Wong Kam-sing
Wong Kam-sing | |
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黃錦星 | |
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Serving as the 2nd Secretary for the Environment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) | |
Assumed office 1 July 2012 | |
Chief Executive | Leung Chun-ying → Carrie Lam |
Chief Secretary for Administration | Carrie Lam → Matthew Cheung |
Under Secretary for the Environment | Christine Loh → Tse Chin-wan |
Permanent Secretary for the Environment | Anissa Wong Sean-yee → Donald Tong Chi-keung → Maisie Cheng Mei-sze |
Political Assistant | Michelle Au Wing-tsz |
Preceded by | Edward Yau |
Personal details | |
Born | 1963 (age 60–61)![]() |
Nationality | Chinese (Hong Kong) |
Spouse | Susan Leung So-wan |
Wong Kam-sing, GBS, JP (Chinese: 黃錦星, born in 1963), with his ancestral home in Shunde, Guangdong, is a Hong Kong architect. Before serving as the current Secretary for the Environment,[1] Wong had held a number of public service positions, including the first Chairman of the Environment and Sustainable Development Committee of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, the Chairman of the Professional Green Building Council and the Vice Chairman of the Hong Kong Green Building Council.[2] He has contributed to the promotion and research of the standards and guidelines for sustainable built environment applicable to the high-density urban environment of Hong Kong.
Policy Vision
Wong as the Secretary for the Environment has introduced a number of policy blueprints to establish the direction, targets and roadmaps for policies on air quality, waste reduction and recycling, nature conservation, climate change and energy. These blueprints include:
- March 2013, "A Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong";[3][4][5]
- May 2013, "Hong Kong Blueprint for Sustainable Use of Resources 2013–2022";[6]
- February 2014, "A Food Waste & Yard Waste Plan for Hong Kong 2014–2022";[7]
- May 2015, "Energy Saving Plan for Hong Kong’s Built Environment 2015–2025+";[8]
- November 2015, “Hong Kong Climate Change Report 2015”;[9]
- December 2016, "Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2016–2021";[10]
- January 2017, "Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2030+".[11]
Air quality
To improve the air quality, Wong implemented a set of new air quality objectives[12] soon after his assumption of office, and launched the Air Quality Health Index[13] to tie in with the new air quality objectives. On the other hand, a wide range of measures have been implemented targeting vehicles, vessels and power plants, which are the major sources of local air pollutants. Over $10 billion was set aside to launch a scheme in 2014[14][15] to phase out some 80 000 pre-Euro IV diesel commercial vehicles by 2020, and another $7 billion scheme will be launched in 2020 to phase out some 40 000 Euro IV diesel commercial vehicles. Starting from 2015, ocean-going vessels are required to switch to low-sulphur fuel while berthing in Hong Kong, making Hong Kong the first Asian city to implement mandatory fuel switch at berth.[16] From 2019 onwards, vessels are further required to use low-sulphur fuel within Hong Kong waters to dovetail with the establishment of Asia’s first marine emission control area in the Mainland China.[17] The power plants have also been continuously reducing the emission of air pollutants in order to meet the emissions caps set by the Government. The percentage of coal-fired electricity generation has been substantially reduced from about 50% in 2015 to about 25% in 2020[18].
The overall air quality in Hong Kong has improved evidently in recent years. From 2014 to 2019, the ambient concentrations of major air pollutants, including respirable suspended particulates, fine suspended particulates, nitrogen dioxide and sulphur dioxide, have dropped by 22% to 55%, whereas roadside concentrations of such air pollutants have also dropped by 22% to 44%[19]
.
On the percentage of electric private cars among all private cars, 6.3% of newly registered private cars in Hong Kong are electric in 2019, higher than 3.9% of the Mainland China and other Asian economies such as South Korea (1.9%), Japan (0.5%) and Thailand (0.1%). As mentioned in the 2019 Policy Address, the Government will prepare for a $2 billion pilot subsidy scheme to subsidise the installation of electric vehicle charging-enabling infrastructure in car parks of existing private residential buildings. It is anticipated that the pilot scheme will run for about 3 years to cover roughly 60 000 private parking spaces[20].
