The Best Practice Guide For Environmental Protection in Construction Site

Foreword
Prepared by the Hong Kong Productivity Council under the guidance

of the Hong Kong Eco-Business Awards Working Group, this
guidebook A Guide to Green Construction Practices presents
practicable measures on how to develop a green culture in the
management and operation of construction sites. Its preparation
involved an examination of existing practices within Hong Kong and
around the world to ensure its comprehensiveness. We encourage all
construction companies to use this guidebook regardless of whether
they are practising environmental measures or are just interested in
starting. From a business standpoint the adoption of resource
conservation measures is beneficial since it furthers the sustainability
of internal operations. From an environmental perspective, a green
construction culture can significantly help to limit negative impact on
the environment and will therefore contribute to society as a whole.
There are numerous potential benefits to adopting environmental
protection measures in businesses, many of which have not yet been
fully realized by construction contractors. We trust that the
information contained in this guidebook will provide valuable insights
to all those who wish to embark on a green construction culture.
Acknowledgements
The Environmental Campaign Committee, in collaboration with the Chinese
General Chamber of Commerce, the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce
and the Hong Kong Productivity Council, would like to thank the following
organisations for their support and useful suggestions :
Business Environment Council;

The Chinese Manufacturers' Association of Hong Kong;
Consumer Council;
Hong Kong Association of Property Management Companies;
Hong Kong Construction Association;
Hong Kong Council of Social Service;
Hong Kong Housing Authority; and
Hong Kong Housing Society.
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Table of Contents
Chapter 1 : Green Construction
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Why Green Construction?
1.3 How this Guidebook Can Help You?
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Chapter 2 : Green Leadership

2.1 Leadership
2.2 Policy
2.3 Organisation and Resources
2.4 Environmental Communication
2.5 Environmental Training
2.6 Managing for Continual Improvement
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Chapter 3 : Programme and Performance

3.1 Regulatory Compliance
3.2 Environmental Programme Implementation
3.3 Air Pollution Control
3.4 Noise Control
3.5 Water Pollution Control
3.6 Waste Management
3.7 Energy Conservation
3.8 Housekeeping
3.9 Other Environmental Considerations
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Chapter 4 : Partner Synergy

4.1 Clients
4.2 Suppliers and Contractors
4.3 General Community
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Chapter 5 : Working Your Way Towards Green Construction

5.1 Cultivating a Green Construction Culture
5.2 Keep up the Good Work
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Appendix I
: Examples of Local Environmental

Construction Initiatives
Appendix II : Environmental Ordinances / Regulations / Technical
Memoranda Relevant to Construction Operation
Appendix III : Checklist of Green Construction Tips
Appendix IV : List of Organisations for Assistance
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Chapter 1:
Green Construction
1.1 Introduction
The construction industry is one of the largest economic sectors in Hong Kong, having a total workforce of
some 84,000 persons and the gross value of construction work performed by main contractors was almost
HK$122 billion in 2000. Despite the very substantial economic contribution by the sector, its activities do
create some environmental impacts. These environmental impacts may include dust generation, effluent
discharge, noise problem, waste generation destruction of habitats and so on.
Construction companies over the world including Hong Kong have increasingly realised their
responsibilities for environmental protection in their construction activities. These "green" construction
companies have initiated environmental measures for themselves and are now experiencing benefits from
the steps they have taken. Companies that ignore environmental concerns will jeopardise future opportunities.
Recognising the need to fostering a green construction culture, government departments or nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) in many countries have already established programmes, initiatives,
guiding documents that aim to encourage construction contractors to adopt green construction measures.
In Appendix I the environmental construction initiatives in Hong Kong are outlined.
1.2 Why Green Construction?

To gain the maximum benefit from green construction, a construction company must be clear as to the
purpose and objectives of its green construction initiatives. A company who adopts green measures can
experience corporate benefits and avoid penalties. Its actions will also benefit the community and the
environment. These benefits include :
Corporate Benefits
Compliance with environmental requirements
Cost saving as a result of efficient use of resources
and reduced waste
Improved productivity & competitiveness
Attracting environmentally conscious clients
Environmental and Community Benefits

Enhancing environmental awareness of staff and the community
Preserving finite resources and reducing both local and global
environmental impacts
International recognition of Hong Kong's environmental efforts
Businesses may be subject to the following consequences if they fail to adopt environmentally friendly practices:
Risk of fines or even criminal prosecutions for gross violations of the law - there are increasingly offences
which attach liability to directors as well as the ultimate companies responsible for the operation
Develop a negative brand image in the eyes of the public
Unprepared for increases in environmental costs or government fines
Low staff morale
Experience difficulty in attracting business partners
1.3 How this Guidebook Can Help You?

This guidebook is specially aimed at providing information and guidance on green construction measures
with reference to both international and Hong Kong experiences. After reading this guidebook we hope
readers could:
Get an initial concept of green construction management;
Realize and adopt green tips given; and
Know how to put green construction management concept into practice.
The guidebook is structured in such a way as to maximise its user-friendliness. It includes the following
chapters :
Chapter 2 : Green Leadership

Green leadership refers to the level of commitment made by a company upper management towards the
pursuit of environmental objectives within the organisation and the commitment of managers and staff to
the implementation of environmental initiatives. This chapter describes the efforts of upper management
needed in cultivating a green culture in a construction company.
Chapter 3 : Programme and Performance

This category refers to the types of environmental programmes a company should establish and their
accomplishments. This chapter describes various environmental tips that a construction company can adopt.
They include conservation of energy and water; reduction, reuse and recycling of waste material; and
improvement of environmental quality such as noise control and air quality.
Chapter 4 : Partner Synergy

Partner synergy looks at how a company explores opportunities to inform suppliers and contractors about
the importance of environmental management and encourage them to adopt their own environmental
strategies in their individual operations. Also relevant is the extent to which the company participates in
environmental education for its customers and the general community. This chapter provides various tips
for construction companies to enhance partner synergy in environmental protection.
Chapter 5 : Working Your Way Towards Green Construction

This chapter concludes the guidebook with the provision of a self-assessment checklist and useful contact
information of organisations for advice.
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Chapter 2 :
Green Leadership
The manner in which upper management leads the organisation is critical to whether a green and
remunerative culture can be established within the organisation. Managers should display a strong
commitment to environmental conservation.They can show this through example by acting as a role model,
by establishing a clear policy that defines the organisations values towards environmental protection and
by fostering a work environment that facilitates staff awareness, communication and knowledge in order to
achieve improved environmental performance.
2.1 Leadership
In order to develop a green culture within an organisation, the management are required to both
demonstrate commitment and at the same time use incentives to encourage employees to practise green
measures. Attributes of a good leader include:
Strong planning and organisational skills;
Strong communication and interpersonal skills; and
Assertiveness.
Tips - What Should I do as a Leader?

Be a role model - Practise what you preach by following the same measures
you expect your staff to follow. This will demonstrate your commitment to your
companys environmental programme and turn you into a good role model.
Get involved in environmental programmes and activities.
Communicate with your employees in a two-way manner.
Establish incentives to encourage environmental conservation within your organisation (e.g. presenting
awards to those employees who are highly committed to undertaking environmental measures).
2.2 Policy
Top management should create an environmental policy that proclaims the commitment of the organisation
to protecting the environment. An organisations environmental policy is a statement of intent that is
designed to outline how it will reduce environmental impacts and improve environmental performance.
All organisational activities have potential environmental effects or impacts. The role of the environmental
policy is not to list individual initiatives or projects to deal with each impact, but to create a framework,
around which such initiatives can be developed, which will lead to improved overall environmental performance.
An environmental policy must not be viewed in isolation, but should be seen as an integral part of the
organisations business policies. In general terms, it should:
Demonstrate commitment to adopting good environmental practice.
Be company-wide: applies to all parts of the organisation and is not restricted to particular aspects of the
organisations operations or focused on individual departments.
Be strategic: state the aims and objectives of the policy and summarise reasonable activities and
procedures that shall be undertaken to achieve aims.
Tips - How Can It Be Prepared?

The environmental policy can be a simple concise statement that is made known to all employees and be
made available to the general public. In general, upper management and those employees responsible for or
interested in environmental management can jointly draw up a draft policy.Then all members of the organisation
should be allowed to comment on it before it is finalised. The environmental policy should contain
commitments to environmental conservation that can be turned into actions. Once established the
environmental policy should also be properly displayed to staff, business partners and customers.
An Example of Environmental Policy:

Our company is committed to taking action:
To undertake sound environmental practices throughout the entire operation.

To comply with all environmental legislation.
To minimise energy and water use.
To minimise the amount of waste produced and to re-use and recycle
whenever practicable.
To adopt pollution control measures so as to reduce environmental impacts.
To invite customers, suppliers to participate in our efforts to protect
the environment.
To openly communicate our policy and practices to interested parties.
To continually monitor and record our environmental impacts.
To continually improve our environmental performance by establishing
environmental objectives and targets.
2.3 Organisation and Resources

Appropriate allocation of both human and financial resources is required for the successful implementation
of environmental initiatives within an organisation. The first step in implementing your environmental
initiatives is to secure the support of your staff.This will increase the chance of programme success. Due to
the diverse nature of most environmental management measures, all members of your organisation will
conceivably be required to help run the programme.You are likely to see better results if all staff join in the
effort than if only a few individuals participate in the programme. Furthermore, by informing your staff about
the programme before you implement measures, it will help them to understand the benefits and rationale
behind the measures being taken, while getting them involved in making decisions to ensure that the programme
runs smoothly over the long term. Sometimes there may be members in your organisation who may not
fully co-operate with you on environmental programme implementation. Finding out the root cause for such
behaviour of these people and then changing their attitude are important. Communication clear and
reasoned environmental expectations to staff, monitoring staff environmental performance and establishing
an effective incentive/penalty mechanism are usually keys to environmental success.
Tips - Where Do I Start?

You can appoint an environmental champion called a Green Manager (GM) within your organisation.
This individual shall be responsible for encouraging staff to support environmental measures and for
co-ordinating programme implementation within your company. Your selected GM should be committed to
fulfilling programme requirements and to protecting the environment. The GMs responsibilities will vary
according to the programme that you have designed. However, the GM should assume a number of
fundamental duties that are listed below.
Encourage staff to become involved in the programme. This can be achieved by arranging information
dissemination sessions and by encouraging staff participation in the creation of environmental programmes.
Collect staff ideas and answer their questions or concerns regarding the programme.
Ensure that realistic objectives and targets are set.
Ensure effective implementation of the environmental programme.
Oversee internal checks and reviews.
Encourage staff to give suggestions and feedback.
Gree
Communicate the results of the environmental programme with the community.
n Ma
n
ager
You can refer to the Environmental Protection Departments publication Green

Managers in Business to find out more information on appointing a green manager.
In general, if all the members in your company take a little bit of effort to help run the programme, you will
experience benefits. To help boost programme participation, the GM can identify enthusiastic colleagues
from different levels within the company to help in programme implementation. The staff selected by the
GM should be capable of undertaking monitoring tasks and be committed to undertaking environmental
measures within your company. One of their key roles is to motivate and support staff members who are
relatively less active in environmental work. The number of individuals chosen to help guide programme
implementation will depend upon the size of your company and the number of construction sites under your
management. If your company is small in size, you may need only one person to co-ordinate your environmental
programme. However, if your company is substantial in size or manages a number of sites, then it would be
best to encourage colleagues from all levels to be involved in your programme and to appoint Site
Environmental Representatives in individual sites to coordinate environmental matters of individual sites.
If your GM has enlisted a number of colleagues to help run your programme, these members could form an
Environmental Task Force. The role of the Task Force would be to decide upon ways to co-ordinate
implementation efforts. The Task Force could meet on a regular basis (e.g. monthly) and discuss the progress
of the programme.
2.4 Environmental Communication

An organisation should develop channels that enable effective and timely communication of your
environmental message and other useful information. Two-way communication is encouraged and can
assume different forms including the following:
Vertical and horizontal communication - among all staff within the organisation; and
Communication with customers, business partners and the community.
Tips - What Should I Do?

