The Environmental Protection Department has proposed the introduction of a classification system for refrigerators, air conditioners and low-energy light bulbs in a bid to save energy and cut down on carbon dioxide emissions.

The proposal, which was published yesterday in the government gazette, calls for each product to carry a label indicating its energy-efficiency rating, from Class 1 to Class 5.

For example, a Class 1 air conditioner would be 29 percent more energy-efficient than an equivalent model with a Class 5 rating. Similarly, a Class 1 refrigerator would be 49 percent more efficient than a Class 5, and a Class 1 energy-saving light bulb 15 percent more efficient than a Class 3.

The proposal, which will be presented to the Legislative Council on April 18, also states that manufacturers found guilty of providing false information would face a fine of up to HK$100,000 and possible imprisonment.

If it wins approval from the Legislative Council, the proposal will be implemented early next year, although manufacturers would be granted an 18-month grace period.

According to figures from the Environmental Protection Department, energy-saving light bulbs, refrigerators and air conditioners accounted for 6.7 billion units of electricity in 2004, some 70 percent of the country's total domestic energy consumption.

It has been estimated that 150 million units of electricity per year could be saved by implementing the proposal. The electricity tariff would be reduced by HK$135 million a year, while carbon dioxide emission would be cut by 105,000 tons annually.

The department also suggested that a family of four could cut their annual electricity bill by as much as HK$2,150 by replacing 10 Class 5 appliances with the same number of Class 1 equivalents.

Environmentalists have also given their support to the proposal, saying it would help protect the environment.

Friends of the Earth (Hong Kong) director Edwin Lau said it would help consumers to make informed choices.

"The labels will give customers clear information on whether or not an electrical appliance is energy-efficient and environmentally friendly," he said.

He also urged the department to conduct random checks to ensure that the information provided by manufacturers was accurate and said that more effort should be made to encourage the public to use electricity judiciously, such as switching off appliances when they are not in use.

Man Chi-sum, the CEO of Green Power, said the labels would also help protect consumers' rights.

"Consumers should know whether the electrical appliances they buy are wasting energy," he said.

Man said the government and the two power companies in Hong Kong should reward customers for consuming less electricity, and provide financial incentives to households to buy energy-efficient appliances.

(China Daily 04/05/2007 page5)