​The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (November 1) launched the Green Welfare NGOs scheme to support the implementation of energy audits and energy saving projects for welfare non-governmental organisation (NGO) premises.
      
     In the 2020 Policy Address, the Government pledged to strive for carbon neutrality before 2050. Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050 has further updated the strategies and targets regarding carbon reduction. The Government is now actively taking a multi-pronged approach, including the promotion of energy efficiency and conservation, to reduce carbon emissions.
      
     As announced in the 2021-22 Budget, $150 million has been earmarked for the scheme. The Environment Bureau and the EMSD, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, launched the Green Welfare NGOs scheme today to assist welfare NGOs to embark on energy saving projects in a systematic and holistic manner, with a view to achieving carbon neutrality before 2050. The scheme is open for application from today and the closing dates for the first and second batches of applications are January 31, 2022, and March 31, 2022, respectively.
      
     Under the scheme, the EMSD will provide a one-stop service free of charge to upgrade the electrical and mechanical installations in the premises for successful applicants. The EMSD will help conduct baseline energy audits for welfare NGOs to identify energy management opportunities, and the welfare NGOs may consider implementing them in due course. The EMSD will also help install more energy efficient variable-speed air-conditioners and LED lighting in these premises.
      
     Interested welfare NGOs can obtain detailed information on the scheme from the website (www.energysaving.gov.hk/en/competitions/green_welfare_ngos.html). For enquiries, please contact the EMSD at 3155 3977 during office hours or by email (gwngo@emsd.gov.hk).

Ends/Monday, November 1, 2021
Issued at HKT 11:02

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