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The Government today (December 3) gazetted the Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance (the Ordinance).
"The Ordinance provides a legal basis for the mandatory implementation of the Building Energy Codes (the Codes)," an Environment Bureau spokesman said.
The Codes specify basic energy efficiency standards for four major types of buildings services installations ¡ª air-conditioning, electrical, lift and escalators, and lighting installations. New public and private buildings covered by the Ordinance need to declare at the design and occupation approval stages that relevant requirements have been met. Buildings services installations at new buildings under the coverage of the Ordinance are required to comply with the Codes at all times.
Existing buildings are also required to enhance energy efficiency when undergoing major retrofitting works. The common areas of commercial buildings and commercial portions of composite buildings are further required to carry out energy audits once every ten years. The results of energy audits should be exhibited in a conspicuous position at the main entrance of the buildings.
"Buildings account for 89% of the total electricity consumed in Hong Kong. We have great potential to improve energy efficiency and reduce our greenhouse gas emissions for Hong Kong as a whole by promoting energy efficiency in buildings. We expect that for new buildings, the implementation of the proposals in the Ordinance will result in energy savings of 2.8 billion kWh in the first decade, which contributes to a reduction in carbon dioxide emission of 1.96 million tonnes," the spokesman said.
The Government will also prepare subsidiary legislation for the registration of qualified persons as Registered Energy Assessors during the 18-month period before commencement of the main parts of the Ordinance, in order to carry out relevant duties under the Ordinance.¡¡The Government will also prepare subsidiary legislation on the various fees to be collected under the Ordinance.
More information on the implementation of the Ordinance is available at the website of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (www.emsd.gov.hk).
Ends/Friday, December 3, 2010
Issued at HKT 11:01
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