Smart buildings: how a virus might lead to healthier buildings
Hang Lung Publishes Sustainability Reports 2019
Combat COVID-19 with HKGSA Malls – Boosting consumer confidence
ECF Green Building Education Video Series was brought to a satisfactory close
CIC and HKGBC to officially support The World Sustainable Built Environment Online Conference 2020
The Educational Values behind the Green Infrastructure
Smart buildings: how a virus might lead to healthier buildings
As organisations across society attempt to adjust and adapt to the post-COVID world, Arup has formulated a four-step strategy for indoor environmental improvements, one that safeguards the health and wellbeing of occupants. The strategy is powered by data-driven analytics with wider advisory support to quickly turn data into actionable responses that lead to more resilient and sustainable real estate, ready for the challenges of tomorrow.
Assessing building health
Just like our bodies, buildings also require regular check-ups to identify issues that need to be addressed. A quick health assessment can identify all potential high-touch surfaces or areas; while on-site assessments, computational modelling and simulations can identify high-risk areas, such as poor ventilation.
Just like our bodies, buildings also require regular check-ups to identify issues that need to be addressed. A quick health assessment can identify all potential high-touch surfaces or areas; while on-site assessments, computational modelling and simulations can identify high-risk areas, such as poor ventilation.
On-going monitoring
Based on the findings from the health assessment, sensors can be installed in high-risk areas and sensitive zones to continuously monitor air quality. The sensors can capture levels of pollutants, such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5 / PM10), CO2 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), brought together to compile scores that can further be used to formulate an action plan, track progress and assess mitigation effectiveness.
Based on the findings from the health assessment, sensors can be installed in high-risk areas and sensitive zones to continuously monitor air quality. The sensors can capture levels of pollutants, such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5 / PM10), CO2 and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), brought together to compile scores that can further be used to formulate an action plan, track progress and assess mitigation effectiveness.
Data-driven analytics
With the virus outbreak still an ongoing issue, being able to turn data into actionable responses is pivotal. A digital platform like Arup’s Neuron building management system can provide a detailed real-time picture of building operation. It can sense the body temperature of occupants and visitors, measure fine particulate matters, VOC etc., predict or monitor high-risk conditions, and allow for more ventilation, UV light or air purification to improve the indoor air quality. Its AI capabilities mean it can suggest the most valuable mitigation measures, drawing insights from historical data, predicting likely pollution levels before they arise.
With the virus outbreak still an ongoing issue, being able to turn data into actionable responses is pivotal. A digital platform like Arup’s Neuron building management system can provide a detailed real-time picture of building operation. It can sense the body temperature of occupants and visitors, measure fine particulate matters, VOC etc., predict or monitor high-risk conditions, and allow for more ventilation, UV light or air purification to improve the indoor air quality. Its AI capabilities mean it can suggest the most valuable mitigation measures, drawing insights from historical data, predicting likely pollution levels before they arise.
Mitigation measures
We already know that applying an anti-viral coating to frequently contacted surfaces such as door handles and installing air purifiers may serve as a quick fix. Given the airborne nature of the current pandemic, there will likely be renewed focus on buildings’ heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. For example, high-performance air filters, UV sterilisation and moisture controls, can be installed to alleviate airborne transmission and prevent cross-infections between individuals.
We already know that applying an anti-viral coating to frequently contacted surfaces such as door handles and installing air purifiers may serve as a quick fix. Given the airborne nature of the current pandemic, there will likely be renewed focus on buildings’ heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. For example, high-performance air filters, UV sterilisation and moisture controls, can be installed to alleviate airborne transmission and prevent cross-infections between individuals.
Investing in data-driven assets will lead to healthier experiences for everyone. The additional level of insight and control offered by these systems is not only environmentally responsible and resource / energy efficient but will also lead to more resilient and sustainable real estate, ready for the challenges of tomorrow.
