Cleaner air: Council for Sustainable Development Vice-chairman Edgar Cheng (third from left), Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao (centre) and guests officiate at the invitation and response document on air quality's launching ceremony.

The Council for Sustainable Development has rolled out an invitation and response document, "Clean Air - Clear Choices", to garner views on high pollution day alerts, road pricing and energy saving. Comments should reach the council by October 15.

Like many other cities, Hong Kong's air pollution index serves to advise the public to take passive precautions in high pollution. To adopt a more active high pollution day alert, the council said factors such as the alert's definition, systems and alerts, actions and responsibilities, as well as the definition of safe levels, should be considered.

The tool for better air

On road pricing, the council pointed out while it is generally recognised as a means of reducing traffic congestion, it can also be used as a tool to improve roadside air quality by way of reduced vehicle emissions in the areas or zones selected for imposing pricing.

The considerations for implementing road pricing including the level of pricing, the way to record and charge road users, penalties if road users do not follow the rules, alternative modes of transport, and alternative routes.

The council said demand-side management or energy saving can benefit the environment by cutting unnecessary consumption of fossil fuels and hence fewer air pollutants will be emitted. This will also help ensure sufficient energy for future generations.

Energy-saving focus

To encourage energy saving, the council said Hong Kong should focus on how to engage domestic and commercial consumers to conserve and use energy more efficiently. Stakeholders have to consider the actions and responsibilities in applying demand-side management, setting and achieving targets, as well as promotion.

The views gathered will help shape the council's recommendations which will form the basis of the Government's long-term policy and strategy on how to improve air quality for Hong Kong.

People can send in their views by joining the discussion forum or filling in the questionnaire here; mailing them to the council at Murray Building, Garden Road, Central; emailing them to comments@susdev.org.hk or faxing 3150 8168. Forums and workshops will also be staged.