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recommended. By implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, the HKSAR aspires to be one of the greenest cities in China.
The HKSAR has joined the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group to enhance co-operation with participating cities to combat climate change. A C40 Hong Kong Workshop, which focused on green transport and low carbon built environment, was organised on November 5 and 6, 2010 to share strategies and experience in combating climate change.
Energy Efficiency
Energy consumption is closely related to greenhouse gas emissions. Improving energy efficiency helps address the growing concerns of climate change and global warming. The total energy consumption at end-use level in Hong Kong in 2008 was 284 430 TJ, with residential, commercial, industrial and the transport sector consuming 19 per cent, 39 per cent, 10 per cent and 32 per cent of the energy respectively. To meet the challenges of climate change, the Energy Efficiency Office of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department has implemented a range of programmes and initiatives to promote efficient use of energy, including implementing a number of voluntary energy efficiency labelling and registration schemes; promoting wider use of water-cooled air-conditioning systems and promoting effective energy management methods.
The initial phase of the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MEELS) came into full implementation on November 9, 2009. Under the MEELS, energy labels are required to be shown on prescribed products for supply in Hong Kong to inform consumers of their energy efficiency performance. Three types of prescribed products covered in the initial phase of MEELS
room air-conditioners,
refrigerating appliances and compact fluorescent lamps. The second phase of the MEELS extends the coverage to two more electrical appliances: washing machines and dehumidifiers. The second phase commenced on March 19, 2010 with an 18-month grace period for the trades to make necessary preparations.
As buildings account for about 89 per cent of electricity consumed, promoting their efficient use of energy is instrumental in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To improve further energy efficiency in new and existing buildings, the Government introduced the Buildings Energy Efficiency Bill into the Legislative Council in December 2009 for mandatory implementation of the Building Energy Codes. The Bill was passed by the Legislative Council in November 2010. Upon the enactment of the subsidiary legislation, eligible persons will be encouraged to be registered as Registered Energy Assessors over a period of 18 months to undertake duties under the ordinance. It is expected that the ordinance will be fully implemented in the third quarter of 2012.
To promote adoption of energy-efficient air-conditioning systems, the Government plans to implement a district cooling system (DCS) at the Kai Tak Development (KTD). The DCS will provide chilled water to non-domestic developments for air-conditioning. It is an energy-efficient system which consumes