Publicize your environmental policy, initiatives and accomplishments (e.g. Notice Board, Newsletter,
Annual Report, Intranet/Internet Web page, etc.).
Collect feedback from all levels of staff as well as from customers, business partners and community
members that you interact with through various channels.
Recognize and reward staff for their environmental initiatives through performance evaluation, awards, etc.
2.5 Environmental Training

Environmental training can enhance the competence of employees
and lead to overall improvement in organisational performance.
Aims of Environmental Training include:
Ensure all employees are acquainted with the organisations environmental policy and environmental initiatives.
Harness a commitment to the implementation of an organisations environmental policy.
Secure co-operation in the functioning of the environmental initiatives.
Ensure all staff are aware of the legal liabilities associated with their activities, both to themselves and their
employer.
Raise staff awareness of the environmental impacts associated with their particular activities.
Improve environmental performance and encourage a responsible attitude to environmental protection.
Encourage the development of practices that can reduce environmental impacts.
Improve communications on environmental issues within the organisation.
Tips - How Should I Conduct Environmental Training?

You should first develop an environmental training plan. When devising an environmental training plan an
organisation will need to decide:
What should be taught?
To whom the training should be given?
What level of competence is needed?
This can be answered by conducting a Training Needs Assessment. The first step is to assess knowledge
and levels of competence of employees. Staff whose work involve minimal environmental impacts may only
need basic awareness training and understanding of the organisations environmental policy and initiatives.
For those involved in procedural or operational activities, the assessment should seek to clarify the skills
required to perform tasks in an environmentally responsible manner. The next step is to devise a training
plan to those requiring environmental training in accordance with the training needs identified.
Sample Procedures for Assessing Training Needs
Determine competencies for key roles (education, training or experience level).

Compare with education skills and experience of employees.
Identify training needs for individual positions (See Training Needs Identification below for reference).
Devise and deliver appropriate training.
Record details of training given.
Check the effectiveness of training in achieving its aim.
Revise contents of training material, if necessary.
Training Needs Identification (An Example for Reference)

Possible Training Areas
Environmental policy
General environmental awareness
Environmental regulations and requirements
Environmental management system
Environmental programme establishment
Effective environmental communication
Licence and permit application
Licence and permit conditions
Good site practices
Proper use of equipment and operational procedures
Environmental mitigation measures
Environmental monitoring and audit
Emergency response plan
Green purchasing policy & supplier management
Sub-contractor management
Management
Supervisory Staff
Site Workers
2.6 Managing for Continual Improvement

To encourage members of your organisation to strive for continual improvement, you can use a number of
mechanisms to encourage environmental initiatives. A regular check of an organisations environmental
programme and the operational practices can usually serve the purpose. Regular checks can help an
organisation: Understand the overall effectiveness of the organisations environmental activities or initiatives;
Identify appropriate corrective or preventive actions necessary to eliminate the causes of identified problems;
and
Identify further environmental initiatives that can be implemented to achieve continual improvement.
Tips - Where Should I Start?

Devise a simple plan that outlines when environmental initiatives will be checked and what procedures will
be followed during each check.
Determine which staff members are most suited to conduct checking on a regular basis and delegate the
responsibility of checking to them.
Document checking reports in an organised, systematic manner so that they can be referred to on a
regular basis.
After completion of a check, examine the progress of improvement actions. If necessary, determine what
other appropriate corrective or preventive actions can be taken and implement new measures.
For contracts with specific Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) requirements, follow the EM&A
manual or relevant documents consistently.
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Chapter 3 :
Programme and Performance
3.1 Regulatory Compliance
Construction activities in Hong Kong are under control of a number of legal environmental requirements.
Construction companies must identify and comply with any relevant legal environmental requirements.
Companies should ensure that they are aware of all relevant environmental legislation by establishing suitable
procedures for identifying such requirements and ensuring that key staff have the necessary knowledge to
access this information.
Tips - How Can I Establish And Maintain A Register Of Environmental Requirements

For My Construction Operation?
Identify and collect legal information from corporate sources, relevant government authorities and
industry associations.
Establish a register of environmental requirements relevant to your operation based on the information
collected.
Establish a procedure to ensure that relevant staff have continuous access to the legal requirements.
Establish a procedure to ensure relevant information on legal requirements is communicated to employees
effectively.
Establish a procedure to keep track of changes to environmental requirements and to update the
environmental requirements accordingly.
Each construction firm will have its own list of relevant environmental requirements to which it must comply
with. The list varies from firm to firm depending on a firms peculiar operation. Appendix II is a summary of
environmental ordinances, regulations and requirements relevant to construction operation, which is not
necessarily comprehensive and is intended as guidance only. You are advised to consult the relevant ordinances,
regulations etc. and/or seek legal advice regarding detailed interpretation.
To better understand the status of compliance with environmental requirements, it is suggested to maintain
record of non-compliance and compile a monthly Compliance Report for management review. Areas of
regular, repeated or significant non-compliance should be identified and thoroughly remedied by taking
appropriate corrective and preventive actions.
3.2 Environmental Programme Implementation

Once management is committed to adopting environmental measures, an environmental programme that
defines the objectives, targets and schedule of various environmental initiatives can be formulated. Your
environmental programme should be designed to meet your organisations specific needs. Setting up your
own environmental programme makes good business sense. Such a programme can streamline operations,
cut costs, improve environmental performance and improve your image in the eyes of your staff, partners,
regulatory authorities and the public.
The following section outlines the approach you can take to create your environmental programme.
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Tips- How Do I Design An Environmental Programme?

Understand the Environmental Needs - Carry out an environmental review to determine the status of
your organisation in relation to the protection of the environment. (Hint : Use the Checklist in Appendix
III in your review). The review results should help to show you what your environmental strengths and
weaknesses are and help you to prioritise the actions that you need to take.
Define Your Objectives - Once you have identified the key areas that need improvement, you can begin to
determine which priority areas that you intend to make improvement.
Define Your Targets - According to the objectives, define specific, practicable and measurable targets for
implementation.
Formulate Your Action Plan - Formulate in detail the measures that will be taken to achieve the targets,
schedule for implementation and the indicator for progress monitoring. At the same time determine the
staff that will be responsible for undertaking different measures.
Monitor Your Programme - Keep track of the progress of the programme defined.
Review your Results - Review monitoring data to identify if improvements are required.
Example of an Environmental Programme

Objective :
Target :
To reduce the amount of surplus (waste) concrete for Contract

No. XXX
To reduce the amount of surplus (waste) concrete for Contract
No. XXX by 5% by (target completion date)
Actions
(i) To review
current concreting
schedule and
practices
Responsibility
Site Manager
Completion Date
XXX
Indicator
Evidence of
schedule and
practices reviewed
(ii) To formulate
rationalised concreting
schedule and practices
Site Manager
XXX
Evidence of rationalised
schedule and practices
(iii) To provide
staff training on
operational control
Green Manager /
Site Environmental
Respresentative
XXX
Documented training
record (e.g. programmme/
training materials,
schedule, participation list)
(iv) To conduct
monitoring
programme on
concreting
Relevant
Supervisors
XXX
Monitoring schedule
and records
Now that you understand how to develop an environmental programme, you can begin to determine the
measures that your company can take. The Hong Kong Construction Association has published a Best
Practice Guide for Environmental Protection on Construction Sites - Part I. In addition, the government has
produced a number of reference materials for the construction industry as indicated in relevant sections of
this chapter. You can refer to these reference materials in establishing your environmental measures. The
rest of this chapter lists a series of salient tips for different environmental considerations that could be
implemented by your company.
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3.3 Air Pollution Control

Construction sites can be significant sources of air pollutants. Such air pollutants can include (1) particulate
or dust emissions from blasting, demolition, drilling, crushing, excavation, vehicle movement, stockpiling and
concrete production; and (2) emissions of smoke, combustibles and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)
from construction site equipment and vehicles or the construction process itself (e.g. welding, painting,
gluing), with dust generation being the major concern. Companies responsible for the management of
construction sites can play a part in facilitating the reduction of air pollution arising from those sites.
Tips - How Can I Control Potential Dust Problem On Construction Sites Under My Management?
The Air Pollution Control (Construction Dust) Regulation has a clear statutory Schedule detailing the dust
control requirements for various construction activities. The contractor responsible for a construction site
where governed works are being carried out shall ensure that the works are carried out in accordance with
the Schedule. The following tips are essentially highlighted from general good site practices. Where more
stringent requirements from the Regulation apply, the contractor should observe these regulatory
requirements.
Site Preparation
Where a site boundary adjoins a road, street, service lane or other area accessible to the public, provide
hoarding of not less than 2.4 m on height along the entire length of that portion of the site boundary.
Provide effective dust screen, sheeting or netting to enclose any scaffolding built around the perimeter of
a building.
Materials Handling
Use fixed or mobile water sprays for watering of unpaved areas, access roads, construction areas and dusty
stockpiles regularly to keep dusty surfaces wet. If necessary, use suitable wetting agents such as dust
suppression chemicals during dry seasons.
Use effective water sprays during the delivery and handling of all raw sand and aggregate,
and other similar materials, to dampen all stored materials during dry and windy
weather.
Enclose on three sides all stockpiles of sand, aggregate or any other dusty materials,
with walls extending above the pile and 1 meter beyond the front of the pile, and
apply water in dr y or windy conditions where
appropriate.
To fit the conveyor belts within windboards and belt
cleaners and to enclose conveyor transfer points and
hopper discharge areas to minimize dust emission.
Minimize the heights from which excavated
materials are dropped in order to limit fugitive dust
generation during loading / unloading of these materials.
Where dusty materials are being discharged to vehicles from a conveying system
at a fixed transfer point, provide an enclosure with a flexible curtain across the
entry.
Do not operate your plant, activity or process when any air pollution control
system or equipment has broken down.
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Excavation
Ensure that the working area of any excavation or earth moving operation is sprayed with water immediately
before, during, and immediately after the operation in order to maintain the entire surface wet.
Properly treat exposed earth by compaction, turfing, hydroseeding, vegetation planting or sealing with
latex, vinyl, bitumen or other suitable surface stabilizer within 6 months after the last construction activity
on the construction site.
If spoil, silt or debris has been found deposited on adjacent land, remove all spoil, slit or debris immediately
and restore the affected land and stream to their natural state.
Store the stockpiles in sheltered areas if spoil cannot be immediately transported out of the sites.
Vehicle Movement
Establish a paved surface which has to be kept clear of loose surface material if there is a regular movement
of vehicles.
Restrict all motorized vehicles within construction sites to a maximum speed (e.g. 8 km per hour) and
install speed limit signage at appropriate locations.
Ensure that vehicle engines are turned off when they are not in use.
Confine haulage and delivery vehicles to designated roadways inside the sites.
Ensure that vehicles transporting dusty materials are fitted with side and tailboards.
Cover materials transported by vehicles, with the cover properly secured and extended over the edges of
the side and tailboards.
Dampen dusty materials before transportation.
Provide wheel washing facilities, including a high pressure water jet, at the exits from work areas.
Provide a hard surface road between any washing facility and the public road.
Inspect vehicles regularly to ensure that exhaust emissions are not causing nuisance, such as dark smoke
emission.
Demolition Work
Ensure that the area at which demolition activities take place is sprayed with water immediately prior to,
during, and immediately after the demolition activities in order to maintain the entire area wet.
Use impervious dust screens or sheeting to enclose the whole wall to a height of at least 1 meter higher
than the highest level of the structure being demolished.
Cover all demolished items that may dislodge dust particles entirely by impervious sheeting or place them
in an area sheltered on the top and the 3 sides.
Wet with water any dusty materials remaining after a stockpile is removed and clear them away from the
surface of roads or streets.
Follow the Code of Practice on the Handling, Transportation and Disposal of Asbestos Waste published by
Environmental Protection Department if asbestos containing materials are found in the buildings or structures.
Drilling and Blasting
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Ensure watering is undertaken to reduce dust emission where breaking of rock or concrete is required.
Ensure that wire meshes, gunny sacks, sandbags, blast nets and other appropriate covers are used on top
of the blast area on each shot to prevent the flying off of rocks and to suppress dust generation.
Wet areas with water in the vicinity of blasting operation (e.g. 30m from the blasting area) before blasting
is conducted.
Do not carry out blasting (or any other dust generating activity) when environmental conditions are such
that dust generation will be exacerbated (e.g. when the strong wind signal or tropical cyclone warning
signal No. 3 or a higher cyclone signal is in effect).
Tips - How Can I Control Potential Emissions Of Smoke And Combustibles On Construction Sites
Under My Management?
Do not carry out open burning for the purpose of clearance of a site in preparation for construction work
or for the disposal of construction waste.
Consider the use of low emission products and materials.
If a power generator is used on-site, maintain it regularly and properly to avoid dark smoke emission.
Suggested further readings :

- Cut Down Construction Dust issued by Environmental Protection
Department
- Environmental Asbestos Control issued by Environmental Protection
Department
- Recommended Pollution Control Clauses for Construction Contracts
issued by Environmental Protection Department
3.4 Noise Control

Construction sites can be significant sources of noise emissions. Noise generating activities
on a construction site can include road laying/breaking/drilling, loading, unloading or handling
of rubble, compacting, concrete mixing & pumping, hammering, site clearance, scaffold erection and
removal. Excessive noise can be irritating and harmful to human health. Companies responsible for the
management of construction sites should take measures to minimise noise arising from those sites.
Tips - What Can I Do To Reduce Noise Problems?

