Government enhances Charter on External Lighting and calls for active participation
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The Working Group on External Lighting reviewed the effectiveness of the Charter, and advised on measures to further reduce the nuisance which may be caused by external lighting. Its recommendations include tightening the switch-off requirements in relation to operating hours and the mode to enhance the Charter. The Government accepted the recommendations and will introduce a new tier with more stringent requirements to the Charter where participants will switch off relevant external lighting installations at an earlier time (i.e. from 10pm to 7am on the following day). As to the mode of operation, participants will need to turn off non-static lighting installations or switch them to static mode one hour earlier than the current preset time (i.e. advanced from 11pm to 10pm). The enhancements will take effect on January 1, 2023.
"We will continue to invite more owners of and responsible persons for external lighting installations to sign up to the Charter, joining hands to foster a better nighttime environment which is conducive for the public to rest. Apart from enhancing the Charter, the EEB will promulgate guidelines which require all government departments to switch off external lighting with decorative, promotional and advertising purposes at 10pm," an EEB spokesperson said.
The Charter invites owners of and responsible persons for external lighting installations to switch off lighting installations with decorative, promotional or advertising purposes that affect the outdoor environment during preset times (the current requirement being 11pm or midnight to 7am on the following day). So far, the Charter has secured support of about 4 800 participants from sectors including building management, property development, hotels and catering, retail, banking, telecommunications, real estate agencies, as well as schools, public utilities, and public/non-governmental organisations.
The Working Group on External Lighting also recommends encouraging the innovation and technology (I&T) sector to develop technologies which mitigate light nuisance. The Government has included light nuisance mitigation technology on the E&M InnoPortal as an I&T wish, to encourage the I&T sector to initiate research and development in this regard. Suitable technologies proven to be feasible after preliminary tests can undergo trial in government premises.
The Working Group on External Lighting was appointed by the Government to review the effectiveness of the Charter, and to advise the Government on measures to better manage external lighting. It comprises members from professional bodies, relevant trades, academia, green groups and local communities. The Government will continue to monitor the implementation of the Charter, follow up on the other recommendations and report progress to the Working Group on External Lighting. Details of the recommendations are available at www.eeb.gov.hk/en/resources_publications/reports/report-energy.html.
Ends/Friday, October 28, 2022
Issued at HKT 15:00
Issued at HKT 15:00
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