(K) Build a Green and Liveable City

401. To achieve carbon neutrality before 2050, the Government is committed to implementing Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050, with measures including the use of zero-carbon energy, popularisation of electric vehicles (EVs) and promotion of waste reduction and recycling. Our per capita greenhouse gas emissions reached a new low of 4.41 tonnes in 2024.

Zero-carbon Energy

402. To boost the resilience of Hong Kong's power system, stabilise electricity prices and support emerging industries, the Government is pressing ahead with the reclamation project at Area 132 in Tseung Kwan O to accommodate new strategic electricity facilities, and is working with relevant Mainland counterparts and the two local power companies to explore options for transmitting electricity to Hong Kong. These efforts aim to increase the share of zero-carbon energy in our fuel mix for electricity generation from around 25% at present to between 60% and 70% by 2035, ultimately achieving net-zero electricity generation by 2050.

Development of Hydrogen Energy

403. The Government will continue to promote the development of hydrogen energy by advancing hydrogen trial projects in areas such as transport and power generation at construction sites. This will underline Hong Kong's role as a demonstration base for green technology and a platform for green finance and professional services.

404. The Government plans to submit the relevant subsidiary legislation under the Gas Safety (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 to the LegCo this year. It will set out implementation details for regulating the hydrogen supply chain, bolstering investor confidence in developing related businesses.

Enhance Waste Reduction and Recycling

405. The current-term Government promotes the circular economy. The disposal rate of municipal solid waste (MSW) has declined for four consecutive years, with an average of 10 326 tonnes per day last year, a decrease of 9.1% compared to 2021. The recovery amount climbed to about 2.02 million tonnes in 2024, a recovery rate rise from 28% to 34%.

406. I·PARK1 will come into full operation this year, processing 3 000 tonnes of MSW each day. The I·PARK2 project has also begun, with an operational target in the early 2030s, moving towards "Zero Landfill".

407. The Government has implemented the five-year waste reduction and recycling plan to optimise recycling facilities, starting in 2026-27. All Recycling Stores under GREEN@COMMUNITY across the territory have introduced self-service time slots since August this year and are being progressively upgraded into 24-hour, self-service smart facilities. The first 24-hour self-service smart Recycling Store will begin operation by year-end, and the rest will be completed in 2027. The number of smart recycling bins will gradually increase from about 140 sets at present to around 3 000 sets starting in mid-2027. The GREEN@COMMUNITY will also be consolidated into a district-based recycling network to create economies of scale.

408. Our average daily quantity of food waste collected increased from about 130 tonnes in 2021 to about 400 tonnes in the first half of this year. The number of food waste, smart recycling bins will increase by 600, to approximately 2 500 in the first quarter of 2028. We will achieve "one bin per block" in PRH estates across the city by the end of the year, as scheduled.

Promote the Popularisation of Electric Vehicles

409. The Government has been vigorously promoting the popularisation of EVs. There are now over 180 000 EVs in Hong Kong, and more than 7 out of every 10 first registered private cars are EVs. That growth rate ranks among the world's highest.

410. Parking spaces with charging-enabling infrastructure have increased from about 28 000 in 2021 to over 170 000. The number of public chargers has increased by more than twofold, from around 4 700 to approximately 17 300. The overall charging infrastructure is sufficient to support more than 270 000 EVs. We will continue to adopt fast chargers as the future backbone of our public charging network, with plans to increase the number of fast chargers to 5 000 within five years, supporting some 250 000 more EVs.

411. Our country leads the world in innovative charging technology. The megawatt-level, flash-charging technology can fully charge a private car in just nine minutes, while the battery swapping technology can replenish a vehicle in about 100 seconds at its fastest. With Government support, it is expected that these charging technologies will soon be adopted in Hong Kong. The Environment and Ecology Bureau, in collaboration with the National Energy Administration, will construct the first ChaoJi charging technology demonstration station in Hong Kong in 2027, showcasing its compatibility with national and European charging standards.

412. The Government will promote the adoption of electric commercial vehicles (e-CVs)⁴⁵ in a pragmatic manner. We have set up a working group to explore the introduction of suitable vehicle types for public light buses as a first step. We will also promote the use of mobile charging robots to offer a more flexible quick-charging solution for e-CVs.

