ENG-1998 — Page 478

THE ENVIRONMENT

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nitrogen oxides and greenhouse gases. The Energy Efficiency Office (EEO) of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, established in August 1994, provides technical advice on energy efficiency and conservation.

In October 1998, the government started a study to examine the feasibility of wider adoption of water-cooled air conditioning. Such systems may save 20 per cent to 30 per cent in energy costs in buildings that can be connected to them.

A voluntary registration scheme was launched in October 1998 for buildings that comply with Codes of Practice for energy efficiency on air-conditioning and lighting installations. These encourage the design of energy efficient building services. The EEO is also developing codes on lifts and escalators, and electrical installations.

The result of a three-year pilot programme, started in 1996, to retrofit government buildings with energy efficient equipment are showing positive results. The experience will be used to issue guidelines to both the public and the private sectors to promote the installation of more energy efficient equipment in both new and existing buildings.

The government has also been promoting more energy efficient household appliances. Energy efficiency labelling schemes for refrigerators, room air- conditioners, washing machines and compact fluorescent lamps have so far been implemented. The scheme, which helps consumers select energy efficient appliances, is to be expanded.

In the past, co-ordinated energy efficiency policies were difficult to make because of inadequate data. In 1998 an energy end-use database was established. The database, while not a panacea, will help to identify areas for cost-effective improvements, estimate potential overall energy cost savings and assess the effectiveness of energy efficiency measures.

The government entered into formal Demand Side Management (DSM) Agreements with Hongkong Electric Company Ltd and China Light and Power Company Ltd in November 1997 and February 1998 respectively. The power companies started implementing their DSM programmes in 1998. The DSM programmes will focus on giving rebates for the purchase of energy efficient lighting, air-conditioners and refrigerators. These DSM measures will help to reduce peak demand for electricity by improving energy efficiency and reduce the need for additional power generating capacity in the longer term.

Government Laboratory

The laboratory provides centralised analytical and advisory services to various government programmes on environmental protection. A total of 242 000 tests were performed in 1998 on air particulates and deposition, terrestrial waters, bottom sediment, aquatic species, effluent and sewage discharge. The laboratory is also the referee analyst under various ordinances and regulations related to environmental protection. Some 700 samples, including on-site measurements, were analysed for litigation purposes in 1998. Apart from routine testing, the laboratory also advises on the quality of test data provided by contract laboratories in environmental impact assessment studies. If needed, professional advice is offered on-site in incidents of chemical spillage or gas emission.