Energy is all around us, simply as heat and light, and in more complex mechanical, electrical, chemical and nuclear forms. Find an overview of how you can be energy efficient.

In recognition of the need to improve energy efficiency in Hong Kong, the Government has introduced a voluntary energy efficiency labelling scheme. Learn more about the scheme, the types of appliances and equipment it covers, and where you can check if a product is registered.

To further facilitate the public in choosing energy efficient appliances and raise public awareness on energy saving, the Government has introduced a mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (EELS) through the Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance. Here you can learn more about the scheme, the types of products it covers, and about the record of listed models.

Another energy efficiency initiative is the Energy Efficiency Registration Scheme for Buildings. Launched in 1998, this voluntary scheme promotes the application of Building Energy Codes which outline the energy efficiency requirements in their respective areas. Upon application to the Scheme, a registration certificate will be issued to a building that successfully meets the prescribed standards.

To improve building energy efficiency, the Government formulated the Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance which had been passed by the Legislative Council in November 2010. Under the Ordinance, certain prescribed types of buildings have to comply with Building Energy Code (BEC) and/or Energy Audit Code (EAC). The Ordinance has come into full operation on 21 September 2012.

The use of fresh water cooling towers can significantly reduce electricity consumption by air-conditioning. With this in mind, the Government has launched a voluntary scheme on fresh water cooling towers for non-domestic buildings in designated areas. Owners of non-domestic buildings in the designated areas can apply to participate in the scheme. Regarding applications for non-domestic buildings outside the designated areas, they will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

To address the problems of light nuisance and energy wastage caused by external lighting, the Environment Bureau launched the first-ever Charter on External Lighting.  Owners of and persons responsible for external lighting installations are invited to switch off lighting installations with decorative, promotional or advertising purposes which affect the outdoor environment during preset times.

The electricity market in Hong Kong has all along been regulated through the Scheme of Control Agreements (SCAs) signed between the Government and the two power companies, viz. CLP Power Hong Kong Limited and Castle Peak Power Company Limited (referred to collectively as CLP) and The Hongkong Electric Company Limited and HK Electric Investments Limited (referred to collectively as HEC).  The SCAs set out the obligations of the companies, the returns for shareholders and the arrangements by which the Government monitors the companies’ electricity-related financial affairs.  The Government signed the current SCAs with CLP and HEC on 25 April 2017 and they took effect on 1 October 2018 and 1 January 2019 respectively.