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The Government today (September 10) launched a Pilot Tripartite Scheme on Energy Saving to help non-government organisations (NGOs) to implement energy efficiency measures in their buildings or premises.
The pilot scheme is jointly organised by the Environmental Protection Department (EPD), the Hong Kong Council of Social Service (HKCSS), the Hongkong Electric Co Ltd (HEC) and CLP Power Hong Kong Ltd (CLP).
"The scheme aims to provide the current energy audit services of the two power companies to 20 appropriate recipient NGOs. Through this energy audit exercise, the opportunities for enhancement of energy efficiency and conservation can be identified and the NGOs will be encouraged to upgrade the energy efficiency performance of their buildings and offices through implementing the audit recommendations," an EPD spokesman said.
"Funding support for the energy efficiency installations at the buildings could be sought from the Environment and Conservation Fund if it is necessary," he said.
The scheme will enable the recipient NGOs to save energy and cost as well as help cut down greenhouse gas emissions. The cost saving can be redirected to finance the operation of the concerned NGOs which is highly desirable under the present economic situation.
The scheme also complements the Buildings Energy Efficiency Schemes which were launched earlier this year that targeted at enhancing the energy efficiency of communal areas within residential, commercial and industrial buildings.
More than 100 NGOs had submitted applications and 20 NGOs (see Annex) were selected by a panel of judges having regard to the energy saving potential of their premises or buildings, corporate governance, scope and scale of operation and size of the organisation.
In the next three months, the two power companies will begin to conduct on-site energy audits for the recipient NGOs. It is expected that the NGOs will implement the audit recommendations to carry out the energy improvement measures beginning in 2010. The energy audit results and recommendations will be disseminated to all NGOs later. It is expected that the successful experience gained through this pilot scheme will encourage other NGOs to implement similar exercises.
Ends/Thursday, September 10, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:01
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