Sustainability Report

DSD has completed several significant projects which are now in full operations during the year, including the Happy Valley Underground Stormwater Storage Scheme and Solar Farm at Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works. We are committed to improving our drainage and sewage capacity and at the same time introducing innovative elements to our services, with the aim to seek a balance between urban development and environmental protection, so as to promote the sustainability development in Hong Kong and enhance the quality of life of the public. DSD staff has always been a tight-knit team that strategises and strives together, and that has enabled us to overcome every challenge. In this chapter, we are honoured to share our highlights in 2016-17.

Commissioning Ceremony of Happy Valley Underground Stormwater Storage Scheme (HVUSSS)

On 16 March 2017, DSD held the Commissioning Ceremony of HVUSSS and announced the full commissioning of the 60,000 cubic metres (which is equivalent to the total volume of about 24 standard swimming pools) Happy Valley Underground Stormwater Storage Tank. “Smart Drainage • Green Living” is the theme of the Commissioning Ceremony. “Smart Drainage” refers to the innovative design, featuring both of the Movable Weir for more effective stormwater storage and drainage and the largest groundwater and rainwater harvesting system in Hong Kong; “Green Living” refers to the green building designs and the provision of new leisure areas in HVUSSS. On one hand, the underground stormwater storage tank alleviates the flood risk and offers protection to the citizens; and on the other hand, the ancillary facilities above the tank offer a comfortable and relaxing zone for the public.

The construction works for the Scheme commenced in 2012 comprising the construction of a stormwater storage tank underneath the Happy Valley Recreation Ground, a box culvert of about 650 metres long and a stormwater pump house with a peak flow rate of 1.5 cubic metres per second. It will serve as a storage tank to collect and temporarily store the runoff during heavy rainstorms to relieve the discharge load of the downstream drainage system and thereby alleviate flooding risks. The Scheme is divided into two phases. After the commissioning of the project, the flood protection level in Happy Valley and Wan Chai districts will be increased to withstand heavy rainstorms of a 1 in 50-year return period, safeguarding the lives and properties of citizens in the districts. This is also the first flood prevention project in Hong Kong to combine the use of Movable Weir and the Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System. The Approved Project Estimates for the entire project is about $1.07 billion.

Full Commissioning of the Largest Solar Farm in Hong Kong

Being the largest of its kind in Hong Kong, the Solar Farm at Siu Ho Wan Sewage Treatment Works came into operation on 9 December 2016. The Solar Farm comprises over 4,200 polycrystalline photovoltaic panels occupied 11,000 square metres. It is anticipated that the Solar Farm can generate as much as 1.1 million kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of 230 households. The renewable energy generated is fed to various facilities and systems inside the plant, including screening and sludge treatment facilities and a ultra-violet disinfection system etc., which is expected to reduce 770 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions annually.

To raise the public awareness of climate change, we held a commissioning ceremony on 9 December 2016 and invited more than 300 guests to witness the successful commencement of the Solar Farm. A tour was arranged for guests after the commissioning ceremony to further introduce the information of the Solar Farm.

DSD Research & Development Forum 2016: Climate Ready@HK

On 8 November 2016, we organised the Research & Development Forum 2016: Climate Ready@HK at the Hong Kong Science Museum, attracting more than 500 local academics, professionals and industry representatives. The Forum invited industry leaders, professors, and professionals to deliver two thematic speeches on “Striving for Innovation in Sustainable Stormwater Drainage” and “Towards Sustainable Energy Utilisation in Sewage Treatment”. They shared their experiences in climate change, revitalising water bodies, sustainable drainage systems, and energy reduction initiatives in sewage treatment to foster collaboration and technological innovation in the industry.

Awards and Honours 2016

Awards and Honours 2017