Long Valley Nature Park Now Welcomes Visitors to Explore its Ecological Haven
Catch the On-Demand Replay of Schneider Electric Innovation Summit Hong Kong 2024!
HKGBC Delegation to Germany (14-18 Oct 2024) – A Dual-City Green Voyage through Germany's Green Building Movements
Chinachem Group Sustainability Conference 2024: A Catalyst for Change
The Henderson: A Green Icon Redefining Hong Kong's Skyline
Long Valley Nature Park Now Welcomes Visitors to Explore its Ecological Haven
Long Valley Nature Park (LVNP) had its grand opening on 9 November! This park marks a milestone in AECOM’s dedication to urban-rural integration and sustainable and resilient urban development. Nestled within the Northern Metropolis, this park exemplifies AECOM’s Sustainable Legacies strategy by enhancing ecosystem services through creative design and sustainable practices.
Nature-based Solutions for a Sustainable Future
At the heart of LVNP are AECOM’s innovative Nature-based Solutions (NbS) that have transformed 37 hectares of ecologically valuable land. This park exemplifies how urban developments can harmonise with nature, enrich biodiversity, promote urban-rural integration, and provide vital green spaces for community recreation and education.
The 37 hectares include 3 distinct zones:
• Biodiversity Zone (~21 ha): The wetland area has been expanded by 8 hectares. This transformation provides essential habitats for various wildlife, including critically endangered species.
• Agriculture Zone (~11 ha): This area supports eco-friendly farming practices, ensuring sustainable local food production.
• Visitor Zone (~5 ha): This zone includes facilities like Wetland Square and Birding Hut, allowing visitors to engage with the park’s unique ecosystem.
Green and Innovative Elements
1. Nature Centre (BEAM Plus Provisional Platinum rating)
The Long Valley Nature Centre stands out as an educational hub, showcasing AECOM’s commitment to sustainability. Designed as a "green" building, it incorporates several eco-friendly features, including:
• Recycled materials: The exterior surfacing utilises recycled materials to minimise environmental impact.
• Energy efficiency: The centre boasts an efficient air conditioning system and low-power lighting solutions, targeting over 32% in annual energy savings through photovoltaic panels.
• Rainwater harvesting: Facilities for rainwater harvesting further enhance the centre's sustainability.
2. Lodging Facilities
Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) has been adopted in constructing the lodging facilities for farmers at the park. This innovative construction method provides a great degree of production quality control and improves construction productivity, safety, and sustainability.
A Future of Sustainable Projects
The opening of Long Valley Nature Park is just one example of AECOM's commitment to excellence in transforming the Northern Metropolis into a green and quality living space that promotes urban-rural integration.
Upcoming, AECOM is excited to share that more innovative initiatives are on the horizon, including
• Sam Po Shue Wetland Conservation Park: A park to ensure no-net-loss of the ecological function of the wetlands;
• Yuen Long Effluent Polishing Plant: A sustainable wastewater treatment facility; and
• The San Tin Technopole: This project is designed as a hub for clustered innovation and technology development.
To learn more about Long Valley Nature Park, please visit: Long Valley Nature Park: A Beacon for Biodiversity and Conservation
Catch the On-Demand Replay of Schneider Electric Innovation Summit Hong Kong 2024!
Schneider Electric Innovation Summit Hong Kong 2024, for which HKGBC was the Strategic Partner, made a spectacular return on 22 October, convening over 850 business leaders and industry representatives to harness transformative technology and collaboration for a more sustainable, efficient and resilient energy future.
Highlights included a distinguished line-up of over 30 speakers, guided tours and interactive demos showcasing cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of buildings, data centres, industries, infrastructure and homes, as well as the official launch of the Ignite Your Impact Challenge underlying Schneider Electric’s commitment to empowering future generations.
Catch up on any discussions you may have missed via the event’s recorded sessions on demand!
Highlights included a distinguished line-up of over 30 speakers, guided tours and interactive demos showcasing cutting-edge innovations shaping the future of buildings, data centres, industries, infrastructure and homes, as well as the official launch of the Ignite Your Impact Challenge underlying Schneider Electric’s commitment to empowering future generations.
Catch up on any discussions you may have missed via the event’s recorded sessions on demand!
