Buildings recognised for energy efficiency

Fourteen buildings which adopt measures to save energy have been issued with certificates in recognition of their pioneering features under an energy efficiency registration scheme.

Speaking at a press conference on the Hong Kong Energy Efficiency Registration Scheme for Buildings today (Tuesday), Deputy Secretary for Planning, Environment and Lands, Mr Kim Salkeld, said these buildings demonstrated the commitment of both the public and private sectors to improving the environment.

Mr Salkeld said the scheme, launched in October last year, represented part of the Government's environmental protection efforts through energy-efficient building designs.

"We want to encourage architects, developers and building managers to think more about energy efficiency," he said.

"It saves them money and they can help save the environment."

He pointed out that for each unit of electricity saved in a building, nearly three units of energy could be saved in producing that electricity.

"This benefits the environment and our economy," he said.

The first batch of buildings that were successfully registered with the scheme had complied with the Building Energy Codes developed by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) covering lighting, air conditioning and electrical installations.

Explaining their distinguished features in lighting, the Department's Regulatory Services Controller, Mr Roger Lai, said the registered buildings had put in place energy efficient fluorescent lamps and discharge lamps, and lamp fittings with reflectors and louvre.

On air-conditioning, it is the optimum sizing of the equipment, the use of good thermal insulating materials and good energy performance chiller plants that make them excel.

As for electrical installations, they share such characteristics as optimum sizing of electrical distribution cables and distribution design, and optimum power quality management.

There were also sufficient provisions for lighting switches and thermostats in the buildings to switch off unnecessary lighting and allow better control of air conditioning, Mr Lai added.

Public buildings on the certificate presentation list are the North Point Government Offices, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department Headquarters, Headquarters Building of the Property Services Branch, Architectural Services Department, and the Passenger Terminal Building of the Hong Kong International Airport.

The University of Hong Kong received certificates for its air conditioning installations in Haking Wong Buildings and Knowles Buildings.

In the private domain, gaining recognition are the 17th Floor of Dorset House, and the common areas of the Center, Nanyang Centre, Kwan Chart Tower, Mita Centre, Prosperity Centre, Lippo Sun Plaza, and Lagunna City (Phase 1, 2 & 4).

The scheme is open to all types of new and existing buildings which meet the requirements of the energy codes.

To obtain registration, an applicant has to submit to EMSD their installation data according to the codes through a Registered Professional Engineer.

Upon registration, the applicant is entitled to print a logo on the documents and correspondence concerning the building for commercial advertising purpose.

End users of the building can benefit from the actual energy savings and the additional information on the building's energy performance before buying or renting properties.

End/Tuesday, November 30, 1999

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