Our ref: ENV/AF/TS/098 22 November 2010
The Hon Audrey EU Yuet-mee, SC, JP Chairman Bills Committee on Buildings Energy Efficiency Bill Legislative Council (Fax: 2537 1851)
Dear Audrey,
Re: Mandatory Implementation of the Building Energy Codes
I write to follow up our submission on 31 March 2008 concerning the above subject.
The Chamber agrees that the time has come to make energy efficiency requirements mandatory by giving them statutory status. We would like to reaffirm that the implementation of mandatory BECs should be guided by two principles. Firstly, with Hong Kong now a member of the C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, the HKSAR should endeavour to show leadership by adopting global best practices. Secondly, since efficiency is the prime concern, practicality should be emphasized in introducing the scheme, so as to achieve concrete results quickly.
We are grateful to hear that the relevant legislation is in good progress, with the resumption of second reading and third reading scheduled for this month. We do not agree with some recent proposals of introducing major changes or additions to the Bill, e.g. amendments proposed to include lighting installation used for decoration and external luminous lighting devices, as these amendments will cause unnecessary delay in legislation. The proposals should be discussed in the future, in consultation with the related business sectors, and be dealt with in a separate legislative exercise.
Thank you for your attention.
With regards,
Alex Fong CEO
c.c. Secretary for the Environment
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