Mr Jonathan CHIU, President of Schneider Electric Hong Kong, delivered the Opening Keynote “Propelling Hong Kong’s Sustainability Transformation: Innovation, Collaboration, Impact”, emphasising that the convergence of automation, electrification and digitisation is integral to addressing our current challenges. As the city looks ahead, the key lies in our ability to fully harness and integrate the transformative potential of today’s digital technologies, forging a path towards mutual prosperity for people and planet.
Ir Harry LAI, BBS, Executive Director of Hong Kong Green Building Council, discussed alongside panelists from China State Construction & Engineering (Hong Kong), New World Development Company, Savills Services Group and Schneider Electric Hong Kong at the HKGBC Strategy Talk “Lifecycle Decarbonization: A Game Changer for Hong Kong’s Built Environment”. The talk focused on how industry leaders are working to reduce embodied and operational carbon, optimise energy efficiency, and implement circularity across a building's full lifespan – from design and construction, to operations and maintenance.
HKGBC Delegation to Germany (14-18 Oct 2024) – A Dual-City Green Voyage through Germany's Green Building Movements
Building on the success of last year's Sydney study trip, the HKGBC organised a trip to Germany this year, visiting the two major cities of Berlin and Hamburg to double the excitement and opportunities for meaningful engagement. The trip continues the HKGBC’s commitment to connect members with their global counterparts, fostering valuable opportunities for learning and exchange to accelerate green building development.
The HKGBC delegation to Germany comprised 29 professionals representing a broad spectrum of the green building industry. This included the HKGBC Chairman, Directors and Secretariat Staff; representatives from the Development Bureau of the HKSAR Government, and HKGBC Members from developers, consultants, architects, material suppliers and industry associations. Supported by the German Sustainable Building Council (DGNB), the delegation explored a good variety of DGNB-certified projects and innovative initiatives in Berlin and Hamburg that are reshaping sustainable building design, construction, operation and urban planning.
With an emphasis on sustainability, wellness, smart technology and innovation, the delegation gained insights from a range of exemplary sustainable buildings and projects that are committed to both net-zero emissions by 2050 and significant reductions by 2030. Some key observations included spacious common areas, hybrid work environments, active mobility solutions, and holistic urban planning. Modular hybrid timber, double-deck elevators and low-carbon concrete all bore testament to the advanced solutions used in these projects. The delegation visited several renowned developments, including:
Berlin
• EDGE East Side – The tallest and healthiest multi-storey office building in Berlin, redefining high-rise living with sustainable principles;
• DGNB System for Districts – Innovative urban planning initiatives focused on sustainable development, tailored to the diverse certification needs of different districts;
• Zalando Headquarters in Berlin – A new office building that incorporates circular economy principles integrated into the overall design, valuing social interaction and functional diversity;
• Darwinstraße Berlin – (Inaugural visit!) A repurposed power plant transformed into a sustainable office building with a restorative rooftop park. This project showcases elevated public open spaces connected by active stairs, innovative design features such as a concealed metal ring for tree root growth, and a commitment to urban biodiversity through eco-friendly landscaping and sponge design concepts;
• Wilmina Hotel – A revitalisation project meeting the highest Passive House standards while preserving the building’s historical legacy, exemplifying how adaptive reuse can create vibrant and multifunctional spaces;
• HumboldtForum – A reconstructed cultural landmark serving as a museum and scientific centre.
Hamburg
• HafenCity – Europe’s largest inner-city urban development area and a shining example of sustainable urban renewal, exemplifying a visionary approach to urban development characterised by mixed-use spaces, flood resilience, and car-free initiatives that foster social cohesion in a vibrant waterfront community;
• EDGE HafenCity Hamburg – A state-of-the-art office building blending architecture, technology, and environmental consciousness;
• Elbphilharmonie – An iconic concert hall harnessing renewable energy for environmentally-conscious performances;
• BSW Government Office Building – A government project pioneering energy standards;
• Congress Center Hamburg – An exemplary manner of revitalisation and the associated long-term use of existing buildings.
Engagement with DGNB, HafenCity Hamburg GmbH, and the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing (BSW) in Hamburg covered topics like European regulations, green building rating tools, strategic urban design, and achieving net zero. These meaningful exchanges have significantly strengthened the global network within the green building industry, propelling Hong Kong’s green building movement forward.
