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Energy performance contracting is not common in Asia, where fast economic growth in many parts of the region during the last two decades has taken precedence over people’s concern for energy saving. Explores how one particular group of facility managers introduced the concept of energy performance contracting in a context where bureaucratic tradition had always rewarded control rather than relationship development. Considers the roles and expectations of key players – the energy savings contractor, and the contracting organisation, who had both new style facility management and traditional maintenance staff working on the project. Discusses the issues that nearly derailed the project and how these were eventually overcome. Suggests there is a need for ongoing communication between all partners involved in energy performance contracting, both to overcome barriers to traditional ways of working and also to develop an appreciation for the differing objectives of each partner involved in the contract.

Increasing budget constraints, the introduction of new clinical protocols and technologies, and changing community needs and expectations are changing Hong Kong’s health care system. These unprecedented changes are creating powerful and urgent needs for many of Hong Kong’s hospitals to explore alternative approaches to designing and managing their hospital environments. The paper starts by reviewing these changing conditions and then suggests that hospital facilities management professionals must think and act anew. The paper concludes that hospital administrators at the Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital in Hong Kong are responding to these corporate challenges by developing a facilities management support response.