ENG-2012 — Page 289

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The Environment

the Pearl River Estuary to provide the two governments with a scientific basis for devising a water quality management strategy for the Pearl River Estuary.

There are exchanges between Hong Kong and Macao in areas such as environmental impact assessment, air quality monitoring, fuel switch by ocean-going vessels at berth, management of special waste, and the implementation of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.

In June, the Hong Kong, Guangdong and Macao governments released their Regional Co- operation Plan on Building a Quality Living Area, setting out the direction for long-term co- operation in five areas: environment and ecology; low-carbon development; culture and social living; spatial planning; and green transportation systems. The plan aims to transform the Greater PRD region into a low-carbon, high-technology and low-pollution city cluster with good quality of life, enhancing the overall competitiveness and attractiveness of the region.

To capitalise on environmental business opportunities in the Mainland, the Government supported the local environment industry's participation at the International (Guangdong) Energy Conservation Expo 2012 held in June in Guangzhou. In October, the Government also supported the setting up of a Hong Kong Pavilion at the Eco Expo Asia 2012 held in Hong Kong to help the branding of local environmental industries in the region.

Climate Change

The Government attaches much importance to combating climate change, and has started 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 of climate change issues.

In 2012, the Government launched a three-year energy-cum-carbon audit programme to cover some 120 government buildings and public facilities. Workshops have been organised to introduce and promote carbon audits to listed companies.

In May, the Hong Kong-Guangdong Joint Liaison Group on Combating Climate Change held its first meeting to co-ordinate measures and activities in tackling climate change. A work plan was agreed for the coming year, including establishing an information exchange mechanism on severe climate events and organising seminars on climate change adaptation, renewable energy and electric vehicles.

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 2010 was 276,950 TJ, with the commercial, residential, industrial and transport sectors consuming 42 per cent, 20 per cent, 6 per cent and 32 per cent of the energy respectively. The Electrical and Mechanical Services

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