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A ceremony to launch a fuel economy run and eco-driving games fair, which aims to raise motorists' awareness of energy and fuel conservation, was held today (September 30) at the Lung Cheung Mall in Wong Tai Sin.
Officiating at the launching ceremony of the Hong Kong Fuel Economy Run for Private Cars (HK ECO-DRIVERS) organised by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), the Under Secretary for the Environment, Dr Poon Kit, said energy conservation required joint efforts by the Government, the private sectors and the general public.
"Reducing fuel consumption of vehicles can certainly contribute to reduction in the emission of carbon dioxide and green house gases," she said.
Highlighting the importance of energy conservation to sustainable development, the event also called on the public to observe this principle in daily life, in particular through driving.
In today's ceremony, there were quizzes, puzzles and colour painting providing information on fuel saving. The EMSD will arrange two briefing sessions at Hong Kong Science Museum, Tsim Sha Tsui, on October 13 and 15, during which experts will share fuel saving tips with the audiences. The highlight of the campaign - the fuel economy run - will be held on December 14. Different categories of vehicles will be invited to take part. The one which consumes the least fuel will be the winner.
According to the¡§Hong Kong Energy End-use Data 2008¡¨ published by the EMSD this month (September), the transport sector accounts for 35% of end-use energy consumption in Hong Kong, second only to the 38% for the commercial sector.
The run is co-organised by the Hong Kong Automobile Association, the Institute of the Motor Industry Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Vehicle Repair Merchants Association Ltd and the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (Lee Wai Lee). The supporting organisations include CLP Power Hong Kong Limited, The Hong Kong and China Gas Company Limited, The Hong Kong Electric Co. Ltd., SINOPEC (Hong Kong) Petrol Filling Station Co. Ltd., ECO Environmental Investments Ltd., Shell Hong Kong Limited, ExxonMobil Hong Kong Limited and Chevron Hong Kong Limited. This represents a strong collaborative effort among different organisations in promoting energy conservation.
The Director of Electrical and Mechanical Services, Mr Ho Kwong-wai, expressed his thanks to the organisations supporting the event.
"Through strong public and private collaboration on energy and fuel savings, we hope to appeal to the public to maintain the momentum,¡¨ Mr Ho said.
Ends/Tuesday, September 30, 2008
Issued at HKT 16:41
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