TNAG-2224-FCO40-3195-Gulf-War-burden-sharing-Hong-Kong-contribution-1991 — Page 5

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Initially,

will

be

assessed

options.

the

financial

and

staffing implications

minimal. The costs of future initiatives cannot be at this stage as these are dependent upon a number of

When specific proposals have been identified, provision of the necessary resources will be considered in the usual way.

It is envisaged that an Energy Efficiency Office may eventually have to be set up, probably in Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, to co-ordinate and monitor energy efficiency programmes.

ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS

17

Any excessive or ill-targetted pursuit of energy saving would affect adversely Hong Kong's economic growth and its status as a modern industrial and commercial centre. Nonetheless, there are considerable areas such as building designs where a higher level of energy efficiency can be achieved without any negative economic effects.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION

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The Environmental Pollution Advisory Committee (EPCOM) has been consulted on the matter and its members have expressed full support for adoption of an energy efficiency policy. Members of EPCOM considered that a policy along the lines proposed should be considered as a useful first step towards resolving what they saw as a serious problem (they were particularly concerned about the implications of the figures given in paragraphs 6 and 9 above). They felt an advisory committee was desirable, but that its Terms of Reference should be left as broad and unrestricted as possible.

PUBLIC REACTION

19

The recent rises in oil prices have meant that the general public has become more alert and concerned about energy efficiency. A comprehensive energy efficiency policy will be welcomed.

Individual measures therein will not please everyone, however. Any legislative control against wasteful buildings will meet with some opposition as well as some enthusiastic support. The power companies, oil suppliers, electrical appliances trade, and industries with heavy energy consumption will be concerned to ensure that their and their consumers' immediate interests are balanced against the overall environmental issues when Government takes any step forward.

G F. 324