Sino Land Recognised among World’s Most Sustainable Companies
China Resources Land (Overseas) Named “Top 10 Developers” in BCI Asia Awards Hong Kong 2024
Link Sustainability Lab’s New Theme: “Loop to Last – Unveiling the Circular Economy”
Wheelock Properties Launched its First Combined Business and Sustainability Report



HKGBC Member Exclusive Delegation to Berlin and Hamburg, Germany (14-18 October 2024)
[HK Report 2024 Interview Series - Arthur LAM] Innovation and Technology Transform Public Environmental Awareness to Build a Low-Carbon Inclusive Community
Chinese Versions of “BEAM Plus Existing Data Centres” are Now Available




Sino Land Recognised among World’s Most Sustainable Companies


Sino Land Company Limited has been recognised as one of the World's Most Sustainable Companies by TIME Magazine and Statista in the inaugural list. Sino Land is ranked the 153rd among the top 500 companies in more than 30 countries.

The sustainability performance evaluation entailed analysing over 5,000 of the world's largest and most influential companies with more than 20 key performance indicators considered, including external sustainability commitments and ratings like the CDP, Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi), and S&P Global Sustainability Yearbook. Sustainability reporting and transparency have also been evaluated with respect to international standards like the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) and the Task Force on Climate-related Financial Disclosures (TCFD).

Mr Daryl NG, Deputy Chairman of Sino Group and Chairman of its ESG Steering Committee, said, “We are honoured to be recognised alongside some of the most respected companies for our commitment to upholding ESG and creating long-term value for our stakeholders. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our employees and partners, who have been with us on this wondrous journey, and we look forward to more collaborations to build a more sustainable future.”

Additionally, Sino Land has been selected as a constituent of the Dow Jones Sustainability™ Asia/Pacific Index for the second consecutive year, recognising its ESG performances among the top 20% of the 600 assessed companies in the Asia-Pacific region based on a set of stringent long-term economic, environmental and social criteria.

Sino Land is humbled by the coveted recognitions, and will continue to work hard to Create Better Lifescapes.
 
 


China Resources Land (Overseas) Named “Top 10 Developers” in BCI Asia Awards Hong Kong 2024

 

In line with China Resources Group’s corporate culture, China Resources Land (Overseas) Limited (“CRL Overseas”) is committed to building high-quality properties by upholding the brand philosophy of “Better Quality, Better City”. CRL Overseas is honoured to be awarded the title of “Top 10 Developers” in Hong Kong at BCI Asia Awards 2024, recognising the Team's remarkable efforts in the past year.

The BCI Asia Awards acknowledge the top architects and developers in the building and design industry and celebrate the highest standards of construction, innovation and sustainable development across seven Asian markets.

Located upon the coastline of Kai Tak Runway Precinct, PANO HARBOUR, the latest residential development of CRL Overseas, is designed with a high greenery coverage ratio of over 30%. A variety of tree species, vertical greening and green roof design help minimise the urban heat island effect and create a dedicated microclimate for the development.

The project’s thoughtful designs also include double-glazed curtain wall design to reduce solar heat transmitting to indoor, as well as the electric vehicle charging device and food waste recycling facilities to enable residents to live a vibrantly active green lifestyle.

PANO HARBOUR has also obtained BEAM Plus Provisional Gold New Building V1.2 Certification and WELL CORE V.2 Pre-certification, demonstrating the concept of modern green living and reaffirming the commitment of CRL Overseas to creating a sustainable living environment.
 
 
PANO HARBOUR is designed with over 30% greenery space by Adrian L. Norman Limited, an international award-winning landscape team. 
 
PANO HARBOUR offers unparalleled luxury, with unobstructed views of Victoria Harbour and 45 hectares of lush surrounding greenery.
 


Link Sustainability Lab’s New Theme: “Loop to Last – Unveiling the Circular Economy”

 

Link Sustainability Lab is excited to unveil its latest theme starting in mid-July: "Loop to Last - Unveiling the Circular Economy”. The new theme showcases how technological advancements have enabled the adoption of the circular economy and features some nature-based solutions to address the ecological crisis.