Promote Animal Care and Control and Ecological Conservation Animal Care and Control

413. The Government will consult the LegCo on legislative proposals to step up efforts to combat cruelty to animals, and the illegal possession or use of hunting appliance at the end of the year. It will work to complete the legislative amendment exercise in 2027. We will also review the provisions on pet ownership and control, including those under the Dangerous Dogs Regulation, to further optimise the regulatory framework while enhancing publicity and education on the proper care of animals by pet owners.

Align with the National Biodiversity Strategy in a Proactive Manner

414. We will proactively align with the national biodiversity strategy by implementing the priority actions outlined in the Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2035. In addition, we will take forward various habitat conservation projects, such as beginning the first phase of construction for the Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park, designating the Sharp Island Marine Park, consolidating local ecological conservation red lines, strengthening the conservation of wetlands and coral communities and offering a more diverse and high-quality eco-recreational experience. We will also begin the legislative process to amend the Wild Animals Protection Ordinance, to strengthen the protection of cetaceans in Hong Kong waters.

Underground Common Utility Tunnels

415. Hong Kong's roads are more than 2 200 kilometres long in total, with various utilities buried underground spanning an aggregate length of about 110 000 kilometres. The excavation and road works conducted for the laying and maintenance of utilities cause inconvenience to the public.

416. In recent years, the Government has started to design and construct underground common utility tunnels under selected suitable major roads in NDAs on a pilot basis. Appropriate utilities⁴⁶ will be centrally accommodated in these tunnels, enabling inspection and maintenance to be carried out without the need for excavation and road works. Real-time sensor monitoring systems and AI technologies will also facilitate the detection and identification of abnormal conditions, enabling the issuance of alerts to prompt early inspection and maintenance. They include:

(i) Construction of the first underground common utility tunnel in the Kai Tak Development Area has been completed.

(ii) An underground common utility tunnel in the Tung Chung New Town Extension is expected to be completed in phases, starting from year's end.

(iii) In the NM, a section of an underground common utility tunnel is under construction in Yuen Long South and one in San Tin Technopole is being designed.

417. In light of the relatively high construction cost of an underground common utility tunnel, the Government will assess the implementation of the projects and proceed in a pragmatic manner.

Chapter VIII

Uphold a Reformist Mindset and Adopt a Holistic Approach to Development and Security

(A) Enhance City Governance, and Strengthen Disaster Prevention, Mitigation and Response Capabilities

Set up an "AI City Brain" Integrated City Management System

418. To enhance city management and strengthen emergency response capabilities, the Government will examine and set up an "AI City Brain" integrated city management system that links up and consolidates relevant big data of departments with city governance matters such as works, environment, transportation and emergency response, to create a data-sharing environment for multi-directional empowerment. Through big data analytics, departments will receive real-time information, improving their day-to-day city management and handling of emergencies.

419. I will set up a Task Force on the "AI City Brain" System, led by the Chief Secretary for Administration, with members from bureaux including the SB, the ITIB, the DEVB, the Transport and Logistics Bureau, to examine and develop the "AI City Brain" system. In the first phase, the digital infrastructure of the SB's Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre will be integrated into the system. That will provide early warnings of risks and trend forecasts powered by AI analysis, improving inter-departmental collaboration in response to situations such as extreme weather, major incidents and the daily maintenance of public order, with a view to developing the system progressively into a comprehensive and integrated city management system.

420. Government departments will concurrently develop or upgrade their existing digital infrastructure to integrate into the "AI City Brain" system, including:

(i) The DEVB will further upgrade the Common Spatial Data Infrastructure, and continue to enhance the 3D Digital Map by collecting and making use of more BIM data, facilitating the development of the digital twin city.

(ii) The HKPF will build a new "Inter-departmental Major Incident Platform" to support the exchange of real-time data from all emergency response units when handling major public incidents. This will enable more comprehensive information on casualties and missing persons. It will also make use of AI technology to expedite understanding regarding the circumstances of those affected by an incident and provide timely support.

