro heavy diesel vehicles to be installed with suitable particulate reduction devices has been implemented.
A similar programme to help owners of long idling pre-Euro heavy diesel vehicles (i.e. concrete mixer, gully emptier, lorry crane and pressure tanker) to retrofit their vehicles with catalytic converters was completed in 2005. About 95% of the fleet, or 2,500 long idling pre-Euro heavy diesel vehicles, were fitted with catalytic converters under the retrofit programme. From April 2007, a regulation requiring all these long idling pre-Euro heavy diesel vehicles to be installed with suitable particulate reduction devices has been implemented.
Buses- The franchised bus companies have retrofitted about 2,000 older buses of pre-Euro or Euro I models with Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC), which can reduce their particulate emissions by about 30%.
Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)- In 2010, the franchised bus companies completed retrofitting their Euro II and III buses with DPF, where technically feasible. A DPF can reduce particulate emissions from diesel vehicles by over 80%.
4. 教育市民使用污染較少的交通工具:闢設行人專用區:我們計劃在維港兩岸和多個新發展區闢設行人專用區，還打算在人煙稠密和空氣污染的地方擴大行人地帶，以減輕車輛產生的污染。修訂整體運輸策略的必要。運輸局局長日內將介紹基於「第三次整體運輸研究」的整套提議。事實上，我們已經改變有關策略，例如改善新區的鐵路服務和行人設施，鼓勵市民使用污染較少的交通工具。2013年未來7年是香港鐵路發展的豐收期，多條鐵路相繼通車，是我們理順公共交通系統，減少路面空氣污染的好時機。在發展鐵路的同時，我們將檢視其他陸路交通服務，理順不同公共交通工具之間的作用和角色。目前巴士服務路線重疊，部分使用量偏低。進行檢討時，我們會以巴士作為輔助性公共交通工具的角色為起點，優化路線、加強接駁功能、改善轉乘安排，以減低路邊空氣污染。
B. 電廠能源
5.電廠排放:Cutting Emissions from Power Plants
Electricity generation remains one of the major sources of air pollution in Hong Kong in 2012. It accounts for 47% of the SO2, 28% of the NOX and 16% of the RSP emissions. The emissions of power plants would affect the air quality in the Pearl River Delta region. Reducing their emissions could help reduce the regional levels of SO2, particulates, etc. Therefore, to help improve our air quality, the power companies must further reduce their emissions.
We amended the Air Pollution Control Ordinance (APCO) in 2008 to ensure a smooth, timely and transparent implementation of the emission caps for the power plants by stipulating the emission caps under the Ordinance and allowing power plants to use emissions trading as an alternative means for achieving the emission caps for 2010 and beyond. We have issued since 2008 four Technical Memoranda (TM) pursuant to the APCO to stipulate emission caps for power plants from 2010 onwards. The latest Fourth TM was issued in December 2014 to further tighten the power sector’s emission caps for sulphur dioxide, nitrogen oxides and respirable suspended particulates from 2019 onwards by 63%, 40% and 44% respectively as compared with those caps stipulated under the First TM for 2010.
The progress of emission reduction from the power sector is as follows –
on retrofitting existing coal-fired power generation units with emissions reduction devices, The Hongkong Electric Company Limited (HEC) completed retrofitting flue gas desulphurisation (FGD) system to two 350 MW coal-fired units (units L4 and L5) and one 250 MW coal-fired unit (unit L2) in Lamma Power Station between 2009 and 2010. CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP) completed retrofitting FGDs and low NOX control systems to four 677 MW coal-fired units (units B1 to B4) in Castle Peak Power Station between 2009 and 2011;
on the wider use of natural gas, the first gas-fired unit of HEC was synchronised in July 2006 and started its commercial operation in October 2006. Starting from 2010, HEC also operated another gas-fired unit (modified from two existing oil-fired gas turbines) as a baseload unit to reduce its emissions. In August 2008, we signed a Memorandum of Understanding on Energy Co-operation with the National Energy Administration to enable an increase in the use of natural gas for power generation, under which CLP started to use the new gas from the Second West-East Natural Gas Pipeline in 2013; and on promoting renewable energy, HEC commissioned the first local commercial scale wind power station on Lamma Island in February 2006 and installed photovoltaic solar system at its Lamma Power Station between 2010 and 2013. Both power companies are studying the development of offshore wind-farms in the Hong Kong waters. Besides, the new Scheme of Control Agreements have provided for a higher rate of return of 11% for their investment in renewable energy facilities; a bonus in the range of 0.01% to 0.05% in permitted return depending on the extent of renewable energy usage in their electricity generation; grid connection arrangement will be standardised for back up power supply for customers with embedded renewable generation.)