In recent years, there has been an increasing push towards adopting a circular economy with the goal of creating a sustainable cycle by reintegrating used resources into the consumption and production of goods. The new theme covers a range of topics including climate change, sustainable fashion, overpackaging, marine litter, recycling of e-waste, waste-to-energy and nature-based solutions. Through various immersive and interactive digital games at the Lab, visitors will be able to rethink their consumption patterns, and discover practical ways to move towards a more sustainable lifestyle by embracing the circular economy.  

The Lab is also a space where Link aims to drive community collaboration to work towards sustainability. Link not only curated the circular economy content in consultation with A Plastic Ocean Foundation, the Business Environment Council, the Environmental Protection Department, and students from the Vocational Training Council, but has also worked with non-governmental organisations, social enterprises, and tertiary education institutions to offer more than 100 thematic workshops to members of the public free of charge. 

As Hong Kong’s first sustainability education and collaboration platform in the local community, Link Sustainability Lab is located in Lok Fu Place and open to the public free of charge. Through the Lab, Link hopes to achieve the 3A targets: presenting an accessible platform, showing actionable pathways towards sustainable development, and proving that sustainability targets are achievable.

To learn more about the latest theme on the circular economy, please visit the Lab’s webpage.

  
The Lab has installed the Bioresources Showroom to showcase how to make use of nature-based solutions, including black soldier flies, microalgae and bamboo to address societal and environmental concerns.
  
  
A sandpit at the Lab for visitors to discover the “treasures” hidden in the sand, with the goal of reminding the public to keep the beach clean.


Visitors can experience the pain of the Earth through simulating irresponsible resource exploitation at the 270-degree immersive zone.
 


Wheelock Properties Launched its First Combined Business and Sustainability Report

 

Sustainability is deeply ingrained in Wheelock Properties' business and operations. The recently launched Business and Sustainability Report 2023 highlighted Wheelock’s progress and continuous efforts across three-pillar ESG Strategy. 

Key highlights as follows: 

1) Creating a positive impact on the environment

On the ecosphere - Wheelock achieved a 21.5% reduction in overall GHG intensity, along with maintaining a high construction waste recycling rate of 70%. 

What we build: 100% BEAM Plus - The company is committed to green buildings and has consistently obtained at least a "Gold" or above rating under the BEAM Plus certification for all new developments over the past 8 years.

Community engagement - The company successfully engaged with over 1.19 million people through initiatives and events hosted by Club Wheelock and partners. 

2) Delivering quality experiences and trusted partnerships

Global recognitions - The company is recognised by the Sustainalytics ESG Regional Top-Rated badge and has achieved consecutively improved scores in the HKQAA CSR Index Plus for four years in a row.

Continue growth in sustainable finance - Wheelock actively embraces green finance and integrates ESG considerations into its financing framework. As of Dec 2023, the sustainability-linked loans make up 49% of the corporate loans.

3) Developing long-term enduring value 

Adding value in urban development - Through the Transitional Housing and Land Sharing Pilot Scheme, Wheelock is providing a total of 19,351 units to the local community. The latest project, Lok Sin Village, offers 1,236 units and accommodates over 10,000 residents during its cycle, making it the largest transitional housing development in Tai Po.

Our future generation - Wheelock focuses on nurturing the next generation through a diverse range of programmes organised in collaboration with its valued partners, including Project WeCan, WIND, and the Hong Chi Association. As of 2023, Project WeCan has positively impacted the lives of over 93,000 students from 82 schools throughout Hong Kong.

 
  
Over the past 8 years, Wheelock has obtained BEAM Plus Gold certification for all new developments. KOKO HILLS is one of the new buildings integrated with green elements. 


Wheelock and Project WeCan hosted a 3-day training workshop, “Young Innovators Bazaar”, at Plaza Hollywood to develop students’ skill sets in leadership, communication, marketing, and sales knowledge outside the classroom setting. 