Planning
Avoid noisy activities at restricted hours (weekdays : 1900-0700 hrs or holidays whole day).
Restrict night time working to low noise activities to ensure no exceedance of acceptable noise level.
Avoid simultaneous operation of several noisy activities close to a receiver to reduce cumulative impacts.
Schedule noisy activities at times when dwellings are more likely to remain unoccupied.
Consider mitigation measures or alternative plant as detailed below:
Plant
Noise Mitigative Measures
Alternative Plant
Hammer drive
piling equipment
Enclose hammer head and

top of pile in acoustic screen.
Use resilient pad between
pile & hammer.
Bored piling using crane or tripod

winch vibratory system.
Earth-moving plant
(e.g. dump truck)
Fit more efficient mufflers.

Enclosure panel kept closed &
lined with 50mm fiberglass
Super silenced plant may be

available from manufacturers.
Use conveyors rather than
trucks and dumpers.
Compressors &
generators
Fit more efficient mufflers.

Enclosure panel kept closed &
lined with 50mm fiberglass
Super silenced plant may be

available from manufacturers.
Electric-powered compressors
are available.
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Employ off-site concrete batching plant rather than on-site production, whenever appropriate.
Dispose of rubble through plastic (rubber) chutes instead of metal chutes (or use rubber linings in chutes
and dumpers to reduce impact noise).
Use particular models of powered mechanical equipment (PME) that are quieter than standard types given
in Technical Memorandum on Noise from Construction Work Other Than Percussive Piling. Examples of sound
power levels for specific silenced PME, which are known to be available in Hong Kong, are given below :
Items of Powered Mechanical Equipment
Sound Power Level (dB(A))
Bulldozer
110 dB(A) max
Breaker (Hand-held)
110 dB(A) max
Compressors
100 dB(A) max
Concrete pumps
105 dB(A) max
Dump truck
109 dB(A) max
Excavator
105 dB(A) max
Generator
100 dB(A) max
Lorry
105 dB(A) max
Loader
105 dB(A) max
Poker vibrator
110 dB(A) max
Control of Noise Propagation

Use one or more of the following noise propagation measures.
- Erect noise barriers either close to sources or receivers that can achieve a noise reduction of 5-10dB(A);
- Construct silencer baffles or sound proof enclosure, whenever technically feasible, to enclose noisy site
activities;
- Erect partial enclosures at sources that can achieve a noise reduction of up to 15dB(A);
- Provide full enclosures fitted with sufficient ventilation at noise sources that can achieve a noise
reduction of more than 20dB(A).
Properly maintain noise barriers and enclosures to ensure that they are free of gaps.
Measure the general construction noise at critical locations at regular intervals with hand held noise
monitoring instruments.
Good Site Practices

Locate equipment away from receivers (doubling distance will result in a 6dB(A) reduction).
Position equipment that emits excessive noise in one direction (e.g. ventilation fan) such that noise is
directed away from nearby receivers.
Locate equipment behind large obstruction (e.g. site offices, containers, soil mounds, material stockpiles).
Avoid prolonged operation of noisy equipment close to dwellings and schools.
Switch off or throttle down equipment when not required.
Regular maintenance of all plant and equipment to avoid noise from abnormal operation (e.g. check
efficiency of mufflers, lubricate bearings).
Avoid steep gradients of internal haul routes.
Minimise drop height of materials.
Start up plant & vehicles sequentially rather than all together.
Ensure engine panels are closed.
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- Environmental Protection Department Practice Note for Professional
Persons (Noise from Construction Activities - Statutory)
(ProPECC PN 1/93)
Persons (Noise from Construction Activities - Non-statutory Controls)
(ProPECC PN 2/93)
Persons (Use of Quiet Construction Equipment for Road Opening Works
during Non-Sociable Hours) (ProPECC PN 1/96)
3.5 Water Pollution Control

Construction activities may potentially cause water pollution from dredging/filling activities and,
construction run-off and drainage. These activities may cause physical, chemical and biological effects. The
physical effects could arise from any increase in suspended solids from the site which could cause blockage
of drainage channels and associated local flooding when heavy rainfall occurs. Possible chemical effects may
include localised increases in turbidity and discolouration, localised elevations in pH and accretion of pH
solids. They may also cause biological effects to marine biota due to elevated pH values, reduced decay rates
of faecal microorganisms due to decreased light penetration, and a localised increase in the proportion of
unionised ammonia.
Water Conservation
Minimising consumption of water in construction sites not only cuts down the water cost, but also reduces
the burden and cost of wastewater treatment. Companies operating the construction activities should
firstly consider ways to conserve water, and then adopt measures to control discharge of wastewater.
Tips - How Can I Conserve Water?

When employing a sub-contractor, include language in construction documents that
promotes water conservation and holds the sub-contractor financially responsible
for resource consumption.
Monitor water usage to identify areas of waste and abuse, then reduce
resource consumption and cost.
Install flow restrictors, automatic shut off-systems and
appliances for reduced water use during
construction.
Reuse captured stormwater and/or construction
wastewater on the construction site.
Recycle wastewater from wheel washing bay
or treatment facilities of the concrete batching
plant.
17
Dredging, Transport and Dumping of Marine Mud

Dredging practices create a number of environmental concerns including:
Direct effects on the local hydrodynamic environment e.g. intrusion of salt wedge further upstream,
increased shoreline wave action, changes to tidal range and tidal current.
Re-suspension and settlement of sediment on sensitive aquatic ecosystems which can have impacts on the
diversity and growth rate of the flora and fauna. Problems arise in particular where contaminated
sediments which were locked into the seabed are released by the dredging process.
Where underwater blasting is involved, explosive charges used to break up rock formations can destroy
bottom habitats, injure or disable marine life, force mobile marine life to move from the blasting site and
damage shorezone bulkhead structures.
Tips - How Can I Control And Minimise The Environmental Impacts Of Dredging, Transport and
Dumping Of Marine Mud?
Apply for, and comply with conditions of, dumping permits obtained from the Environmental Protection
Department.
Knowledge of the areas hydrography (tidal and river flows) prior to starting work is essential in identifying
areas most likely to be affected by the work.
Use silt curtains if practical to limit the dispersion of sediments.
Underwater blasting schedule should take into account migratory pathways of important fisheries.
Pay attention to proximity and condition of nearby shorezones, bulkheads and other structures to ensure
that use of explosives in underwater blasting does not pose a threat to their integrity.
Determine whether possible current pattern changes will jeopardize or encourage resettlement of the
original bottom life and associated fishery resources.
Design and maintain all equipment to minimise the risk of release of silt and other contaminants into the
water column or locations other than designated location.
Use properly sized vessels to allow adequate clearance between vessels and the seabed at all states of tide
to avoid undue turbidity caused by turbulence from vessel movement or propeller action.
Maintain adequate freeboard on barges to ensure that decks are not washed by wave action.
Monitor all vessels transporting material to avoid deliberate dumping of dredged material outside the
approved location or loss of material during transportation.
Conduct marine monitoring at the downstream location of the dumping site where applicable.
Follow any additional government requirements if contaminated marine mud is handled.
Consider the practical availability of alternative land-based methods of treatment or disposal to render the
matter less harmful for dumping at sea.
Land-based Activities
Land-based construction works may have the potential to cause water pollution if uncontrolled. Potential
sources of water pollution from land-based construction
site run-off may include :
18
Run-off from site surfaces, drainage channels, earth

working area and stockpiles.
Contaminated groundwater from any dewatering
activities.
Water spray for dust removal.
Wash water from site cleaning and vehicle wheel
cleaning facilities.
Water and sewage from toilet and kitchens.

Release of any bentonite slurries and other grouting materials with run-off, storm water or groundwater
dewatering process.
Release of fuel, oil and lubricants from maintenance of construction vehicles and equipment.
Tips - How Can I Control Wastewater Discharged At The Land Based Construction Sites Under
My Management?
Provide information and/or training to all site workers on the effluent discharge routes and points and
wastewater management facilities at the site.
Instruct workers to properly collect, handle and dispose of debris and rubbish on site to prevent these
wastes from entering into nearby storm drain/watercourse.
Collect spent bentonite slurries or other grouts in slurry collection system for reconditioning and reuse
wherever practicable.
Install secondary containment for hazardous material storage areas (e.g. fuel tanks) with a capacity equal to
110% of the volume of the largest tank.
Minimise exposed soil areas to reduce potential for contamination of run-off due to increased siltation or
erosion.
Stabilise all exposed earth as soon as possible after completion of earthworks
Identify, mark and surround the boundary of any critical areas of earthworks (e.g. relatively low-level areas)
by dykes or embankments for flood protection.
Where there is a watercourse running through the work area, construct dykes along segments of the
watercourse to prevent washing of earth into the watercourse.
Provide a site drainage system that may comprise temporary ditches, drainage pipes and/or culverts to
collect site run-off for treatment.
Route wastewater from concrete mixing/batching areas to a properly designated effluent treatment system.
Provide adequate sanitary facilities (e.g. portable chemical toilets, septic tanks for holding discharge from
toilets, bathrooms and kitchens) and employ licensed contractor to collect contents of these toilets/septic
tanks for disposal.
Maintain all sanitary facilities in good and running conditions (e.g. clean all the sedimentation facilities
periodically or after rainstorms).
Implement appropriate precautionary actions whenever a rainstorm is likely or imminent.
Cover the open stockpiles of construction materials (e.g. aggregates, excavated materials, sand and fill
materials) with tarpaulin or similar fabric during rainstorms or arrange for other measures to prevent the
washing away of construction materials, soil, silt or debris into any nearby drainage system.
Ensure that all manholes at the sites are adequately covered and temporarily sealed to prevent washing
down of silt or debris into the drainage system.
Provide an adequately designed wheel washing bay which should have a wash water collection basin for
removal of settle and silt at every site exit.
Ensure that all vehicles be cleaned by the wheel washing bay prior to leaving the construction site.

