Applications for funding from Elder Academy Development Foundation invited
The Committee on Elder Academy Development Foundation (EADF) is inviting a new round of funding applications from school-sponsoring bodies of primary and secondary schools as well as post-secondary institutions interested in setting up elder academies (EAs) and organisations interested in organising activities that encourage elderly learning and intergenerational harmony. Applications should reach the Secretariat of the Committee on EADF by October 31.
The Elder Academy Scheme aims to promote continuous learning for elderly people, active ageing and intergenerational harmony. The EADF mainly provides funding for primary and secondary schools as well as post-secondary institutions to set up EAs to provide learning opportunities in a school setting for the elderly. Funding is also provided for activities that encourage elderly learning and intergenerational harmony.
Each approved EA in a primary or secondary school will be provided with funding capped at $122,000 for implementing a three-year programme. EAs which completed the first three-year programme may apply for funding capped at $60,000 for running a two-year programme.
As regards applications for organising EA courses in post-secondary institutions and other applications, the Committee on EADF will assess and decide the funding amount according to the merits of individual proposals.
Details of the funding applications can be downloaded from the website of the EA Scheme (www.elderacademy.org.hk). For enquiries, please contact the Secretariat of the Committee on EADF (Tel: 3655 5861/3655 5007; email: ea@lwb.gov.hk).
Photo source: elderacademy.org.hk
DEMS attends Signing Ceremony for Letter of Intent for Existing Commercial Building to Connect to Kai Tak District Cooling System
The Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Poon Kwok-ying, today (September 30) attended the Signing Ceremony for Letter of Intent for an Existing Commercial Building to Connect to the Kai Tak District Cooling System jointly organised by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and Sino Property Services (Sino) at the EMSD Headquarters. Sino signed the letter of intent committing to connect Skyline Tower under its management to the Kai Tak District Cooling System, making it the first existing private commercial building to connect to the system. The EMSD presented Sino with an appreciation letter, expressing gratitude for its implementation of further carbon reduction measures and joint efforts in building a low-carbon smart city.
Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Poon said the project fully demonstrates the forward-looking environmental vision of private developers. Sino proactively proposed connecting Skyline Tower to the Kai Tak District Cooling System, switching fully from the building's original standalone central air-conditioning system to the more cost-effective and energy-efficient District Cooling System. It will not only significantly reduce capital investment and at least 20 per centelectricity consumption and hence carbon emission, but also free up rooftop space for solar photovoltaic panel installation and greening, serving as an exemplar for green upgrading and transforming, as well as achieving a win-win outcome. The participation of private developers is crucial to the development of district cooling systems in Hong Kong. With the active involvement of the industry, it is trusted that relevant technologies will become increasingly mature, contributing to the achievement of Hong Kong's carbon neutrality goals.
According to the signed letter of intent, Sino will officially submit an application in accordance with the District Cooling Services Ordinance and collaborate closely with the EMSD to jointly evaluate the project's energy-saving and carbon-reduction efficacy.
To encourage the industry and non-governmental organisations to construct small-scale district cooling systems or centralised multi-building cooling systems on a broader scale, the Government will formulate an enhancement scheme covering technical, tax and gross floor area arrangements, and announce the details within this year.