The journey concluded in Hamburg, but the memories and learnings from the trip were extended through an intensive Debriefing Meeting held on 20 Nov 2024. Led by the Content Specialist of the trip Mr MK LEUNG, Director of Sustainable Design of Ronald Lu & Partners, this interactive session provided Hong Kong delegates with an additional opportunity to reconnect and share insights gained from the study tour.
During the Debriefing Meeting, key discussions focused on the certifications, policies and building designs that Hong Kong can adopt. Delegates proposed enhancing the certification processes to include recognising special and non-measurable achievements. They explored the potential benefits of adopting successful models from other regions, addressing climate resilience, and emphasising life-cycle costs in building design. Additionally, the importance of wellness and human-centric facilities should be highlighted, along with the need to incentivise adaptive reuse through revisions to existing certification frameworks. Overall, it is hoped that the trip and the subsequent discussions will lead to actionable strategies for advancing a more sustainable built environment in Hong Kong.
Chinachem Group Sustainability Conference 2024: A Catalyst for Change
On 7 Nov 2024, the Chinachem Group hosted the highly anticipated Sustainability Conference, co-organised by the Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC) and the Business Environment Council (BEC) at the Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West. The event was a remarkable success, featuring 27 expert speakers across 12 thought-provoking sessions and attracting over 5,000 participants. This year’s theme, “Integrating Sustainability Solutions Towards a Resilient Future”, set the stage for critical discussions on climate change, sustainable financing, and impact investment.
Attendance at the Chinachem Group Sustainability Conference 2024 has increased by over 60% compared to last year’s Conference.
Guest of Honour Mr David LAM, JP, Under Secretary for Development, joined the Organiser, Co-organisers and distinguished Speakers to mark the success of the Conference.
A Platform for Collaboration
The Conference was graced by Guest of Honour, Mr David LAM, JP, Under Secretary for Development, the Government of the HKSAR, who made the Opening Remarks. His presence exemplified the power of cross-sector collaboration, bringing together a diverse array of voices – from renowned industry leaders to passionate young professionals. The morning sessions began with a deep dive into the pressing challenges posed by climate change and the urgent need for resilient design in our built environments.
Prof. LAM Khee-poh from the National University of Singapore initiated the discussions by emphasising the significance of human-centric design in creating climate-resilient spaces. He mentioned that individuals spend over 90% of their lives indoors, underscoring the necessity of employing advanced sensing methodologies and innovative technologies to tailor environments that are both comfortable and energy efficient.
In a complementary session, Mr CHEN Shao-xiang from the Guangdong Provincial Academy of Building Research Group Co., Ltd. & Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Building Technology Alliance highlighted the latest advancements in resilient building technologies in the Greater Bay Area. He used "Sponge City" as an example of how models can effectively evolve from regulatory frameworks to guideline formations and ultimately to industry implementation and common practice. Mr CHEN also stressed the importance of enhanced collaboration within the Greater Bay Area to foster innovation and resilience.
Prof. LAM Khee-poh (left) and Mr CHEN Shao-xiang (right) shared their insights on the strategies for the climate-resilient built environment.
The sessions on Sustainable Financing and Impact Investment sparked vigorous discussions among panellists and attendees alike. Experts shared innovative financing models and transformative case studies that illustrated how strategic investment can drive meaningful change. These conversations were crucial for understanding how financial mechanisms can support sustainability initiatives and contribute to a more sustainable future.
A Vision for Systematic Change
The Conference culminated in a dynamic three-way dialogue titled “Catalysing Systematic Change through Cross-Sector Collaborations for a Resilient Future”. This session featured Dr CHEUNG Tin-cheung, Chairman of the HKGBC, Dr the Honourable LAM Ching-choi, Chairman of the Council for Carbon Neutrality & Sustainable Development, and Mr Simon Ng, CEO of BEC. The trio emphasised the necessity of strengthening partnerships among the Government, the building industry, and the business sector to facilitate a smooth transition towards sustainable urban communities. Dr CHEUNG also highlighted the Council's commitment to expanding BEAM Plus and implementing the HKGBC Climate Change Framework for Built Environment.
The Conference was concluded with a three-way dialogue, featuring Dr CHEUNG Tin-cheung, Dr The Honourable LAM Ching-choi and Mr Simon NG.
