Oct-2018

Construction 2.0

Sino Group Strives to Promote Sustainability

Free Trial of the HK BESTCOM
Eco Expo Asia: Buy Green and Build Green
Assessing the Building with Selective Aspects - Going Green Gradually

Construction 2.0

DEVB has been closely collaborating with HKGBC to promote green built environment movement in Hong Kong. During 15-17 Oct 2018, DEVB has organised a delegation with HKGBC to UK to foster collaboration of HKGBC and the Building Research Establishment (BRE) on green assessment standards, also to visit “Modular Integrated Construction (MiC)” development sites to learn about the application and advantages of that green and innovative construction technology.
In addition, to address the challenges including the high construction cost, ageing workforce, declining productivity, etc., the HKSAR Government is taking the initiative to be a leading agent for change, to promote “Construction 2.0” – advocating three key pillars including “Innovation”, “Professionalisation” and “Revitalisation”, to uplift the capacity and sustainability of the industry, increase productivity, enhance regulation and quality assurance, improve site safety and reduce environmental impact.
Innovation in the Construction Industry ecosystem could be the discovery and application of new approaches and tools that support the planning, design, construction, funding and operation of built assets to achieve enhanced outcomes over the norm. Off-site construction using Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) and Modular integrated Construction have been proven to reduce costs and uplift productivity and performance in site safety, quality and sustainability.
Improved professionalism of the Industry through step change increases in project leadership, project management, procurement capabilities and professional skills and practices within Government and the private sector, to deliver higher quality construction and built assets, combined with a first priority focus on safety, construction supervision and quality in the workplace.
The vision of revitalisation is to reinvigorate the appeal and benefits of joining the Industry to attract and nurture growing numbers of young and energetic talent to the workforce and increasing the agility at the individual, organisational and Industry levels. An important element of revitalisation is the promotion and awareness of positive Industry activities and events held by stakeholder groups in order to build a greater sense of community within the Industry, providing opportunities for Industry stakeholders to come together for social experiences.
DEVB and other groups have been active in promoting the Industry to potential future generations of talent including university students, school leavers and others. These include hosting events related to competition, recruitment, community & recreation and volunteering. The “International Youth Competition” in the “World Sustainable Built Environment Conference 2017 Hong Kong” held in June 2017 was among one of these.

 

Themed "Transforming Our Built Environment through Innovation and Integration: Putting Ideas into Action", the conference celebrated the continued efforts and achievements of different groups across the world in terms of actions focused on enhancing the sustainability of the global built environment, including a particular focus on urban neighbourhoods and buildings.
Stakeholders are encouraged to provide feedback as to how the Industry can be developed in a productive and sustainable manner so that we can collectively move the Industry to the next level and beyond.
For the details of Construction 2.0, please click HERE.

 

 

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Sino Group Strives to Promote Sustainability

As a committed corporate citizen, Sino Group has made sustainability an integral part of the operations. The Group’s sustainability efforts encompass architectural planning, property management, energy saving and waste reduction initiatives, as well as green education and innovations.
Sino Group has taken another step forward to contribute to the global efforts in building a greener future. The Group announced in April 2018 a group-wide Plastic Awareness Campaign, pledging to reduce single-use plastic consumption by 50% by 2022 from 2017 level. Preliminary results have been achieved; for instance, in 2017, the single-use plastic consumption of our hotels in Hong Kong decreased by 20% from the year before.
Steps we are taking:

• Replacing small bottled amenities with refillable soap dispensers at hotels’ guest rooms
• Banning plastic straws and stirring rods at all F & B outlets of the Group’s hotels; eco-friendly alternatives will be provided upon request
• Providing water dispensers at 65 clubhouses
• Installing Reverse Vending Machines in shopping malls

 

 

In addition, in June 2018, the Group celebrated the 10th anniversary of ‘Mission Green Top’, a multifaceted programme combining urban farming, environmental protection, engaging the broader community and social inclusion. Rooftop space at Skyline Tower was converted into an organic garden and Hong Chi Association members have been hired to care for the garden. It also heralded the ‘Mission Green’ series, covering plant adoption, recycling, art, hydroponics and education; these have been well received by colleagues, tenants and the community.
In the wake of the super typhoon Mangkhut, the Group partners with arborists and community partners to recycle and upcycle felled trees on premises under its management to make the most of the precious natural resources. The Group hopes to raise awareness of protecting the city’s landscaping and making it the preferred practice after typhoon and during the construction process.

 

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HKGBW 2018 - Finish It Green

The Hong Kong Green Building Week 2018 (HKGBW 2018) had come to an end with the last two programmes, Green Bazaar and Ignite HKGBW 2018, being held successfully. Targeting the general public with an aim to raise public awareness on green building movement and sustainable lifestyle, the annual flagship event is co-organised by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC).

