| Author: | Lai, Ho-ming Matthew |
| Title: | Implementation of building energy codes in Hong Kong |
| Degree: | M.Sc. |
| Year: | 2001 |
| Subject: | Hong Kong Polytechnic University -- Dissertations |
| Department: | Multi-disciplinary Studies Department of Management |
| Pages: | xii, 101, [12] leaves : ill. ; 30 cm |
| Language: | English |
| Abstract: | In Hong Kong the amount of electricity consumption has been increasing rapidly over the past ten years as the size of population increased significantly. Pervious studies indicate that building energy consumption contribute a significant proportion of total energy consumed. Reducing electricity consumption not only lead to a saving in building operation cost, but also reduces the environmental impact in long-term considerations. Thus, it becomes a primary interest to control building energy consumption and mitigate environmental impact. In 1998, the Government first launched the Building Energy Codes (BEC) for building services facility to enhance and arouse the public awareness of energy saving. The scheme consists of a set of BEG targeting at lighting, electrical, air-conditioning, lift and escalator installations in a building. Although the BEC is not a mandatory scheme, it counters some economic and environmental benefits for the public. Since March 2001, there are 48 installations including lighting, electrical and air-conditioning and 32 buildings in both private and public sectors that have been registered in the voluntary scheme of BEC (EEO, 2001). Nowadays, it also becomes a trend in the building industry to adopt the BEC by implementing energy saving initiatives of the Government and energy efficient rebate programs of the Power Companies. The aim of this research is to find out the factors and barriers affecting the implementation of BEC in Hong Kong. It also examines the cost effectiveness of implementing BEC in Hong Kong public housing estates by benefit-cost analysis (BCA). There are two design alternatives for standard rental and HOS domestic blocks in designing lighting installation in new building project. The benefit-cost ratio (BCR) and payback period are used to see which design alternative is financially viable. Sensitivity analysis is also carried out to demonstrate the impact of the discount rate and electricity escalation rate on BCR and payback period. A survey was conducted to obtain feedback regarding BEC by means of questionnaire and face-to-face interviews from relevant parties involved such as facility managers, clients, building owners and engineers. The factors and barriers affecting the implementation of BEC are identified and discussed in this study. Also, this project aims to explore the attitude of all parties concerned in the building industry towards the adoption of BEC. Possible management strategies and opportunities are recommended for encouraging implementation of BEC. From the survey findings, it indicates that BEC is still not widely adopted in the industry. It mainly caused by various factors and barriers in terms of buildings, BS facility, organizations, building owners and external environment. In this study, the reasons for the low penetration rate of BEC in the industry have also been explored. The result indicates that the characteristic of building owners is the most important factor influencing the implementation of BEC. In the private sector, the most critical barrier seems to be the organizational investment strategies. This barrier is caused by the budget constraint and funding allocation for BEC in the company. Moreover, such barriers are come from the short-term investment strategies of top management and building owners. In the public sector, energy saving policies and departmental management strategies are the most important barrier for BEC. In addition, improvement measures in design stage as well as implementation of BEC for new and existing buildings are proposed for decision-makers. Nowadays, one of the challenges for building professionals is to design and operate buildings in a cost effective and environmental friendly manner. Apart from the building design and operation, successful management strategy should be integrated with legislative, educational and the promotional schemes. |
| Rights: | All rights reserved |
| Access: | restricted access |
Files in This Item:
| File | Description | Size | Format | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| b16040971.pdf | For All Users (off-campus access for PolyU Staff & Students only) | 3.31 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open |
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