Opinion | Measures needed to achieve greater energy efficiency in Hong Kong buildings

The clock is closing in on the city’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and a vital contribution to achieving that goal will depend on commercial buildings reducing their energy use by 30 to 40 percent by then. While many are on track to achieve their goal, an alarming number is raising eyebrows due to the trend in the wrong direction.

A recent study by a group of green watchdogs found that almost one in five buildings that had an energy performance audit recorded higher levels of utilization than 10 years ago. Hong Kong landlords are required to conduct energy audits of air conditioning, lighting, electrical systems, elevators and escalators every ten years and suggest ways to improve efficiency.

There is currently no legal requirement that they then take action based on their findings.

It was therefore pleasing to hear in the government’s policy message that a proposal to amend the Energy Efficiency of Buildings Ordinance will be introduced into the legislature before the end of the year.

The effect of increased efficiency is significant. The Bureau of Environment and Ecology estimates that buildings account for 90 percent of energy use, and the electricity generated accounts for half of the nation’s carbon emissions.