Waste reduction and recycling
On waste management, the key strategies include:
a) Introduce quantity-based waste charging through legislation based on the “polluter pays” principle and to encourage waste reduction at source: a bill was introduced into the Legislative Council (LegCo) for the first time in end 2018.[21][22][23]
b) Implement producer responsibility schemes (PRS) for different products: Three pieces of legislation relating to PRS were passed between 2012 and 2017, covering plastic shopping bags,[24] glass beverage containers,[25] and waste electrical and electronic equipment (WEEE).[26] The next target is plastic beverage containers, with the use of reverse vending machines to improve the efficiency of collecting plastic beverage containers.
c) Encourage the public to reduce food waste at source: The Food Wise Hong Kong Campaign[27] has been launched since 2013, with the Big Waster icon created; Big Waster on Facebook and Big Waster on Instagram have been established to provide information on “food wise and waste less” and other green messages; non-governmental organisations have been funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF)[28] to promote surplus food donation.
d) Promote waste separation and recovery: Clean Recycling Campaign[29] has been rolled out in continuation of the “blue for paper, yellow for aluminium cans, brown for plastic bottles” campaign launched about 20 years ago; a mobile application “Waste Less” [30] has been developed to display over 7 000 recyclable collection points across the territory; a community recycling network comprising Community Green Stations (CGS)[31] and Community Recycling Centres are being built up to enhance waste reduction and recycling in all districts in Hong Kong; a $1 billion Recycling Fund has been launched to support the recycling industry;[32][33] and the "Reduce and Recycle 2.0" Campaign[34] was launched in June 2020 to introduce the enhanced service of the community recycling network, encourage the public to go green, and support circular economy and green recovery.
e) Turn waste into energy: T‧PARK was built to treat sludge from the sewage treatment works and generate energy; a large scale advanced municipal solid waste incineration plant (the Integrated Waste Management Facilities Phase 1) is being constructed near Shek Kwu Chau; a network of Organic Resources Recovery Centres (O‧PARKs) is being built in phases,[35][36] and the trial on food waste/sewage sludge anaerobic co-digestion technology is being carried out at the Tai Po Sewage Treatment Works to transform food waste into renewable energy. Around 13 000 tonnes of food waste were recovered to turn waste into energy in 2018, increasing to 28 000 tonnes in 2019. It is expected that food waste recycling will be extended to include part of the domestic food waste in 2020, with an estimated recovery amount of 45 000 tonnes. There will be two more food waste treatment facilities in the coming two to three years: at Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works where food waste/sewage sludge anaerobic co-digestion will be introduced, and O‧PARK2 in North District.[37][38]
f) Turn waste into resources: The government-funded WEEE‧PARK, which commenced operation in October 2017, adopts state-of-the-art technologies for proper recycling and treatment of locally generated WEEE. As at July 2020, WEEE‧PARK has processed about 1.75 million pieces of WEEE, including about 412 000 washing machines, 200 000 refrigerators, 297 000 televisions, 166 000 air-conditioners and 673 000 computer products, turning waste into resources.[39] Proposals for yard waste management are also introduced to turn yard waste into energy and resources.
g) Support waste paper and plastic recycling: The Government engaged a number of service contractors in July 2020 to collect waste paper across the territory for screening, sorting and exporting to other places for recycling; a 2-year pilot scheme was launched in 2020 in three districts to provide free collection of a wide range of plastic recyclables from non-commercial and non-industrial sources in the districts, such as public and private housing estates, schools, CGSs and Community Recycling Centres.
Nature conservation
An ordinance was enacted by the LegCo in 2013 to incorporate the country park enclaves of Tai Long Sai Wan (Sai Wan), Kam Shan and Yuen Tun into their respective country parks, increasing the area of country parks by about 38 hectares.[40] In 2016, the Environment Bureau and the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department completed the first city-level Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Hong Kong.[41] In June 2017, the Government announced its in-principle agreement to conserving a private land with very high ecological value in Sha Lo Tung through non-in-situ land exchange, with a view to conserving this area renowned for having marshes and streams among woodland and being a sanctuary for dragonflies.[42] The Government amended the relevant ordinance in May 2018 to progressively phase out local ivory trade by the end of 2021, and to increase penalties on smuggling of and illegal trade in endangered species to deter the related activities.[43]
The Environmental Protection Department established the Countryside Conservation Office in July 2018, and earmarked $1 billion to support minor improvement works in the remote countryside, as well as the countryside conservation and revitalisation projects conducted by non-profit making organisations[44].
In addition, the Southwest Lantau Marine Park, covering an area of about 650 hectares, has formally become the sixth marine park in Hong Kong with effect from 1 April 2020. This is conducive to providing a better habitat for marine life such as the Chinese white dolphins[45].