2016新的《管制計劃協議》: The Government will discuss with the power companies the new Scheme of Control Agreements to improve the regulatory arrangements, so as to enhance energy efficiency and promote the development of renewable energy
6. 粵港合作:
Cooperation with the Mainland
In addition to reducing emissions from local sources, we have been joining hands with Guangdong to improve air quality of the Pearl River Delta (PRD) region.
In December 2003, the two governments drew up the PRD Regional Air Quality Management Plan (the "Management Plan") under which both sides have been pursuing emission reduction measures targeting power plants, motor vehicles and heavily polluting industrial processes. The Special Panel on PRD Air Quality Management and Monitoring was set up under the Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Working Group on Sustainable Development and Environmental Protection (JWGSDEP) to follow up on the tasks under the Management Plan.
In November 2012, the governments of Hong Kong and Guangdong endorsed an emission reduction plan for the PRD region up to 2020 which set the 2015 emission reduction targets and 2020 emission reduction ranges for four major air pollutants, namely sulphur dioxide(SO2), nitrogen oxides(NOX), respirable suspended particulates(RSP) and volatile organic compounds(VOC) , and subsequently rolled out various emission reduction measures. . The two sides will prepare for a mid-term review on the emission reduction results for 2015 and finalise the emission reduction targets for 2020 so as to further improve regional air quality.
[參: http://hkm.appledaily.com/detail.php?guid=19440359&category_guid=4104&category=daily&issue=20160106]
From 2006 to 2013, the annual average levels of sulphur dioxide, nitrogen dioxide and respirable suspended particulates as recorded by the PRD Regional Air Quality Monitoring Network recorded a decrease by 62%, 13% and 15% respectively. This indicates an improvement in regional air quality brought about by the emission reduction measures implemented by Guangdong and Hong Kong in recent years.
In September 2014, the governments of Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao jointly signed the “Cooperation Agreement on Regional Air Pollution Control and Prevention among Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao” with a view to fostering regional co-operation on air pollution control and prevention. The three sides also enhanced the regional air monitoring network in 2014. The number of monitoring stations has been increased to 23 with the inclusion of a station in Macao, and with real-time air quality information of the three places released. The network was also renamed as “Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao PRD Regional Air Quality Monitoring Network”. In addition, the three governments commenced a Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Joint Regional PM2.5 Study with a view to providing a robust scientific basis for mapping out further air quality improvement strategies for the region.
In addition, we launched the Cleaner Production Partnership Programme (the Programme) in collaboration with the Economic and Information Commission of Guangdong in April 2008. It encourages and facilitates Hong Kong-owned factories in Guangdong to adopt cleaner production technologies and practices through funding support and technology promotion activities, thereby contributing to improving the regional air quality. Both sides also jointly launched the Hong Kong – Guangdong Cleaner Production Partners Recognition Scheme in 2009 to recognize the efforts of enterprises in pursuing cleaner production.)
2016年重點去咗ozone: From 2010 to 2015, air quality has improved considerably. The average ambient and roadside concentrations of major air pollutants, including nitrogen dioxide, sulphur dioxide and respirable suspended particulates, saw drops ranging from 12% to 25%, though that of ozone increased due to the regional smog problem. The Government will proceed with the review of the Air Quality Objectives within this year.
