Impact of climate change on commercial sector air conditioning energy consumption in subtropical Hong Kong

Past and future trend of electricity use for air conditioning in the entire commercial sector in subtropical climates using 1979–2008 measured meteorological data as well as predictions for 2009–2100 from a general circulation model (MIROC3.2-H) was investigated. Air conditioning consumption showed an increasing trend over the past 30 years from 1979 to 2008. Principal component analysis (PCA) of measured and predicted monthly mean dry-bulb temperature, wet-bulb temperature and global solar radiation was conducted to determine a new climatic index Z for 1979–2008 and future 92 years (2009–2100) based on two emissions scenarios B1 and A1B (low and medium forcing). Through regression analysis, electricity use in air conditioning for the 92-year period was estimated. For low forcing, average consumption in 2009–2038, 2039–2068 and 2069–2100 would be, respectively, 5.7%, 12.8% and 18.4% more than the 1979–2008 average, with a mean 12.5% increase for the entire 92-year period. Medium forcing showed a similar increasing trend, but 1–4% more. Standard deviations of the monthly air conditioning consumption were found to be smaller suggesting possible reduction in seasonal variations in future years.