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The Permanent Secretary for the Environment / Director of Environmental Protection, Ms Anissa Wong, today (January 26) praised the efforts and commitment of premises owners and property management companies in participating in the Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Certification Scheme for Offices and Public Places, thereby enabling users of the premises to enjoy clean and pleasant indoor air quality.
Speaking at the IAQ Certificate Award Ceremony 2010, Ms Wong noted that good indoor air quality not only helped provide a pleasant living environment but also protects public health.
The Government is dedicated to promoting good IAQ and public understanding of its importance. The IAQ Information Centre was set up in 2001 by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) to help premises owners, building management companies and the public learn more about how to improve and maintain good indoor air quality.
In September 2003, the EPD launched the IAQ Certification Scheme for Offices and Public Places to promote and commend good IAQ management practice. By the end of 2010, there were 559 valid IAQ certificates. Among them, 124 are "Excellent Class" certificates and the rest rated as "Good Class".
Ms Wong said that achieving good indoor air quality is not difficult. All it requires is suitable design, proper operation and regular maintenance of ventilation systems, together with the use of low pollutant-emitting products, furnishing materials and interior equipment as far as possible. She expected more property owners, building managers and the public would take action and participate actively in pursuit of better indoor air quality.
More information on indoor air quality is available from the IAQ Information Centre and its dedicated website: www.iaq.gov.hk.
Ends/Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Issued at HKT 16:40
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