Pilot scheme for water-cooled air-conditioning systems extended

The Government today (May 29) announced the extension of the pilot scheme to allow the use of fresh water for evaporative cooling in air conditioning systems in non-domestic developments for two years, to May 31, 2006.

Using evaporative cooling devices in water-cooled air conditioning systems can cut energy consumption by up to 20% compared with conventional air-cooled air conditioning systems. The objectives of this pilot scheme are:

*  to promote energy-efficient water-cooled air conditioning systems;

*  to compile data for formulating and updating plans to promote water-cooled air conditioning systems in Hong Kong;

*  to assess the impact on water supply infrastructure; and

*  to assess the health and environmental effects of water-cooled air conditioning systems.

More than 50 applications have been approved since the introduction of the pilot scheme on June 1, 2000. Eight installations have been completed and are now in operation. Some 30 installations will be completed later this year. 

In order to collect more operation data for assessing the implications of promoting evaporative cooling devices on a territory-wide basis, the Government has decided to extend the scheme and expand the coverage to 57 designated areas.

Of the 57 designated areas, 14 are on Hong Kong Island and outlying islands, 20 in Kowloon, 12 in the New Territories East and 11 in the New Territories West.

The pilot scheme is monitored by an inter-departmental working group comprising representatives from the Environment, Transport and Works Bureau, Buildings Department, Drainage Services Department, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD), Environmental Protection Department, Department of Health, Lands Department, Planning Department and Water Supplies Department (WSD).
 
Under the pilot scheme, owners of existing and new non-domestic buildings located in the designated areas can submit an application to the WSD for approval of the use of fresh water for evaporative cooling in air-conditioning systems.

A copy of the application should also be sent to the EMSD for vetting of the design and registration of the evaporative cooling devices, such as cooling towers.

Applicants should also submit plans on the construction of the supporting framework of evaporative cooling devices to the Buildings Department for approval.

Details of application procedures, requirements of the scheme and maps of the latest designated scheme areas are available from the Energy Efficiency Office of the EMSD, 11/F, 111 Leighton Road, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong. 

They can also be downloaded from the EMSD website: www.emsd.gov.hk. For enquiries, call 2881 1562.

Ends/Saturday, May 29, 2004
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