(iii) The TD will study the setting up of a traffic management platform using AI and big data to access real-time traffic information and enable relevant departments and public transport operators to formulate contingency plans during extreme weather or major events. Aberdeen has been chosen as the first pilot site. The platform's function related to responses to extreme weather will be launched in 2027, and its remaining functions in 2028. The application will progressively be extended to other areas.

(iv) The DEVB will expand the cross-departmental, smart drone-management platform ("SmartAERO") to strategic regions throughout Hong Kong. The support of beyond-visual-line-of-sight inspections, automated surveillance and AI data analysis will speed up the response to emergencies such as landslides, flooding and fallen trees. It will also help to enforce the targeting of unauthorised building works and assist in the monitoring of safety of public works site. The data will be consolidated in the Common Operational Picture for rapid analysis with the use of AI tools, strengthening the cross-departmental co-ordination of emergency response and the deployment of resources.

Enhance Climate Adaptation and Resilience

421. In the face of global warming and extreme weather, we continue to enhance climate adaptation and resilience in Hong Kong, including:

(i) The Climate Change Working Group on Infrastructure, led by the Civil Engineering and Development Department, will co-ordinate with works departments in adapting to climate change. The Working Group has updated design standards to strengthen infrastructure and enhance its resilience. It will also share its findings with public organisations, public utilities, the AAHK and the MTR Corporation Limited.

(ii) In 2025, the Government published district-wide studies on flood risks due to extreme rainfall, storm surge, wave- and sea-level rise under the influence of climate change, as well as the impact on Hong Kong coastal areas. Flood- and coastal-management measures are being implemented in an orderly manner⁴⁷. Among these, 14 on-going drainage improvement projects will continue in various districts across Hong Kong such as the Eastern District, Wong Tai Sin and northern New Territories. They include construction of stormwater storage tanks, barrages and drainage tunnels. The projects are expected to be completed progressively by the end of 2031. The Government has also identified 37 coastal low-lying or windy areas for improvement works, including the provision of wave walls and demountable flood barriers. Works for 20 areas have been completed, while the remaining areas are scheduled for progressive completion by the end of 2030.

(iii) The Hong Kong Observatory will apply new technologies to enhance its capabilities and accuracy in monitoring, warning and forecasting extreme weather.

(iv) The IA has set up a Climate Insurance Laboratory in collaboration with the industry, universities and stakeholders to improve risk-data analysis and encourage the industry to develop innovative insurance products.

(v) The HKMA will issue transition-planning guidance for the banking sector in the third quarter to boost the capability of banks in risk management. Through practical guidance and case studies, the HKMA will also scale up the development of transition and adaptation finance in Asia, while identifying financing needs and capability gaps.

Enhance the Programme on Replacing, Repairing and Managing the Water Supply Network

422. Hong Kong's water supply network is vastly extensive and complex. The conditions of some of the aged water mains have deteriorated, and those made of cast iron and asbestos, which was commonplace in the past, are relatively vulnerable. In response, the Government will launch a water supply network upgrading programme to accelerate the handling of aged water mains and upgrade the system, as follows:

(i) By adopting a risk-based approach, we will replace or rehabilitate a total of 350 kilometres of aged water mains with higher risk of leakage over the coming five years, at an average rate of 70 kilometres per year, double that for 2026-27. In the first few years, we will focus on replacing cast iron and asbestos cement pipes in areas such as Shau Kei Wan, Wong Tai Sin and Kwai Tsing, where there are more PRH estates and elderly residents. The target is to have all cast iron and asbestos cement pipes phased out over an estimated 10-year period. With the pipe replacement and other related improvement measures under the programme, we expect to reduce the number of water pipe bursts and serious leakage incidents by around 20 to 30 per cent in the first five years.

(ii) We will replace existing valves and install additional ones for water pipes, lay two backup cross-harbour fresh water mains, and upgrade the salt water supply system to reduce the risk of failure.

(iii) We will establish an Intelligent Water Network Closed-loop Management Chain featuring real-time monitoring, intelligent prediction, precise leak detection and high-quality maintenance, and perform AI predictive maintenance in collaboration with universities and enterprises. We plan to fully implement dynamic pressure adjustment of the Government's water supply network within five years following the commencement of the Smart Water Supply System.