7. 節能:
Buildings account for 89% of the total electricity consumption at end-use level in Hong Kong. Therefore, promoting energy efficiency in buildings is an effective measure to achieve energy conservation and help alleviate climate change.
To reduce greenhouse gas emissions arising from electricity consumption in buildings, an important step which could be taken by owners and managers of buildings is to find out the amount of greenhouse gas released to the atmosphere arising from the operation of their buildings and to take appropriate actions to reduce such emissions.
To this end, the Environmental Protection Department and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department have drawn up a set of "Guidelines to Account for and Report on Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Removals for buildings (Commercial, Residential or Institutional Purpose) in Hong Kong".
The Guidelines provide a systematic and scientific approach for building owners and managers to account for and report on the greenhouse as emissions arising from the operations of their buildings in Hong Kong, identify areas of improvement and conduct voluntary programmes to reduce and / or offset emissions arising from buildings according to the their own goals.
A Hong Kong Energy Efficiency Registration Scheme for Buildings (HKEERSB) has been launched since 1998. The HKEERSB promotes the application of a comprehensive set of Building Energy Codes (BECs) which stipulate the minimum energy performance standards of different building services including lighting, air conditioning, electrical, lift and escalator installations.
The Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance (Cap. 610) was enacted in 2010 for full operation on 21 September 2012. It provides a legal basis for the mandatory implementation of the Building Energy Codes to stipulate the minimum energy performance standards of four major building services installations viz. lighting, air conditioning, electrical and lift & escalator installations.)
2016呼應聯合國氣候大會: The Paris Climate Conference held last month achieved positive outcomes by laying down a clear direction and objectives for global co-operation to address climate change. To this end, the Government will take forward mitigation measures proactively and has published the Hong Kong Climate Change Report 2015. The Chief Secretary for Administration will chair an inter-departmental committee to steer and co-ordinate the implementation work.
2016《香港都市節能藍圖2015~2025+》及「強制性能源效益標籤計 劃：The Energy Saving Plan for Hong Kong’s Built Environment 2015~2025+ has set a new target of reducing energy intensity by 40% by 2025. The Environment Bureau will expand the scope of the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme to cover more electrical appliances and promote low-carbon living in the community.
C. 船:
8.管制船舶排放:減少船舶排放
Reducing Marine Emission
To control emissions from marine vessels, Hong Kong has adopted MARPOL Annex VI requirements and regulated excessive vessel smoke emissions. The Government has also been leading by example by powering Government vessels with Euro V diesel. The sulphur content of locally supplied marine light diesel is capped at 0.05% starting from 1 April 2015. Ocean going vessels are required to switch to compliant fuel (i.e. fuel with sulphur content not exceeding 0.5%, liquefied petroleum gas and any other fuel approved by the Director of Environmental Protection) from 1 July 2015. The Government has been collaborating with the governments in Pearl River Delta to reduce vessel emissions in the region.
2016包括珠江三角洲的船：Co-operation with the Mainland will be strengthened. The focus will be on designating an emission control area in the waters of the Pearl River Delta, reducing emissions from marine vessels, monitoring air quality, and studying the formation and control of ozone and fine suspended particulates.
D. 綠化
9. 綠化:
Greening can bring about many benefits. Through the process of photosynthesis, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, thus refreshing the air for our breathing. They also absorb gaseous contaminants such as sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxide in the atmosphere.
Greening can beautify our environment, especially in a densely populated city like Hong Kong where trees and shrubs provide freshness, beauty, comfort and elegance for our enjoyment. It can improve the urban living conditions and enhance the quality of our lives.
To better guide the planning, design and implementation of greening works, the Government started to develop Greening Master Plans (GMPs) since 2004. The Plans aim to define an overall greening framework by identifying suitable locations for planting with desirable themes and species, thus paving the way for continuous and consistent results in enhancing the green environment.)
Besides GMPs, greening has been positively integrated into the design of government buildings. In addition to implementing greening at ground levels, Government has been exploring ways to increase the greening areas in government buildings, like roof greening and vertical greening.
