Facilities Department is dedicated to ensuring that every slope, path, road and building across our 148-hectare site operates safely, sustainably, and seamlessly. Established in 2004, our department integrates traditional infrastructure maintenance with IT solutions, security measures, and project development. This holistic approach supports our mission of conservation, education, and enhancing visitor engagement. 

Core Purpose and Scope 

The Facilities Department exists to: 

1. Maintain and enhance roads, trails, slopes, and retaining walls; 
2. Service existing buildings, animal enclosures, greenhouses, and utilities; 
3. Plan and oversee the construction of new structures for special projects; 
4. Manage water supply, wastewater treatment, energy use, and waste sorting; and 
5. Provide IT infrastructure, on-site security and operation services to protect people, data, and wildlife. 

By integrating these essential functions, we aim to create a safe, comfortable, and environmentally responsible environment for the millions of visitors, staff, and rescued animals who rely on us each year. 

Key department roles: 

- Ongoing Care of Existing Structures 

Every day, the facilities teams ensure that KFBG’s built environment remains in a good condition: 

1. Inspect and repair over 10 km of internal roads and trails to guarantee safe access across steep terrain; 
2. Service more than 250 slopes and retaining walls—totalling 17.8 km—to prevent erosion and landslides; 
3. Maintain all visitor and staff buildings, including the reception area, farm shop, café, research laboratory, and maintenance workshops; 
4. Overhaul animal enclosures, greenhouses, and nurseries to meet the required standards; and 
5. Monitor structural health through regular condition assessments and predictive maintenance planning. 

These activities safeguard both human safety and conservation assets throughout the site. 

- New Construction and Special Projects 

In response to emerging needs, we: 

1. Collaborates with professionals including architects, surveyors, engineers, and environmental specialists, etc. to develop project briefs; 
2. Manages permitting, budgeting, and contractor selection in accordance with regulations of Hong Kong; 
3. Oversees on-site construction, ensuring minimal ecological disturbance and adherence to high sustainability standards; and 
4. Integrates renewable materials, energy-efficient designs, and green building certifications whenever possible. 

- Water and Waste Systems 

We maximize the use of natural resources and minimizes pollution through: 

1. Filtration and disinfection of mountain stream water for office and irrigation use; 
2. Operation of a constructed wetland sewage treatment system (since 2009), recycling treated effluent for flushing and plant irrigation; and 
3. Continuous monitoring of reservoirs, pumps, and pipelines to prevent leaks and ensure water quality. 

These systems reduce reliance on external water supplies and demonstrate effective closed-loop resource management. 

- Energy Management and Sustainability 

Aligned with KFBG’s sustainability mission, the Facilities team: 

1. Track energy consumption across buildings, lighting, pumps, and equipment to identify efficiency improvements; and 
2. Coordinate waste sorting, recycling, and on-site composting to divert organic matter from landfills. 

By modelling sustainable infrastructure, we inspire visitors and supports KFBG’s broader green-living education initiatives. 

- Security 

The security team protects people, wildlife, and assets by: 

1. Controlling site access through monitored entry points, contractor registration, and vehicle checks; and 
2. Monitoring CCTV and conducting regular patrols of sensitive areas, including campus facilities and animal enclosures. 

This unified approach ensures a secure environment across diverse terrains and activities. 

- Information Technology 

As digital tools become vital for conservation and education, the IT team: 

1. Maintain robust internal networks, servers, and cloud services for research data, visitor systems, and back-office operations; 
2. Secure all digital assets with firewalls, encryption, and compliance with Hong Kong’s data protection laws; and 
3. Support KFBG’s public website, online booking, mobile apps, and interactive exhibits. 

By embedding IT expertise, KFBG achieves tighter integration between physical infrastructure and digital technology. 

- Collaboration and Future Outlook 

The Facilities Department collaborates closely with every KFBG department—from Conservation & Research to Holistic Education—to: 

1. Prepare trails and buildings for school groups, workshops, and community events; 
2. Install demonstration infrastructure (e.g., rainwater harvesting and eco/edible gardens) for sustainable living programs; and 
3. Adapt facilities rapidly to emerging conservation crises, such as providing temporary housing for rescued wildlife. 

Looking ahead, the department will explore net-zero building retrofits, expanded solar generation, and smart-site technologies. By continually innovating, Facilities Department lays the groundwork for KFBG’s future decades of ecological stewardship, learning, and inspiration.

❯ History Timeline of Facilities Department