Hong Kong Buildings Energy Efficiency (Amendment) Ordinance 2025: Key Updates for Compliance

Hong Kong has introduced the Buildings Energy Efficiency (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 to strengthen energy performance in the built environment and support the city’s long-term decarbonisation goals.

The updated requirements are expected to save 500 million kilowatt-hours of electricity by 2035 - equivalent to the annual usage of 150,000 households - and create new opportunities across Hong Kong’s energy services and green building sectors.

What Is the Hong Kong Buildings Energy Efficiency (Amendment) Ordinance 2025?

The Hong Kong Buildings Energy Efficiency (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 introduces a two-phase update to energy audit requirements, registration of energy assessors, and public disclosure of energy data.

• Phase 1 (From 20 September 2025): Changes to Registered Energy Assessor (REA) qualifications will come into effect.

  
  

• Phase 2 (From 20 September 2026): Main regulatory updates will be implemented, including shorter audit cycles and wider building coverage. Final vetting is still underway.

  
  

This phased approach gives industry stakeholders time to align their systems, training, and reporting processes.

Who Will Be Affected by the Energy Efficiency Ordinance?

The scope of regulated buildings has expanded significantly. The Hong Kong Buildings Energy Efficiency (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 will apply to a broader range of facilities, including:

• Data centres, both standalone and located within industrial premises

• Healthcare facilities, including hospitals and clinics

• Educational and community buildings

• Government properties

• Transport infrastructure, such as airports and railway stations

If your building falls under any of these categories, new energy audit and reporting requirements may apply.

What Are the New Requirements Under the Hong Kong Buildings Energy Efficiency (Amendment) Ordinance 2025?

The ordinance brings three key changes that building owners and facility managers need to prepare for:

1. Shorter Energy Audit Cycles

Energy audits must now be conducted every 5 years instead of 10. This increases accountability and ensures more regular performance tracking.

2. Standardised Data Disclosure

Building owners will be required to submit energy data through standardised Data Disclosure Forms. Some of this information will be made publicly available to increase transparency and performance benchmarking across the sector.

3. Broader Regulatory Scope

Many buildings that were previously outside the ordinance, such as data centres and public-use buildings, will now be included. This represents a shift toward more inclusive and performance-driven energy regulations.

Preparing for Compliance and Unlocking Opportunities

Compliance is one part of the picture. The Hong Kong Buildings Energy Efficiency (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 also opens doors to performance certifications like BEAM Plus and Green Mark, which may offer:

• GFA concessions

• Recognition for sustainable design and operations

• Access to government funding or tax incentives

Early preparation—such as reviewing current audit schedules, identifying applicable buildings, and engaging qualified REAs—will help you stay ahead of requirements while positioning for broader sustainability goals.

Stay Ahead of Regulatory Compliance

At SimplyEHS, we make it easier for you to manage compliance with evolving energy efficiency regulations. Our tools help track updates like the Hong Kong Buildings Energy Efficiency (Amendment) Ordinance 2025, provide audit guidance, and keep your EHS legal register up to date. Subscribe now for updates.