EMSD Regulatory Services Report

This is particularly important given the huge variety and quantity of products imported from the mainland. In the event of a need to verify the quality of a product, it also permits speedier checking and allows more timely action to be taken.

We have also stepped up our quality control of gas appliances with the introduction of a new approval scheme, which will come into effect in 2003.

With over 16,000 taxis having made the switch to LPG and with the completion of the network of filling stations, the LPG vehicle scheme has progressed to the second stage targeting light buses. We continue to provide technical advice and support.

As regards the periodic inspection of electrical installations, we are pleased to report that 96 per cent of all 35,000 residential buildings in Hong Kong have now been tested, thanks to the assistance of the Buildings Department and the Home Affairs Department.

Amusement rides were in the limelight this year as a number of large-scale carnivals took place in Hong Kong. We are proud to report that there were no incidents of mechanical failure with these rides. We have also begun to liaise with the Disney Theme Park and the Tung Chung cable car project teams to ensure the highest level of safety for Hong Kong when these facilities come on-line in the future.

In the following pages, we detail the progress of each of our divisions this year. It is a characteristic of regulatory services worldwide that patience and perseverance are often required for initiatives to yield results. I would like to thank all staff for their dedication and hard work, and join them in looking forward to another year of achievement in 2003.

Air-conditioning takes the lion's share of energy consumption in commercial buildings, which is why we have been studying the possibility of wider use of the more energy-efficient water-cooled air-conditioning system. As a follow-up to a preliminary study, we have proceeded to conduct implementation studies with a particular focus on district cooling systems. Two distinct districts were selected - South East Kowloon Development and Wanchai and Causeway Bay, the former being an entirely new development while the latter is a typical existing district with a mix of offices, hotels and commercial developments.

Our study of potential applications of renewable energy has now moved into its second stage with a demonstration project at Wanchai Tower. Solar photovoltaic panels are being installed on the rooftop and technical data will be collected for performance analysis. Wind power is also under study and preparatory work for a territory-wide field-based measurement programme has begun.

T5 lamps and luminaries are among the most successful energy saving equipment introduced by EEO. Two pilot projects to use the T5 lighting system at government venues have shown that a 40 per cent energy saving is achievable, along with better lighting quality for users. These results have had very positive implications in the lighting industry, with more and more developers installing the T5 lighting system in new developments.

The energy efficiency labelling scheme for household appliances and office equipment - accounting for 44 per cent of energy savings this year - now covers more than 1,500 models with an estimated market penetration of between 30 to 70 per cent. The scheme has been extended to petrol passenger cars during the year, with plans in hand to cover gas appliances in the near future.

SAFETY INITIATIVES
To fulfil our role in protecting public safety, we have this year focused on a number of initiatives. We have fostered closer cooperation with the Administration of the People's Republic of China for Quality, Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine to achieve better control over the quality standard of electrical products, gas appliances and lifts and escalators.