Carrier Offers Latest High-efficient Chillers Elevating Six Pacific Place to SMART Office Building
World Sustainable Built Environment Conference 2024 (WSBE24)
GBC Indonesia Delegation to Hong Kong
Expert Talk with Ir Dr Cary CHAN
[HK Report 2024 Interview Series - Natalie CHUNG] Promote Nature Conservation through Infusing New Momentum into Climate Action
Carrier Offers Latest High-efficient Chillers Elevating Six Pacific Place to SMART Office Building
Carrier’s high-efficient smart AquaEdge® 19DV centrifugal chillers were commissioned at Six Pacific Place. The AquaEdge® 19DV centrifugal chiller adopts PUREtec™ R-1233zd (E), a HFOs non-Ozone depletion refrigerant with ultra-low GWP close to 1, which is non-flammable and non-toxic with an A1 rating in ASHRAE-34 safety standard.
Carrier and Swire Properties have shared the same vision in fostering SMART workspaces with wellness and comfort for occupants. Carrier has provided ABOUND™ HVAC Performance, the cloud-based digital platform enabling proactive real-time operation data and insights for optimised equipment conditions, turning this iconic high-rise into a paragon of efficiency and smart building technology.
Please visit https://www.hkgbc.org.hk/eng/membership/members-corner/2024/20240605_Carrier.jsp for more details.
World Sustainable Built Environment Conference 2024 (WSBE24)
The World Sustainable Built Environment Conference 2024 (WSBE24) successfully convened from 12 to 14 June 2024, marking a meaningful step towards a unified global commitment to advancing green building development and crafting sustainable, resilient cities. Supported by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC) as the highest-tier Gold Sponsors, Hong Kong's engagement featured various speaking opportunities, including a Plenary-Keynote Session, Plenary-Roundtable Sessions, and Scientific and Technical Sessions. With backing from the Government of the HKSAR and industry stakeholders with experience of developing a sustainable city, these sessions allowed Hong Kong to demonstrate its position as a global leader in the green built environment, highlighting the city's significant progress and innovations in this critical domain.
Plenary-Keynote Session: The Net Zero Carbon Emissions Journey of Hong Kong's Built Environment
On the first day of the event, a Hong Kong exclusive in-person event was held concurrently with the live streaming. Ms Bernadette LINN, JP, Secretary for Development, The Government of the HKSAR, Ir Prof. Thomas HO, JP, Chairman of the CIC, and Dr CHEUNG Tin-cheung, SBS, Chairman of the HKGBC, were invited to share Hong Kong's policy blueprint and industry practices in promoting green building and achieving carbon neutrality, while exploring the net zero carbon emissions vision and journey of Hong Kong's built environment.
Plenary-Keynote Session: The Net Zero Carbon Emissions Journey of Hong Kong's Built Environment
On the first day of the event, a Hong Kong exclusive in-person event was held concurrently with the live streaming. Ms Bernadette LINN, JP, Secretary for Development, The Government of the HKSAR, Ir Prof. Thomas HO, JP, Chairman of the CIC, and Dr CHEUNG Tin-cheung, SBS, Chairman of the HKGBC, were invited to share Hong Kong's policy blueprint and industry practices in promoting green building and achieving carbon neutrality, while exploring the net zero carbon emissions vision and journey of Hong Kong's built environment.
Plenary-Roundtable Session: Innovation Pathways and Partnerships Towards a Net Zero Emissions Built Environment: State of Practice
The Roundtable Session that followed brought together a diverse array of experts both locally and from overseas to exchange views on various topics, such as policies, technologies, and resources essential for a carbon-neutral built environment, as well as global green building trends and successful case studies. Ir Dr Bruce CHONG, Fellow and Director, Climate & Sustainability for Arup, hosted this session with the theme of "Innovation Pathways and Partnerships Towards a Net Zero Emissions Built Environment: State of Practice". He was joined by Ir Harry LAI, BBS, Executive Director of the HKGBC, Mr Clarence LEUNG, Chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Sustainability of the CIC, Mr Jonathan CHIU, President of Schneider Electric (Hong Kong) Limited, and Mr Brandon NG, Co-Founder and CEO of Ampd Energy.
Plenary-Roundtable Session: Accelerating Green Building Movement through Green Finance and Certifications
On the second day, Prof. Christine LOH, Chief Development Strategist of the Institute for the Environment at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, hosted the broadcasted Plenary-Roundtable Session on "Accelerating Green Building Movement through Green Finance and Certifications" with renowned speakers, including Dr MA Jun, Chairman and President of the Hong Kong Green Finance Association, Ir HO Chi-sing, General Manager of BEAM Society Limited, Ir Wallace LIN, General Manager for Technical Services and Sustainable Development of Swire Properties Limited, Mr Ivan FU, Chairperson of CIC-Zero Carbon Park of the CIC, Mr Nicholas HO, Commissioner for Belt and Road of the Belt and Road Office, The Government of the HKSAR, and Mr Angus WONG, Managing Director for Wholesale Client Coverage of Hang Seng Bank Limited. Their insightful sharing and discussions provided valuable perspectives on the critical role of green finance and certifications in driving sustainable building practices.
