Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme Expands to Include LEDs and Gas Appliances Starting December 1.

Fourth phase of Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme takes full effect December 1

The fourth phase of the Mandatory Energy Efficiency Labelling Scheme (MEELS) will be fully implemented on December 1 to include light emitting diode (LED) lamps, gas cookers and gas instantaneous water heaters.

MEELS was introduced in May 2008 under the Energy Efficiency (Labelling of Products) Ordinance (Cap. 598) (Ordinance), which requires energy labels to be shown on all prescribed products for supply in Hong Kong. The energy labels classify the energy performance of prescribed products into five grades. Products with a Grade 1 energy label are the most energy-efficient. With this concise and easy-to-understand label, consumers can make informed decisions in purchasing more energy-efficient products. Any person who supplies a prescribed product that does not properly bear an energy label or is not a 'listed model' under the Ordinance will commit an offence, and is liable to a fine of $100,000. The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) will inspect retail shops to ensure compliance with the legislation.

Taking the fourth phase into account, MEELS covers a total of 11 types of products, including room air conditioners, refrigerating appliances, compact fluorescent lamps, washing machines, dehumidifiers, televisions, storage type electric water heaters, induction cookers, LED lamps, gas cookers and gas instantaneous water heaters. The fourth phase of MEELS came into effect on September 1, 2023, with a transitional period of 15 months. Upon the implementation of the fourth phase, the additional potential annual energy saving is estimated to be around 570 terajoules (around 160 million kilowatt-hours), equivalent to a reduction of about 75000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year. The total energy consumption in the residential sector covered by MEELS will substantially increase from about 50 per cent to about 80 per cent.

For more details of MEELS and information on the listed models, please visit the EMSD’s website (www.emsd.gov.hk/energylabel).

Property owner fined over $100,000 for persistently not complying with removal order

A property owner who persistently failed to comply with a removal order issued under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123) was convicted and fined over $100,000 at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts last week.

The case involved two unauthorised structures, with areas of about 22.9 and 4.7 square metres respectively, on the flat roofs of a residential building in Hung Shui Kiu, Yuen Long. As the unauthorised building works (UBWs) were carried out without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department (BD), a removal order was served on the owners under section 24(1) of the BO.

Failing to comply with the removal order, the owner was prosecuted by the BD and was fined over $11,000 upon conviction by the court. As the owner persisted in not complying with the removal order, the BD instigated prosecution again. The owner was fined $108,070 in total by the Court, of which $98,070 was the fine for the number of days that the offence continued, upon conviction at the Tuen Mun Magistrates' Courts on November 22.

A spokesman for the BD said today (November 29), "UBWs may lead to serious consequences. Owners must comply with removal orders without delay. The BD will continue to take enforcement actions and consider instigating prosecution against owners again if they persist in not complying with the orders to ensure building safety."

Failing to comply with a removal order without a reasonable excuse is a serious offence under the BO. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $200,000 and one year's imprisonment, and a further fine of $20,000 for each day that the offence continues.