ENG-2008 — Page 334

270 The Environment

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 2006 was 288 158 TJ, with residential, commercial, industrial and the transport sector consuming 18 per cent, 38 per cent, 9 per cent and 35 per cent of the energy respectively. To meet the challenges of climate change and the APEC-wide regional aspirational goal of reducing energy intensity by at least 25 per cent by 2030, 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 water-cooled air-conditioning systems and promoting effective energy management methods.

To further promote the use of energy-efficient products, the Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance was enacted in May 2008, introducing a mandatory energy efficiency labelling scheme. The initial phase covers room air- conditioners, refrigerating appliances and compact fluorescent lamps.

As buildings account for 89 per cent of electricity consumed, promoting their efficient use of energy is instrumental in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. To further improve energy efficiency in new and existing buildings, in March 2008 the Government completed a three-month public consultation exercise on the mandatory implementation of the Building Energy Codes. With the public support received during the consultation, the Government is now preparing the legislative proposal with a view to introducing the relevant legislation into the Legislative Council in 2009.

To promote adoption of energy efficient air-conditioning systems, the Government plans to implement a district cooling system (DCS) at the Kai Tak Development. DCS is a large-scale centralised air-conditioning system that produces chilled water at central chiller plants and distributes it to user buildings for air- conditioning. The system is more energy efficient than traditional air-cooled and water-cooled air-conditioning systems and will reduce electricity consumption and carbon dioxide emissions.

The Government recognises the importance of promoting the use of renewable energy in Hong Kong. In 'A First Sustainable Development Strategy for Hong Kong', the Government set a target of generating 1 to 2 per cent of Hong Kong's total electricity supply from renewable sources by 2012. Meanwhile, Hong Kong's two power companies are making progress in their attempts to use clean energy to produce electricity. Hongkong Electric Company Limited started operating its wind turbine on Lamma Island in 2006. Both companies are conducting Environmental Impact Assessment studies for building off-shore commercial wind farms in Hong Kong waters.