Press Release

 

 

Pilot scheme for water-cooled air-con systems

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The Government today (May 30) launched a pilot scheme to allow the wider use of fresh water supplies for water-cooled air-conditioning systems in non-domestic developments in six areas.

The designated areas are Wan Chai, Mong Kok,Pok Fu Lam, Tai Po Industrial Estate, Yuen Long Industrial Estate and Hung Hom.

Speaking at a press conference today, the Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Leung Cham-tim, said that the pilot scheme would be a very important step forward for energy efficiency in Hong Kong.

Mr Leung said that the aims of this pilot scheme were :

* to promote energy efficient water-cooled air conditioning

systems,

* to assess the impacts to the infrastructures,

* to assess the health and environmental effects, and

* to provide information for a territorial study for the

implementation of water-cooled air conditioning systems

in Hong Kong.

The pilot scheme, is an initiative by an inter-departmental working group comprising the Works Bureau and the Environment and Food Bureau.

It also included eight departments, namely the Buildings Department, Drainage Services Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Environmental Protection Department, Department of Health, Lands Department, Planning Department and Water Supplies Department.

During the scheme, non-domestic building owners can apply fresh water supplies for air-conditioning systems.

The first area is Wan Chai, the area is enclosed by Kennedy Road, Johnston Road and Hennessy Road. The second area is Mong Kok, the area is enclosed by Sai Yeung Choy Street, Argyle Street, Portland Street and Public Square Street. The third area is Pok Fu Lam, the area is west of Pok Fu Lam Road.

The fourth area is Tai Po Industrial Estate. The fifth area is Yuen Long Industrial Estate. The sixth area is Hung Hom, the area is enclosed by Hong Chong Road, Gascoigne Road, Cox's Road and Austin Road.

Water-cooling is more effective and energy efficient than air-cooling in air-conditioning systems.

Over the past few years, the Government has been looking into the feasibility of using water-cooled systems in non-domestic developments.

"Energy savings will be very significant if water-cooling is adopted in air-conditioning systems throughout Hong Kong," Mr Leung said.

Mr Leung also appealed to building owners in the six designated areas to consider taking part in the pilot scheme.

All non-domestic developments in those areas, existing or new, may apply to the Water Supplies Department for the approval of water supplies, and send a copy of the application to the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department for vetting of the design and registration of the cooling towers.

Applicants must also submit to the Buildings Department plans on the construction of the supporting framework for approval.

Detailed application procedures and the operation and maintenance requirements are available from the Energy Efficiency Office of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department on 11/F, 111 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. For enquiries, please call 2881 1562.

End/Tuesday, 30 May, 2000

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