The Government's strategy to control local greenhouse gas emissions will focus on improving overall energy efficiency, especially in buildings, which consume 89% of Hong Kong's power, and using cleaner fuels.

Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau told legislators today as Hong Kong has no energy-intensive industries, the energy sector, mainly power plants, is the principal source of green house gas emissions.

He said a host of measures have been implemented to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Hong Kong, including the Buildings Energy Efficiency Funding Scheme and the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme. Other measures include extending the public transport system, particularly the railway network, promoting electric vehicles, and enhancing the utilisation of landfill gas as an alternative fuel.

A consultancy study is being undertaken on climate change, which will be completed early next year. It will review the local inventories of greenhouse gas emissions and removals, characterise the impact of climate change in Hong Kong, and make recommendations on long-term measures to mitigate emissions and adapt to climate change.

Mr Yau said he will participate as a member of the Chinese delegation in the 15th session of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change in Copenhagen next month.