 
 

 


 

HKGBC Member Exclusive Delegation to Berlin and Hamburg, Germany (14-18 October 2024)

 

The Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC) is dedicated to connecting with its global counterparts, unlocking valuable learning and exchange opportunities that empower our valued Members to accelerate green building development. Following the success of last year's study trip to Sydney, and with support from the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB) this year, the HKGBC is now curating an impressive journey to Germany to visit two cities for double excitement – Berlin and Hamburg – from 14 to 18 Oct 2024 (Mon-Fri). The HKGBC extends a warm invitation to our valued Patron and Institutional Members to join the Delegation and engage in this immersive five-day dual-city green building journey.

As a model in the realm of green building development, Germany stands out as a leading force, boasting advanced construction approaches and a commitment to eco-friendly solutions. Backed by the rigorous DGNB Certification System and an innovative approach to green buildings, districts and interiors, its vibrant cities of Berlin and Hamburg offer a wealth of learning opportunities. 

Berlin, with its long history of transformation, has embraced sustainable building design and practices, resulting in buildings with low energy consumption and wise use of resources. Hamburg is home to the exemplar HafenCity development, which showcases a large-scale urban regeneration project that prioritises sustainable community living. 

During this trip, Members will have the chance to visit diverse pioneering sustainable projects, engage with local experts, and gain insights into how these German cities are at the forefront of green building innovation. From state-of-the-art technologies to forward-thinking policies, urban planning, design and practices, this itinerary promises to immerse delegates in the latest sustainable building and infrastructure solutions shaping the future of sustainable development.

This delegation, limited to 35 participants, will include HKSAR Government representatives, the HKGBC Chairman, Directors, and selected staff, and around 25 HKGBC Patron Members and Institutional Members. A non-refundable participation fee of HK$5,000 is required for each successfully registered delegate. The fee will cover the following:

✔    Comprehensive tour arrangement of the five-day trip from 14 to 18 October (Mon-Fri)
✔    Lunches during the five days, including Networking Luncheon(s) with local counterparts 
✔    Local transportation between tour locations, including intercity travel from Berlin to Hamburg

(The delegates will need to arrange their own flight, accommodation, and travel insurance at their own cost.)

We look forward to welcoming our Members on this exciting green journey to Germany!

For registration and more details, please visit our Event Page: https://www.hkgbc.org.hk/eng/news-events/news/2024/20240724.jsp

 
 
 

 

[HK Report 2024 Interview Series - Arthur LAM] Innovation and Technology Transform Public Environmental Awareness to Build a Low-Carbon Inclusive Community


The start-up minded Arthur LAM believes that embracing technology can not only boost business efficiency, but also help ordinary citizens practise a more eco-friendly and low-carbon lifestyle. First, however, they need to change entrenched behavioural patterns. Arthur has led an Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) incentive platform development project that collaborates across industries and the business community. This sustainability platform records participants' carbon reduction actions in their daily lives, and provides discounts and rewards to encourage them to practise an environmentally friendly and low-carbon lifestyle.
 
Arthur explains that the sustainable ESG mobile platform developed by the team he led helps participants take unknowing actions to reduce emissions in their daily lives of clothing, food, housing and transportation, making them everyday heroes saving the world.

Excited to share a successful case, Arthur recalls that he earlier collaborated with the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS) to implement a six-month community project in 150 of their residential buildings. HKHS used his self-developed mobile app as a platform to digitalise the green lifestyle of participants, and encourage them to complete various carbon reduction tasks in a game-like manner to earn points that could be redeemed for consumption rewards and gifts. "Over the six months, they recycled 30 tonnes of clothes, paper, glass, plastic, metal and other items," he says proudly. "Several hundred green merchants also participated in the programme, encouraging the use of disposable plastics tableware, bags and lunch boxes. Furthermore, participants walked a total of 150,000 km and reduced CO2 emissions by about 900,000 kg, which is equivalent to planting around 37,000 trees, enough to fill seven Victoria Parks."

