In Hong Kong, the transport sector (as a whole) contributes to about 18% of Hong Kong's total emissions and is Hong Kong's second largest emission (EPD 2008).
Hong Kong's extensive and energy-efficient public transport system has been instrumental in helping to control our GHG emissions at a low level as compared with other developed economies. In Hong Kong, some 90% of the 11 million commuter trips each day are made on the public transport system and this is expected to rise as the public transport system, particularly the railway network, is increased.
Vehicular emissions are the major source of roadside air pollution in Hong Kong. Reducing emissions from vehicles can improve our roadside air quality. There have also been efforts made with incentives to promote the use of cleaner vehicles via the Government's “Tax Incentives Scheme for Environment-friendly Petrol Private Cars” in April 2007. To encourage the use of environment-friendly petrol private cars with low emissions and high fuel efficiency, starting from April 1, 2007, reduction in the First Registration Tax (FRT) will be offered to buyers of newly registered environment-friendly petrol private cars. The latest revision of the FRT reduction rate has been raised from 30% to 45%, subject to a cap which has been increased from HK$50,000 to HK$75,000 per car. Furthermore, Hong Kong's liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) vehicle programme for taxis and light buses also helps reduce GHG emissions. Presently, almost 100% and some 56% of the taxi and public light bus fleets are using LPG.
Environment-friendly petrol private cars emit about 50% less hydrocarbons (HCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) and consume about 40% less fuel than conventional petrol Euro IV private cars. Owing to their higher fuel efficiency, they also emit about 40% less carbon dioxide (CO2), a key greenhouse gas contributing to global warming. Promoting the use of environment-friendly petrol private cars can bring about substantial environmental benefits.
Legislation Needs to be Tougher
That said, there has been little progress in getting rid of old pre-Euro and Euro 1 standard vehicles, the response from the government has consisted of subsidies for owners willing to switch to new one's. But so far, as the government reports in the past year, eight per cent of eligible vehicles have been submitted for the scheme and no plans for mandatory measures have been made. Some groups believe that the government should ban outdated vehicles and declare a mandatory replacement timetable for 2010/11. In addition, according to Civic Exchange there needs to be more consideration for natural gas routes buses for urban routes, using town planning to extend pedestrian areas, and subsidizing the capital cost of rail construction so Hong Kong can enjoy as an extensive network as exists in Tokyo, Paris, London and New York at affordable fares.
Hong Kong Government Promotes the Use of Biodiesel Fuel
The Government has committed to a duty-free policy on Euro V biodiesel and will develop specifications making reference to the EU standards and draw up specifications for auto biodiesel by amending the Air Pollution Control (Motor Vehicle Fuel) Regulation (Cap 311L). This will ensure the quality of the fuel, thereby strengthening users’ confidence and helping to control its impact on the environment. At present, there are three biodiesel production plants in Hong Kong. Two are now in operation and one is expected to commence production in 2011.
Facts about Euro V diesel
Euro V diesel has 80% less sulphur content than ultra-low sulphur diesel (ULSD) on the local market. There is no technical barrier for existing diesel vehicles to migrate to this more environment-friendly fuel. Using Euro V diesel could reduce their sulphur dioxide (SO2) and particulates emissions by 80% and 0.5% respectively. Should Euro V diesel vehicles be fueled with Euro V diesel in future, they will emit 30% to 40% less nitrogen oxides (NOx) than Euro IV diesel vehicles fueled with ULSD. As for diesel vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes, their particulate emissions will also be reduced by 80%.
|
|
MTR Corporation Limited. Best Practice Case Study
The company's network was expanded significantly in 2007 through a merger with Kowloon-Canton Railway. The MTR network includes 211.6 km of rail in Hong Kong, Kowloon, the New Territories, plus a light rail network in the New Territories, an airport express line, and bus feeder services. Due to its efficiency and affordability, the MTR system is a common mode of public transport in Hong Kong with over 4 million trips made in an average weekday.
Electricity consumption is one of MTR's most significant direct costs, electricity consumption is constantly monitored and opportunities for further efficiencies actively sought and assessed. The adoption of MTR's Climate Change Policy in 2006 includes influencing contractors and suppliers for best practice exceeding compliance and to actively improve and implement internal initiatives that reduce our carbon emissions.
The internally developed Environmental Management System (EMS) provides the framework for managing MTR's environmental impacts and is certified to the ISO 14001 standard. Under this system, targets for energy consumption, water usage, waste materials and effluents management and noise abatement have been consistently met. With the introduction of the Policy, MTR are expanding management processes and systems to include the medium to long-term risks of climate change on our operations. They have recently identified and prioritised for action significant risks which include substantially increased electricity consumption to maintain indoor air quality controls, anticipated increased utilities charges for water, gas and electricity resources, flood damage from storm surges, faster deterioration of the built infrastructure due to rising sea levels and the increasing possibility of pandemic illnesses propagated by the warmer climate. From 2007, mitigating actions are underway that encompass existing operations (principally energy consumption) and the investigation of new options for planned rail lines and properties. Overall, although railway operations make up the bulk of its business, MTR also manages residential and commercial properties near its stations. |
Hong Kong's Aviation
There has been some progress on sorting out the complicated air traffic management system for the Pearl River Delta's five major airports located within 200 kilometres of each other. Potential CO2 savings are relevant and there is a need to speed up with some interim solutions.
Clean Ports for Hong Kong
Advocates such as Christine Loh, CEO of Civic Exchange, think that legislation should be passed which requires ships to switch from cheap, dirty fuel to cleaner fuels when ships enter domestic waters. Singapore already has a policy that outlines this.