Sino Land Receives MSCI ESG “AAA” Rating
Great Eagle Group: Progress Through Innovative Partnerships
Celebrating 16 Years of Collective Impact: HKGBC's Anniversary cum Chinese New Year Gathering
HKGSA Capacity Building Workshop cum Pilot Programmes – Online Recordings and Training Materials Available Now
HKGBC Green Building Young Leaders Programme (2024-2025): Reflections from the Industry Team
Sino Land Receives MSCI ESG “AAA” Rating
The MSCI ESG assessment covers more than 17,000 organisations worldwide, and evaluates their resilience to long-term, financially relevant ESG risks. Assessment criteria encompass carbon emissions, green building performances, health and safety, and supply chain management. The upgrade to the highest rating underscores Sino Land’s ongoing commitment to managing key ESG challenges and its alignment with international standards.
Mr Daryl NG, Chairman of Sino Group, who presides over the Group’s ESG Steering Committee, says, “Resilience and well-being are fundamental to our sustainability vision, one that seeks to create lasting value for our stakeholders while making a positive impact on the community. We are grateful for the recognition by the respected international rating system that will motivate us to further integrate ESG considerations into our long-term strategies. We will continue to collaborate with partners to enhance our sustainability efforts, guided by the principles of responsible stewardship, thoughtful design, and social responsibility to strengthen our portfolio and communities we serve.”
Additionally, Sino Land has received a good number of accolades for its sustainability efforts, such as validation from the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) for its long-term emission reduction targets and top ranking in the Greater China Real Estate Business Sustainability Index (REBSI). Sino Land has been included in the CDP’s highest benchmark, the A List, and recognised as a “Global Sector Leader” in the Development Benchmark – Residential category, in the Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB) Real Estate Assessment, both for the second consecutive year. As of 30 June 2025, Sino Land has achieved BEAM Plus certification for 90% of its new buildings in Hong Kong.
Great Eagle Group: Progress Through Innovative Partnerships
Sustainability is a strategic imperative at Great Eagle Group. These 2025 highlights illustrate how the Group’s initiatives combine operational efficiency with collaborative innovation, creating sustainable impacts that will last for generations.
Exceeding Targets Early
In 2025, Great Eagle Centre, the Group’s headquarters, surpassed its 2030 energy-saving targets five years ahead of schedule. The Group reduced energy consumption by 33.7% and carbon emissions by 51% against a 2019 baseline – beating its 2030 targets of 30% and 46% respectively. Key retrofits and upgrades have cut electricity consumption by 450,000 kWh annually, including the installation of demand-controlled ventilation, EC plug fans, LED lighting, and optimisation of seawater-cooled chiller plant. A new AI control system for the building’s chiller plant will drive further savings in 2026. These innovative building systems have earned Great Eagle Centre the BEAM Plus Existing Building V2.0 Comprehensive Final Platinum certification and a “Super Low” rating in the HKGBC’s Zero-Carbon-Ready Building Certification Scheme.
Great Eagle Centre
The innovative EcoChampion Pledge engaged 33 tenants from Great Eagle Centre and Champion REIT’s landmark properties, Langham Place and Three Garden Road, representing 19% of the properties’ lettable area. Focusing on energy conservation, waste reduction and sustainable procurement, the year-long programme delivered positive outcomes, including a reduction in energy consumption among participating tenants. This demonstrates that a united community is essential to amplifying impact.
EcoChampion Pledge
Expanding Circularity Initiative
The Group’s pioneering cross-sector Oyster Shell Upcycling programme, which turns discarded oyster shells into raw materials for cement production, continued its growth in 2025, providing Hong Kong’s hospitality sector with a viable circular economy model. Beyond expanding to upcycle other seashells such as abalone and mussels to scale circularity impact, participation within the Group’s own portfolio expanded with the onboarding of two F&B tenants from Langham Place. The programme has since inspired 20 other businesses across the city to join similar efforts, diverting about 52 tonnes of waste shells from landfills – with over 19 tonnes contributed by the Group’s hotels alone.
These initiatives exemplify the Great Eagle Group’s belief that sustainability is a long-term process, built through science-driven action, meaningful partnerships and a commitment to a brighter tomorrow.
Oyster Shell Upcycling Programme
Celebrating 16 Years of Collective Impact: HKGBC's Anniversary cum Chinese New Year Gathering
The Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC) has been marking its 16th Anniversary during 2025. On 4 February this year, the Council was excited to celebrate passing this milestone at the 16th Anniversary cum Chinese New Year Cocktail held at Centricity – Concentric. Guest of Honour Mr David LAM, JP, Under Secretary for Development, The Government of the HKSAR, was joined by more than 230 industry leaders and distinguished guests including Government Officials, HKGBC’s Founding Members, Directors, Members, working partners, and emerging young leaders. This warm gathering marked a meaningful moment for all involved to reflect on their shared achievements and reaffirm their collective commitment to a greener built environment.
