The Buildings Energy Efficiency Bill will be tabled at the Legislative Council December 9. It specifies the minimum energy efficiency standards for buildings by mandating compliance with the Building Energy Codes.

The Environment Bureau said today buildings account for 89% of electricity consumption in Hong Kong, and the proposal will bring energy savings of 2.8 billion kWh in the first decade, cutting carbon dioxide emissions by 1.96 million tonnes.

For blocks with Building Authority consent for superstructure construction after the new legislation comes into operation, their key service installations, including air-conditioning, electrics, lifts and escalators, and lighting, should comply with the specified energy efficiency standards and requirements.

Buildings obtaining such consents on or before the day the new legislation comes into operation are required to comply with the energy efficiency standards and requirements when they undergo major retrofitting works.

Owners of commercial buildings and the commercial portion of composite buildings are required to conduct energy audits for the common area of their buildings every 10 years. Audit results should be exhibited in a conspicuous position at the main entrance of the buildings.

The bill will be gazetted December 4.