Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance gazetted
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    The Government today (May 9) gazetted the Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance.

    "The ordinance provides the legal basis for the introduction of a mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme," a spokesman for the Environment Bureau said.

    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.

    "Electricity savings of 150 GWh per year could be achieved under the mandatory scheme.  This would contribute to a monetary saving of $135 million in electricity bills and a reduction of 105,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emission," the spokesman said.

    There will be a transitional period of 18 months to allow the trade to adapt to the mandatory scheme and its new requirements.

    For product energy efficiency information, the public can visit the website of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (www.emsd.gov.hk).

Ends/Friday, May 9, 2008
Issued at HKT 12:00

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