Persons (Construction Site Drainage) (ProPECC PN 1/94)
- Recommended Pollution Control Clauses for Construction Contracts issued
by Environmental Protection Department
19
3.6 Waste Management

About 7,460 tonnes of construction and demolition waste are disposed of at landfills each day in Hong Kong,
constituting some 42% of the total daily solid waste generation in Hong Kong.These include excess concrete,
bricks, metals and aggregate, plastic packaging and other plastic products, plasterboard and plaster and paper
and cardboard. Landfills are quickly becoming full. However, since land in Hong Kong is a precious and scarce
commodity, there is little space for the creation of new landfills. A portion of the waste that is generated
every day can be reduced through reuse or recycling (for use as another product). Construction companies
are encouraged to develop a Waste Management Plan detailing waste avoidance, reduction, treatment and
disposal measures for any construction site. The following section outlines measures that can be taken to
reduce the amount of waste that ends up in landfills.
(1) Construction & Demolition Waste

Tips - How Can I Manage Construction And Demolition Waste Effectively?
Avoidance
Purchase materials in a manner that minimises waste and unnecessary costs. For example, size of materials
purchased should agree with the dimensions of structure to avoid excessive cut-offs.
Implement measures to minimise over-ordering and then wastage of materials such as concrete, mortars
and cement grouts.
Check consistency of drawings and specifications to avoid unnecessary hacking-off of concrete or unwanted work.
Use durable, reusable hoarding to replace timber hoarding.
Use precast concrete units produced at a casting yard with high degree of quality control.
Use steel formworks as far as possible.
Use standard wooden panels for high reuse level if timber formworks are unavoidable.
Use interior drywall partition that requires low level of skill and is easy to install.
Practice effective material control to minimise material loss and ensure the efficient use of resources.
Examples are provided below:
Concrete loss control

Calculate the exact amount of ready-mix concrete required
Try to minimise spillage of concrete onto floor while concreting
Control the slab thickness by controlling the quantity of concrete
Reuse residual concrete for road paving or fabricating other concrete
products
Maintain proper record of concrete usage
Steel reinforcement loss control
20
Review steel bar plan and bending and cutting schedule

Calculate and order the exact amount of steel reinforcement required
Monitor the bar cutting process
Calculate and record the ratio of loss of steel reinforcement
Collect residual steel bar for recycling
Tiles loss control
Calculate the quantity of tiles required according to plans

Establish unit consumption of tiles
Monitor unit consumption of tiles
Properly package residual tiles for reuse in different cycles of works
Calculate and record loss ratio of tiles
Storage, Collection and Transport

Ensure that any waste construction/demolition materials are cleared as quickly as possible after demolition
to minimise potential dust and water impacts.
Use a designated area for temporary waste storage and subsequent segregation for ease of handling.
Ensure that any waste construction/demolition materials are properly covered to minimise windblown
litter and dust during transportation.
Reuse, Recovery and Recycle
Develop a plan for an on-site reuse, recovery and recycling system for waste materials. For example:
- Collect spent bentonite slurries or other grouts in slurry collection system for reconditioning and
reuse whenever practicable;
- Use pulverized fuel ash ;
- Resale of scrap metals;
- Arrange waste collectors to retrieve waste with recyclable values.
Instruct workers to adopt recycling and re-use of materials salvaged from demolition.
Track the actual wastes produced from construction and measure waste-generation levels against project
guidelines for materials recycling and reuse.
Treatment and Disposal
Deliver by licensed waste contractors inert materials to approved public filling areas.
Maintain delivery or pick-up records.
(2) Excavated Materials

Tips - How Can I Manage Excavated Materials Effectively?
Avoidance
Ensure that excavation works are carried out in a controlled manner to avoid excessive excavated materials.
Use excavated materials for backfilling, slope stabilization and reclamation.
Transport excavated materials to other sites for reuse.
Maintain records of the quantity of excavated materials to be reused on-site or off-site.
21

Ensure that contaminated mud generated on-site is disposed of at designated contaminated mud pits.
(3) Chemical Waste

Tips - How Can I Manage Chemical Waste Effectively?
Avoidance
Research alternative products and practices which generate
reduced quantities or less dangerous types of chemical waste.
Ensure that chemical wastes generated by the construction works are properly labelled, packaged and
temporarily stored in a designated chemical waste storage area.
Ensure that storage is in accordance with the Environment Protection Departmnets Code of Practice on the
Packaging, Handling and Storage of Chemicals.
Develop and implement a contingency plan to deal with potential spillage or accidents in the chemical
waste storage area.
Research with your supplier whether waste chemicals can be returned to them for reuse, recovery or
recycling.
Employ a licensed chemical waste collector to collect and dispose of the chemical wastes at licensed
chemical waste disposal facilities.
Maintain records of the type and quantity of chemical waste removed from the site.
(4) General Refuse

Tips - How Can I Manage General Refuse Effectively?
Avoidance
Use products and materials with reduced packaging and/or encourage manufacturers to reuse or recycle
their original packaging materials.
Ensure that general refuse is stored in waste skips and garbage bins with proper covers.
22
Encourage staff to use reusable dishware.

Reuse paper printed on one side only.
Provide recycling bins for paper, aluminium cans and plastic bottles if the volumes are large enough to
warrant such collection.

Employ a reputable waste collector to remove general refuse from the site to approved public landfills
preferably daily to minimise odour, pest and litter impacts.
(5) Contaminated Material

Sites previously used for petrol filling stations, boatyards and vehicle repair/dismantling workshops and other
industrial activities could be contaminated as a result of the historical operations carried out on the sites.
Tips - How Can I Manage Contaminated Waste Effectively?

Implement clean-up works of contaminated land in accordance with the appropriate procedures as laid
down in any remediation action plan endorsed by the Environmental Protection Department.
Appoint authorised or licensed waste hauliers for the collection, transport and disposal of contaminated
soil only.
Suitably cover the vehicles transporting contaminated materials with their tailgates sealed to limit potential
dust emissions.
Dispose of contaminated materials at authorised disposal facilities only.
(6) Asbestos Wastes

If asbestos waste is identified during demolition works, it should be handled and disposed of in accordance
with the Environmental Protection Departments Code of Practice on the Handling,Transportation and Disposal
of Asbestos Waste.
Tips - How Can I Manage Asbestos Waste Effectively?

Ensure that the storage of asbestos waste should be at secured, isolated areas with warning signs to alert
people of the presence of asbestos waste.
Appoint appropriately licensed contractors for the collection of asbestos waste.
Transport asbestos waste to disposal sites by enclosed skips on open lorries or enclosed vehicles.
Disposal
Dispose of all asbestos waste at designated disposal facilities only.

- Code of Practice on the Packaging, Labelling and Storage of Chemical Wastes
23
3.7. Energy Conservation

Construction projects typically use large quantities of energy resources. Responsible management of energy
resources reduces not only operation cost but also environmental impact. Electricity is the main form of
energy used on most construction sites in Hong Kong. Hong Kongs electricity is primarily generated through
the combustion of coal and gas. Both coal and gas are natural resources that will eventually run out.
Furthermore, coal burning can result in the release of undesirable air pollutants. Actions to reduce
electricity use will result in the preservation of natural resources. Many measures can be taken to reduce the
use of energy, most of which involve simple yet effective practices that require minimal time and effort from
everyone.
Tips - How Can I Conserve Energy On Construction Sites Under My Management?

When employing a sub-contractor, include language in construction documents that promotes energy
conservation and holds the sub-contractor financially responsible for energy consumption.
Monitor energy usage to identify main areas of energy use and loss, then reduce resource consumption
and cost.
Determine and implement measures to reduce the amount of energy consumed on-site. These could
include:
- Install temporary lighting so that most other lighting can be turned off during non-construction hours;
- Install motion sensors for security lighting;
- Use energy efficient lamps and equipment for temporary lighting.
3.8 Housekeeping
In general, the appearance and condition of the construction sites that you manage will determine the
working environment for your site staff and the public perception of your company. An orderly and clean
construction site is synonymous with good health and safety standards. All site staff and occupants of
surrounding facilities appreciate a safe work and living environment. In addition, many construction and
associated materials (high emission paints and glues, drywall compounds, fuel for construction plant) have
the potential to cause harm, to site workers and the environment, if they are not handled and stored
correctly. Thus, good cleaning, material storage and waste handling and removal procedures are important
strategies in creating a healthy and safe working environment whilst at the same time reducing your impact
on the environment as a whole.
Tips - How Can I Handle And Store Materials Effectively?

Provide dedicated areas on the construction site for the storage of materials.This is particularly important
for materials with the potential to harm people and the environment. Signage indicating the storage of
potentially harmful materials should also be displayed in these areas.
Store potentially harmful materials with roofed, secondary containment to ensure that any spills are
contained and to minimise contaminated stormwater run-off.
Keep an inventory of all products stored on-site. This is particularly important for products with the
potential to harm people and the environment.
Obtain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) from material suppliers and keep them on-site where
employees can access them.
Post signs to inform site workers of good practices for handling and storing materials.
24
3.9 Other Environmental Considerations

In some special construction projects, there may be some other environmental concerns. These
environmental concerns may include :
Heritage and Ecological Resources
Direct habitat loss of the habitants or disturbance of the habitats due to increased human activities.
Direct or indirect impact to the wildlife inhabiting the areas.
Potential damage of any heritage resources.
Landscape and Visual Considerations
Visual incompatibility with surroundings.
Visual obstruction such as blocking of views.
Tips - How Can I Address The Heritage, Ecological, Landscape And Visual Considerations On
Construction Sites Under My Management?
Inform appropriate authorities if any objects suspected to be antiquities, archaeological remains or
deposits are discovered.
Instruct workers to avoid disturbing any flora, fauna and habitats outside site areas.
Properly control night time lighting to minimise nuisance to neighbouring residents.
Erect screen hoarding and fencing around the site boundary.
Follow relevant requirements on height of temporary structures.
25
Chapter 4 :
Partner Synergy
Your relationship with your clients, suppliers, contractors and the general community often shapes your
environmental programmes. This chapter provides some suggestions on how to develop these relationships.
Whether these suggestions are implemented will often depend on the business case for such
implementation and will be specific to your company.
4.1 Clients
Clients Needs
When approaching construction from a sustainable perspective, your client should ensure that the
construction contract and specifications address the design and construction teams environmental
requirements for the construction process. Being a construction contractor many of these issues and
practices are typically under your direct control. You are therefore in a strong position to influence your
client and show how meeting environmental performance standards can be synonymous with meeting project
objectives.
When bidding for a project, you should :
Identify the potential environmental impacts clearly and include environmental items in budgeting;
Programme your construction work practically with due consideration of time required for environmental
provisions; and
Express your companys environmental commitment, environmental organisation & resources,
environmental programmes and your alternative green construction methods, etc. in the tender documents.
Inclusion of the above items in tender documents may also gain a higher chance of success in tender bidding,
especially if contracts are awarded from an environmentally conscious client.
Clients Support
Teamwork is the key ingredient in a successful construction project. Together, a buildings or sites owner,
architect, engineers and contractor should develop environmental guidelines, plans, goals and practices for
the construction process. This joint approach will ensure that the all involved parties will understand and
embrace a projects goals and specifications before the work begins. Your environmental programme will
have a higher chance of success if it is co-designed with all the involved parties whose participation is
necessary for the programme to succeed. You are also suggested to report your environmental
performance to your clients, solicit feedback from them and take appropriate actions in response to their
feedback whenever appropriate.
26
4.2 Suppliers and Contractors

Employing Green Sub-Contractors
If you need to employ sub-contractors to undertake specialist work as part of the construction project, you
should ensure that where possible their performance standards meet the requirements of your
environmental programme. You may include in your sub-contract tender documents statements requiring
the sub-contractor to comply with environmental regulations and other requirements pertaining to the
sub-contract work.
Tips - How Can I Select Green Sub-Contractors?

