Given the large number of trees being managed and the ever-changing conditions during their life cycle of growth, technology application is key to keeping our urban forests healthy and minimising tree failure risks. The Development Bureau has been exploring various technologies, including the use of remote sensing multispectral imagery and 3D Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), to analyse the health and/or structure of trees.

Recently, the Development Bureau has engaged a consultant to use sonic tomography to identify tree roots under pavements. By tapping a metal rod, which transmits vibration to the sonic tomograph receivers tied to the root collar, stress wave tomography (SWT) can indicate root locations. The results can be viewed on a computer in real time, assisting tree management personnel to get a better idea of the conditions of roots under the paving and the tree’s stability.

Technology in general has evolved rapidly and is becoming more accessible and cost-effective. Some may assist in checking internal decay, presence of pest or disease, and general health and structure of trees, thereby enhancing the quality of tree inspection work. The Development Bureau, together with tree management departments, are proactively identifying emerging know-how and investigating and testing potential technology in cooperation with research institutions.

This article is contributed by the Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government.

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) organised the captioned event to inspire secondary school students’ interest in engineering and technological innovation, and to promote District Cooling System (DCS) as one of the infrastructural initiatives towards carbon neutrality.

The event started with two categories of STEM workshops held in October 2022, in which students learned the basic knowledge of DCS and Python coding. Category 1 students were tasked with producing DCS-related infographics while Category 2 students were tasked with data acquisition and control & instrumentation using open-source microcontroller boards.

A total of 16 teams shortlisted from 40 entries were evaluated by the judging panel comprising specialists. They were deeply impressed by the creativity and innovativeness of our future engineering talents.

At the award ceremony in March 2023, Director of Electrical & Mechanical Services, Ir Pang Yiu-hung, and the Chairman of the Judging Panel, Ir Edmund Leung, praised the students’ enthusiasm for innovation and appreciation of DCS. They encouraged students to continue exploring their talents and building their interests in the engineering field, and to actively pursue innovative technology to become our future leaders spearheading the pathway towards a greener, more sustainable and livable Hong Kong.

Please visit the event website at https://www.energysaving.gov.hk/dcscompetition/en/details/index.html for more information.

The award ceremony

This article is contributed by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department of the HKSAR Government.