To improve building energy efficiency, the Hong Kong Government formulated a Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance (建築物能源效益條例)[2] which was passed by the Legislative Council in November 2010.

Under the Ordinance, certain prescribed types of buildings have to comply with Building Energy Code (BEC) and/or Energy Audit Code (EAC).

Under the Ordinance, building services installations including electrical, air-conditioning, lighting and lift and escalator installations in newly constructed buildings are required to meet the minimum energy efficiency standards and requirements as specified in the Code of Practice for Energy Efficiency of Building Services Installation.

The standards stipulated in the Code, which was published in February 2012[3] are more stringent than those in the last version promulgated in 2007, which have been implemented on a voluntary basis.

Implementation of the Ordinance is operated by the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department