(iv) We will use the Underground Utilities Information System and 3D spatial analysis to raise the efficiency of inspection and maintenance.

(v) We will upgrade the existing inter-departmental task force to a steering committee led by the DEVB for more effective work co-ordination. An International Expert Group on Waterworks will also be set up, bringing together local, national and overseas experts to assist in reviewing the water supply network's long-term management strategy.

Reform the System for the Maintenance of Old Buildings

423. After the fire at Wang Fuk Court, I established an independent committee to investigate the causes of the fire and its rapid spread. I have also made it clear that we will pursue those responsible. The Police and the ICAC have so far laid prosecution charges against seven people and two companies with a total of 25 counts of offences, including suspected manslaughter, conspiracy to defraud and attempting to pervert the course of justice. The LD has initiated a total of 25 prosecutions against a contractor, a project consultant and so on for contraventions of OSH legislation. The Buildings Department has filed a total of 259 charges against four individuals and two companies, including the suspected use of materials which do not comply with the relevant provisions. I consider that some reform initiatives should be prioritised. Therefore, the Government has taken forward a number of enhanced measures to strengthen regulation and enforcement, and initiated legislative amendments, including:

(i) Implement a comprehensive smoking ban on construction sites after legislative amendments to the Construction Sites (Safety) Regulations and related anti-smoking legislation.

(ii) Embark on the amendment of the Fire Services Ordinance to enhance regulation on fire service installations and equipment (FSI) and their contractors, introduce the FSI responsible persons' regime, raise penalties and expand the enforcement powers of the Fire Services Department (FSD), with an aim to submit relevant proposals to the LegCo this year.

(iii) Expand the scope of amendments to the Buildings Ordinance, including the enhancement of the statutory control regime for major building maintenance works, imposing more stringent regulation and heavier penalties, and tightening the disciplinary mechanism for professionals and contractors to impose stringent penalties on non-compliance. The relevant proposals will be submitted to the LegCo this year.

(iv) Take forward legislative amendments to the Building Management Ordinance to impose a higher attendance requirement and voting threshold for decisions on large-scale maintenance procurement, improve the system for proxy instruments and optimise the system for declaration of interests. The relevant public consultation has been completed, with the target of submitting the proposal to the LegCo this year.

(v) Conduct a legal study on the criminalisation of bid-rigging in major building maintenance works and submit the relevant proposal to the LegCo this year.

(vi) Launch, for the first time, tender invitation and evaluation services for owners in engaging consultants and contractors.

(vii) Establish more rigorously vetted "pre-qualified lists" of consultants and contractors to complement owners' support services, including conducting background checks by law enforcement agencies. Invitation for applications will begin in September this year, and the lists will be available, progressively, from the end of 2026.

424. The Government is also looking into feasible options to better assist members of the public in handling matters involving professional knowledge in major building maintenance.

425. The independent committee is reviewing and analysing numerous written statements, reports and evidence, and will submit its report by the end of October. The Government will study the report and follow up on its recommendations, implementing reform and announcing the details.

Enhance Fire Safety and Emergency Response Measures

Promote the Internet of Things Fire Detection System Improve Building Fire Safety

426. The FSD will expand the scope of application of the Internet of Things (IoT) Fire Detection System to cover old buildings of seven storeys or above by the end of the year. Owners may choose to install the system as an alternative to traditional FSI⁴⁸. It offers real-time detection and rapid transmission of fire-alarm signals, enhancing building fire safety.

Leverage Fire Technology Strengthen Cross-boundary Fire Services Co-operation

427. The FSD will optimise the mobilisation protocol, command systems and casualty handling procedures, upgrade the overall configuration of the Fire Services Communications Centre, and place special focus on introducing next-generation technological tools (such as lightweight firefighting robots) to improve its capabilities to respond comprehensively to ultra-large-scale incidents. The FSD will also explore the application of AI to raise decision-making efficacy.

428. The FSD has co-ordinated with the Fire and Rescue Corps of Guangdong Province and the Macao Fire Services Bureau to form a "Cross-boundary Firefighting and Rescue Team". It will ensure the swift activation of co-ordinated response plans in the event of ultra-large-scale fire incidents through regular joint exercises, technical exchanges and equipment alignments, thereby consolidating regional joint prevention and control capabilities.

