Oct-2026

 

 

From 21 to 25 September, the Hong Kong Green Building Council brought 34 delegates – comprising the HKGBC Chairman, Directors and Secretariat Staff, representatives from the HKSAR Government, and HKGBC Members – for an immersive visit to Copenhagen, one of the world's leading cities in sustainable urban development and green living. Over five inspiring days, the delegates engaged with public authorities, sustainability organisations, architects, urban planners and industry experts to explore the city's pioneering approaches to climate resilience, circularity, sustainable architecture, green mobility and people-centric urban planning.

As a city internationally recognised for its visionary urbanism and human-centred design, Copenhagen offers a compelling example of how sustainable living can become second nature. Through a combination of strategic dialogue, technical visits and professional exchanges, the delegation gained first-hand insights into how policy, design and community engagement can work together to create a liveable, resilient and low-carbon city.

Dialogue with Leaders Driving Green Transformation

A highlight of the programme was the opportunity to exchange views with organisations shaping Denmark's sustainability agenda. During the five-day visit, the delegation held discussions with four leading authorities and organisations to gain first-hand insights into the policies, governance frameworks and collaborative approaches underpinning the city's sustainable urban development. The wide range of topics spanned waterfront regeneration, carbon neutrality, green building certification, energy transition and climate action.
 
Meetings included:
•    By & Havn – Sustainable waterfront development and urban transformation
•    City of Copenhagen – Carbon neutrality and climate resilience leadership 
•    Rådet for Bæredygtigt Byggeri (GBC DK) – Green building leadership and certification 
•    UNEP & UN City Copenhagen – Sustainable development and climate action

These interactions demonstrated how long-term vision, cross-sector collaboration and policy consistency have enabled Copenhagen to evolve into a city where environmental performance, social wellbeing and economic vitality are mutually reinforcing.

 

Experiencing Sustainable Urbanism in Practice

The delegation also visited a wide range of landmark projects and institutions that exemplify Denmark's holistic approach to sustainability. Through technical presentations, guided site tours and exchanges with project teams, delegates were able to explore innovative solutions spanning circular construction, adaptive reuse, climate-responsive design, mixed-use urban development and sustainable housing. 

Site visits included:
•    BIG HQ & Park – Innovative architecture and workplace design
•    BLOX / Danish Architecture Center – Architecture, innovation and city-making
•    COBE – Human-centred urban design
•    CopenHill – Waste-to-energy meets recreation
•    Grøningen-Bispeparken Climate Park – Nature-based climate adaptation
•    Israels Plads Square – Vibrant public space and active mobility
•    Nordhavn City Walk – Sustainable waterfront regeneration
•    Royal Danish Academy – Shaping future architects and planners
•    Royal Danish Library – Cultural heritage meets contemporary design
•    State of Green – Denmark's green transition and public-private collaboration
•    Superkilen – Multicultural placemaking and community integration
•    Thoravej 29 – Circular construction and adaptive reuse
•    Tietgen Dormitory – Community-oriented student housing
•    Urban Rigger – Floating housing and sustainable living
 

Another valuable milestone of the trip was a networking dinner co-hosted by the HKGBC and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office, London. The gathering brought together professionals from both regions, fostering dialogue, knowledge exchange and future collaboration opportunities.
 

The delegation concluded that while Hong Kong and Copenhagen differed in scale, geography and urban conditions, both cities shared a common commitment to building more sustainable, resilient and liveable communities. The experiences and insights gained during the visit will help inspire new thinking and strengthen industry collaboration as Hong Kong continues its journey towards carbon neutrality and a greener built environment. 

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The Jockey Club NatureLove Early Childhood Education Programme, funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and jointly organised by the Vocational Training Council (VTC) and the HKGBC, was officially launched on 12 October. The initiative is aimed at promoting nature-based learning in kindergartens by integrating nature across learning domains, as well as building the capacity of educators and parents to support children's exploration and development. The three-year Programme is expected to benefit over 50,000 children in 250 non-profit-making kindergartens and nursery schools across Hong Kong. 

A launch ceremony held at IVE (Sha Tin) brought together representatives from the education, environmental and professional sectors. Officiating guests included Dr SZE Chun-fai, Under Secretary for Education; Ms Winnie YING, Head of Charities (Education & Youth Cluster) of The Hong Kong Jockey Club; Mr Paul CHONG, Deputy Chairman of the VTC; and Dr CHEUNG Tin-cheung, Chairman of the HKGBC.

A key component of the education programme is the Green Campus Enhancement Works, led by the HKGBC. Under this initiative, some 135 participating kindergartens and nursery schools will be transformed into nature-rich learning environments, enabling the children to experience nature as part of their everyday learning journey. The enhancement works will add a range of interactive and sustainable features such as green walls, furniture made from upcycled timber, nature trays, hydroponic indoor planting equipment, and wood, sand and water play facilities, as well as dedicated areas for raising classroom or school pets. Together, these elements will help create vibrant learning spaces where children can observe, explore and interact with the natural world through hands-on experiences.

More than a physical upgrade, the initiative seeks to transform school campuses into “living textbooks” where children can encounter nature through their senses. By integrating natural elements into daily educational settings, the programme encourages experiential learning and helps the children cultivate their curiosity, develop enquiring minds and gain a sense of environmental responsibility from an early age. Activities such as hydroponic planting help them understand where food comes from, while green walls and animal habitats let them explore ecological diversity, and play spaces of sand, water and wood invite exploration and creative thinking. Together, these features will empower young learners to build environmental literacy.

The Programme also encompasses professional development for teachers, parent education, curriculum support and outdoor learning opportunities. By bringing together expertise from diverse sectors, it establishes a holistic framework for advancing nature-based education in Hong Kong.

As urbanisation and changing lifestyles have reduced children's everyday interactions with nature, providing meaningful opportunities for them to connect with nature has become increasingly important. Through the Jockey Club NatureLove Early Childhood Education Programme, the HKGBC is proud to contribute its expertise in creating an engaging nature-based learning environment, helping the next generation to develop a lifelong connection with nature and become future environmental stewards.

 

 
Officiating guests launch the Jockey Club NatureLove Early Childhood Education Programme, commencing a three-year initiative to foster nature-connected learning and environmental stewardship among children.

 
Representatives of the programme organisers explain key initiatives and expected impacts of the Jockey Club NatureLove Early Childhood Education Programme.

 
Funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust and jointly organised by the VTC and the HKGBC, the programme supports the development of quality nature-based education in kindergartens and nursery schools across Hong Kong.

 
Officiating guests, partners and participants gather for a group photo at the launch ceremony, demonstrating their collective commitment to advancing early childhood nature-based education.

 
Dr SZE Chun-fai, Under Secretary for Education, and Dr CHEUNG Tin-cheung, Chairman of the HKGBC, visit the “Nature Classroom” exhibition area to learn more about the programme’s immersive learning approach.

 
HKGBC’s exhibition booth showcases the concepts behind the Green Campus Enhancement Works and samples of nature-based learning facilities, strengthening children's connection with nature through hands-on experiences.