Climate change
To implement the Paris Agreement, the HKSAR Government has set a target that by 2030, carbon intensity should be lower than the 2005 level by 65% to 70%. By then, the per capita carbon emissions will be reduced to 3.3-3.8 tonnes per year. Figures show that Hong Kong’s carbon emissions peaked in 2014. The per capita carbon emissions also decreased from 6.2 tonnes (peak) in 2014 to 5.4 tonnes in 2018, and are anticipated to decrease further to 4.5 tonnes in 2020.[46] The Government has invited the Council for Sustainable Development to engage the public to help formulate a longer-term decarbonisation strategy.[47] Meanwhile, a $200 million Green Tech Fund has been set up to promote local R&D on decarbonisation and green technologies.
Energy
The Energy Saving Plan for the Built Environment 2015~2025+ published by the Government in 2015 sets a specific energy saving target: reducing the energy intensity by 40% by 2025, using 2005 as the base. So far, a reduction of more than 30% has been achieved. In order to meet this target, the Government has introduced a series of measures, including providing tax concession for energy-efficient and renewable energy installations,[48] raising the statutory energy efficiency standards of buildings and electrical appliances,[49] constructing district cooling systems and promoting retro-commissioning[50] and other innovations that help existing buildings to save energy.
The Government also actively promotes renewable energy. Since 2018, it has introduced Feed-in Tariff (FiT), and implemented a number of facilitation measures, including relaxing the restrictions on the installation of solar energy generation systems on the rooftops of “village houses”,[51] exempting individuals participating in the FiT Scheme from applying for business registration and paying related profits tax,[52] and launching Solar Harvest to install solar energy generation systems for schools and welfare organisations free of charge.[53] As at the end of June 2020, the two power companies had approved more than 8 600 FiT applications in total. The solar panels involved can cover about 95 standard football pitches, and the electricity generated annually can support about 38 000 families, which is more than half the number of domestic households in Wan Chai.[54] The Government has also taken the lead in installing renewable energy facilities at its premises (including reservoirs and landfills) and strengthening its effort to turn waste to energy.
In 2017, Wong launched a blog (SEN’s Blog)[55] to brief the public on the latest progress of his policy initiatives with the help of video clips and images. In addition, Wong Kam Sing on Facebook and Wong Kam Sing on Instagram pages have been set up in recent years to strengthen communication with the public.
Personal experience
After graduated from CCC Kei Tsz Primary School,[56] Wong studied in St Bonaventure College and High School and Po Leung Kuk CFA No. 1 College (now called Po Leung Kuk No.1 W.H. Cheung College). Wong got his degree from the Faculty of Architecture of The University of Hong Kong in 1988. He then received further education on sustainable built environment from the graduate school of The University of British Columbia in Canada in the 1990s.
Family
Wong’s wife, Susan Leung So-wan, is also an architect. Leung has been the Chair of the Board of Local Affairs of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects. They have a daughter.
References
- ^ "Central Gov't appoints new HKSAR team". Information Services Department. June 2012.
- ^ Hong Kong Green Building Council on Facebook
- ^ "A Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong" (PDF). Environment Bureau. March 2013.
- ^ "Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong shows Government determination to improve air quality(with photos/video) - press release". Information Services Department. March 2013.
- ^ "Clean Air Plan for Hong Kong (2013-2017 Progress Report)" (PDF). Environment Bureau. June 2017.
- ^ "Hong Kong Blueprint for Sustainable Use of Resources 2013–2022" (PDF). Environment Bureau. May 2013.
- ^ "A Food Waste & Yard Waste Plan for Hong Kong 2014–2022" (PDF). Environment Bureau. February 2014.
- ^ "Energy Saving Plan for Hong Kong's Built Environment 2015–2025+" (PDF). Environment Bureau. May 2015.
- ^ "Hong Kong Climate Change Report 2015" (PDF). Environment Bureau. November 2015.
- ^ "Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan 2016–2021" (PDF). Environment Bureau. December 2016.
- ^ "Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2030+" (PDF). Environment Bureau. January 2017.
- ^ "Government welcomes passage of Air Pollution Control (Amendment) Ordinance 2013 - press release". Information Services Department. July 2013.
- ^ "Air Quality Health Index to come into effect tomorrow - press release". Information Services Department. December 2013.
- ^ "EPD to launch ex-gratia payment scheme on March 1 to phase out pre-Euro IV diesel commercial vehicles - press release". Information Services Department. February 2014.
- ^ "改善空氣 雷厲風行 老舊柴油車 被「判死刑」(in Chinese)". Sing Pao Daily News. October 2012.
- ^ "Ocean-going vessels required to switch to clean fuel while at berth from July 1- press release". Information Services Department. June 2015.
