GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION EFFORTS IN HONG KONG

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1 Summary GREENHOUSE GAS REDUCTION EFFORTS IN HONG KONG Vincent T F CHEUNG, Shermann C P FONG, W S TSUI, S W PANG Environmental Protection Department Hong Kong SAR, China Hong Kong is a small emitter of greenhouse gases (GHG), contributing less than 0.2% of the total global emissions. The total GHG emission and per capita emissions were 44.8 million tonnes CO 2 equivalent (CO 2 -e) and 6.5 tonne CO 2 -e, respectively, in In May 2003, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Kyoto Protocol have been extended to Hong Kong. Although Hong Kong, as part of China, does not have an obligation to meet specific GHG emission limits, the Government has been actively implementing measures, including promoting use of natural gas for electricity generation, energy efficiency and conservation, use of cleaner vehicles and fuels for transportation, better utilization of landfill gases, to join international efforts to reduce our GHG emissions as far as practicable. This paper presents an overview of the GHG emissions and their impacts, as well as the measures being taken to reduce GHG emissions in Hong Kong. Keywords GHG Emissions, Mitigation Measures, HKSAR 1. Introduction To stabilise atmospheric GHG concentrations at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate system, the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) requires all party countries to (a) (b) (c) develop, update and publish national inventories of GHGs and sinks; develop strategies for adapting to climate change; and cooperate on research and technology The 1997 Kyoto Protocol (KP) further promotes measures to mitigate climate change by requiring Annex I parties to collectively reduce GHG emissions by at least 5% below the 1990 levels during the period Upon taking effect in China, both the UNFCCC and KP have been extended to Hong Kong in The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government will assist the Central People s Government in fulfilling the obligations under the Kyoto Protocol by providing the following information (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) emission inventories of greenhouse gases; appropriate measures for Hong Kong to mitigate climate change and facilitate adequate adaptation to climate change; cooperation activities in promotion of development and application of the environmentally sound technologies pertinent to climate change; cooperation activities in scientific research related to climate change; and activities in promoting public awareness and disseminating the relevant messages.

2 HKSAR Government will submit the relevant information to form part of China s submission to the UN. 2. Greenhouse Gas Emissions of Hong Kong Table 1 shows the historical trend of GHG emission and the emission per capita in Hong Kong from 1990 to In 2005, 44.8 million tonnes of GHG were emitted. The per capita emission, which was 6.5 tonnes, is about 6% lower than the 1990 baseline level. Among various GHG emissions, about 85% of the total Global Warming Potential (GWP)-weighted GHG emissions in Hong Kong were CO 2, about 12% were CH 4, with the remainder 3% from N 2 O, hydrofluorocarbons (HFCs), perfluorocarbons (PFCs), and sulphur hexafluoride (SF 6 ). Figure 1 shows the sectoral contributions of various GHG sources in Energy industries, mainly power plants, is the most important source sector of GHG emissions and accounts for about 63% of the total emissions in The transport sector comes next and is accounting for about 16%, waste disposal accounts for about 12%, while other sectors such as industry, agriculture account for the rest. 3. Climate Change Impacts on Hong Kong The HKSAR Government conducted a number of scientific researches to assess the extent of climate change and its impact on Hong Kong in various areas. For example, the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) had conducted studies on long-term trends of various meteorological factors such as air temperatures, number of cold and hot days, visibility, cloud amount, number of days with thunderstorms, solar radiation, evaporation, rainfall and changes in the sea level. HKO had also conducted studies on the future trends of air temperatures and rainfall up to the end of this century; the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) had explored the feasibility of promoting renewable energy in Hong Kong; and the Environmental Protection Department (EPD) had studied possible measures to control GHG emissions and made preliminary assessment in several areas such as the impact of climate change on energy consumption in Hong Kong. The HKO finds that between 1989 and 2006, the rural areas of Hong Kong have been warming up at a rate of about 0.12º to 0.28ºC per decade which is of the same order with the global average of 0.2ºC per decade. HKO also finds that the mean sea level in Victoria Harbour during the past 50 years has risen by 0.12m, at an average rate of 2.5 mm per year. This rise is similar to that of the South China Sea measured by the State Oceanic Administration of China, and is consistent with the change of the South China Sea in the past decade measured by the remote sensing satellites jointly operated by the USA and France. As compared with the IPCC s Fourth Assessment Report of 2007, the assessment of climate change in Hong Kong made by the HKO in the past several years remains generally valid. Further review of the assessments will be conducted. In order to meet the specific requirements for compiling national communications on climate change, HKSAR Government will conduct further study to assess the impact of climate change on Hong Kong and to enhance our existing measures to mitigate climate change, taking account of the socio-economic conditions as well as the development priorities, objectives and circumstances of Hong Kong.