Combat Illicit Fuelling

429. The FSD will combat illicit fuelling activities by introducing legislative amendments to raise criminal penalties. It will also leverage big data for intelligence analysis to step up law enforcement efforts (e.g. deploying drone fleets to patrol remote black spots). Inter-departmental collaboration will be expanded to improve the effectiveness of law enforcement.

Enhance 999 Emergency Call Services

430. We will introduce three new functions: providing real-time audio, image and video data to assist the console in appraising on-site situations; transmitting relevant reporting information to the FSD instantly to expedite rescue deployment; and employing new technology to triage incoming calls, prioritising the most critical cases in the event of major incidents or busy line conditions.

Further Enhance District Governance

431. The Steering Committee on District Governance and the Task Force on District Governance, chaired by the Chief Secretary for Administration and the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration respectively, will continue to perform top-level supervision and co-ordination in addressing district issues of public concern and enhancing policy measures.

432. The HYAB and the HAD will continue to improve the effectiveness of DCs, "the three district committees" and Care Teams and strengthen their collaboration. A new district governance training programme for young people will be launched and "job shadowing schemes" will be implemented in District Offices and DC members' ward offices, to nurture more young people to engage in district work.

Enhance 1823 services to achieve the goal of "prompt referral and successful resolution"

433. Members of the public normally make requests to the Government via the 1823 Contact Centre. In the first seven months of this year, the centre received over 1.4 million calls and more than 600 000 written requests. The customer satisfaction rate is 4.6 points on a five-point scale.

434. With the target of ensuring "prompt referral and successful resolution", we have reviewed the current mechanism and considered that there is room for improvement in handling inter-departmental cases. The following enhancement measures will be adopted:

(i) A lead department will be designated to co-ordinate the handling of inter-departmental service requests and complaints. Departments will handle cases within their respective purview under the co-ordination of the lead department and report on case progress. The lead department shall promptly report any co-ordination issues to the Chairman of the Task Force on District Governance, i.e. the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, who will intervene and give instructions to ensure that departments will collaborate effectively to address the issue and inform the complainant of the result.

(ii) Each department will assign a directorate officer to monitor its efficiency and effectiveness in handling service requests and complaints lodged by members of the public.

(iii) The DPO will use AI technology to identify recurring problems among the cases received by 1823. Departments will review and formulate targeted solutions, shifting from post-complaint management to a proactive approach, whereby issues are managed even in the absence of complaints.

(iv) The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration will review the implementation progress of the new initiative regularly and brief the Steering Committee on District Governance.

(B) Reinforce Public Integrity as the Bedrock of our Society

Promote Integrity Building

435. Integrity is a core Hong Kong value and a key element supporting Hong Kong's competitiveness. The ICAC will regularly update its strategies to consolidate integrity building in Hong Kong, including stepping up law enforcement efforts to combat corruption. It will use technology to assist in corruption prevention and strengthen internal supervision, enhancing organisational governance through advisory services. It will also boost the effectiveness of anti-corruption education and publicity by making good use of social media and promoting public engagement.

Preparatory Work for the GlobE Network Asia Pacific Regional Bureau of the United Nations

436. With the support of the ICAC, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime will establish in Hong Kong its GlobE Network Asia Pacific Regional Bureau. This will help deepen international co-operation in law enforcement against corruption, while confirming the international community's confidence in and recognition for Hong Kong's anti-corruption system.

⁴⁵For example, medium and heavy goods vehicles and public light buses.

⁴⁶Including water supply pipes, cables, chilled water pipes of district cooling systems and communications facilities.

⁴⁷These measures will address flood risks up to the middle of this century (i.e. 2050). We will monitor climate change and review the flood risks of various districts, formulating appropriate measures and initiating necessary flood-prevention works to mitigate flood risks towards the end of this century (i.e. 2100).

⁴⁸Fire hydrants/hose-reel systems and manual fire-alarm systems.

(To be continued.)

Ends/Wednesday, September 16, 2026
Issued at HKT 14:25

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