Top row: Dr CHEUNG Tin‑cheung, SBS, Chairman of HKGBC (left); Mr David LAM, JP, Under Secretary for Development, The Government of the HKSAR.
Bottom row: Mr Raymond WONG, Executive Director and Chief Development Officer of Hongkong Land Limited (left); Ms Grace KWOK, Director of WorldGBC and HKGBC.
Bottom row: Mr Raymond WONG, Executive Director and Chief Development Officer of Hongkong Land Limited (left); Ms Grace KWOK, Director of WorldGBC and HKGBC.
In his welcome remarks, Dr CHEUNG Tin‑cheung, SBS, Chairman of HKGBC, highlighted the Council’s progress over the past year and the growing impact of its initiatives across Hong Kong’s green building landscape and beyond. Mr David LAM, JP, Under Secretary for Development, commended the Council for its long-standing leadership, recognising its strengthened international visibility and the credibility of BEAM Plus certification. The evening’s Venue Sponsor Hongkong Land Limited – a Platinum Patron Member of HKGBC – was represented by Mr Raymond WONG, Executive Director and Chief Development Officer, who reiterated the company's commitment to sustainable development and ongoing collaboration with the Council. Another highlight was some insightful experience-sharing by Ms Grace KWOK, Director of both the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) and HKGBC, who underscored Hong Kong’s leadership in advancing resilient, decarbonised buildings regionally and globally, noting that this progress should be supported by government and market actions, as well as financial readiness.
Dr CHEUNG and Mr LAM are invited on stage to unveil the official launch of GBYL Alumni and join a group photo with the Green Building Young Leaders and mentors.
The celebration reached an inspiring peak with a graduation ceremony for the second cohort of Green Building Young Leaders (GBYLs) and the official launch of the GBYL Alumni. It was a memorable moment symbolising the passing of the torch and the nurturing of the next generation of green building talent.
Looking forward, the HKGBC will continue to advance BEAM Plus, champion new initiatives, deepen cross‑sector collaboration, and cultivate emerging green building talent. Together with the wider industry and community, the Council is fully committed to steering Hong Kong's transition towards carbon neutrality by 2050 and cementing the city's position as a global leader in green building excellence.
Special thanks to our Venue Sponsor, Hongkong Land Limited, for generously sponsoring the venue and catering for the evening. The company's steadfast dedication to sustainability and innovation continues to uplift and inspire the city’s pursuit of green, healthy and experience‑centred living.
HKGSA Capacity Building Workshop cum Pilot Programmes – Online Recordings and Training Materials Available Now
Organised by the Hong Kong Green Building Council and funded by the Construction Industry Council, the Hong Kong Green Shop Alliance (HKGSA) recently hosted a series of Capacity Building Workshops for malls, retailers and F&B merchants, offering in-depth insights into the latest environmental trends shaping the retail sector.
The workshops spotlighted Energy Saving, Carbon Management, Waste Reduction, and ESG Practices, equipping participants with practical strategies to embed sustainability into daily operations. Through case studies and interactive discussions, attendees explored retro-commissioning implementation, carbon audit methodologies, source reduction strategies, transparent ESG communication and other essential approaches for advancing green practices. These sessions not only provided technical knowledge but also encouraged the exchange of best practices, fostering a greener retail landscape.
The journey is continuing with a series of Pilot Programmes, enabling representatives from malls and shops to implement their learning in real‑world settings. Guided by tailored support from sustainability professionals in such areas as data collection, hardware installation, site reviews and customised advice, participants will strengthen the environmental performance of their malls and shops.
For those who missed the sessions or wish to revisit key insights, the workshop recordings and training materials are now available online. Industry practitioners are encouraged to revisit the content, share ideas with their peers, and foster knowledge exchange – sign up HERE.
Looking ahead, the Hong Kong Green Shop Alliance Award 2026 will soon be open for submissions. Part of the training content will be closely aligned with the Award’s focus areas, providing practitioners with an excellent opportunity to apply their learning and showcase their achievements in green practices. Keep a look-out for further details!
The Hong Kong Green Shop Alliance will continue to support local malls and shops in enhancing their environmental performance. By working together, we look forward to creating a greener shopping environment and advancing Hong Kong’s collective journey towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
The workshops spotlighted Energy Saving, Carbon Management, Waste Reduction, and ESG Practices, equipping participants with practical strategies to embed sustainability into daily operations. Through case studies and interactive discussions, attendees explored retro-commissioning implementation, carbon audit methodologies, source reduction strategies, transparent ESG communication and other essential approaches for advancing green practices. These sessions not only provided technical knowledge but also encouraged the exchange of best practices, fostering a greener retail landscape.
