HK Government Architectural Services Department has appointed Widnell to finalise the accounts for the award winning Government HQ for the Electrical & Mechanical Services Department.

The HK$700 million EMSD new headquarters, with a gross floor area of 81,000 square metres, is a seven-storey building converted and reprovisioned from a former cargo terminal and now comprising offices, vehicle workshops and electronics workshops housing some 2,100 government staff.  The building has been designed to make full use of the concrete structure of the former cargo terminal building as far as possible, resulting in a saving of $600-$700 million. 

The new headquarters building has a number of features that will enhance energy efficiency and use of renewable energy.  The solar photovoltaic system installed on the roof is the largest of its kind in Hong Kong, consisting of more than 2,300 photovoltaic panels with a maximum generation capacity of 350kW.

The panels are grid connected with the distribution network of CLP Power, producing about 300,000 to 400,000kWh of electricity annually from direct sunlight.  The amount roughly equals the total electricity consumption by 90 families in Hong Kong or 3% to 4% of the electricity consumption of the headquarters building.  Apart from producing electricity, the system will achieve a reduction of carbon dioxide emission from power stations amounting to 210 to 280 tonnes per annum.

In addition, "slurry ice" is used to store energy and reduce electricity consumption during the off-peak period of electricity demand.

The features are designed to make the headquarters building more energy efficient by 10% or more.
The EMSD headquarters building was a winner of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects 2004 Annual Award Merit Award.