A study of environmental protection practices in Hong Kong properties

Abstract

Environmental Protection is good for both environment and financial benefits. However, it is insignificant in the properties of Hong Kong. This study investigates the relationships between property owners and environmental protection. A research model has been set-up by the literature regarding public goods and collective actions. In order to further explain the framework, in-depth interviews and questionnaires have been developed to collect data for analysis. It was found that several reasons in relation to the degree of environmental protection attitude of the property owners. The busy lifestyle in Hong Kong discourage the sense of environmental protection, and in-result the sparse of the neighbourhood relationship which further depress their enthusiasm of carrying out environmental protection measures. Moreover, the availability of money is a realistic fact in the study, and the sense of ownership also has significant difference in the concept of environmental protection. During our study, we also found that cost-benefit reallocation is one of the main factors, which motivating or dismotivating their environmental protection behavior by providing various positive and negative incentives for their satisfaction and raise their commitment. Therefore, the involvement of the IO/OC and management company seems to be very important as they have the right and responsibilities to organize and implement the said measures. Last but not least, the provision of information takes an important role in the enhancement of environmental protection measures. It is suggested that the HKSAR Government and property managers in Hong Kong own the responsibilities and necessitation to play a more important role of organization, promotion and enhancement of the participation of property owners in Environmental Protection Measures.