HK Report 2024 and Scientific and Technical Sessions
In parallel, on the first day of the event, the CIC and HKGBC 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". In addition, several Hong Kong experts also made valuable contributions to the Scientific and Technical Sessions throughout the conference. These showcased the tremendous strides Hong Kong is making in its sustainability journey, which offer valuable inspiration for international audiences as the whole world works together towards a greener built environment.
Hong Kong's robust participation and leadership at WSBE24 garnered overwhelmingly positive feedback from around the world. This success is a testament to the collaborative efforts of all involved stakeholders, from the Government and industry leaders to academic institutions and sustainability champions.
The journey towards a net-zero built environment continues, and the key takeaways from WSBE24 will undoubtedly serve as a source of long-term inspiration. We look forward to crafting even more impactful stories and sharing them with the global community as we collectively strive for a sustainable future.
To access the full recordings of the Plenary-Keynote Session and the two Plenary-Roundtable Sessions, please visit HERE.
The Green Building Council Indonesia (GBCI) visited Hong Kong from 6 to 8 June 2024 for a three-day leadership course and technical visits focused on sustainable building design. Comprising distinguished guests from Indonesia's building industry, the delegation aimed to learn from Hong Kong's experience while sharing their own knowledge and expertise.
The Hong Kong Green Building Council was pleased to host a welcome meeting with the delegation on 6 June 2024. It also organised technical visits for the delegation to a number of award-winning green buildings including AIRSIDE, Central Market, CIC-Zero Carbon Park, International Commerce Centre (ICC), InnoCell, Xiqu Centre, and Tai Kwun Heritage Centre. These buildings all showcase innovative designs and technology implementations, serving as excellent examples of sustainable practices in urban planning.
Xiqu Centre is a remarkable showcase of modular construction, waste reduction, and passive cooling strategies. As Hong Kong's tallest building, the International Commerce Centre (ICC) showcases innovative and green designs. AIRSIDE prioritises people-centric spaces, community inclusivity and environmental sustainability. InnoCell, a smart living and co-creation space, utilises Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) technology for a sustainable lifestyle. CIC-Zero Carbon Park (CIC-ZCP) serves as a leading hub for green building technologies and low-carbon living. Central Market, a restored Grade III heritage building, showcases environmentally conscious transformations. The visits concluded with Tai Kwun Heritage Centre, which is a powerful example of integrating sustainability in heritage conservation.
During their visit, the delegation gained valuable insights into green building practices and innovations, as well as energy efficiency strategie. They were particularly inspired by Hong Kong's Transit-Oriented Development (ToD) approach, which prioritises mobility needs while reducing the carbon footprint. Equipped with new tools and ideas, the delegation returned to Indonesia with a vision to implement green building and green transit-oriented development.
The Council is happy to learn that the GBCI had a fruitful visit to Hong Kong. The visit demonstrated the importance of international collaboration and knowledge sharing. The lessons learned and connections made are sure to help drive sustainable building practices in both Indonesia and Hong Kong. This event serves as a testament to creating a more sustainable future through global cooperation.
Expert Talk with Ir Dr Cary CHAN
Organised by the Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC), the Expert Talk with Ir Dr Cary CHAN held on 7 June 2024 was a warm celebration of Cary's remarkable journey in Hong Kong's green building movement over the last three decades.
Cary has played a vital role in the city's green building development. His vast expertise in advocating for energy efficiency improvements, comprehensive performance evaluations, and sustainable practices for structures has had a lasting impact on the quest for eco-friendly built environments, both on a local and global scale. This event was a reflection of his illustrious professional legacy.
The expert talk was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including Prof. WONG Kam-sing, Ir Alfred SIT, Ar. Prof. Ada FUNG, Ir Philip PIH, Prof. Jack CHENG, Prof. Edward NG, Ms Grace KWOK, as well as Mr Felix CHAN. Their participation brought Cary's fascinating stories and contributions to life, resonating with the audience and enriching the experience for everyone in attendance.
It was truly inspiring to hear Cary's captivating tales of driving sustainability in Hong Kong's built environment over the years. The event was brimming with new ideas and laughter, fostering a sense of camaraderie and dedication to a greener future. Above all, it was an evening of friendship and a shared commitment to a cause we all believe in.
More inspiring Expert Talk events are coming soon. Stay tuned for news of this exciting series by keeping an eye on the HKGBC's Event Calendar!
[HK Report 2024 Interview Series - Natalie CHUNG] Promote Nature Conservation through Infusing New Momentum into Climate Action
Natalie CHUNG, a passionate advocate for environmental protection, has attended numerous international climate change conferences in recent years. She has discovered that Hong Kong possesses significant advantages in sustainable development, which have been underestimated globally. She believes that the world's focus on climate change and sustainable development is increasing, and that the sustainability of cities has become a crucial issue. In this regard, Natalie feels that Hong Kong's unique geographical environment and urban development model provide the prerequisites for building a sustainable city. Although Hong Kong's area is only about 2,755 km2 and it has a dense population, the Government's various efforts to implement environmental protection measures have helped reduce the city's carbon footprint and provide green spaces for the public to enjoy.