Arthur explains that the incentive platform allows participants to take carbon reduction actions without even realising it in their daily lives of clothing, food, housing and transportation. In his view, the influence of each individual can be quite significant, but in order to get the general public to put ESG into practice, incentives must be provided to change people’s behavioural patterns and mindsets. It's notable that 40% of participants are from the silver-haired generation. By joining this mobile platform, they have gained a sense of mission and realised that the elderly can also contribute to environmental protection in Hong Kong, so that their descendants can benefit. "This platform can cultivate their sense of social responsibility and make them become active citizens, regardless of their different backgrounds, social strata or ethnicities," he says excitedly. "This is the embodiment of social inclusion. They have become more integrated into this city and connected with society. By participating in the games on the mobile platform, the elderly and their families have also widened their topics of conversation, promoting harmony within families and society. It's a win-win situation!” Arthur believes that this successful story demonstrates how green living and sustainable development can be driven through innovative technology and community collaboration.

 

"Middle Eastern countries know they cannot rely on the oil economy in the long term, so they are strongly pursuing diversification to mitigate future risks," Arthur notes. "The real estate industry in Hong Kong has become very mature, so further expansion in the home market is relatively difficult. In contrast, there is hardly anything in the Middle East, so implementing new systems is comparatively easier."

Green Technology Company Making its Mark on the International Stage

Last March, under the leadership of The Chief Executive Mr John LEE, a business delegation visited the Middle East with the aim of exploring business opportunities and promoting Hong Kong. As the founder of a green tech start-up, Arthur joined the delegation, and signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Masdar City, a large smart city in Abu Dhabi. Seeing initiatives like these, he expresses great confidence that Hong Kong will achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, so he and his team are making every effort to work towards this goal.


The Construction Industry Council and the Hong Kong Green Building Council have jointly published the Hong Kong Report on the State of Sustainable Built Environment 2024 (HK Report 2024). Themed “Innovations towards Net Zero: Building Sustainable and Resilient Urban Environments”, the HK Report 2024 showcases the collective efforts of the Government, industry and academia in navigating the path towards achieving net-zero emissions. In addition to documenting more than 100 major building works, research and planning projects, and green building materials and technologies from recent years, the report features inspiring interviews with five renowned experts and young advocates, who have shared their valuable insights into the city’s decarbonisation blueprint and strategic planning. They are Ir Dr Conrad WONG, BBS, JP, Vice Chairman of Yau Lee Holdings Limited; Prof. Christine LOH, SBS, JP, Chief Development Strategist of the Institute for the Environment at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Prof. Edward NG, Yao Ling Sun Professor of Architecture in the School of Architecture at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Mr Arthur LAM, Co-Founder and CEO of Negawatt Utility Limited, and Ms Natalie CHUNG, a member of the Council for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development, The Government of the HKSAR.

To read these inspiring interviews in full, please download the HK Report 2024:  https://bit.ly/4509XDP


The HK Report 2024 showcases the remarkable achievements in green building, resulting from the collaborative efforts of the government, industry experts and academic institutions. The report features innovative elements that explore green building materials and technologies, and includes interviews featuring five renowned experts and young advocates, reflecting Hong Kong's new milestones in the journey towards sustainability.
 
 

 

Chinese Versions of “BEAM Plus Existing Data Centres” are Now Available


Data centres have become critical infrastructure in our increasingly digital world, supporting essential business operations across various sectors. As the demand for data processing and storage continues to grow, so does the need for sustainable practices in data centre management.

In response to the rising focus on sustainable development in the Greater Bay Area, and to align with the Government's initiatives for environmental collaboration with the Mainland and Macau, selected BEAM Plus Assessment Tools are available in Chinese. Following the introduction of Traditional and Simplified Chinese versions of “BEAM Plus New Buildings (NB)” and “BEAM Plus New Data Centres (NDC)”, the Chinese versions of “BEAM Plus Existing Data Centres (EDC)” have also been launched recently. 

Through ongoing collaboration, we can create a more environmentally responsible and efficient digital infrastructure and significantly contribute to the region's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

Please click HERE to download the Chinese versions of “BEAM Plus Existing Data Centres (EDC)”. 

 
Traditional and Simplified Chinese Versions of “BEAM Plus Existing Data Centres (EDC)”
 
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