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 Development
In June 2000, the Government, with the support of EMSD and other bureaux/departments, launched a scheme for wider use of fresh water in cooling towers for energy efficient air conditioning systems (FWCT Scheme) for non-domestic buildings. The FWCT Scheme was launched as a pilot scheme for application in initial 6 designated areas in Hong Kong. With its acceptance by the trade, it has changed its pilot status to a standing one from June 2008. A recent review was completed in September 2010 to streamline application procedures and requirements of the FWCT Scheme.
Who May Apply
Owners of non-domestic premises are encouraged to use water-cooled type (such as fresh water cooling towers) instead of air-cooled type for their air-conditioning system for energy efficiency. They are encouraged to apply for participation in the FWCT Scheme for their fresh water cooling towers installations.
Designated Areas
The updated location plans of the designated areas for application are listed at the following:
For premises located outside the listed designated areas, applications for joining the FWCT Scheme for their fresh water cooling tower installations are also welcomed and will be considered on a case-by-case basis in consultation with WSD on adequacy of fresh water supply. Addition /extension of designated areas will be considered as appropriate with regard to the applications.
Scheme Brochure on Requirements
The requirements of application and operation of the FWCT Scheme are detailed in the following documents:
Code of Practice for Water-cooled Air-conditioning Systems - CoP(WACS)
To promote the proper use of water-cooled air conditioning systems for energy efficiency with regard to the environment and health issues, a set of Code of Practice for Water-cooled Air Conditioning System was promulgated in July 2006 to provide guidelines for the cooling tower design, installation, testing, commissioning, operation and maintenance. The Code of Practice comprises three parts:-
Part 1: Design, Installation and Commissioning of Cooling Towers [PDF format (609KB)]
Part 2: Operation and Maintenance of Cooling Towers [PDF format (292KB)]
Part 3: Water Treatment Methods for Cooling Towers [PDF format (333KB)]
Guidance Notes on Code of Practice for Water-cooled Air Conditioning Systems [PDF format (344KB)] has been promulgated in November 2011. It will help readers to have a better understanding on the requirements of CoP(WACS) and facilitate designers of cooling tower installations to meet the requirements.
All applications for participation in the FWCT Scheme shall comply with the above Code of Practice for Water-cooled Air Conditioning Systems and guidance notes.
Further, all cooling tower installations under the FWCT Scheme shall also comply with the requirements stipulated in the Code of Practice for Prevention of Legionnaires' Disease (2007 Edition) [PDF format (1.29MB)].
Good Operation and Maintenance Practice of Fresh Water Cooling Towers for Air-conditioning Systems
The owners of cooling tower installations should maintain proper conditions of the fresh water cooling towers to minimize contamination and nuisances to the public. A guideline on Good Operation and Maintenance Practice of Fresh Water Cooling Towers for Air-conditioning Systems [PDF format (3.17MB)] is compiled based on Part 2 of the above Code of Practice for easy reference.
Note: If the FWCT Scheme is suspended under special circumstances, the public will normally be notified not less than 6 months in advance.
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