Since 2001, Government has been incorporating roof greening designs where practicable into the appropriate new government building projects. The buildings involved include schools, crematoria, hospitals, offices, community centres, etc. Furthermore, Government has been taking the chance during the major roof works of existing government buildings to introduce retrofitted roof greening to the buildings where practicable since 2006. Roof greening not only provides extra green spaces but also improves cityscape and enhances the effectiveness of heat insulation. When applied on a large scale, it can attenuate urban heat island effect as well.
Apart from roof greening, Government has been exploring opportunities for vertical greening in government buildings. Since 2008, vertical greening has been adopted in some government capital works projects including schools and government buildings. Vertical greening not only increases the amenity value of the site but also improves air quality. In the long run, it can also reduce urban heat island effect.)
E:其他
10.其他:揮發性有機化合物
VOCs mean volatile organic compounds and are found in a wide variety of products such as solvent-based paints, printing inks, many consumer products, organic solvents and petroleum products. In addition to motor vehicles, the use of these VOC-containing products releases VOCs that eventually cause air pollution and smog.)
VOCs play a significant role in the formation of ozone and fine particulates in the atmosphere. Under sunlight, VOCs react with nitrogen oxides emitted mainly from vehicles, power plants and industrial activities to form ozone, which in turn helps the formation of fine particulates. The accumulation of ozone, fine particulates and other gaseous pollutants results in smog that reduces visibility. The economic growth in the Pearl River Delta comes with increased formation of these pollutants, thus aggravating the regional smog phenomenon. Smog is particularly severe under stagnant weather conditions, e.g. a typhoon approaching, or northerly winds that are common in autumn)
Smog can irritate our eyes, nose and throat, or can worsen existing heart and respiratory problems such as asthma. People with heart and lung problems, the elderly and children whose respiratory systems are still developing are most at risk. Healthy adults of all ages who exercise or work vigorously outdoor are more sensitive to the pollution because of their higher level of exposure than people who are less active outdoors. Prolonged exposure to severe smog condition may cause permanent damage to lung tissue and affect our immune system. In addition, smog impairs visibility and has a negative impact on tourism.)
What has the Government done to reduce VOC emissions and smog? Implemented VOC Regulation in phases since April 2007 to control the VOC content in architectural paints/coatings, printing inks and six selected consumer products (i.e. air fresheners, hairsprays, multi-purpose lubricants, floor wax strippers, insecticides and aerosol insect repellents), and require emission reduction devices to be installed on certain printing machines. The regulation was amended in October 2009 to extend the control in phases starting from 1 January 2010 to vehicle refinishing paints/coatings, vessel and pleasure craft paints/coatings, adhesives and sealants.)
參考:
環保署問題及解決方案http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/tc_chi/environmentinhk/air/air_maincontent.html
香港清新空氣藍圖 http://www.enb.gov.hk/tc/files/New_Air_Plan_tc.pdf
香港清新空氣藍圖(English)
歷年施政報告
參考:
1. 環保署, Letter to the editor of South China Morning Post - Response to reader's letter relating to air quality, 28-05-2015
2. 環保署, Letter to the Editor of South China Morning Post - Response to an article on emissions control for petrol and LPG vehicles, 25-11-2015
3. 環保署, Letter to the Editor of South China Morning Post – Response to a reader’s letter on measures to improve air quality in Hong Kong, 3-12-2015
延伸閱讀：
1. 左丁山, 低油價害環保, 香港:蘋果日報, 10 Dec, 2015
2. 港政策落後 無助減排, 香港:蘋果日報, 14 Dec, 2015
3. 左丁山, 環保不成錢作怪, 香港:蘋果日報, 16 Dec, 2015
4. 高慧然, 好彩爆得早, 香港:蘋果日報, 17 Dec, 2015
5. 左丁山, 中國汽油不減價, 香港:蘋果日報, 23 Dec, 2015
6. 空氣污染 忽視本地源頭, 東方日報, 2016年1月11日
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