Hong Kong’s Strategy for Energy Efficiency & Sustainability

Posted by Brian Thumann on

Hong Kong has long been known for its status as a major economic powerhouse in the Asia Pacific region. Over the years, Hong Kong has managed to maintain its strong economic growth through a mix of free market principles, low taxation, and a highly skilled workforce.  One of the key drivers of Hong Kong's economic growth has been its strategic location as a gateway to mainland China. This has allowed it to serve as a major hub for trade and commerce thus attracting businesses from around the world.

In recent years, Hong Kong has also made significant strides in improving its energy efficiency and sustainability. This is a major priority for the government, as Hong Kong faces increasing pressure to reduce its carbon footprint and address the challenges of climate change.  The Hong Kong Energy Savings Plan policy sets a pathway for driving energy saving through a combination of educational, social, economic and regulatory means, especially for buildings and inhabitants to become highly energy efficient by 2025 (reducing energy intensity 40% from 2005 base levels).  

To achieve this goal, the government has introduced several measures, including the promotion of energy efficient buildings through retrofits as well as new construction standards.  The plan also promotes the use of renewable energy sources. For example, the government has introduced financial incentives for businesses that invest in energy efficient technologies such as LED lighting, building automation, efficient HVAC systems and solar panels to name a few. Measurement and Verification and the validation of energy efficiency savings will play an important role in helping Hong Kong meet its energy reduction goals.

The Efficiency Valuation Organization’s (EVO) Performance Measurement and Verification Analyst #PMVA training & certification is the only authorized program fully aligned with the analytical framework of the International Performance Measurement and Verification Protocol #IPMVP.  The IPMVP was created in 1997, is utilized globally and is continuously updated by industry stakeholders with the 2022 edition being recently released.



Incorporated in 1982, the HKAEE is a non-profit body, with a mission to work towards reliable supply, innovative development, and effective utilization of energy to achieve sustainability in the community. The vision is to serve the professional needs and interests of its members and the community at large, identify and support “best practices”, new technologies, and industrial standards, promote research, and organize and deliver quality education and training aimed at maintaining excellence in professional competence and performance in energy engineering, energy management, measurement & verification, and related subjects. HKAEE, which a rich history of successful educational programs, is the official training provider for the Performance Measurement & Verification Analyst and Performance Measurement Verification Expert certifications for Hong Kong.
 
Overall, Hong Kong's efforts to improve its energy efficiency and sustainability are an important part of its broader strategy to maintain its position as a major economic player in the Asia-Pacific region. By investing in energy efficient technologies renewables and education for a strong workforce, Hong Kong is positioning itself for a sustainable and prosperous future.