EPD releases Environmental Performance Report 2026 and 2025 environmental annual reports
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Environmental Performance Report 2026
In review of 2025, the EPD achieved significant milestones across various sectors, including water quality, environmental assessment, and innovative technologies, in which the EPD has received both domestic and international recognition.
In December 2025, Hong Kong's Mirs Bay was selected as a national "Outstanding Example of Beautiful Bays" with an excellent overall score. This marks the first time the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has received the national commendation, affirming the efforts of the HKSAR Government in marine environment protection and ecological conservation, and highlighting Hong Kong's significant achievement of active participation in the joint building of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area into a beautiful bay area.
The EPD continues to advance the application of innovative technologies, garnering widespread acclaim. Last year, the Territory-wide Sewage Surveillance Programme, co-developed by the EPD, the Drainage Services Department (DSD) and the Department of Health, won the Grand Award in the Innovation Category (2010-Present) of the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers' 50th Anniversary Legacy Award. This recognises the team's innovative model of using technology to safeguard public health and environmental wellness. Furthermore, the Hong Kong Environmental Database (hked.epd.gov.hk/en/homepage), developed by the EPD, won several domestic and international awards. These include the Best Smart Environment Award and the Grand Award at Hong Kong/Shanghai Co-operation Open Data Challenge 2025, showcasing excellence in integrating cutting-edge technology with environmental governance. Additionally, the EPD's AI Environmental Air Nuisance Investigation Robot Dog (AI Dog) won the Gold Award at the HKMA/HKT Global Innovation Award. Utilising AI for on-site monitoring, the AI Dog has significantly improved enforcement efficiency and overcome previous technical limitations in nuisance investigations.
The EPD has also remained proactive in resolving long-standing environmental issues through technology and inter-departmental collaboration. A dedicated task force comprising the EPD, the DSD and the Buildings Department, has successfully tackled sewerage misconnections in Sham Shui Po. This collaborative effort earned the Ombudsman's Awards 2025 for Teams of Public Organisations, recognising cross-departmental collaboration and professional spirit.
Hong Kong's air quality continues to improve
The report indicates that overall air quality in 2025 remained good and broadly complied with Hong Kong's Air Quality Objectives. Owing to the sustained emission reduction efforts of the HKSAR Government over the years, Hong Kong's air quality has continued to improve over the past 20 years, resulting in an over 50 per cent reduction in long-term health risks.
From 2004 to 2025, the annual average concentrations of respirable suspended particulates (PM10), fine suspended particulates (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and sulphur dioxide (SO2) in the ambient air have reduced significantly by 45 per cent to 88 per cent, whereas the annual average concentrations of these pollutants at the roadside have reduced by 37 per cent to 83 per cent. The annual average concentration of ozone (O3) has also gradually turned steady in the past few years. The number of hours of reduced visibility has greatly reduced by 83 per cent from its level in 2004.
The EPD launched the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) in 2014 to provide the public with daily updates on short-term health risks of air pollution, enabling individuals to take necessary precautions to safeguard their health. In 2025, the percentage of hourly AQHI readings below seven (i.e. within the "low" or "moderate" health risk categories) recorded by general and roadside monitoring stations improved from 96.1 per cent and 92.1 per cent when the index was first launched in 2014 to 98.4 per cent and 98.6 per cent, respectively.
Hong Kong's environmental water quality continues to improve
In 2025, river water quality continued to be satisfactory and stable, with the overall Water Quality Objectives (WQO) compliance rate reaching 89 per cent. A substantial 81 per cent of river monitoring stations achieved a Water Quality Index (WQI) grading of "Good" or "Excellent", a significant leap from 26 per cent in 1987. This progress reflects the notable success of the Government's pollution control and river management measures implemented over the past three decades. As pollutant loads entering rivers continue to decline, Hong Kong's rivers have successfully sustained their long-term trend of water quality improvement.
In 2025, the overall compliance rate for marine WQOs was 74 per cent, which was lower than in previous years, primarily due to exceptional weather conditions. The summer of 2025 was abnormally hot, with the frequency of tropical cyclones and heavy rainstorms reaching record highs (with a total of 14 Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals and over 20 Red or Black Rainstorm Warning Signals issued), leading to persistent natural stratification of seawater, which reduced dissolved oxygen levels and resulted in a decline in the compliance rate for relevant water quality indicators. Given that these circumstances were driven by short-term meteorological and natural factors, the long-term improving trend of marine water quality remains intact.
With the overall improvement in Hong Kong's environmental water quality in recent years, the triathlon event of the 15th National Games was successfully held in November 2025 at the Central Harbourfront Event Space and Victoria Harbour, with water quality meeting the stringent standards required for the competition. Hosting such a major national sporting event in the core of a busy harbour marks a remarkable achievement in Hong Kong's efforts to enhance its environmental water quality.
An EPD spokesperson said, "The progress made in 2025 is a testament to the collective efforts of the Government and all sectors of the society. Looking ahead, Hong Kong will continue to leverage its unique strengths and expertise to promote regional co-operation. We are committed to continuously enhancing our environmental governance and working hand-in-hand with the community to create a greener and more sustainable future."
For the Environmental Performance Report 2026, please visit www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/resources_pub/publications/pub_reports_ap.html. For the 2025 annual reports on Hong Kong's air quality, marine water quality and river water quality, please visit www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/resources_pub/publications/pub_reports_mr.html.
Ends/Friday, June 5, 2026
Issued at HKT 16:00
Issued at HKT 16:00
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