Arup’s Neuron digital building management system can provide a detailed real-time picture of building operation
Levels of pollutants, such as fine particulate matter (PM2.5 / PM10), CO2 and VOCs can be monitored and the results/analysis can be used to compile scores to formulate an action plan
Hang Lung Publishes Sustainability Reports 2019
| Hang Lung Group Limited and Hang Lung Properties Limited have published their online Sustainability Reports 2019 featuring the enhanced sustainability framework with focus on Four Priorities. |
Hang Lung Group Limited and Hang Lung Properties Limited have published their online Sustainability Reports 2019, featuring the enhanced sustainability framework as well as the management approach and performance of sustainability issues material to Hang Lung’s entire operation for the year of 2019, reaffirming their commitment to strive for leadership in sustainable development.
The enhanced sustainability framework comprises Three Foundations and Four Priorities, enabling a more goal-driven approach with a clearer focus on material sustainability issues that Hang Lung needs to work on to achieve sustainability leadership. The Three Foundations, namely, Company, Building, and Customers, describe the core organisational contexts and indispensable principles underlying all their sustainability efforts, whereas the Four Priorities represent the key sustainability issues that they will focus on in the forthcoming decade in support of their leadership efforts.
The approach of Four Priorities is as follows:
• Climate Resilience: adapt to climate change and decarbonise their business
• Resource Management: optimise use and management of natural resources
• Sustainable Transactions: promote sustainability practices in all business transactions along their value chain
• Wellbeing: sustain a healthy, inclusive and safe environment, and promote social wellbeing
• Resource Management: optimise use and management of natural resources
• Sustainable Transactions: promote sustainability practices in all business transactions along their value chain
• Wellbeing: sustain a healthy, inclusive and safe environment, and promote social wellbeing
The Sustainability Reports 2019 of Hang Lung Group and Hang Lung Properties are now available for download at the links below:
Hang Lung Properties
https://www.hanglung.com/sustainability-reports/2019/HLP_SR_2019_EN
https://www.hanglung.com/sustainability-reports/2019/HLP_SR_2019_EN
Combat COVID-19 with HKGSA Malls – Boosting consumer confidence
With the influence of COVID-19, malls under the Hong Kong Green Shop Alliance (HKGSA) adopted a variety of anti-epidemic measures to prevent the spreading of disease. With a more hygienic shopping environment, consumers’ health can be better protected and confidence can be enhanced.
The measures implemented by different Alliance Malls are very comprehensive including strengthening disinfection and cleaning, setting up social distancing facilities, emphasising the collaboration between shopping malls, tenants and consumers. It is encouraging to see that the Alliance Members work cohesively together with different sectors in order to resume a great shopping and dining embience for Hong Kong.
If you are interested in the anti-epidemic measures, please browse the summary (English version only) HERE or the HKGSA Facebook page.
ECF Green Building Education Video Series was brought to a satisfactory close
Funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund, the ECF Green Building Education Video Series aims to enhance the understanding of green building concepts for students from Primary 4 to Secondary 6 in Hong Kong, deepen their knowledge on the relationship between green building and environmental issues and drive environmentally responsible behavioural change in youth. The project has come to an end in May 2020 after a successful implementation of 18-months.
8 educational videos were launched, featuring two Green Building Key Opinion Leaders (KOL), Green Building Buddy and Green Sleeves, to introduce green building topics in a lively and interesting approach. Various stakeholders with diverse perspectives were covered in the videos to assist students to understand and recognise the importance of sustainable built environment. The videos were launched in a variety of online platforms in order to reach more teachers and students, and facilitate public learning of green building.
During the project implementation, classes were suspended due to the COVID-19 outbreak. Therefore, the face-to-face teacher workshop and green building tour have been changed to online format. Teachers and students were able to continue their studies at home, while achieving the goal of “suspending classes without suspending learning”.
With the project coming to an end, the Council appreciates the generous support and contribution from different parties and will continue to organise more educational activities to arouse the public’s interest in green building.
Click HERE to watch the video series.
