Environmental
Protection

Energy Reduction and Efficiency

Our rail network requires significant electric power input which constitutes our largest non-staff operating cost. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact through energy efficiency measures. In our stations, we have concentrated our efforts to improve energy efficiency of our indoor environmental controls, whilst maintaining a comfortable temperature for our customers and staff. For instance, we have installed variable speed drives (“VSD”) on the ventilation fans of air handling units at five stations. The VSD reduces the speeds of ventilation fans when the carbon dioxide level in the station is low, thus reducing their energy consumption. In addition to safeguarding passengers, our platform screen doors help preserve the ambient temperature by reducing the piston effect where moving trains push hot air into the station and pull cool air into the tunnels. We are also carrying out a large-scale chiller replacement project in stations, aiming to reduce electricity consumption by up to 30% compared to 2017.

Waste and Wastewater Management

We encourage our contractors to reduce and recycle waste and to reuse excavation materials during construction wherever possible. Any discarded excavation materials and construction wastes are properly stored and disposed of in compliance with Government regulations. Contractors on all new railway projects are contractually obligated to prepare and implement a Waste Management Plan which includes regular checks to review waste records to ensure proper execution.

Our chemical waste footprint is comparatively small and primarily consists of used batteries and spent lubricant oil. We have registered our heavy rail stations and depots as well as our bus depots with the EPD as chemical waste producers. Licensed chemical waste collectors have been appointed for the proper collection, transportation and disposal of our chemical waste.

Wastewater is treated and discharged into the public storm drainage/sewage system maintained by the Government. The Lok Ma Chau and Lo Wu stations have their own sewage treatment plants and the effluent is discharged into coastal waters at Tai Po Kau Staff Quarters.

Water Conservation

The municipal water system is our main source of water which is used primarily for cleaning trains, railway infrastructure and stations. Water used to clean trains is collected and recycled for another round of train washing or as toilet flushing water in the depots.

Preserving Biodiversity

To conserve natural habitats and nurture biodiversity, we take great care to implement our Corporate Responsibility Policy particularly in ecologically sensitive areas. As a recognised source of natural and cultural value, we support the preservation of trees during the planning and construction of new lines. Along open sections of our operating railways, we reduce the risk of fallen trees through biennial large-scale tree surveys and a smart tagging system to monitor, assess and enhance our care of the trees to help avoid unforeseen impacts on our operations. By using Near Field Communication (“NFC”) technology, the tagging system enables us to retrieve information about tree species, height and condition in a simple and quick manner.

We have been managing the Lok Ma Chau wetland area since 2007. It is considered one of the best practice examples of biodiversity management in the region and has hosted more than 270 bird species as well as dragonflies, reptiles, mammals and amphibians including those classified as endangered, vulnerable and near threatened.

Green Buildings and Energy Efficiency

All our new development projects will aim to achieve BEAM Plus Gold accreditation under the Building Environmental Assessment Method (“BEAM”). To fulfil the commitments enumerated in this certification, we have implemented environmentally friendly measures with regard to the use of materials, water quality, energy usage and air quality during the construction and operation of buildings.

To further demonstrate our commitment and support Government advocacy, we have signed the Charter of External Lighting to switch off non-essential lighting after midnight in our properties, and the Energy Saving Charter to voluntarily maintain an indoor temperature between 24 and 26°C during summer months in areas under our direct operational control.

Waste Management

At our managed properties, we collaborate with the Owners' Committees and Incorporated Owners to promote waste separation programmes and initiatives to raise residents' awareness. We have provided recycling bins in common areas to collect used clothes, ink cartridges, and CD discs for recycling or donation. We also collect glass bottles for the “Glass to Brick” programme to produce reusable material.

To reduce the generation of food waste at MTR Malls, we introduced the “MTR Malls Food Waste Reduction Pledge” to engage our food and beverage tenants in minimising waste generation at source and promote food waste reduction practices. Moreover, residents of our managed residential properties are encouraged to join the “Central Food Waste Recycling for Improving Estate Environment” initiative to avoid food waste through different promotional programmes such as festive food donations and seminars. Some of our managed properties have also introduced composting machines to convert food waste into compost. Since 2015, we have specified the provision of food waste decomposers in our residential developments.

Water Conservation

The main use of water at our managed and investment properties is for cleaning and greening of our premises. To improve our water efficiency, we have implemented a variety of measures including, a grey water recycling system at LOHAS Park to recycle wastewater for landscaping and cleaning of outdoor public spaces, and the installation of dual flush toilets and automatic facets at MTR Malls.