XN000022-1996-11-06 — Page 8

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EMSD pushes ahead with energy efficiency

The Energy Efficiency Office of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department is implementing several initiatives on energy efficiency and conservation.

This was stated by the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Hugh Phillipson, today (Wednesday) at the opening of a symposium on electrical services in buildings.

"We are working on building energy codes and an energy end-use data base, energy efficiency labelling for household electrical appliances, and energy and environmental management of government and public buildings.

"We are in dialogue and have been working with the two power companies on several pilot studies for energy efficiency lighting.

"Also, there have been several innovations in tariffs to encourage off-peak use of power, including a pilot ice storage air-conditioning tariff," Mr Phillipson said.

He noted that over the world, there was a common view amongst responsible organisations, whether government, professional institutions or companies, about the serious potential problems relating to energy in particular the limited future of fossil fuels and the adverse environmental impacts of increasing energy production and use.

"In Hong Kong a high-level body called the Energy Advisory Committee has been set up to advise the Government on energy policy, including energy supply and demand and energy conservation and efficiency.

"Chaired by Professor Charles Kao and with distinguished membership representing academic institutions, professional bodies, industry and the Government, the committee will have a major impact in advising the Government on the way in which energy issues should be dealt with in Hong Kong in the critical period ahead," he said.

Turning to electrical safety, Mr Phillipson said the Electrical Products (Safety) Regulations which aimed at enhancing the safety of domestic electrical appliances would be enacted and enforced in the current Legislative Council session.

"A recent regulation of plugs and adaptors has been very successful in eliminating some dangerous adaptors and plugs that used to be on sale.