ENG-2011 — Page 333

The Environment 289

environmental industry at the Eco Expo Asia 2011, including the setting up of a Hong Kong Pavilion, to help the branding of local environmental industries in the region.

Climate Change

The Government attaches much importance to combating climate change. While analysing the feedback received during the public consultation on Hong Kong's climate change strategy and action agenda completed at the end of 2010, it spared no time in taking forward various mitigation and adaptation measures to meet this global challenge. Measures include switching to cleaner fuels for power generation, enhancing energy efficiency, particularly in buildings, exploring the potential of renewable energy and waste-to-energy, developing an efficient and environment-friendly public transportation system, and raising public awareness on climate change issues.

In 2011, the Government continued to engage and provide funding to major local trade associations to sustain their efforts in carbon reduction, including producing a web-based 'Carbon Management Tool', and conducting workshops and seminars for their member organisations. The Government also engaged local community associations in organising neighbourhood workshops and community programmes to promote carbon audits for buildings and to reduce carbon emissions.

With respect to regional collaboration, an agreement was signed between Hong Kong and Guangdong at the 14th Plenary of the Hong Kong/Guangdong Co-operation Joint Conference in August 2011 to set up a Hong Kong/Guangdong Joint Liaison Group on Combating Climate Change. The Liaison Group will co-ordinate measures and activities in tackling climate change, including the promotion of scientific research and technology development in the two places.

In May 2011, Hong Kong became a member of the Steering Committee of C40 Large Cities Climate Leadership Group and continued to work closely with the international community in combating 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 2009 was 283 540 TJ, with residential, commercial, industrial and the transport sector consuming 19 per cent, 40 per cent, 9 per cent and 32 per cent of the energy. respectively. To meet the challenges of climate change, 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 wider use of water-cooled air-conditioning systems and promoting effective energy management methods.