The journey is continuing with a series of Pilot Programmes, enabling representatives from malls and shops to implement their learning in real‑world settings. Guided by tailored support from sustainability professionals in such areas as data collection, hardware installation, site reviews and customised advice, participants will strengthen the environmental performance of their malls and shops.
For those who missed the sessions or wish to revisit key insights, the workshop recordings and training materials are now available online. Industry practitioners are encouraged to revisit the content, share ideas with their peers, and foster knowledge exchange – sign up HERE.
Looking ahead, the Hong Kong Green Shop Alliance Award 2026 will soon be open for submissions. Part of the training content will be closely aligned with the Award’s focus areas, providing practitioners with an excellent opportunity to apply their learning and showcase their achievements in green practices. Keep a look-out for further details!
The Hong Kong Green Shop Alliance will continue to support local malls and shops in enhancing their environmental performance. By working together, we look forward to creating a greener shopping environment and advancing Hong Kong’s collective journey towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.
HKGBC Green Building Young Leaders Programme (2024-2025): Reflections from the Industry Team
Organised by the Hong Kong Green Building Council, the second cohort (2024–2025) of the Green Building Young Leaders (GBYL) Programme continues to cultivate the next generation of green building professionals through hands‑on experience and mentorship from industry experts. In this episode, we follow Mick TSE, Kathy WONG and Bon LAU from the Industry Team, guided by mentor Ir Dr Edward CHAN, as they embarked on a journey to explore a central question: given Hong Kong’s vast stock of existing buildings, how can we unlock their significant green potential more effectively?
The Industry Team deliberately chose not to concentrate on new landmark developments for their studies, but instead to focus on the everyday buildings where most people live and work. Despite their enormous and untapped potential, such buildings are often sidelined in sustainability discussions. However, the trio firmly believe that true, citywide environmental transformation must begin with these very buildings.
The project unfolded across a Three-Phase Learning Journey that progressively helped Mick, Kathy and Bon deepen their knowledge, sharpen their skills, and strengthen their confidence as emerging leaders in the green building sector.
Phase One: Understanding the Landscape and Challenging Assumptions
The journey began with intensive brainstorming sessions to map the current landscape of existing buildings in Hong Kong. These explorations prompted the team to confront complexity, question long-held assumptions, and gradually shape a shared hypothesis that structured, multi-disciplinary stakeholder collaboration could reveal realistic and scalable pathways for significantly improving environmental performance, without the need for full-scale redevelopment.
Phase Two: Deep Industry Engagement and Insight Building
The second phase consisted of in-depth, one-on-one interviews with a wide range of industry players, including building owners, facility managers, engineers, architects, sustainability consultants, valuers, financiers and policymakers. These meaningful conversations revealed hidden pain points, unexpected areas of alignment, and practical insights. Through this process, Mick, Kathy and Bon learned to ask sharper questions, translate technical jargon into shared language, and build trust across professional boundaries. Synthesising such a wide range of viewpoints became an essential leadership skill they continue to cultivate. They were inspired not only by the knowledge shared by industry players, but also by their persistent commitment to building a more sustainable Hong Kong.
Phase Three: From Insight to Action — The ReThink HK Workshop
The project then brought the team to a bigger stage as it culminated in their most significant public contribution – the organisation and facilitation of an interactive workshop titled “Beyond Green: Unlocking the Potentials of Existing Buildings” at ReThink HK 2025. The 75-minute session brought together a diverse mix of stakeholders to explore how BEAM Plus Existing Buildings certification could deliver value far beyond carbon reduction. Participants addressed persistent barriers such as multi-ownership complexities, cost perceptions and knowledge gaps, as well as exploring realistic opportunities including blended public-private financing models, Gen Z-driven demand for healthier and more sustainable workplaces, and pragmatic strategies for deploying advanced technologies.
The workshop served as a powerful synthesis of the insights gathered during both brainstorming and interviews. It also demonstrated the team’s growing ability to design, convene and skilfully facilitate meaningful cross-disciplinary dialogue.
Personal and Collective Growth
Under the steady guidance of mentor Ir Dr Edward CHAN, the project gained clarity, ambition and a strong sense of purpose. His generous, transformative mentorship proved invaluable, and the team expressed their deep gratitude for his unwavering support.
Mick says he realised that once discussions moved beyond surface-level differences, shared financial interests often emerged. This strengthened his confidence in using financial reasoning to turn sustainability challenges into opportunities.
Kathy's stand-out moment came during the Rethink Workshop, when a complex financial barrier was reframed in a simple, real‑world way. This experience reinforced her belief that actionable, practical progress could be much closer than widespread industry pessimism suggested.