When evaluating sub-contractors bids for work, consider whether they have an environmental programme
in place. If not included in their bid for work, contact them to discuss whether they have such a programme
in place and if they do what it includes.
If none of the contractors available to you have their own environmental programmes in place, incorporate
environmental guidelines and responsibilities into their contract to work and monitor their specific
compliance for the duration of their contract. Indicate in these guidelines and statements of responsibilities
any environmental practices required by environmental regulations.
Using Your Buying Power

You can contribute to environmental protection by purchasing products that will result in a reduction in
environmental impact. Every product that you purchase, every construction site that you manage and
ultimately every resulting building has the potential to pollute the environment. You can reduce the
environmental impacts and generate savings by making careful purchasing decisions.
Tips - How Can I Select Green Products?

General rules for environmentally responsible product purchasing include:
Avoid purchasing disposable items as much as possible.
Purchase products and materials with recycled content, as appropriate and consistent with construction
plans and specification and health recommendations
Buy products and materials with reduced packaging and/or encourage manufacturers to reuse or recycle
their original packaging materials
Purchase products that are reusable or contain reusable parts such as durable, reusable hoarding, and
rechargeable batteries.
Buy products that can be recycled, such as uncoated paper bags that can be easily recycled.
Buy products that reduce the use of resources. For example, energy efficient light fixtures should be
purchased over less energy efficient options.
Choose products that are designed to last longer than conventional items and are easy to repair instead of
replace.
Choose to purchase products that contain fewer toxic pollutants such as low pollution water-based paint.
By using these types of products it will help to reduce safety hazards in the workplace.
Support the purchase of products that bear certified eco-labels.
Buy goods in bulk quantities to avoid excessive individual packaging.
27
Purchasing procedures
If your company has a purchasing department, it should be devoted to purchasing products and materials
that are environmentally friendly. If the department does not have any policy guiding the purchase of
products, encourage them to design one that favours their purchasing of environmentally friendly products.
This policy should be made known to suppliers and contractors.
Encourage those colleagues responsible for purchasing goods to conduct simple research into heavily used
products and materials that could be substituted by other more environmentally friendly options.
Encourage employees and contractors to suggest products that are known to be more environmentally
friendly than what you are currently using.
Encourage ethical purchasing, the practice of avoiding products that have been created as a result of
environmental degradation. For example, do not buy products that have been manufactured out of rainforest
wood since the destruction of these forests contribute to many environmental problems including global
warming, deforestation, biodiversity loss and more.
Communication and Motivation

Once you have taken environmental measures in managing your business, you should share your efforts
with others. Your suppliers and sub-contractors deserve to learn about the positive actions that you are
now taking. Knowledge of your environmental programme is valuable to others since seeing your
accomplishments can motivate them to establish their own programme. In some instances, your partners
may have no knowledge of the benefits of establishing such a programme. In other instances, they may be
interested in starting up their own programme yet they need some initial guidance as to how to begin. It is
therefore important that your experience is made available to interested parties. By assuming a proactive
stance you will encourage others to learn about environmental protection and give your organisation more
exposure within the business community.
Tips - Communicating With Sub-contractors

Some sub-contractors that you employ may not be likely to implement environmental practices unless they
involve almost no additional costs, have been required contractually, or they are economically beneficial to
the sub-contractor. Sub-contractors may therefore need education about environmentally preferable
practices in order to take advantage of them. Help the sub-contractor understand that an environmentally
preferable process can be more economical than, or equivalent in cost to, a conventional one and can be
implemented without a regulatory or contractual requirement.
Tips - Communicating With Suppliers

A sound environmental programme will demand that, amongst others, you purchase and use environmentally
friendly products whenever possible. Therefore, it is important that your suppliers and other relevant
partners are made aware of your programme requirements and are capable of meeting your needs. There
are a number of activities that you can undertake to clearly communicate your requirements to your suppliers.
28
You should inform suppliers of your environmental policy and provide them with your purchasing guidelines.
If you have a long-standing established relationship with your suppliers, you can work with them to help
capture the type of products that you seek at a competitive price. The best approach you can take is to ask
your suppliers to identify environmentally friendly products that can be substituted for those you currently
use (at a comparable price). This will also help to boost the suppliers business since they will now be
capable of supplying other purchasers with environmentally sound products.
Encourage suppliers to provide you with documentation that guarantees the environmentally friendly
authenticity of the products that you are purchasing.
4.3 General Community

Joining Hands with the Community
Everyone in Hong Kong experiences the effects of pollution. Many people would like to help to improve
environmental quality, however, not everyone knows how to get involved. As a green construction
contractor, you deal with environmental management issues on a daily basis. You are in an advantageous
position to help guide community greening efforts. By helping the general community, in return, you can
gain satisfaction through knowing that your efforts can improve the environment and give you good
standing within the general community. Furthermore, taking simple initiatives including efforts to report
the lessons that you have learnt in setting up your programme and other useful information can help in
raising community awareness. There are a number of ways that you can get involved.
Visit your site neighours (e.g. local schools, residential blocks, local groups, etc.) and explain to their
representatives details of the construction project and environmental measures adopted by the
construction company to minimise nuisance to them.
Establish an Environmental Hotline to receive environmental complaints and suggestions for
improvement in environmental performance.
Get involved and support local initiatives. Organising tree planting campaigns.
Report on your environmental initiatives within magazines
and other publications.
Apply for awards to gain formalised
recognition of your efforts.
line
t
o
29
Chapter 5 :
Working Your Way Towards
Green Construction
5.1 Cultivating a Green Construction Culture
A sustainable construction company operates in such a way that they meet the needs and demands of all its
stakeholders. One of the keys to business success lies in effective communication. Communication between
a construction company and its stakeholders can result in greater stakeholder confidence in the companys
ability to address potential environmental impacts resulting from its operations. Furthermore, by
communicating the message that your company seeks to minimise and eliminate negative environmental
impacts, you demonstrate to stakeholders your strong environmental responsibility.
The previous chapters of this guidebook have explained to you various practicable environmental measures
that you may adopt in managing your construction sites. A checklist for self-assessment is provided in
Appendix III to assist construction companies in examining whether or not these measures have been
properly accounted in construction sites.
5.2 Keep up the Good Work

Creating an environmental programme can be made easier if you get a little help. In Appendix IV of this
guidebook is a list of organisations that you can contact for advice. Many of them have provided practical
information that may help you improve the environmental performance of your construction sites. By
adopting green practices you are on your way to improving environmental quality and reaping the benefits of
your actions.You are one of a number of companies that care about our environment and people will notice
and respect your efforts. Once your programme is up and running you will be amazed at just how easy it is
to turn your construction sites green. We encourage you to voice your commitment to the environment
in all aspects of business; this can include applying for available awards or environmental certifications or
lending a helping hand within your community. Keep up the good work!
30
Appendix 1 Examples of Local Environmental

Construction Initiatives
Hong Kong
1. Environmental Protection Department (http://www.info.gov.hk/epd)
The Environmental Protection Department (EPD) has produced a number of Technical Memoranda,
reference booklets, fact sheets relating to various environmental aspects for the construction industry. In
particular, the EPD has prepared a document called Recommended Pollution Control Clauses for
Construction Contracts which describe good engineering practices to minimise environmental nuisance to
nearby residents and other sensitive receivers. In addition, the EPD formed with other relevant professional
bodies the Professional Persons Environmental Consultative Committee (ProPECC) to provide a forum for
the exchange of views on all environmental matters related to the duties and practice of architects, engineers,
planners, surveyors and developers. The ProPECC has examined a wide range of issues and has published a
number of ProPECC Practice Notes (PNs) which have been widely distributed to professionals and
organisations in relevant fields. Some ProPECC PNs of particular relevance to construction operation are :
PN 1/93 - Noise from Construction Activities - Statutory
PN 2/93 - Noise from Construction Activities - Non-statutory
PN 1/94 - Construction Site Drainage
PN 3/94 - Contaminated Land Assessment And Remediation
PN 1/96 - Use of Quiet Construction Equipment for Road Opening Works during Non-Sociable Hours
PN 2/97 - Handling of Asbestos Containing Materials in Buildings
2. Hong Kong Construction Association (http://www.hkca.com.hk)

The Hong Kong Construction Association (HKCA), formerly Building Contractors Association, was
established in 1920 with the aim of improving the construction industrys standards in Hong Kong. The
HKCA has set up an Environmental Committee to review relevant environmental issues in different areas of
operation and to make proposals to government on matters affecting the industry. The HKCA has produced
the Best Practice Guide for Environmental Protection on Construction Sites - Part I for the industry.
31
Appendix II Environmental Ordinances / Regulations /

Technical Memorandum (TM) Relevant to
Construction Operation
Ordinance / Regulations /
Technical Memorandum (TM)
Description of Relevant Requirements
Areas of Applicability
The Ordinance provides for the control of air

pollution from all premises from which air pollutants
are emitted from any chimney, engine, furnace, oven
or industrial plant. Levels of pollutants are regulated
according to Air Quality objectives.
Use of diesel, fuel,

dust emitting
construction activities,
smoke emissions from
generators (refer to
regulations below).
Air Quality
Air Pollution Control
Ordinance
(Cap 311)
Also provides for the control of air pollutants when in

the opinion of the Authority the pollutant constitutes
a nuisance. Control is achieved by issuing an
Abatement Notice.
Technical Memorandum for
Issuing Air Pollution
Abatement Notices to Control
Air Pollution from Stationary
Polluting Processes
Specifies principles, methods, standards and guidelines

for assessing air pollution from stationary polluting
sources.

(Fuel Restriction) Regulations
The purpose of the regulation is to restrict the sulphur

content of both liquid and solid fuels used by industry
in order to minimise SO2 emissions to atmosphere.
Use of diesel fuel for

stationery combustion
sources e.g. diesel
generators.
These regulations prohibit the use of fuel with high

sulphur content by industry throughout the SAR.
Liquid fuels with a sulphur content of more than 0.5%
by weight and with a viscosity of more that 6 centistokes
at 40 degrees Celsius, or of solid fuels with a sulphur
content of more than 1% by weight are prohibited from
use.
Air Pollution Control (Smoke)
Regulations
These regulations control smoke emissions from

stationary combustion sources including chimney,
ovens, and furnaces.
The regulations stipulate that dark smoke emissions
(i.e. smoke which is as dark or darker than No.1 on
the Ringlemann Chart) from any relevant plant must
not exceed : 6 minutes in a period of 4 hours; or
3 minutes continuously at any one time.
32
Air Pollution Control (Specified

Processes) Regulations
The regulations provide details of the licensing

requirements of new specified processes and
registration of existing ones.

(Specified Processes)
(Removal of Exemption)
Order 1993 and 1994
Removes the exemption granted to the owner of

premises for conduct of certain specified processes.
Use of fuel-powered
machinery
eg. diesel generator,
air compressor, bulldozer
and crane.
Carrying out
cement works.

(Dust and Grit Emission)
Regulations
The regulations stipulate the emission standards,

procedures and requirements for assessing particulate
emissions from stationary combustion sources.
Use of diesel fuel for

stationary combustion
sources e.g. generator.

(Vehicle Design Standards)
(Emission) Regulations
The regulations specify emission standards for vehicle

engines.
Purchase/use of vehicles.

(Asbestos) (Administration)
Regulation
The regulation provides for the qualifications and fees

for registration of asbestos consultants, contractors,
supervisors and laboratories.
Handling of Asbestos.

(Open Burning) Regulation
The regulation prohibits open burning of construction

waste, tyres and cables for metal salvage.
General site activities.

