According to a study conducted by Green Sense, the power used by the MTR in its station advertising, run by JCDecaux Pearl & Dean, could potentially power thousands of homes. The study found that the MTR uses more than 50,000 fluorescent tubes containing high levels of mercury, which ultimately end up as landfill.
“We suggest that the new model T5 (tube), which uses less glass and mercury, would save up to 40 per cent in electricity in comparison,” said Sun Wai-fung, campaign officer, Green Sense.
JC Decaux Pearl & Dean chiefs declined to comment, but MTR media relations manager James Tsui said: “We do try to be energy conscious - we use energy-saving lightbulbs inside our trains and switch off some escalators in non-peak hours.”
The controversy comes as the MTR launches a new interactive audio and visual shopping guide platform for consumers in key stations.
