Sustainable, practical: Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao said people will see for themselves the innovative energy-efficient features of the new EMSD headquarters at the exhibition gallery.

The conversion of a former cargo terminal building into the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department's new headquarters is a practical action to fulfil the concept of sustainable development, Secretary for the Environment, Transport & Works Dr Sarah Liao says.

She hopes organisations and developers will consider following suit.

Speaking at the opening of the department's exhibition gallery today, Dr Liao said it is a wise decision to convert and reprovision, rather than demolish, the old building, which has greatly reduced the use of energy and new construction material and prevented construction waste.

Dr Liao said the exhibition gallery would help promote awareness and education on energy efficiency and renewable energy through the use of interactive exhibits and activities.

She said the Government hoped to enhance public awareness of environmental protection and energy efficiency through education.

The exhibition gallery is the starting point of the 'educational path' in the new headquarters. The exhibits showcase both local and overseas experiences and cases.

The path will lead from the seventh floor exhibition gallery to the roof viewing gallery where solar photovoltaic panels are installed. It will be open to students and the public with guided tours.

"During visits to the exhibition gallery, people will see for themselves the innovative energy-efficient features of the new building," Dr Liao said. 

She said in addition to providing quality services and enforcing electrical gas-safety regulation, the department also contributed to Hong Kong people's quality of life in its promotion of sustainable development.

The solar photovoltaic system installed on the roof of the new headquarters is the largest in Hong Kong. The panels are grid connected with CLP Power's distribution network and produce about 300,000 to 400,000 kWh of electricity annually from direct sunlight. This amounts to roughly 3% to 4% of the building's electricity consumption.