(Construction Dust)
Regulation
The regulation specifies mitigation (dust suppression

measures) for specific types of construction works
including road opening and re-surfacing works and other
regulatory works including building construction.
Carrying out dustemitting construction

activities e.g. road
opening and resurfacing
works, building
construction works etc.
Ozone Protection Layer

Ordinance (Cap 403)
Gives effect to Hong Kongs international obligations

under the 1985 Vienna Convention and the 1987
Montreal Protocol. Requirements relate to restricting
the import, export and manufacture of ozone depleting
substances.
Use of scheduled
substances for air
conditioners (including
R12 and R22).
Air Quality (contd)
A phase out programme for ozone depleting

(scheduled) substances is stipulated.
See also A Guide to the Control of Ozone Depleting
Chemicals in Hong Kong
Ozone Layer Protection
(Controlled Refrigerants)
Regulations
Controls the release of Controlled refrigerants into

the atmosphere from large-scale installations and
motor vehicles.
Use of Controlled
refrigerants (R12) for
air-conditioning
systems.
Bans the venting of Controlled Refrigerants (CFC-11,

CFC-12, CFC-115) used in large-scale refrigeration
(>50kg refrigerant charge) and motor vehicles to
atmosphere. Any person who allows any controlled
refrigerant used for refrigeration equipment or a
motor vehicle to escape into the atmosphere commits
an offence.
See also A Concise Guide to the Ozone Layer Protection
(Controlled Refrigerants) Regulations
33
Provision of statutory controls to restrict and reduce

the nuisance caused by environmental noise. The
Ordinance deals with noise from industrial premises
construction sites as well as from intruder alarm
systems.
Noise from industrial and

commercial premises as
well as construction
activities. (Refer to
Technical Memorandum
and Regulations below)
NOISE FROM INDUSTRIAL PREMISES:Noise emanating from places such as industrial,

commercial, trade or business premises is controlled
by means of a Noise Abatement Notice.
Noise generated from

office operation.
Noise Emissions
Noise Control Ordinance
(Cap 400)
The means whereby the authority assesses whether an

Abatement Notice is required are stipulated in a
Technical Memorandum.
Technical Memorandum for
the Assessment of Noise from
Places Other than Domestic
Premises, Public Places or
Construction Sites
Technical Memorandum on
Noise from Construction
Work other than Percussive
Piling
This memorandum contains technical procedures to be

followed by the Authority when investigating a noise
complaint concerning commercial/ industrial premises
as part of the decision as to whether to serve a noise
abatement notice. Compliance with Acceptable Noise
Levels will only be required after a noise abatement
notice has been served.
Applicable to any
operational activities
other than construction
activities. In the event of
a noise complaint, a
noise abatement notice
may be received.
NOISE FROM CONSTRUCTION WORKS:

Construction works are controlled through a
Construction Noise Permit (CNP) system, the
principles of which are contained in Technical
Memorandum (TM). The stipulations to controlling
construction work through the CNP are listed below:
Applicable to
construction works.
The TM prescribes maximum noise levels through the

CNP system for all construction activities (within
restricted hours) that include Powered Mechanical
Equipment (PME) other than those required for
percussive piling. Basic Noise Levels (BNLs) are set
out according to an Areas Sensitivity Rating (ASR).
Carrying out construction

activities involving the use
of Powered Mechanical
Equipment.
Works using PME during restricted hours (1900 - 0700)

or at any time on general holidays (including Sunday) is
prohibited unless a CNP is in force.
Noise from Construction
Work in Designated Areas
The TM details the procedures that should be adopted

for the control of noise generated by the use of
Specified Powered Mechanical Equipment (SPME) other
than percussive piling and/or the carrying out of
Prescribed Construction Work (PCW).
Works in Designated Areas using SPME and PCW
during restricted hours (1900 - 0700) or at any time on
public holidays, (including Sunday) is prohibited, unless
a CNP is in force.
34
Carry out Prescribed

Construction Works or
construction activities
using Specified Powered
Mechanical Equipment in
a Designated Area.
The TM details the procedures that should be adopted

by the Authority for determining any permitted hours
of operation for percussive piling, for the issuing of CNP
for percussive piling and for determining whether or not
any CNP for percussive piling is being complied with.
Construction activities
involving the use
percussive piling.
Noise Emissions (contd)

Noise from Percussive Piling
Works using percussive piling between 1900-0700 and

on public holidays is prohibited (unless specifically
exempted). Percussive piling during daytime hours 07001900 is prohibited unless a CNP is in force.
Noise Control (General)
Regulations
This regulation stipulates the forms required for

application of a CNP, and provides examples of the CNP
once issued and also of a Noise Abatement Notice.
Application for a CNP.
Noise Control
(Construction Work)
Regulation
This regulation prescribes construction works (in

addition to PME and percussive piling) which are
controlled through the Noise Pollution Control
Ordinance and Technical Memorandum.
Applicable in the event

of construction work
involving
Erection or dismantling
of scaffolding or
formwork
Loading, unloading or
handling of rubble,
wooden boards, steel
bars, wood or
scaffolding material
Harmmering
Noise Control (Construction

Work Designated Areas)
Notice
This notice defines the designated areas in which the

use of specified mechanical equipment and/or carrying
out of prescribed construction works is controlled
(using the CNP system).
Prescribed construction
work and construction
works using SPME in any
Designated Area.
Noise Control
(Air Compressors)
Regulations
The regulations require hand and portable air

compressors to comply with specified noise emission
standards and to be fitted with noise emission labels
when in use. Such labels are obtained through
application to the Authority.
Use of air compressors

during construction
works.
Noise Control
(Hand Held Percussive
Breakers) Regulations
These regulations require hand held percussive

breakers to comply with specified noise emission
standards and to be fitted with noise emission labels
when in use. Such labels are obtained through
application to the Authority.
Use of hand-held
percussive breakers
during construction
works.
35
Waste Disposal Ordinance

(Cap 354)
The Ordinance prohibits the unauthorised disposal of

waste and provides for the licensing of collection
services and disposal facilities for all types of waste.
Disposal of general solid

waste and production/
storage/disposal of
chemical waste.
Waste Disposal
(Chemical Waste) (General)
Regulations
This regulation requires chemical waste producers to

be registered with EPD and specifies requirements for
control on all aspects of chemical waste disposal
including storage, collection, transport, treatment and
final disposal. It is an offence to indiscriminately discharge
chemical waste into sewers.
Production, storage and

disposal of chemical
waste arising from
construction activities.
Waste Management
Each registered chemical waste producer has the

obligation to inform EPD of any change in the
particulars of the registration as soon as practicable.
The Regulations require waste producers to arrange
for proper disposal of their wastes at licensed facilities
and to engage a licensed collector to remove and
transport the waste. It also requires that all chemical
waste must be properly stored, packaged and labelled.
Part IV Storage of Chemical Waste, requires that waste
packed/stored in a containers exceeding 450 litres
requires approval from the Director of Environmental
Protection.
The Waste Disposal
(Charges for Disposal of
Waste) Regulation
The regulation requires payment of charges for

disposal of solid waste at landfills thus creating an
economic incentive towards waste minimisation.
Disposal of solid waste

to landfill.
(This regulation does not currently enforce.)
36
The Waste Disposal

(Charges for Disposal of
Chemical Waste) Regulations
This applies to the disposal of chemical waste at the

Chemical Waste Treatment Centre (CWTC). Charges
vary according to the type and quantity of waste treated
as specified in the Regulations.
Disposal of chemical
waste to CWTC.
Dumping at Sea Ordinance

(Cap 466)
The Ordinance provides for control of marine dumping,

extends control on marine pollution, gives legal effect
to the Marine Dumping Action Plan. Permit is required
for dumping at sea and valid for specific periods of time,
for specific quantities and types of waste.
Marine dumping of
construction waste.
Water Pollution Control

Ordinance (Cap 358)
The Ordinance provides for the declaration of Water

Control Zone (WCZs), and requires that effluent
discharge into waters or into foul sewer in a WCZ
must be licensed.
Activities giving rise to

wastewater include but
are not limited to
silt-containing surface
run-off, ground water
removal.
Technical Memorandum
Standards for Effluents
Discharged into Drainage
and Sewerage Systems,
Inland and Coastal Waters
Sets the limits that make effluents acceptable into foul

sewers, storm water drains, inland and coastal waters.
The limits control the physical, chemical, and
microbial quality of effluents.
Relevant to all activities

resulting in wastewater
discharges.

(General) Regulations
Stipulates the requirements relating to the application

and granting of Effluent Discharge Licences.

(Sewerage) Regulation
Requires that Premises are connected to the

communal sewer (where a communal sewer exists).
All premises.
Sewage Services Ordinance

(Cap 463)
This Ordinance provides for the imposition of sewage

charges (SCs) and trade effluent surcharges (TESs) and
other related matters.
Use of potable water and

discharge of wastewater.
Sewage Services
(Sewage Charge)
Regulation
The Regulation specifies the charging scheme for

sewage charges (SC).
Wastewater Discharge
Dangerous Goods / Materials Storage

Dangerous Goods Ordinance
(DGO) (Cap 295)
The DGO and its subsidiary regulations provide for

the control of the manufacture, use, labelling, storage
and transport of dangerous goods. Under the DGO,
no person shall manufacture, store, convey or use any
dangerous goods without a valid licence issued by the
respective authority. The Ordinance applies to all
explosives, compressed gases, petroleum, and other
substances giving off inflammable vapours, corrosive
substances, substances which become dangerous by
interaction with water or air, substances liable to
spontaneous combustion or of a readily combustible
nature.
Dangerous Goods
(Application & Exemption)
Regulations
This regulation details 10 categories of substances and

articles to which the Dangerous Goods Ordinance
applies, and which are therefore classed as Dangerous
Goods.
Dangerous Goods (General)

Regulation
This regulation details specific requirements relating

to the use, storage conveyance, manufacture etc. of
dangerous goods according to the categories
identified in the Dangerous Goods (Application &
Exemption) Regulations.
Use and storage of

DGs:
diesel fuel (Cat 5)
paint and thinner
(Cat 5)
oxygen and acetylene
(Cat 2)
refrigerant, R12 and
R22 (Cat 2)
37
Dangerous Goods/Materials Storage (contd)

The Ordinance governs the design, construction,
installation, use, inspection and maintenance of a
Notifiable Gas Installation (NGI). Under the Ordinance,
a Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) installation of
storage capacity above 130 litres is classified as a NGI.
Any person who constructs or uses a NGI shall obtain
approval prior to its construction and use from the
Gas Authority. A LPG installation shall be inspected by
competent persons who are approved by the Gas
Authority once every year.
Use and storage of LPG

in excess of 130 litres.
Public Health and Municipal

Services Ordinance
(Cap 132)
The Ordinance makes provision for urban services and

public health. This includes control of nuisance caused
by emissions of dust and fumes, control of the discharge
of hazardous materials to sewers. The Ordinance places
restriction on the storage of wastes in building and to
prevent mosquito breeding.
Applicable to potential
nuisance claims resulting
from construction
activities.
Environmental Impact
Assessment Ordinance
(Cap 499)
The Ordinance requires designated public and

private sector projects with potential significant
environmental impacts to be subject to the EIA process.
A permit will be required for such developments.
Environmental Impact
Assessment Process
The TM details the principles, procedures, guidelines,

requirements and criteria relevant to the EIA process.
Any development
projects which are
designated under the
EIA Ordinance.
Construction works of
such projects should
adhere to the conditions
laid down in the
environmental permit.
Antiquities and Monuments

Ordinance (Cap 53)
The ordinance provides for control of the protection

of declared antiquities and monuments, and discovery
of antiquities. No person shall excavate and search for
antiquities without a licence.
Site formation,
excavation and
construction works.
Wild Animals Protection

Ordinance
(Cap 170)
The Ordinance prohibits any person from hunting or

wilfully disturbing any protected wild animal including
a nest or egg of any protected wild animal without a
special permit.
Protection of wild
animals.
Gas Safety Ordinance

(Cap 51)
Miscellaneous
38
Appendix III Checklist of Green Construction Tips

GREEN LEADERSHIP
Yes
No
Leadership
Commitment demonstrated from management.
Involve management in the environmental programme and activities.
Communicate with employees in a two-way manner.
Establish incentives by management to encourage employees to practise green measures.
Policy
Establish an environmental policy.
Apply the environmental policy company-wide.
Direct the stated aims and objectives of the policy towards the organisations activities
and procedures.
Organisation and Resources

Appoint a Green Manager to coordinate the environmental programme.
Establish an Environmental Task Force to steer and facilitate the environmental
programme implementation.
Allocate sufficient resources for environmental programme implementation.
Encourage colleagues to become involved in the programme.
Environmental Communication
Publicize the environmental policy, initiatives and accomplishments.
Encourage staff to give suggestions or feedback to the environmental programme.
Collect staff ideas and answer colleagues questions or concerns.
Offer incentives or rewards to staff for their environmental initiatives.
Communicate the accomplishments of the environmental programme to the community.
Environmental Training
Decide what type of training is needed.
Decide who should be the targeted trainees.
Decide what level of competence is needed.
Implement environmental training according to training needs identified.
Managing for Continual Improvement

Devise a simple plan to schedule regular checks of the organisations
environmental programme.
Properly document the findings of the checking and implement any corrective
actions arising from the checking.
Monitor if appropriate corrective actions are taken.
Follow Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) requirements for specific contracts.
39
PROGRAMME AND PERFORMANCE

Regulatory Compliance
Identify and collect legal information from corporate sources, relevant government
authorities and industry associations.
Establish a register of environmental requirements relevant to your operation based
on the information collected.
Establish a procedure to ensure that relevant staff have continuous access to the
legal requirements.
Establish a procedure to ensure relevant information on legal requirements is
communicated to employees effectively.
Establish a procedure to keep track of changes to environmental requirements and
to update the environmental requirements accordingly.
Monitor the status of compliance with environmental requirements regularly.
Take appropriate corrective and preventive actions for areas of regular, repeated or
significant non-compliance.
Environmental Programme Implementation

Carry out an environmental review to determine areas requiring improvement.
Formulate environmental programme which defines the objectives, targets and actions
to address the areas identified.
Determine the staff that will be responsible for undertaking different measures
in the environmental programme.
Keep track of the progress of the environmental programme defined.

