Upgrading energy efficiency in buildings is a cost-effective measure to address growing concerns about global warming and local air quality, as buildings account for 89% of Hong Kong's electricity consumption, Permanent Secretary for the Environment Anissa Wong says.

She said at a public consultation forum today environmental protection is one of the Government's major policy areas. The Government is committed to promoting energy efficiency and conservation, and to achieve the energy intensity reduction target of at least 25% by 2030 - with 2005 as the base year - set by the Asia-Pacific Economic Co-operation Leaders.

Today's forum, staged by the bureau and chaired by Advisory Council on the Environment Chairman Lam Kin-che, attracted 120 people from various sectors including green groups, engineering professionals, property management firms and real estate developers to exchange views on the proposed mandatory implementation of the Building Energy Codes.

A public consultation was launched in Decembmer on a proposal to introduce mandatory implementation of Building Energy Codes for certain new and existing buildings to upgrade building energy efficiency, alleviate global warming and combat air pollution.

For more details click here. The consultation will end March 31. People can post comments to 46/F Revenue Tower, Wan Chai; fax them to 2123 9438; or email them to bec_consult@enb.gov.hk.

The bureau will consider views and comments received from the community during the consultation when finalising the proposal details.