Page 15 - THEi Student Applied Research Presentations 2025

EXAMINING THE HONG KONG LIGHT
POLLUTION ISSUE IN 2025

Poster
LAM Yiu Sing
BEng (Hons) in Building Services Engineering
Department of Construction, Environment and Engineering

RESEARCH BACKGROUND OBJECTIVES

Hong Kong’s iconic night view contributes to severe light pollution, with night • Examining the causes and
sky brightness 82 times above international standards. Despite the 2016 consequences of light pollution
Charter on External Lighting, light nuisance complaints persisted, prompting • Evaluating the effectiveness of
a 2023 revision. This research evaluates the updated Charter’s effectiveness the improved Charter to reduce
through illuminance measurements and public perception surveys, addressing external lighting
compliance obstacles and awareness gaps. By analyzing data against Au and • Developing evidence-based solutions
Ng (2023) baselines, it aims to propose sustainable lighting policies, balancing to control light pollution in Hong
Hong Kong’s vibrant nightlife with public health and environmental concerns. Kong

METHODOLOGY

This study employs a mixed-methods approach, integrating quantitative and qualitative
techniques to comprehensively evaluate the effectiveness of the Charter on External
Lighting in reducing light pollution in Hong Kong. Qualitative insights, reflecting public
opinions and contextual factors, are combined with the framework established by
Au and Ng (2023) to ensure consistency in comparing illuminance data over time.
Quantitatively, field measurements were conducted in six Hong Kong districts using
a Lutron LX-1108 illuminance meter, with statistical methods guided by Au and Ng
(2023). Qualitatively, a questionnaire was designed to assess public perceptions of
light pollution and the Charter’s effectiveness. Twenty participants from each district
completed the survey, totaling 120 participants. The questionnaire included questions ABOUT THE INVESTIGATOR
on personal information, opinions on the degree and sources of light pollution, its
impact on well-being, and perceptions of the Charter’s effectiveness. My career goal is to become a building
services engineer, creating innovative
FINDINGS solutions to enhance building performance
and reduce environmental impact. My FYP
The Charter boosted the pre- to post-curfew illuminance reduction from 34% supervisor is Ir Dr Roger NG.
in 2023 to 45.4% in 2025. However, despite this improvement, no zones in
the study met the Guidance Note's specified requirements. Most participants
identified excessive commercial lighting, particularly signboard spotlights, as the
primary source of light pollution, followed by streetlights. The recommendations
call for mandatory laws with penalties, together with public education programs
to close awareness gaps and the implementation of shielded fixtures and warm-
toned LEDs to decrease ecological effects.

Student Applied Research Presentations 2025 Student Applied Research Presentations 2025 04