Implementing building energy codes in Hong Kong: energy savings, environmental impacts and cost

This work evaluates the codes and their improvements on our environment by considering the energy saving, reduction of fuel use and pollutants emission from the power plants if the building energy code programmes become statutory. A group of pilot buildings selected from the commercial sector is used in an evaluation study. In particular, the potential reduction of greenhouse gases emission to the environment has been predicted for the justification of the usefulness of the energy codes. It is found that the application of building energy codes on these buildings has achieved a substantial reduction of energy consumption and an accompanied reduction of greenhouse gas emission. A simple benefit-cost analysis is also performed to evaluate the economics behind the codes and the results fully justify its enactment.