The Environment Bureau is seeking public views on a proposal to implement Building Energy Codes for certain new and existing buildings.

Secretary for Environment Edward Yau said as voluntary compliance with a higher energy efficiency standard does not appear to be forthcoming in Hong Kong, the Government considers it necessary to pursue mandatory implementation of the codes to complement market-driven changes.

According to the consultation paper, new commercial buildings and the communal areas of new residential and industrial buildings - as well as major retro-fitting works in existing buildings - should comply with the codes.

Certificates of compliance will be issued to buildings complying with the codes. The list of buildings with these certificates will be made available for public inspection.

Energy audits

To enhance efficiency, energy audits are required for certain buildings once every 10 years. The results of the audits will be made available to occupants.

To complement the proposed legislative scheme, buildings that have exceeded the minimum building energy efficiency standards by a prescribed percentage will be recognised by an energy mark through a voluntary administrative scheme.

It is estimated the proposals will result in savings of 2.8 billion kilowatt-hours (kWh) in the first decade, which contributes to a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions of 1.96 million tonnes.

Payback period

"An additional capital outlay in the region of 3% to 5% of the building construction cost may have to be incurred in return for about 10% to 15% annual savings in energy bills. On average, the payback period for the additional capital investment is six years," Mr Yau said, adding it is a well-established international practice to require buildings to comply with minimum energy efficiency standards by means of legislation.

For example, the Mainland and some overseas countries, including Australia, Singapore, the UK and the US have implemented minimum efficiency requirements for buildings.