Bon found his key insights came from observing how engineers, owners and consultants uncovered synergies simply through structured, well‑facilitated conversation. This strengthened his conviction that inclusive dialogue could be one of the most powerful tools for unlocking sustainability potential in the built environment.
The Journey Continues
Over the past two years, the team has become firmly convinced that Hong Kong's greatest green opportunity in the coming decade lies not in new landmark buildings, but in upgrading and strengthening the resilience and sustainability of the vast existing stock already in place.
Although the formal programme has concluded, the team is fully committed to sustaining the momentum through continued professional dialogue, targeted knowledge-sharing activities, and active advocacy for realistic, scalable green retrofitting approaches. Through persistent and collaborative efforts, existing buildings can become one of the city’s most powerful assets in the transition towards a healthier, lower-carbon built environment.
The Industry Team deliberately chose not to concentrate on new landmark developments for their studies, but instead to focus on the everyday buildings where most people live and work. Despite their enormous and untapped potential, such buildings are often sidelined in sustainability discussions. However, the trio firmly believe that true, citywide environmental transformation must begin with these very buildings.
The project unfolded across a Three-Phase Learning Journey that progressively helped Mick, Kathy and Bon deepen their knowledge, sharpen their skills, and strengthen their confidence as emerging leaders in the green building sector.
Phase One: Understanding the Landscape and Challenging Assumptions
The journey began with intensive brainstorming sessions to map the current landscape of existing buildings in Hong Kong. These explorations prompted the team to confront complexity, question long-held assumptions, and gradually shape a shared hypothesis that structured, multi-disciplinary stakeholder collaboration could reveal realistic and scalable pathways for significantly improving environmental performance, without the need for full-scale redevelopment.
Phase Two: Deep Industry Engagement and Insight Building
The second phase consisted of in-depth, one-on-one interviews with a wide range of industry players, including building owners, facility managers, engineers, architects, sustainability consultants, valuers, financiers and policymakers. These meaningful conversations revealed hidden pain points, unexpected areas of alignment, and practical insights. Through this process, Mick, Kathy and Bon learned to ask sharper questions, translate technical jargon into shared language, and build trust across professional boundaries. Synthesising such a wide range of viewpoints became an essential leadership skill they continue to cultivate. They were inspired not only by the knowledge shared by industry players, but also by their persistent commitment to building a more sustainable Hong Kong.
Phase Three: From Insight to Action — The ReThink HK Workshop
The project then brought the team to a bigger stage as it culminated in their most significant public contribution – the organisation and facilitation of an interactive workshop titled “Beyond Green: Unlocking the Potentials of Existing Buildings” at ReThink HK 2025. The 75-minute session brought together a diverse mix of stakeholders to explore how BEAM Plus Existing Buildings certification could deliver value far beyond carbon reduction. Participants addressed persistent barriers such as multi-ownership complexities, cost perceptions and knowledge gaps, as well as exploring realistic opportunities including blended public-private financing models, Gen Z-driven demand for healthier and more sustainable workplaces, and pragmatic strategies for deploying advanced technologies.
The workshop served as a powerful synthesis of the insights gathered during both brainstorming and interviews. It also demonstrated the team’s growing ability to design, convene and skilfully facilitate meaningful cross-disciplinary dialogue.
Personal and Collective Growth
Under the steady guidance of mentor Ir Dr Edward CHAN, the project gained clarity, ambition and a strong sense of purpose. His generous, transformative mentorship proved invaluable, and the team expressed their deep gratitude for his unwavering support.
Mick says he realised that once discussions moved beyond surface-level differences, shared financial interests often emerged. This strengthened his confidence in using financial reasoning to turn sustainability challenges into opportunities.
Kathy's stand-out moment came during the Rethink Workshop, when a complex financial barrier was reframed in a simple, real‑world way. This experience reinforced her belief that actionable, practical progress could be much closer than widespread industry pessimism suggested.
Bon found his key insights came from observing how engineers, owners and consultants uncovered synergies simply through structured, well‑facilitated conversation. This strengthened his conviction that inclusive dialogue could be one of the most powerful tools for unlocking sustainability potential in the built environment.
The Journey Continues
Over the past two years, the team has become firmly convinced that Hong Kong's greatest green opportunity in the coming decade lies not in new landmark buildings, but in upgrading and strengthening the resilience and sustainability of the vast existing stock already in place.
Although the formal programme has concluded, the team is fully committed to sustaining the momentum through continued professional dialogue, targeted knowledge-sharing activities, and active advocacy for realistic, scalable green retrofitting approaches. Through persistent and collaborative efforts, existing buildings can become one of the city’s most powerful assets in the transition towards a healthier, lower-carbon built environment.
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