The tenets of sustainability underpin how we plan, design and deliver our services. Our stations and railway system have changed over time through knowledge accumulated in projects for expansion of our network. We have learned that bigger stations are not necessarily better, have prioritised eco-efficiency in design and maintenance, and have adapted existing station infrastructure to keep pace with technology opportunities.

Change has come about through observing human behaviour, and understanding how people use our stations and their expectations from our services. The end result is better accessibility through strategically planned traffic flows as seen with the opening of pedestrian walkways at high traffic stations to access adjacent commercial complexes. We have enhanced passenger communications with new technologies for signage and public information points of delivery. Station real estate has been reconfigured to improve the retailing component of our system. Our Arts in Station programme continues to expand with the addition of live performances, cultural events and local artists' exhibitions in selected stations to enhance the rail-system experience.

Our strategy of the "property through train" gives us the ability to assert best practice throughout the life-cycle of our property development business. The master planning forTsueng Kwan O Area 86 and the design proposal for Shenzhen Metro Line 4 employ several innovative measures to improve continually environmental stewardship. As of 2006, for all property development tenders, specifically those of Area 86, we have adopted mandatory certification by the HK-BEAM (Hong Kong Building Environmental Assessment Method).

In managing our commercial properties and shopping centres, we have introduced a new class of services for the prime properties of our portfolio. These include eco-efficient building maintenance driven by stringent annual energy audits and concierge style management for tenants' needs.