Green event guidebook launched today (with photos)
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Speaking at the event, entitled "A Stepping Stone to Green Event: Release of Guidance Booklet and Experience Sharing Seminar", the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, said waste reduction at source is of the utmost importance in tackling Hong Kong's waste. The Government will implement municipal solid waste charging across all sectors to promote waste reduction, and the community should prepare for the implementation of charging as soon as possible, he added. He called on all event organisers and stakeholders from various sectors to make reference to the guidebook produced by the EPD and the BEC to enhance the waste reduction effectiveness.
Mr Wong said, "The Government has already issued internal guidelines and circulars to all bureaux and departments to take the lead in adopting good practice in waste reduction and recycling when organising conferences, exhibitions and events. The Government has also all along been communicating with event organisers in the community to encourage them to step up green measures when organising events. It is the responsibility of every one of us to cherish our resources. I call on people from various sectors, including the industrial and commercial sector, the sports and entertainment sector, schools and others event organisers, as well as colleagues in the Government, to make reference to and implement the relevant guidelines as far as possible when organising events of any size. By doing so, it will help establish a green image for the event and enhance people's sense of participation."
Speaking at the experience-sharing seminar, the Director of Operations of the BEC, Mr Leung Chi-fung, said that the guidebook suggests that early planning by event organisers plays an essential role in effective resource conservation. During their events, organisers should properly sort waste and set up appropriate recyclable collection facilities. They should also ensure that all stakeholders clearly understand the guidelines and related information on proper recycling. After the events, organisers should properly handle the resources collected, and arrange reuse, donation and recycling of the leftover resources according to their different types. The guidebook also advises organisers to arrange on-site educational booths or promotional activities, and utilise a range of public channels to promote green messages, as well as to conduct waste audits and publicise their waste reduction achievements.
As there are different stakeholders involved in an event including the event management and co-ordination team, cleaning contractors, product and service providers, working partners and sponsors, as well as participants, Mr Leung said that the organisers should share the waste management strategy with related event stakeholders to jointly achieve waste reduction and clean recycling.
Today's seminar was also joined by organisers of the Hong Kong Sevens, Tai Kok Tsui Temple Fair and Hong Kong Flower Show and a representative from Food Angel who shared details of their successful experience in organising green events, as well as green measures to be adopted at forthcoming events. In addition, the Hong Kong Rugby Union, the Hong Kong Tourism Board, Hong Kong Amateur Swimming Association, Hong Kong Amateur Athletic Association, the Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department, the Mong Kok Kai Fong Association and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department were presented with Green Event Partners Certificates at the seminar.
The green event guidebook is now available on EPD website for public's reference: www.wastereduction.gov.hk/sites/default/files/GreenEvent_Guidebook_Eng_201801.pdf.
Ends/Monday, December 11, 2017
Issued at HKT 11:00
Issued at HKT 11:00
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