Natalie, in her first-year at university, has co-founded an eco-tourism guiding business with her friends to promote environmental education and Hong Kong's rich tourism resources. Going forward, she hopes to encourage rural residents to participate, believing this will help revitalise the rural economy and drive sustainable development.
Firstly, Natalie believes that Hong Kong's public transport system plays a crucial role in reducing the city's carbon footprint. Owing to Hong Kong's compact size, residents primarily rely on public transport such as the MTR, buses, and trams for their commutes. Compared with other major cities, Hong Kong's carbon emissions are relatively lower. This efficient public transport system not only alleviates traffic congestion but also reduces personal car usage, bringing benefits to the urban environment and to citizens' health.
Secondly, Hong Kong is endowed with abundant natural resources, particularly its beautiful country parks and coastlines. These natural environments provide opportunities for citizens to connect with nature, often located in close proximity to residential areas. For example, the recently-opened Robin's Nest Country Park in Sha Tau Kok has become an ideal destination for leisure and exercise. These country parks not only offer refreshing recreational spaces, but are easily accessible to the majority of citizens by public transport, helping reduce the number of vehicles on the roads and mitigate the air pollution and energy consumption caused by private cars.
Promoting Environmental Education through Nature
An avid hiker, Natalie places great importance on environmental education. That inspired her to co-found V'air Sustainability Education, an environmental startup dedicated to nature-based experiential learning for schools and corporate to instil the sense of environmental stewardship. They recently launched an innovative Environmental Expedition with a Hong Kong themed park to shed light on the ESG initiatives, such as solar panels and water conservation systems tied to the UNSDGs. "The philosophy of our eco-tours is to use nature as a platform for education,” she emphasises. "In addition to acquiring knowledge in the classroom, people must first develop a fondness for the place they want to protect."
Natalie has previously taken students to Tung Chung to understand how urban planning incorporates sustainable development elements, and then to the Hakka village in Luk Keng Kuk Po and the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark at Ma Shi Chau, where they were required to write reports and propose solutions to improve Hong Kong's future sustainable tourism plans. She also frequently visits schools to share her experiences. "When I went to a primary school to share my Antarctic expedition experience, I told the students that there were a lot of microplastics in the Antarctic Ocean," she recalls. "The children were very surprised and quickly became aware of the urgency of protecting the natural environment."
"Practise what you preach, do not think little good deeds are not worth doing" – this was the original intention behind Natalie's promotion of environmental protection.
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 of the Hong Kong SAR Government.
To read these inspiring interviews in full, please download the HK Report 2024: https://bit.ly/4509XDP
Natalie, in her first-year at university, has co-founded an eco-tourism guiding business with her friends to promote environmental education and Hong Kong's rich tourism resources. Going forward, she hopes to encourage rural residents to participate, believing this will help revitalise the rural economy and drive sustainable development.
Firstly, Natalie believes that Hong Kong's public transport system plays a crucial role in reducing the city's carbon footprint. Owing to Hong Kong's compact size, residents primarily rely on public transport such as the MTR, buses, and trams for their commutes. Compared with other major cities, Hong Kong's carbon emissions are relatively lower. This efficient public transport system not only alleviates traffic congestion but also reduces personal car usage, bringing benefits to the urban environment and to citizens' health.
Secondly, Hong Kong is endowed with abundant natural resources, particularly its beautiful country parks and coastlines. These natural environments provide opportunities for citizens to connect with nature, often located in close proximity to residential areas. For example, the recently-opened Robin's Nest Country Park in Sha Tau Kok has become an ideal destination for leisure and exercise. These country parks not only offer refreshing recreational spaces, but are easily accessible to the majority of citizens by public transport, helping reduce the number of vehicles on the roads and mitigate the air pollution and energy consumption caused by private cars.
Promoting Environmental Education through Nature
An avid hiker, Natalie places great importance on environmental education. That inspired her to co-found V'air Sustainability Education, an environmental startup dedicated to nature-based experiential learning for schools and corporate to instil the sense of environmental stewardship. They recently launched an innovative Environmental Expedition with a Hong Kong themed park to shed light on the ESG initiatives, such as solar panels and water conservation systems tied to the UNSDGs. "The philosophy of our eco-tours is to use nature as a platform for education,” she emphasises. "In addition to acquiring knowledge in the classroom, people must first develop a fondness for the place they want to protect."
Natalie has previously taken students to Tung Chung to understand how urban planning incorporates sustainable development elements, and then to the Hakka village in Luk Keng Kuk Po and the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark at Ma Shi Chau, where they were required to write reports and propose solutions to improve Hong Kong's future sustainable tourism plans. She also frequently visits schools to share her experiences. "When I went to a primary school to share my Antarctic expedition experience, I told the students that there were a lot of microplastics in the Antarctic Ocean," she recalls. "The children were very surprised and quickly became aware of the urgency of protecting the natural environment."
"Practise what you preach, do not think little good deeds are not worth doing" – this was the original intention behind Natalie's promotion of environmental protection.
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 of the Hong Kong SAR Government.
To read these inspiring interviews in full, please download the HK Report 2024: https://bit.ly/4509XDP
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