CIC and HKGBC to officially support The World Sustainable Built Environment Online Conference 2020
Amid the recent pandemic, The World Sustainable Built Environment Conference 2020 (WSBE 2020) which was originally scheduled in Gothenburg in June 2020, has become an online conference to be held on 2-4 November 2020.
The Construction Industry Council and Hong Kong Green Building Council will continue our official support as a Gold Sponsor of this world renowned conference to cover a range of exposure for Hong Kong as a whole which includes speaking opportunities in Keynote Session, Panel Discussion, and Parallel Sessions, etc.
The Hong Kong Report on the State of Sustainable Built Environment 2020 (HK Report 2020) will also be produced to showcase the excellence of Hong Kong’s achievements in our journey of driving for a sustainable built environment. We are inviting various sectors to take this great opportunity to showcase their excellent sustainable development projects, unique experience and successful stories with the global industry players by contributing content to the HK Report 2020. The submission deadline is 14 August 2020 (Friday). Act NOW and share your stories of Hong Kong’s sustainable built environment HERE!
The Educational Values behind the Green Infrastructure
We may pay more attention to the infrastructure in our daily lives. Some of them are not merely green buildings but also with great educational values.
For the Shek Wu Hui Effluent Polishing Plant which helps treating the sewage for the public, its building facilities have achieved Platinum rating under BEAM Plus Neighbourhood and Provisional Platinum rating under BEAM Plus New Buildings. One of the features of the project is that the community has been extensively engaged on the design and development of the Polishing Plant, particularly on the public co-use amenities. By setting up educational tours and providing public open spaces, the general public can learn about sustainable living concepts in the future.
At the newly developed community - Kai Tak, you can find green buildings more easily! Apart from the residential and commercial buildings which are covered previously, the Desilting Compunds No. 1 and 2 which are part of the reconstruction and upgrading works of Kai Tak Nullah has attained Final Platinum rating under BEAM Plus New Buildings. The building is well integrated with the surrounding environment with extensive greenery. It can help to reduce the ground and indoor temperature, as well as beautify the community in Kai Tak.
Besides, the Building Information Centre at the New Headquarters of the Buildings Department which provides public education on building safety has achieved Platinum rating under BEAM Plus Interiors. Recycled materials are widely adopted in the interior design in the hope of promoting sustainable development.
Check out more green buildings in Hong Kong at the BEAM Plus Online Exhibition!
For the Shek Wu Hui Effluent Polishing Plant which helps treating the sewage for the public, its building facilities have achieved Platinum rating under BEAM Plus Neighbourhood and Provisional Platinum rating under BEAM Plus New Buildings. One of the features of the project is that the community has been extensively engaged on the design and development of the Polishing Plant, particularly on the public co-use amenities. By setting up educational tours and providing public open spaces, the general public can learn about sustainable living concepts in the future.
At the newly developed community - Kai Tak, you can find green buildings more easily! Apart from the residential and commercial buildings which are covered previously, the Desilting Compunds No. 1 and 2 which are part of the reconstruction and upgrading works of Kai Tak Nullah has attained Final Platinum rating under BEAM Plus New Buildings. The building is well integrated with the surrounding environment with extensive greenery. It can help to reduce the ground and indoor temperature, as well as beautify the community in Kai Tak.
Besides, the Building Information Centre at the New Headquarters of the Buildings Department which provides public education on building safety has achieved Platinum rating under BEAM Plus Interiors. Recycled materials are widely adopted in the interior design in the hope of promoting sustainable development.
Check out more green buildings in Hong Kong at the BEAM Plus Online Exhibition!
The upgraded Shek Wu Hui Effluent Polishing Plant has attained Platinum Rating under BEAM Plus Neighbourhood by turning the traditionally obnoxious facility into an integral asset of the local neighbourhood
Compounds which are located along Kai Tak Nullah has achieved Final Platinum rating under BEAM Plus New Buildings
The Building Information Centre at the New Headquarters of the Buildings Department has achieved Platinum rating under BEAM Plus Interiors