ENG-2009 — Page 339

The Environment | 271

The carbon audit guidelines for buildings, jointly launched by the EPD and the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) in July 2008, aim to assist building managers and users to calculate the amount of greenhouse gas emitted from their building operations and to explore room for improvements. Over 140 organisations from different sectors have become 'Carbon Audit Green Partners' and they are committed to carbon auditing and will initiate carbon reduction efforts.

The EPD has commissioned a comprehensive study on climate change to assess its impact on Hong Kong and to identify further adaptation and mitigation strategies for Hong Kong to combat climate change. The HKSAR has also joined the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group to enhance co-operation with participating cities to combat 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 2007 was 294 107 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, the Energy Efficiency Office of the EMSD 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 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 in the year, following the expiry of an 18-month grace period. 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 are room air-conditioners, refrigerating appliances and compact fluorescent lamps. The second phase of the MEELS will cover washing machines and dehumidifiers and the relevant legislative amendments have been passed by the Legislative Council. The second phase will take effect in March 2010 with an 18-month grace period for the trades to make necessary preparations.

As buildings account for 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 on December 9 to mandate compliance with the Building Energy Codes.

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 there for air-conditioning purpose. It is an energy-efficient system which consumes 35 per cent less electricity compared with traditional air-cooled air- conditioning systems.