Time is running out towards the city’s goal of reaching carbon neutrality by 2050, and a vital contribution to that goal lies in reducing the electricity consumption of commercial buildings by 30 to 40 percent by then . While many are on track to achieve their goal, a worrying number are raising eyebrows because they are heading in the wrong direction.

A recent study by a green monitoring group found that nearly one in five buildings that had an energy efficiency audit recorded higher levels of usage than 10 years ago. Hong Kong landlords are required every decade to carry out an energy audit of air conditioning, lighting, electrical systems, elevators and escalators and suggest ways to improve efficiency.

At this time, there is no legal obligation for them to act on their findings.

It is therefore pleased to learn in the government’s political speech that a proposal to amend the Ordinance on Energy Efficiency in Buildings will be submitted to Parliament before the end of the year.

The impact of improved efficiency is significant. Buildings account for 90% of energy consumption and the electricity produced contributes to half of carbon emissions, estimates the Bureau of Environment and Ecology.