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About Us > Organization > Environmental Report 1999
Environmental Report 1999
Environmentally-friendly Initiatives
We value environmentally friendly initiatives, which use resources efficiently. Here are some examples -
- we provide e-mail accounts for communication with local/overseas targets for speedy, paperless communication;
- we distribute circulars, telephone lists, training schedules and statistics electronically;
- we arrange booking of functions and meetings electronically;
- we use energy-saving light bulbs and sectional control switches for the air-conditioning and lighting systems in our Function Room;
- we use energy conservation measures such as energy-saving functions in personal computers and general control of electricity consumption;
- we use videoconferencing to reduce the need for travel or for using paper communications;
- we implement waste-reduction measures including the use of recycled papers, reused papers and envelopes and waste paper collection for recycling.
Way Forward
2. We plan to issue a public tender for outsourcing in 2000 for information management and processing of existing computer systems, development and administration of new IT systems and office operations. Developing e-commerce for intellectual property functions will reduce the need for travel and the use of paper by the public and the Department.
3. The outsourcing project is expected to bring the following specific environmental benefits -
- paperless office to save office accommodation and storage space with concomitant energy savings;
- e-business and electronic submissions of applications for trademarks, patents and designs will reduce the need for travel to the office and use of paper;
- Internet publication of details of applications and grant to replace advertising in the HKSAR Gazette (currently averaging 290 pages of paper per week);
- Internet access to trademark, patent and design database as opposed to on-site public search in IPD terminals will reduce the need for travel; and
- electronic publication of design and patent information will allow for dissemination of new technology (including environmental protection technology) freely around the world.
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