The Government had been working on energy efficiency for more than 10 years, and had reduced the emission of greenhouse gases by 17% from its historical height in the 1990's, the Secretary for the Environment, Transport and Works, Dr Sarah Liao, said today (May 9).
Speaking at the "Hong Kong Energy Efficiency Awards" presentation ceremony, Dr Liao said that Hong Kong, as a world-class city, could tell the world that it was committed and was giving its best to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases in its work on energy efficiency.
According to the data provided by Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation, the average electricity consumption in Hong Kong was 5,600 units per person, which was lower than the figures of about 12,000 units in USA, 16,000 units in Canada, 7,600 units in Japan and 7,400 units in Singapore. However, Hong Kong must continue to conserve energy and reduce the burning of fossil fuel in a bid to further cut down the emission of carbon dioxide, Dr Liao said.
She pointed out that the Government's effort in enhancing energy saving and upgrading energy efficiency could be carried out on three fronts - the Government, the general public and private organisations.
She said that the HKSAR government spared no effort in promoting the better use of energy and energy saving. An "Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme" had been implemented since 1995 to provide energy performance data of the products with a view to encouraging the public to buy products with high-energy efficiency.
While the existing scheme was voluntary, Dr Liao said the Government had proposed to introduce a "Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme" to further enhance energy saving. The first phase of the mandatory scheme will cover three products: refrigerators, room coolers and compact fluorescent lamps. The total electricity consumption of these three products amounts to more than 70% of domestic electricity consumption.
After the introduction of the mandatory scheme, it was estimated that Hong Kong could save about 150 million units of electricity consumption and reduce carbon dioxide emission by 105,000 tonnes per annum. The Government has conducted a three-month public consultation last year. Views received were supportive of the scheme.
For air-conditioning, the Government has taken the lead in maintaining room temperature of government buildings, public premises and facilities at 25.5 degrees centigrade. It has also launched a publicity campaign to encourage the general public and private organisations to adjust their air-conditioned room temperature to that level. Public response has been most encouraging.
Dr Liao said people had become more aware of the need for energy saving and had been paying much attention in putting it into practice in order to achieve the principle of "Use if required, save if possible".
Speaking at the prize presentation ceremony, the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Roger Lai said although the competition was the first of its kind designed for private organisations and educational groups, it had received tremendous response with distinguished results. Some of the winning premises have seen a 20% reduction in electricity consumption, when compared with that of the previous year.
Mr Lai said many entries were innovative energy saving devices, including a pedal-driven fitness bicycle generator in a school, which enabled students to experience the value of energy saving; and the use of solar energy for lamps in the corridors. In commercial premises, many participants had made a lot of effort in improving their central air-conditioning control and monitoring systems so that the temperature and fan speed could be adjusted to suit the need of various areas, reducing much energy consumed.
The energy efficiency competition lasted for 12 months from December, 2004, to November, 2005, attracting 230 entries. The competition was divided into two categories, namely "Commercial and Residential Buildings" and "Schools", and was aimed at encouraging the private and educational sectors to save energy.
Winning entries were selected according to the leadership, organisation, process, actual performance and sustainability elements. After several rounds of adjudication, the two grand awards were given to Oxford House for its installation of advanced energy facilities, and Po Leung Kuk Yao Ling Sun College for its integration of energy saving concept as part of the school culture.
Ends/Tuesday, May 9, 2006
Issued at HKT 17:42
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