EMSD launches revamped Hong Kong Energy Efficiency Registration Scheme for Buildings and operational guidelines in connection with Enhancement Scheme for District Cooling Systems and Centralised Multi-Building Cooling Systems
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The Government-led Kai Tak District Cooling System (DCS) has demonstrated the viability of developing DCSs in Hong Kong. The Chief Executive announced in the 2025 Policy Address that an enhancement scheme will be rolled out to encourage and facilitate the commissioning of small-scale DCSs or centralised multi-building cooling systems (CMCSs) by non-governmental entities from aspects such as technology, taxation and floor area arrangements, with a view to enhancing the popularity of the relevant technologies and promoting the development of green technology to combat climate change and accelerate Hong Kong to move towards the target of carbon neutrality under the Climate Action Plan 2050.
The revamped HKEERSB has expanded the coverage to accept registration applications for DCSs and CMCSs, without the need to separately obtain relevant green certifications. Capital expenditure for such eligible energy-efficient building installations is eligible for a whole deduction when it was incurred for the purpose of profit tax calculation.
The operational guidelines introduce best practices, design references and emerging technologies to the trade and users for enhancing the reliability, safety and energy efficiency performance of DCS and CMCS projects. Three guidelines have been revised and two guidelines are newly added:
- Updated "District Cooling Services Supply Conditions";
- Updated "Technical Guidelines for Connection to District Cooling System";
- Updated "Guidelines for Excavation Works near the District Cooling System";
- Newly added "Guidance Notes on Adoption of MiMEP in DCS"; and
- Newly added "Guidance Notes on Facility Upkeep of DCS Pipe Network".
The revamped HKEERSB and the five operational guidelines will take effect on November 1, 2026, and are available at the EMSD's webpage:
HKEERSB
www.emsd.gov.hk/en/energy_efficiency/energy_efficiency_registration_scheme_for_building/index.html
District Cooling Systems in Hong Kong - Guidelines and Forms
www.emsd.gov.hk/en/energy_efficiency/DCS_in_HK/guidelines_forms/index.html
Other measures of the Enhancement Scheme will be rolled out in stages, and the scheme will be fully implemented in the first quarter of 2027.
Ends/Friday, October 23, 2026
Issued at HKT 14:42
Issued at HKT 14:42
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