Construction noise in a compact city like Hong Kong can be a significant problem. On this page you can learn about how the Environmental Protection Department is managing construction noise, the roles of construction noise permits and noise emission labels, and a code of good practice to which the Department is encouraging adherence.

As in many densely populated cities around the world, noise is a significant environmental problem in Hong Kong. The small geographical size of the urban areas means that buildings are always very close to each other, and that commercial and residential premises are mixed together. So when new construction or renovations are underway, noise can be very disturbing. Since the Noise Control Ordinance came into effect in 1989, the Environmental Protection Department has worked to reduce this problem by carefully managing construction noise. The aim is to balance the needs of the construction industry against the maintenance of social harmony.

• More on noise management measures throughout Hong Kong
  http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/environmentinhk/noise/noise_maincontent.html
• Text of the Noise Control Ordinance
  http://www.legislation.gov.hk/blis_ind.nsf/CurAllEngDoc?OpenView&Start=400&Count=25&Expand=400#400l

The main way in construction noise is managed is the issuance of construction noise permits. A construction noise permit must be obtained from the Environmental Protection Department for either of the following two cases.

• Prescribed construction work in Designated Areas or general construction work using powered mechanical equipment from 7 pm to 7 am on weekdays, and any time on Sundays and public holidays.
• Percussive piling from 7 am to 7 pm on any day other than a public holiday.

You should note that percussive piling is prohibited from 7 pm to 7 am on weekdays and any time on Sundays and public holidays. Applications for construction noise permits must be submitted to the Environmental Protection Department for assessment and approval before the commencement of the work. The respective application forms are available online, and can also be submitted electronically.

• Construction Noise Permit application forms
  http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/application_for_licences/applic_froms/forms.html
• Construction Noise Permit e-Application
  http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/epic/english/licence.html

The Noise Control Ordinance also provides for the control of noise from hand-held percussive breakers and air compressors. Breakers that weigh more than 10 kilograms and air compressors that can supply compressed air at 500 kilopascals or above must be fitted with noise emission labels when being used for construction work. When applying for a noise emission label, you should provide:

• An EEC type-examination certificate, an EC Declaration of Conformity or a noise testing report issued by a corporate member of the UK Institute of Acoustics certifying that the equipment complies to noise emission standards.
• A trade leaflet or brochure for the equipment, if available.
• Other relevant information such as the equipment's date of manufacture.

Application forms are available online and should be submitted at one of the Environmental Protection Department's Customer Service Counters. Applications can also be made online.

• More on Noise Emission Labels
  http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/application_for_licences/guidance/nel_363.html
• Noise Emission Label application form
  http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/application_for_licences/applic_froms/forms.html
• Noise Emission Label e-Application
  http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/epic/english/licence.html
• Customer Service Counter locations
  http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/application_for_licences/sub_applic/application_maincontent38.html

The Environmental Protection Department also published a Code of Practice to encourage the reduction of noise and implementation of good management practices within the construction industry. The primary aim of the Code is to support the senior management of construction firms in complying with the Noise Control Ordinance. The Code covers measures such as:

• Issuing policy statements on the prevention of noise pollution.
• Conducting systematic periodic reviews of practice.
• Appointing and empowering a noise control officer from senior management.
• Establishing a notification system for noise control incidents that have generated or may generate complaints.

The object is to ensure that the need for a tranquil environment will be considered as part of the construction process. 

• More on the Code of Good Practice (pdf file)
  http://www.epd.gov.hk/epd/english/news_events/current_issue/files/construction_cop.pdf