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A launching ceremony was held today (May 3) to promote the territory-wide Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (EELS).
Officiating at the launching ceremony, the Secretary for the Environment, Mr Edward Yau, said, "The passage of the Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Bill in the Legislative Council on April 30 provides the legal basis for the introduction of the mandatory EELS."
The first phase of the mandatory scheme will cover room air conditioners, refrigerating appliances and compact fluorescent lamps, which currently account for about 70% of local electricity consumption in the residential sector.
Under the scheme, energy labels are required to be shown on these three types of products to inform consumers of the products'energy efficiency performance. Consumers can then make environmentally-friendly choices by choosing products with higher energy efficiency.
Mr Yau said that electricity savings of 150 GWh per year could be achieved under the scheme. This could contribute to a monetary saving of $135 million in electricity bills and a reduction of 105,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emission.
Mr Yau said he was pleased to see the efforts and support by the trade and members of the public in promoting energy efficiency and the mandatory EELS , adding that more publicity and educational activities would be launched to enhance public awareness.
To allow the trade to adapt to the mandatory EELS and its new requirements, there will be a transitional period of 18 months. For product energy efficiency information, the public can visit the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department website (www.emsd.gov.hk) for details.
Ends/Saturday, May 3, 2008
Issued at HKT 17:21
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