3 Table 1 : Hong Kong Greenhouse Gas Emissions Inventory 1990 to 2005 Year Annual Emissions (in kilotonnes CO 2 -e) Per Capita Emission CO 2 * CH 4 ** N 2 O HFCs, PFCs, SF 6 Total* (in tonnes CO 2 -e per capita) ,200 4, , ,700 4, , ,700 4, , ,100 5, , ,700 5, , ,400 5, , ,100 5, , ,500 5, , ,200 5, , ,500 5, , ,900 4, , ,900 4, , ,300 4, , ,700 4, , ,800 4, , ,100 5, , Remarks: - May not sum to total due to rounding * To nearest 100 kilotonnes CO 2 -e ** To nearest 10 kilotonnes CO 2 -e Figure 1 : Sectoral Contribution of GHGs in Hong Kong in 2005 Waste 12.1% Agriculture 0.1% Industrial process 2.0% Energy Sector (Others) 7.2% Energy Sector (Transport) 16.1% Energy Sector (Energy Industries) 62.5% 4. Greenhouse Gas Reduction Measures Although the GHG emissions of Hong Kong represent a very small portion of the global total emissions, the HKSAR Government has made continuous efforts since the 1990s to implement various measures to minimize local emissions. Our major efforts include promoting the use of cleaner energy and energy efficiency initiatives. With the energy sector being the major source of GHG emissions, only gas-fired power generating units are allowed to be built since 1997 and the power companies are continuously requested to maximize the use of natural gas for electricity generation.

4 Air-conditioning is the most significant end-use of electricity in Hong Kong. It accounts for approximately 30% of the total electricity consumption. The Government has taken the lead in maintaining the room temperature of air-conditioned government offices at 25.5 C since The community, including the business sector and the general public are encouraged to do the same under the on-going Action Blue Sky Campaign. The extensive and efficient public transport systems in Hong Kong help us control our GHG emissions at a low level as compared with other developed economies. Presently, 90% of the 11 million commuter trips each normal day are relying on these systems. The Government will continue the efforts to extend the coverage of the public transport system. To promote the use of cleaner vehicles and fuels, the Government has been encouraging taxis and light buses to switch from diesel to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) since From 1 April 2007, the first registration tax for energy efficient private cars will be reduced by 30% with a maximum amount of HKD50,000 each under the Tax Incentives Scheme for Environment-friendly Petrol Private Cars. A number of energy efficiency programmes are underway. An Energy Efficiency Registration Scheme for Buildings to promote the application of the Building Energy Codes has been launched since The Codes stipulate the minimum energy performance standards for lighting, air conditioning, electrical and lift and escalator installations, etc in buildings. In addition to the voluntary Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme for electrical appliances and equipment launched in 1995, a mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme is being proposed to cover air conditioners, refrigerators and compact fluorescent lamps. Details of our GHG control measures are tabulated in Table 2. Table 2 : Hong Kong Greenhouse Gas Emission Reduction Measures Category (a) (b) (c) Electricity Generation Electricity Demand Side Management Energy Efficiency and Conservation Measures Power companies are requested to maximize the use of natural gas for electricity generation Only gas-fired generating units are allowed to be built since Demand Side Management (DSM) Agreements were signed between the Government and the power companies in May 2000 and expired in June The Government has implemented a wide range of initiatives on energy efficiency and conservation to promote demand side management, including the voluntary energy efficiency labelling schemes, Building Energy Codes and pilot scheme on wider use of water-cooled air conditioning system. Since 1998, an Energy Efficiency Registration Scheme for Buildings has been launched. A voluntary Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme for household appliances, office equipment and vehicles has been launched since 1995.

5 Category (d) Renewable Energies Measures Legislation for a mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme was introduced into the Legislative Council in April Room air conditioners, refrigerators and compact fluorescent lamps are being included in the initial phase of the mandatory scheme. The Government has taken lead in maintaining the room temperature of air-conditioned government offices at 25.5 o C since Since 2005, the Government has been promoting the 25.5 o C initiative to the public. Promoting a switch from air-cooled air-conditioning systems to water-cooled ones. The Government has conducted energy audits and re-audits in over 200 major Government venues and set targets to cut down the electricity consumption of the Government by 6% between 2002/03 to 2006/07. In the 2005/06 Policy Address, the Government has further pledged that all Government office buildings should achieve a 1.5% reduction in electricity consumption starting from January Hong Kong Energy Efficiency Awards competition is launched to encourage energy conservation. All new Government buildings and retrofit projects are required to fully comply with the Building Energy Codes issued by EMSD. A target of 1-2% of our local power to be met by renewable energies by 2012 was set in the First Sustainable Development Strategy promulgated in May (e) Transport The Government will continue the efforts to extend the coverage of the public transport system. Encouraging taxis and light buses to switch to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to reduce the generation of air pollutants. Up to March 2007, about 100% and 56% of the taxi and public light bus fleets are using LPG. (f) Landfill Gas Utilization Promoting the use of cleaner vehicles under the Tax Incentives Scheme for Environment-friendly Petrol Private Cars to have the First Registration Tax reduced by 30%, subject to a cap of HK$50,000 per car. Collecting and utilizing landfill gas from all closed and 3 existing landfills as fuel substitutes and flare the surplus landfill gas. Utilizing landfill gas extracted from the Shuen Wan Landfill as fuel at Towngas (Tai Po) Production Plant. (g) Afforestation Actively implementing afforestation programmes in the territory to increase the capacity of CO 2 absorption.

6 Apart from the above measures, the Government proposes, in the Stage II Consultation Paper on the Future Development of the Electricity Market in Hong Kong, that financial incentives be provided to the power companies under the post-2008 regulatory regime to improve their performance in energy efficiency and conservation. 5. Conclusion HKSAR Government has been taking pro-active steps to reduce the GHG emissions. We will continue to spare no effort in exploring all practicable means to enhance our existing policies and measures to mitigate and adapt to the effects of climate change.