Environmental Performance
18
Hopewell Holdings Limited
Sustainability Report 2010/11
Heyuan Power Plant: Minimising Impact
through Air Pollution Technology
The Heyuan Power Plant is one of the most efficient and
environmentally responsible coal-fired power plants in Guangdong
Province. It is equipped with flue gas desulphurisation, a technology
used to reduce sulphur dioxide (SO
2
) from the exhaust flue gases
of fossil fuel power plants. We also ensure minimal pollutant
formation and reduction of NO
x
emissions by using low NO
x
burners.
Discharged smoke is treated with various engineering processes
including electrostatic precipitation to remove dust before releasing
it through a 210-metre high chimney. In order to prevent coal dust
scattering to surrounding areas, two 120 metre diameter closed
coal yards were built for housing the fuel. We have an online
emission monitoring system in place for controlling SO
2
, NO
x
and
dust emissions.
Indoor Air Quality
Water
We have adopted a series of measures to improve indoor air
quality in our properties so as to offer a quality environment to
our tenants and visitors. At Hopewell Centre, the primary air unit is
periodically replaced to ensure that fresh air delivery is adequate
with no contamination. Air purifying machines were installed in all
passenger lifts to improve indoor air quality. Hopewell Centre was
awarded with the Indoor Air Quality Certificate (Good Class) by the
Environmental Protection Department. To reduce toxin levels in
indoor environments, we use low volatile organic compound (VOC)
paints in our buildings.
Clean Air Education
We make efforts to promote initiatives to improve the air quality in
Hong Kong. We partnered with Clean Air Network and conducted a
clean air educational seminar for staff members in June 2011. Based
on positive feedback, we decided to continue running the seminar
for different subsidiaries in the second half of 2011. We are currently
considering the development of community education programmes
on the topic of “Clean Air”.
Initiatives have been implemented in our properties to reduce water
consumption, such as automatic water taps and dual flush toilets.
Water saving initiatives in the common areas of Panda Place led
to an almost 50% reduction in our water bill. We promote water
conservation and encourage users of public toilets in the shopping
malls to save water by posting water saving tips.
In 2010, Hopewell Centre and QRE Plaza were recognised as
complying with the requirements of the “Quality Water Recognition
Scheme for Buildings” initiated by the Water Supplies Department.
Emphasis is placed on the proper maintenance of plumbing systems
for ensuring water quality. We will continue to ensure water quality
by cleaning water tanks quarterly and conducting water sampling.
Wastewater Treatment
Heyuan Power Plant has been designed to maximise the reduction
of water consumption from the Dongjiang River and the reduction
of wastewater produced during operations by recycling and reusing
treated water. It was also the first power plant equipped with a flue
gas desulphurisation wastewater treatment system in Mainland
China. The wastewater technology is implemented to achieve the
target of zero discharge of wastewater. By treating wastewater, the
upper stream of the Dongjiang River, which supplies fresh water to
Hong Kong, is not affected by our operations.
On our highways, we collect storm water run-off through a pipe
system and transport it to local water treatment facilities to ensure
better wastewater quality.