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The public consultation forum held by the Environment Bureau (ENB) today (February 28) on the proposed mandatory implementation of the Building Energy Codes received an encouraging response from various sectors of the community.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Permanent Secretary for the Environment, Ms Anissa Wong, stressed that environmental protection is a major policy area for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government. The Government is committed to promoting energy efficiency and conservation, and to achieve the energy intensity reduction target of at least 25% by 2030 (with 2005 as the base year) set by the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Leaders. As buildings account for 89% of Hong Kong's electricity consumption, improving energy efficiency in buildings is a cost-effective measure to address growing concerns about global warming and local air quality.
An ENB spokesman said that about 120 participants from various sectors attended today's forum.
At the forum, which was chaired by Chairman of the Advisory Council on the Environment, Professor Lam Kin-che, a panel of stakeholder representatives from green groups, engineering professionals, property management companies and real estate developers participated in the discussion session. The presentations were followed by active discussions and exchanges of views involving other participants in the forum.
In December 2007, the Government launched a public consultation on a proposal to introduce mandatory implementation of Building Energy Codes for certain new and existing buildings, with the aim of improving energy efficiency of buildings, alleviating global warming, and combating air pollution.
The spokesman said that the Government encouraged the public to express their views on the proposed mandatory implementation of the Building Energy Codes, including whether Hong Kong should pursue the mandatory implementation of the BECs; what broad categories of buildings should be covered; and whether we should accept standards higher than the existing voluntary registration scheme.
"Views and comments received from the community during this public consultation will be taken into account when finalising the details of the proposal," he said.
Ends/Thursday, February 28, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:42
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