The Chinachem Group Sustainability Conference 2024 concluded on a high note, igniting a renewed commitment to action and progress in sustainability initiatives. The success of the Conference serves as a poignant reminder of the collective effort required to address the pressing challenges of climate change and cultivate a resilient future for generations to come.
The Henderson: A Green Icon Redefining Hong Kong's Skyline
The highly anticipated Hong Kong Green Building Council's 15th Anniversary Cocktail Ceremony is on the horizon. With the generous sponsorship of venue and catering from our Special Sponsor, Henderson Land, the event is set to take place at the prestigious new venue, The Henderson. This year's celebration will unfold at Cloud 39, the rooftop ballroom perched atop The Henderson, offering a spacious and column-free setting on the 39th floor. Nestled in the heart of Hong Kong's CBD, this architectural gem, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, is poised to become an iconic symbol of green innovation and sustainable building.
Sustainable Brilliance
The Henderson, a super Grade-A office tower located at Murray Road, Central, epitomises sustainability through its core pillars of Resilience, Health, Green Practices, and Smart Technology. Designed to offer high-quality hospitality services to tenants, staff, and visitors, The Henderson not only sets new standards in sustainable development but also serves as a flagship for Henderson Land's commitment to sustainability across all future projects.
Innovative Design for a Greener Tomorrow
Inspired by the beauty of nature, The Henderson's design mirrors the delicate structure of a Bauhinia bud about to blossom. This architectural masterpiece has already secured numerous local and international prestigious accolades such as the BEAM Plus Platinum Provisional rating in 2020, and the Grand Award for New Buildings – Projects Under Construction and/or Design (Commercial) at the biennial Green Building Awards 2021, setting a new benchmark for green and sustainable building. In recognition of this, Henderson Land Development Company Limited was awarded the Business Leadership in Sustainability Award at the WorldGBC Asia Pacific Leadership in Green Building Awards 2022. Leading the way in digital connectivity, The Henderson is among the first buildings in Hong Kong to achieve WiredScore and SmartScore platinum certifications, underlining its dedication to, and leadership of, smart building standards.
Eco-Conscious Features
The Henderson integrates a range of eco-friendly features aimed at reducing energy consumption by 26% and water usage by 60% compared with the baseline equivalent. Its insulated glass facade minimises cooling loads and blocks harmful UV rays, ensuring a comfortable indoor environment. The building's hybrid ventilation system facilitates natural airflow throughout, while the innovative patented zero-carbon green-tech features a Solar Responsive Ventilator (SRV) that effectively manages heat gain to enhance both comfort and energy efficiency.
Resilience to Climate Challenges
Comprehensive climate risk assessments have been conducted to fortify The Henderson's resilience against potential disruptions, including the powerful typhoons that can impact Hong Kong's skyline. The building's high-tech four-ply, double-curved, double-insulated glass facade not only provides protection from extreme weather conditions with extra facade resilience, but also maximises natural light and scenic views. The chiller design makes use of condensate water while maintaining full cooling, ensuring thermal comfort in all conditions. The telecom system, too, is built upon resilience characteristics such as dual telecom back-up and a dual block wiring system to ensure robust network connectivity in all situations.
Leading the Way with Smart Technologies
At the heart of The Henderson's innovation lies patented inventions and smart building technologies. From the SRV to the Lift Sterilisation System and Desiccant Cooling Air Quality Enhancing and Conditioning System, each element is meticulously designed to optimise the occupant experience, environmental performance, and operational efficiency.
Going beyond construction, The Henderson is also committed to reducing whole-life-cycle carbon emissions and fostering behavioural changes among occupants. Through the utilisation of a Digital Twin method coupled with its unique “Weather Totem” (offering real-time, on-the-spot weather information) and the Smart Office App, tenants can actively engage in monitoring and controlling their office environments without compromising comfort or convenience. This contributes to a culture of sustainability and carbon neutrality within the workplace.
A Vision for the Future
By commemorating the Hong Kong Green Building Council’s 15th Anniversary at The Henderson, the event will stand as a testament to the many possibilities created when innovation intertwines with sustainability. The Henderson is not just a new green building—it is an icon of a greener, more resilient and adaptable future for Hong Kong and beyond.
[END]