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The Water Supplies Department (WSD) has been awarded the International Organization for Standardisation (ISO) 50001 certification for energy management systems. It is the first government department in Hong Kong to have received the certificate, demonstrating the achievement of a higher standard in energy management by the department.
Introduced in 2011, ISO 50001 is an international standard that provides a model of energy efficiency management for various types of organisations with a view to upgrading energy efficiency levels. Under the framework, the organisations are required to identify the aims and applicable areas for their energy management systems, set up and implement systems for energy management according to the relevant statutory requirements and regulations, and make continuous improvement.
To further enhance its energy management system, the WSD started to follow the ISO requirements early this year by establishing a clear energy policy and targets, compiling a detailed manual on the energy management system, formulating a comprehensive energy measurement plan, and setting up a mechanism for continual monitoring, review, improvement and protection. An audit of the system was completed at the end of last month and the ISO issued the certificate to the WSD recently.
"The ISO 50001 certification has not only helped further take forward the department's initiative of enhancing the energy performance of its waterworks, but also sets an example for other departments and organisations to follow, thereby promoting the enhancement of energy efficiency levels to all sectors," a spokesman for the WSD said today (December 28).
The WSD operates over 140 waterworks and provides reliable potable and flushing water to over 7 million people in Hong Kong every day. To reduce energy consumption, the department established the Energy Management Committee in 1998 to lead and oversee the enhancement of the energy management system and put forward comprehensive measures for energy conservation and carbon dioxide reduction.
Ends/Sunday, December 28, 2014
Issued at HKT 10:00
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