Site Preparation
Provide hoarding where a site boundary adjoins a road, street, service lane or
other area accessible to the public.
Provide effective dust screen, sheeting or netting to enclose any scaffolding
built around the perimeter of a building.
Materials Handling
Use fixed or mobile water sprays for watering of unpaved areas, access roads,
construction areas and dusty stockpiles regularly to keep dusty surfaces wet.
If necessary, use suitable wetting agents such as dust suppression chemicals during
dry seasons.
Use effective water sprays during the delivery and handling of all raw sand and
aggregate, and other similar materials, to dampen all stored materials
during dry and windy weather.
Enclose on three sides all stockpiles of sand, aggregate or any other dusty materials,
with walls extending above the pile and 1 meter beyond the front of the pile,
and apply water in dry or windy conditions where appropriate.
To fit the conveyor belts within windboards and belt cleaners and to enclose conveyor
transfer points and hopper discharge areas to minimize dust emission.
Minimize the heights from which excavated materials are dropped in order to
limit fugitive dust generation during loading / unloading of these materials.
Where dusty materials are being discharged to vehicles from a conveying system at
a fixed transfer point, provide an enclosure with a flexible curtain across the entry.
Do not operate your plant, activity or process when any air pollution control system or
equipment has broken down.
40
Yes
No
Yes
No
Excavation
Ensure that the working area of any excavation or earth moving operation is sprayed
with water immediately before, during, and immediately after the operation in order to
maintain the entire surface wet.
Properly treat exposed earth by compaction, turfing, hydroseeding, vegetation planting or
sealing with latex, vinyl, bitumen or other suitable surface stabilizer after the last
construction activity on the construction site.
If spoil, silt or debris has been found deposited on adjacent land, remove all spoil,
slit or debris immediately and restore the affected land and stream to their natural state.
Store the stockpiles in sheltered areas if spoil cannot be immediately transported
out of the sites.
Vehicle Movement
Establish a paved surface which has to be kept clear of loose surface material if
there is a regular movement of vehicles.
Restrict all motorized vehicles within construction sites to a maximum speed
(e.g. 8 km per hour) and install speed limit signage at appropriate locations.
Ensure that vehicle engines are turned off when they are not in use.
Confine haulage and delivery vehicles to designated roadways inside the sites.
Ensure that vehicles transporting dusty materials are fitted with side and tailboards.
Cover materials transported by vehicles, with the cover properly secured and extended
over the edges of the side and tailboards.
Dampen dusty materials before transportation.
Provide wheel washing facilities, including a high pressure water jet,
at the exits from work areas.
Provide a hard surface road between any washing facility and the public road.
Inspect vehicles regularly to ensure that exhaust emissions are not causing nuisance,
such as dark smoke emission.
Demolition Work
Ensure that the area at which demolition activities take place is sprayed with water
immediately prior to, during, and immediately after the demolition activities in order to
maintain the entire area wet.
Use impervious dust screens or sheeting to enclose the whole wall to a height of
at least 1 meter higher than the highest level of the structure being demolished.
Cover all demolished items that may dislodge dust particles entirely by impervious
sheeting or place them in an area sheltered on the top and the 3 sides.
Wet with water any dusty materials remaining after a stockpile is removed and clear
them away from the surface of roads or streets.
Follow the Code of Practice on the Handling, Transportation and Disposal of Asbestos
Waste published by EPD if asbestos containing materials are found in the buildings or structures.
Drilling and Blasting
Ensure watering is undertaken to reduce dust emission where breaking of rock or
concrete is required.
Ensure that wire meshes, gunny sacks, sandbags, blast nets and other appropriate covers
are used on top of the blast area on each shot to prevent the flying off of rocks and
to suppress dust generation.
Wet areas with water in the vicinity of blasting operation (e.g. 30m from the blasting area)
before blasting is conducted.
41
Yes
Do not carry out blasting (or any other dust generating activity) when environmental
conditions are such that dust generation will be exacerbated (e.g. when the strong wind
signal or tropical cyclone warning signal No. 3 or a higher cyclone signal is in effect).
Control of Smoke and Combustibles
Do not carry out open burning for the purpose of clearance of a site in preparation for
construction work or for the disposal of construction waste.
Consider the use of low emission products and materials.
If a power generator is used on-site, maintain it regularly and properly to avoid
dark smoke emission.
Noise Control
Planning
Avoid noisy activities at restricted hours
(weekdays : 1900-0700 hrs or holidays whole day).
Restrict night time working to low noise activities to ensure no exceedance
of acceptable noise level.
Avoid simultaneous operation of several noisy activities close to a receiver to
reduce cumulative impacts.
Schedule noisy activities at times when dwellings are more likely to remain unoccupied.
Implement noise mitigation measures or adopt alternative quieter plants for hammer
drive piling equipment, earth-moving plant, compressors and generators.
Employ off-site concrete batching plant rather than on-site production,
whenever appropriate.
Dispose of rubble through plastic (rubber) chutes instead of metal chutes
(or use rubber linings in chutes and dumpers to reduce impact noise).
Use quieter models of powered mechanical equipment (PME).
Control of Noise Propagation
Use appropriate noise propagation measures (e.g. noise barriers, partial enclosures
at sources, full enclosures with sufficient ventilation).
Properly maintain noise barriers and enclosures to ensure that they are free of gaps.
Measure the general construction noise at critical locations at regular intervals with
hand held noise monitoring instruments.
Good Site Practices
Locate equipment away from receivers (doubling distance will result in a 6dB(A) reduction).
Position equipment that emits excessive noise in one direction (e.g. ventilation fan)
such that noise is directed away from nearby receivers.
Locate equipment behind large obstruction
(e.g. site offices, containers, soil mounds, material stockpiles).
Avoid prolonged operation of noisy equipment close to dwellings and schools
Switch off or throttle down equipment when not required.
Regular maintenance of all plant and equipment to avoid noise from abnormal operation
(e.g. check efficiency of mufflers, lubricate bearings).
Avoid steep gradients of internal haul routes.
Minimise drop height of materials.
Start up plant & vehicles sequentially rather than all together.
Ensure engine panels are closed.
42
No
Yes
No

Water Conservation
promotes water conservation and holds the sub-contractor financially responsible
for resource consumption.
Monitor water usage to identify areas of waste and abuse, then reduce resource
consumption and cost.
Install flow restrictors, automatic shut off-systems and appliances for reduced water
use during construction.
Reuse captured stormwater and/or construction wastewater on the construction site.
Recycle wastewater from wheel washing bay or treatment facilities of the concrete
batching plant.
Dredging, Transport and Dumping Of Marine Mud
Apply for, and comply with conditions of, dumping permits obtained from the
Environmental Protection Department.
Use silt curtains if practical to limit the dispersion of sediments.
Underwater blasting schedule should take into account migratory pathways of
important fisheries.
Pay attention to proximity and condition of nearby shorezones, bulkheads and other
structures to ensure that use of explosives in underwater blasting does not pose
a threat to their integrity.
Determine whether possible current pattern changes will jeopardize or encourage
resettlement of the original bottom life and associated fishery resources.
Design and maintain all equipment to minimise the risk of release of silt and other
contaminants into the water column or locations other than designated location.
Use properly sized vessels to allow adequate clearance between vessels and the seabed at
all states of tide to avoid undue turbidity caused by turbulence from vessel movement or
propeller action.
Maintain adequate freeboard on barges to ensure that decks are not washed by
wave action.
Monitor all vessels transporting material to avoid deliberate dumping of dredged
material outside the approved location or loss of material during transportation.
Conduct marine monitoring at the downstream location of the dumping site
where applicable.
Follow any additional government requirements if contaminated marine mud is handled.
Consider the practical availability of alternative land-based methods of treatment or
disposal to render the matter less harmful for dumping at sea.
Land-based Activities
Provide information and/or training to all site workers on the effluent discharge routes and
points and wastewater management facilities at the site.
Instruct workers to properly collect, handle and dispose of debris and rubbish on site to
prevent these wastes from entering into nearby storm drain/watercourse.
Collect spent bentonite slurries or other grouts in slurry collection system for
reconditioning and reuse wherever practicable.
Install secondary containment for hazardous material storage areas (e.g. fuel tanks)
with a capacity equal to 110% of the volume of the largest tank.
43
Yes
Minimise exposed soil areas to reduce potential for contamination of run-off due to
increased siltation or erosion.
Stabilise all exposed earth as soon as possible after completion of earthworks.
Identify, mark and surround the boundary of any critical areas of earthworks
(e.g. relatively low-level areas) by dykes or embankments for flood protection.
Where there is a watercourse running through the work area, construct dykes along
segments of the watercourse to prevent washing of earth into the watercourse.
Provide a site drainage system that may comprise temporary ditches, drainage pipes and/or
culverts to collect site run-off for treatment.
Route wastewater from concrete mixing/batching areas to a properly designated
effluent treatment system.
Provide adequate sanitary facilities (e.g. portable chemical toilets, septic tanks for holding
discharge from toilets, bathrooms and kitchens) and employ licensed contractor to
collect contents of these toilets/septic tanks for disposal.
Maintain all sanitary facilities in good and running conditions (e.g. clean all the
sedimentation facilities periodically or after rainstorms).
Implement appropriate precautionary actions whenever a rainstorm is likely or imminent.
Cover the open stockpiles of construction materials (e.g. aggregates, excavated materials,
sand and fill materials) with tarpaulin or similar fabric during rainstorms or arrange for
other measures to prevent the washing away of construction materials, soil, silt or debris
into any nearby drainage system.
Ensure that all manholes at the sites are adequately covered and temperately sealed to
prevent washing down of silt or debris into the drainage system.
Provide an adequately designed wheel washing bay which should have a wash water
collection basin for removal of settle and silt at every site exit.
Ensure that all vehicles be cleaned by the wheel washing bay prior to leaving
the construction site.
Waste Management
Construction & Demolition Waste
Purchase materials in a manner that minimises waste and unnecessary costs. For example,
size of materials purchased should agree with the dimensions of structure to avoid
excessive cut-offs.
Implement measures to minimise over-ordering and then wastage of materials such as
concrete, mortars and cement grouts.
Check consistency of drawings and specifications to avoid unnecessary hacking-off of
concrete or unwanted work.
Use durable, reusable hoarding to replace timber hoarding.
Use precast concrete units produced at a casting yard with high degree of quality control.
Use steel formworks as far as possible.
Use standard wooden panels for high reuse level if timber formworks are unavoidable.
Use interior drywall partition that requires low level of skill and is easy to install.
Practice effective material control to minimise material loss and ensure the efficient use of
resources. Examples are provided below:
Ensure that any waste construction/demolition materials are cleared as quickly as
possible after demolition to minimise potential dust and water impacts.
44
Use a designated area for temporary waste storage and subsequent segregation for
ease of handling.
No
Yes
No
Ensure that any waste construction/demolition materials are properly covered to

