People looking for an eco-friendly environment can now enjoy a green living and learning experience at the Chinese YMCA of Hong Kong (CYMCA) Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village. Funded with a donation of HK$23 million from The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, the Project Zero initiative shows the public how to reduce and offset their carbon footprint and provides experiential learning to promote a proactive attitude in environmental conservation.
Today (3 May), Club Steward Anthony W K Chow joined Secretary for the Environment Wong Kam-sing, CYMCA President Dr Cecil Chan and other guests to officiate at the kick-off ceremony.
Mr Chow noted that under Project Zero, the Jockey Club had funded a zero carbon living zone and an interactive education centre. Through various renewable energy installations and energy saving facilities at the campsite, the public can learn more about global warming and experience how they could lower their carbon footprint.
The Jockey Club Zero Carbon Living Zone comprises 10 bungalows in which various energy-saving items are installed. New features include energy-efficient room coolers, heat-shield coatings, T5 fluorescent tubes, solar water heaters, and a system for energy measurement to enable campers to know their electricity consumption in the areas of air conditioning, water heating, lighting and power sockets throughout their stay.
In addition, the campsite provides a wide array of eco-educational facilities including the Jockey Club Interactive Education Centre with games illustrating carbon footprints and renewable energy; a small-scale weather station; a kinetic gymnasium with bicycles, indoor rowing and steppers; a wind turbine; and an interpretive eco-guide walk.
The various energy-saving installations of Project Zero are estimated to reduce carbon emissions by 84 tonnes and result in an annual cost-saving from electricity consumption of HK$100,000. The renovated campsite will benefit 500,000 overnight and day campers annually, with an estimated 50% of total camp users participating directly in the programmes of Project Zero. The public can also visit community farming facilities including a greenhouse, a green market and a green kitchen that help foster awareness of environmental conservation.
The Hong Kong Jockey Club
Founded in 1884, The Hong Kong Jockey Club is not only one of the world’s leading horse racing organisations, but also Hong Kong’s largest community contributor, donating HK$1.95 billion in 2012/13. In addition, the Club is a major taxpayer, Hong Kong’s single largest by far, generating over HK$17.64 billion in 2012/13 for public funds. The Club pioneers technology applications for sporting and betting entertainment, striving for the highest levels of customer service. As a membership club, it is recognised as one of Asia’s most prestigious. These multifaceted roles make it a well-respected and remarkable organisation, dedicated to its mission of enhancing the quality of life for all Hong Kong people.
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Club Steward Anthony W K Chow says the facilities under Project Zero at the campsite will allow public to learn more about global warming and experience a low carbon living.
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Club Steward Anthony W K Chow (left) joins Secretary for the Environment Wong Kam-sing (centre) and CYMCA President Dr Cecil Chan (right) to officiate at the Project Zero kick-off ceremony.
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Group photo.
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Photos 4, 5, 6:
Guests tour the Jockey Club Zero Carbon Living Zone and the Jockey Club Interactive Education Centre.
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Photos 7, 8:
Jockey Club Zero Carbon Living Zone and Jockey Club Interactive Education Centre at CYMCA Wu Kwai Sha Youth Village.
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