Undersecretary for the Environment Christine Loh Kung-wai's reassuring letter last week outlining some of the government's plans for air pollution control were lacking one important point: changes to building rules. This simple expedient is a very important low-cost way to reduce emissions from power stations by reducing the demand for electricity.
Space cooling (and heating) consumes the majority of Hong Kong's electricity. By simply mandating that all new domestic premises meet minimum insulation standards, the minimal extra construction costs will quickly be recouped by lower energy bills.
Of course, as long as the government continues to pay people's electricity bills, there is no market force, so beloved of Hong Kong, to incentivise energy conservation.
Another area for mandatory change is the prohibition of open-fronted shops and buildings which allow cold air to escape. Why these almost cost-free changes have not yet been made and were not mentioned in Loh's letter remains a mystery. Perhaps we should be told.
Dr Richard Fielding, School of Public Health, University of Hong Kong