Wandering and shopping in bazaars become a popular local culture in recent years, particularly among families, youngsters and art buffs. To target these segments, our one-of-a-kind upcycling bazaar featured handcrafts made of upcycled building materials or waste materials by young artists. This ‘Green Bazaar’ was held on 29-30 September in Wan Chai, infusing green building and eco-living ideas into stimulating workshops so as to inspire participants to gain news insights in upcycle and craftsmanship. The shared space also served as the platform for 16 handcrafters to showcase their creativity on upcycling and transforming. Apart from being amazed by the creativity behind each item, over a thousand participants learnt the story of building lifecycle and product transformation during the two-day programme. There was plenty of flair including discarded wood pallets creations from Hong Kong Baptist University, cement paintings from Moldflip and visual art project from Chan Pak-kin. Partnership with the WWF solar cafe gathered extra like-minded fellows and brought further engagement and networking.

In the age where speed and time is on the essence, the finale programme Ignite HKGBW 2018 was an afternoon of speedy presentations held in Construction Industry Council - Zero Carbon Building. Themed on sustainable construction and consumption, green building elements and indoor wellbeing, shared economy as well as minimalism, nine great speakers delved deeper into building sustainability and green living in passions, including Mr Wong Kam-sing, Secretary for the Environment, Professor Kwan Hoi-shan from the School of Life Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Mr Jonathan Yau, Associate Director of Cundall Hong Kong Limited and Mr Tony Ip, Green Architect / Urban Designer, etc. Prior to the presentations, new networks were built through conversations among various stakeholders in the exhibition area filling with green building information panels. The programme was complemented by fruit tea made of leftovers and edible biodegradable plates provided by the Green BB Innovation team, with representative being one of the speakers as well. Housed over a hundred participants, the Ignite HKGBW 2018 wrapped up the whole campaign on a high note.

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Free Trial of the HK BESTCOM

The HKGBC is offering a free trial of the HKGBC Benchmarking and Energy Saving Tool - Commercial Buildings (Office/Retail) (HK BESTCOM) including the Free Benchmarking Tool and the Recognition Scheme for practitioners to assess the energy performance of a building. The Briefing Session for HK BESTCOM Free Trial was held on 5 Oct 2018. The objective of this briefing session is for practitioners to get familiar with the HK BESTCOM and try the tool before getting certified. The briefing session started with an introduction to the tool by Dr Paul Sat, Head of Research and Public Education of the HKGBC followed by a Q&A session. 22 practitioners from the industry participated in the session.

Introduction of HK BESTCOM

The HK BESTCOM is a set of web-based energy benchmarking tools developed by the HKGBC to promote energy efficiency and recognise outstanding energy saving performance of office and retail buildings. The tool consists of two parts: the Free Benchmarking Tool, and the Recognition Scheme. The Free Benchmarking Tool provides a general rating based on basic information of the premises and buildings characteristics. The Recognition Scheme provides a more in-depth evaluation on the building energy performance and gives recommendations on Energy Management Opportunities (EMOs) of the premise or building through the “What-If” Assessment. Furthermore, through assessment by the HK BEST Authorised Assessor, a certificate will be awarded to recognise outstanding energy performance achieved by the premise or building. For more information, please click HERE.

Eco Expo Asia: Buy Green and Build Green

Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council and Messe Frankfurt (HK) Ltd, and co-organised by the Environment Bureau, the 13th edition of the Eco Expo Asia took place during 25-28 October, featuring around 340 exhibitors and attracted more than 14,800 buyers. The Council has again become one of the Supporting Organisations of the expo, with a booth showcasing the latest development of green buildings and BEAM Plus assessment tool, as well as the HK G-PASS, a certification system for a range of eco-friendly construction materials.
Another expo highlight was the Eco Asia Conference, in which the Council co-organised one of the sessions on 27 October with the theme of "Buy Green and Build Green". Experts from construction companies and green building materials providers shared tips on driving sustainability through green buildings procurement and process. Ir Antonio Chan, Director and Chairman of HK G-PASS Steering Committee of the Council delivered the Opening Address; Dr Benny Chow, Director and Chairman of Industry Standards and Practices Committee of the Council served as the Moderator of Panel Discussion on “Green Product Market Challenges and Way Forward”. Around 100 participants joined the session to learn about the latest industry trend and development.

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Assessing the Building with Selective Aspects - Going Green Gradually

Subsequent to Site Aspect and Water Use Aspect, the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals Wong Fung Ling Memorial Building has achieved Excellent Grade in Management aspect of BEAM Plus Existing Buildings V2.0 Selective Scheme.
With a view to maintaining the sustainable operation of the headquarter building, the property management team is devoted in implementing a wide range of green management practices. Apart from formulating and introducing to the public the organisation’s sustainable policy and targets, the team has put the green procurement practice in place and implemented the renovation management plan covering the environmental control practices of indoor air quality, noise, wastewater and waste. The Tung Wah Group of Hospitals is certified to operate the environmental management system to ISO 14001, as well as the energy management system to ISO 50001.
Check out the building at BEAM Plus Online Exhibition to understand its success factors in each BEAM Plus assessment aspect!

 

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