- ^ "Vessels required to use compliant fuel within Hong Kong waters from today- press release". Information Services Department. January 2019.
- ^ "Government to further reduce emissions from power plants - press release". Information Services Department. December 2019.
- ^ "Legislative Council Paper: Overall strategy for improving air quality submitted by the EPD" (PDF). Legislative Council of Hong Kong. December 2019.
- ^ "Legislative Council Paper: Further Measures to Improve Air Quality (Part 1) submitted by the EPD" (PDF). Legislative Council of Hong Kong. December 2019.
- ^ "ENB to introduce bill on municipal solid waste charging - press release". Information Services Department. October 2018.
- ^ "Legislative Council Brief: Waste Disposal (Charging for Municipal Solid Waste) (Amendment) Bill 2018" (PDF). Legislative Council of Hong Kong. October 2018.
- ^ "立法會:環境局局長動議二讀《2018年廢物處置(都市固體廢物收費)(修訂)條例草案》發言全文(只有中文)(in Chinese)". Information Services Department. November 2018.
- ^ "Full Implementation of the Plastic Shopping Bag Charging". Environmental Protection Department.
- ^ "Producer Responsibility Scheme (PRS) on Glass Beverage Containers". Environmental Protection Department.
- ^ "Producer Responsibility Scheme on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WPRS)". Environmental Protection Department.
- ^ "Food Wise Hong Kong". Environmental Protection Department.
- ^ "Environment and Conservation Fund". Environmental Protection Department.
- ^ "EPD launches clean recycling publicity and public education campaign to promote waste reduction for all(with photos) - press release". Information Services Department. December 2017.
- ^ "Hong Kong Waste Reduction Website". Environmental Protection Department.
- ^ "Community Green Stations". Environmental Protection Department.
- ^ "Recycling Fund". Environmental Protection Department.
- ^ "黃錦星盼快審回收基金助源頭減廢(in Chinese)". Sing Tao Daily. January 2015.
- ^ ""Reduce and Recycle 2.0" Campaign launched to promote "Save More, Recycle More" concept (with photo) - press release". Information Services Department. June 2020.
- ^ "O · PARK1". Environmental Protection Department.
- ^ "籌建6有機資源回收中心(in Chinese)". am730. February 2014.
- ^ "廚餘回收:中央處理 發電為本 -《星星話》局長網誌(只有中文)(in Chinese)". May 2019.
- ^ "廚餘回收 (二):中央處理 創新「消化」-《星星話》局長網誌(只有中文)(in Chinese)". September 2019.
- ^ "喂!2676 8888 舊電器免費回收 -《星星話》局長網誌(只有中文)(in Chinese)". July 2019.
- ^ "Country park enclaves of Tai Long Sai Wan, Kam Shan and Yuen Tun to be incorporated into country parks - press release". Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. July 2013.
- ^ "Hong Kong Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan". Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
- ^ "Non-in-situ land exchange agreed to promote long-term conservation of Sha Lo Tung - press release". Information Services Department. June 2017.
- ^ "Government will phase out local ivory trade and increase penalties on illicit trade in endangered species from May". Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. April 2018.
- ^ "Countryside Conservation Office". Environmental Protection Department.
- ^ "Designation of Southwest Lantau Marine Park gazetted". Information Services Department. December 2019.
- ^ "氣候行動:「地球日」50周年主題 -《星星話》局長網誌(只有中文)(in Chinese)". Environment Bureau. April 2020.
- ^ "Long-term Decarbonisation Strategy Public Engagement". Council for Sustainable Development.
- ^ "Enhanced tax incentive to promote renewable energy and building energy efficiency - press release". Information Services Department. March 2018.
- ^ "New edition of Code of Practice for Energy Efficiency of Building Services Installation and Code of Practice for Building Energy Audit gazetted - press release". Information Services Department. November 2018.
- ^ "Retro-commissioning". Electrical and Mechanical Services Department.
- ^ "Guidance Notes for Solar Photovoltaic System Installation launched today - press release". Information Services Department. October 2018.
- ^ "Legislative Council Brief: Exemption from Profits Tax (Feed-in Tariff Scheme) Order" (PDF). Legislative Council of Hong Kong. December 2019.
- ^ "Government launches Solar Harvest to support development of solar energy - press release". Information Services Department. March 2019.
- ^ "上網電價 稅務豁免令 - 黃錦星Facebook專頁(只有中文)(in Chinese)". March 2020.
- ^ "星星話(只有中文)". Environment Bureau.
- ^ "中環出更:巧遇小學同窗 黃錦星喜合照(in Chinese)". Oriental Daily News. November 2013.