minimise windblown litter and dust during transportation.
Develop a plan for an on-site reuse, recovery and recycling system for waste materials.
Instruct workers to adopt recycling and re-use of materials salvaged from demolition.
Track the actual wastes produced from construction and measure waste-generation
levels against project guidelines for materials recycling and reuse.
Deliver by licensed waste contractors inert materials to approved public filling areas.
Excavated Materials
Ensure that excavation works are carried out in a controlled manner to avoid excessive
excavated materials.
Use excavated materials for backfilling, slope stabilization and reclamation.
Transport excavated materials to other sites for reuse.
Maintain records of the quantity of excavated materials to be reused on-site or off-site.
Ensure that contaminated mud generated on-site is disposed of at designated
contaminated mud pits.
Chemical Waste
Research alternative products and practices which generate reduced quantities or
less dangerous types of chemical waste.
Ensure that chemical wastes generated by the construction works are properly labelled,
packaged and temporally stored in a designated chemical waste storage area.
Ensure that storage is in accordance with the EPDs Code of Practice on the Packaging,
Handling and Storage of Chemicals.
Develop and implement a contingency plan to deal with potential spillage or
accidents in the chemical waste storage area.
Research with your supplier whether waste chemicals can be returned to them for reuse,
recovery or recycling.
Employ a licensed chemical waste collector to collect and dispose of the chemical wastes at
licensed chemical waste disposal facilities.
Maintain records of the type and quantity of chemical waste removed from the site.
General Refuse
Use products and materials with reduced packaging and/or encourage manufacturers to
reuse or recycle their original packaging materials.
Ensure that general refuse is stored in waste skips and garbage bins with proper covers.
Encourage staff to use reusable dishware.
Reuse paper printed on one side only.
Provide recycling bins for paper, aluminium cans and plastic bottles if the volumes are large
enough to warrant such collection.
Employ a reputable waste collector to remove general refuse from the site to approved
public landfills preferably daily to minimise odour, pest and litter impacts.
Contaminated Material
Implement clean-up works of contaminated land in accordance with the appropriate
procedures as laid down in any remediation action plan endorsed by EPD.
45
Yes
Appoint authorised or licensed waste hauliers for the collection, transport and disposal
of contaminated soil only.
Suitably cover the vehicles transporting contaminated materials with their tailgates
sealed to limit potential dust emissions.
Dispose of contaminated materials at authorised disposal facilities only.
Asbestos Wastes
Ensure that the storage of asbestos waste should be at secured, isolated areas with
warning signs to alert people of the presence of asbestos waste.
Appoint appropriately licensed contractors for the collection of asbestos waste.
Transport asbestos waste to disposal sites by enclosed skips on open lorries or
enclosed vehicles.
Dispose of all asbestos waste at designated disposal facilities only.
Energy Conservation
promotes energy conservation and holds the sub-contractor financially responsible
for energy consumption.
Monitor energy usage to identify main areas of energy use and loss, then reduce resource
consumption and cost.
Install temporary lighting so that most other lighting can be turned off during
non-construction hours.
Install motion sensors for security lighting.
Housekeeping
Provide dedicated areas on the construction site for the storage of materials. This is
particularly important for materials with the potential to harm people and the environment.
Signage indicating the storage of potentially harmful materials should also be displayed
in these areas.
Store potentially harmful materials with roofed, secondary containment to ensure that
any spills are contained and to minimise contaminated stormwater run-off.
Keep an inventory of all products stored on-site. This is particularly important for products
with the potential to harm people and the environment.
Obtain Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) from material suppliers and keep them on-site
where employees can access them.
Post signs to inform site workers of good practices for handling and storing materials.
Other Environmental Considerations

Inform appropriate authorities if any objects suspected to be antiquities, archaeological
remains or deposits are discovered.
Instruct workers to avoid disturbing any flora, fauna and habitats outside site areas.
Properly control night time lighting to minimise nuisance to neighbouring residents.
Erect screen hoarding and fencing around the site boundary.
Follow relevant requirements on height of temporary structures.
46
No
PARTNER SYNERGY
Yes
No
Clients
When Bidding for a Project
Include potential environmental items in budgeting.
Programme your construction work practically with due consideration of time required for
environmental provisions.
Express your companys environmental commitment, environmental organisation &
sources, environmental programmes and initiatives in tender documents.
After Award of Contract
Communicate with your client about your environmental guidelines and practices for
the construction process.
Report your environmental performance to your client.
Solicit feedback or suggestion from your client on your environmental performance.
Take prompt and appropriate actions in response to clients environmental feedback.
Suppliers and Contractors

Employing Green Sub-contractors
Indicate in any sub-contract tender documents what environmental requirements you
expect your sub-contractor to achieve.
Include environmental commitment of a sub-contractor as part of the selection criteria
when evaluating sub-contractor bids.
Monitor the environmental performance of your sub-contractors regularly.
Using Your Buying Power
Purchase products that are reusable, recyclable, contain reusable parts, use minimal
resources, are designed to last for longer time periods and contain fewer toxic pollutants.
Establish a guiding policy that favours staff purchases of environmentally friendly products
and make the policy known to suppliers.
Support the purchase of products that bear recognised environmental logos or eco-labels.
Encourage staff to conduct simple research with suppliers into heavily used items that
could be substituted by other more environmentally friendly options.
Encourage staff and suppliers to suggest products that are known to be more
environmentally friendly.
Buy goods in bulk quantities to avoid excessive individual packaging.
Communicating with Sub-contractors and Suppliers
Inform sub-contractors and suppliers of your environmental policy.
Educate sub-contractors and suppliers about environmentally preferable practices.
Work with suppliers to identify environmentally friendly products that can be substituted
for those currently used.
Encourage suppliers to provide documentation that guarantees the environmentally
friendly authenticity of the products.
47
Yes
General Community
Visit your site neighours (e.g. local schools, residential blocks, local groups, etc.)
and explain to their representatives details of the construction project and
environmental measures adopted by the construction company to minimise nuisance to them.
Establish an Environmental Hotline to receive environmental complaints and suggestions
for improvement in environmental performance.
Get involved and support local initiatives. Community involvement can range from
helping out with community construction projects (e.g. supply expertise and manpower or
donating excess building materials) to organising tree planting campaigns.
Report on your environmental initiatives within magazines and other publications.
Apply for awards to gain formalised recognition of your efforts.
48
No
Appendix IV List of Organisations for Assistance

Environmental Protection Department
Address : Community Relations Unit,

10/F., Citibank Tower, 3 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong
Tel : 2519 9173
Fax : 2827 8138
Web site : http://www.info.gov.hk/epd
Environmental Resource Centres (ERC)
1. Wan Chai ERC
Address : 221 Queens Road East, Wan Chai, Hong Kong
(Old Wan Chai Post Office, short walk from
Wan Chai MTR Station)
Tel : 2893 2856
Opening hours :
Monday to Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(except Wednesday)
Wednesday
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Sunday
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed on public holidays
2. Tsuen Wan ERC
Address : Tak Wah Park, Tak Wah Street,
Tsuen Wan, New Territories.
(Short walk from Tsuen Wan MTR Station)
Tel : 2944 8204
Opening hours :
Monday to Saturday 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
(except Wednesday) 2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday
2:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
Closed on Sundays & public holidays

3. Fanling ERC
Address : 2/F., Government Accommodations,
Grand Regentville, 9 Wo Mun Street.
Luen Wo Hui, Fanling. N.T
Tel : 2600 4016
Opening hours :
Monday to Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:00p.m.
(except Wednesday):
Wednesday
10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Sunday :
1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Closed on public holidays
49
50
Environmental Campaign Committee
Address : Environmental Campaign Committee Secretariat,

10/F., Citibank Tower, 3 Garden Road, Central, Hong Kong
Tel : 2519 9173
Fax : 2827 8138
Web site : http://www.ecc.org.hk
Hong Kong Construction Association
Address : 3/F., 180-182 Hennessy Road,

Wanchai, Hong Kong
Tel : 2572 4452
Fax : 2572 7104
Web site : http://www.hkca.com.hk
Hong Kong Productivity Council
Address : HKPC Building, 78 Tat Chee Avenue,

Kowloon Tong, Kowloon
Tel : 2788 5656
Fax : 2788 5608
Web site : http://www.hkpc.org
Business Environment Council
Address : Rm 201, 2/F.,

Jockey Club Environmental Building,
77 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Kowloon
Tel : 2784 3900
Fax : 2784 6699
Web site : http://www.bec.org.hk
The Conservancy Association
Address : 9/F., Breakthrough Centre,

191-197 Woosung Street, Kowloon
Tel : 2728 6800
Fax : 2728 5538
Web site : http://www.conservancy.org.hk
Friends of The Earth
Address : 2/F., 53-55 Lockhart Road,

Wan Chai, Hong Kong.
Tel : 2528 5588
Fax : 2529 2777
Web site : http://www.foe.org.hk
Green Power
Address : Unit A, 7/F, Astoria Building, 34 Ashley Road,

Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon.
Tel : 2314 2662
Fax : 2314 2661
Web site : http://www.greenpower.org.hk

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Foreword

Prepared by the Hong Kong Productivity Council under the guidance

Business Environment Council;

Chapter 2 : Green Leadership

Chapter 3 : Programme and Performance

Chapter 4 : Partner Synergy

Chapter 5 : Working Your Way Towards Green Construction

: Examples of Local Environmental

1.2 Why Green Construction?

Environmental and Community Benefits

1.3 How this Guidebook Can Help You?

Chapter 2 : Green Leadership

Chapter 3 : Programme and Performance

Chapter 4 : Partner Synergy

Chapter 5 : Working Your Way Towards Green Construction

Tips - What Should I do as a Leader?

Tips - How Can It Be Prepared?

An Example of Environmental Policy:

To undertake sound environmental practices throughout the entire operation.

2.3 Organisation and Resources

Tips - Where Do I Start?

You can refer to the Environmental Protection Departments publication Green

2.4 Environmental Communication

Tips - What Should I Do?

2.5 Environmental Training

Tips - How Should I Conduct Environmental Training?

Sample Procedures for Assessing Training Needs

Determine competencies for key roles (education, training or experience level).

Training Needs Identification (An Example for Reference)

2.6 Managing for Continual Improvement

Tips - Where Should I Start?

Tips - How Can I Establish And Maintain A Register Of Environmental Requirements

3.2 Environmental Programme Implementation

Tips- How Do I Design An Environmental Programme?

Example of an Environmental Programme

To reduce the amount of surplus (waste) concrete for Contract

3.3 Air Pollution Control

Drilling and Blasting

Suggested further readings :

3.4 Noise Control

Tips - What Can I Do To Reduce Noise Problems?

Noise Mitigative Measures

Enclose hammer head and

Bored piling using crane or tripod

Fit more efficient mufflers.

Super silenced plant may be

Fit more efficient mufflers.

Super silenced plant may be

Sound Power Level (dB(A))

110 dB(A) max

110 dB(A) max

100 dB(A) max

105 dB(A) max

109 dB(A) max

105 dB(A) max

100 dB(A) max

105 dB(A) max

105 dB(A) max

110 dB(A) max

Control of Noise Propagation

Good Site Practices

Suggested further readings :

3.5 Water Pollution Control