Design for a Net Zero World
Speaker: Prof. TAI Lee-siang
Former Chairman of WorldGBC
Professor of Singapore University of Technology and Design
Globally, there is a strong resonance to advance towards a Net Zero world. However, the pathway forward is at best fragmental and uncertain. There are many siloed efforts in order to claim business leadership. This presentation seeks to suggest a more transparent and collaborative approach by building Net Zero templates for different sectors. Green Building Councils globally has the knowledge and responsibility to take on this role of creating accessibility and mainstreaming net zero solutions.
Collaborating towards Net-zero Carbon Electricity
Speaker: Mr Jim TAYLOR
Senior Director, Planning & Development
CLP Power Hong Kong
The world is witnessing increasingly frequent extreme weather events, such as heatwave, cold snap, flooding, drought, wildfire, cyclone, etc. Countless lives have been affected and localities devastated. As the world continues to consume fossil fuels to support our everyday life and our economies, more carbon dioxide will be emitted to the atmosphere, and these tragedies will only recur. We must act now to save the future for our younger generation.
Hong Kong is a densely populated city without indigenous energy resources. Fossil fuels are imported for generating electricity, propelling transport, supplying gas and feeding industry. Land and sea resources for harvesting solar and wind energy are very limited. With an ambitious carbon neutrality target by 2050 but without adequate local renewable energy resources, how could we do what we can locally and collaborate with our customers and neighbours to progressively phase out carbon intensive fuels and continue to enjoy a highly reliable energy supply? CLP Power is committed to lead the energy transition and this presentation serves to outline potential solutions for powering and greening Hong Kong, achieving net-zero carbon electricity before 2050.
Kicking Carbon Out of Construction!
Speaker: Mr Kevin O’BRIEN
Chief Executive
Gammon Construction Limited
With the backdrop of our 2050 Net Zero Carbon challenge, Kevin will take a look at how, through the design and construction process, the construction industry is using technology, modern materials and methods of construction (MMC, MiC, DfMA, MiInfinity) to reduce the industry’s impact on the environment. Taking a look at what we all need to do as responsible corporate citizens to protect our planet for generations to come.
How the Community and Environment Benefit from Refurbishing the Historic Industrial Building Ombú
Speaker: Mr Chris TROTT
Head of Sustainability & Partner
Foster + Partners
Ombú is an historic industrial building retrofit that creates a sustainable exemplar of building reuse and revitalisation of the surrounding area. The new green, public space connects the building with the community generating a positive social impact. The courtyard connects to a large park featuring outdoor working spaces sheltered by trees canopies. Ombú also benefits from direct access to rail and bus networks, encouraging employees to travel by public transport. Ombú’s environmental impact is compatible with the original 2°C aim of the Paris Agreement and its carbon footprint was carefully measured and controlled, producing a viable outcome.
Green Finance Development in Hong Kong and the Region
Speaker: Dr Stephen WONG
Vice President
Hong Kong Green Finance Association
The climate crisis ahead of us requires great leadership and resilience. Hong Kong, with its sizable capital markets, status as an international financial centre, and gateway between China and the rest of the world, is well-positioned to lead the way. The city has made significant efforts in developing itself as a green and sustainable finance centre, such as the ongoing localisation of the Common Ground Taxonomy, forward-looking ESG disclosure mandates, and the recent formation of Hong Kong International Carbon Market Council. In its next move, Hong Kong should explore developing itself as global voluntary carbon market, which entails navigating the complexities of the nascent market and exploring market opportunities with the Mainland.
Green Buildings in Hong Kong’s Carbon Neutrality Journey
Speaker: Mr WONG Kam-sing, GBS, JP
Former Secretary for the Environment
The Government of the HKSAR
Hong Kong is on its journey towards carbon neutrality. Last October, the Hong Kong SAR Government launched Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050, setting out the vision of "Zero-carbon Emissions ‧ Liveable City ‧ Sustainable Development”. Leading Hong Kong towards achieving the goal of carbon neutrality before 2050, the latest plan outlines the four major decarbonisation strategies, namely net-zero electricity generation, energy saving and green buildings, green transport and waste reduction. The presentation will highlight how the industry players and the community are being engaged and inspired to support these strategies, especially the aspect of green buildings.
Towards Sustainable Urban Regeneration via Adaptive Reuse for the Community
Speaker: Mr Eric POON
Executive Director, Commercial
Urban Renewal Authority
Under the mission of the Urban Renewal Authority to regenerate old urban areas of Hong Kong, dilapidated buildings will be redeveloped into new buildings of modern standard, while at the same time, buildings of historical, social and architectural significance will be preserved and revitalized with tangible and intangible context for the benefits of the community. Through sharing the experience of Central Market and 618 Shanghai Street, sustainable urban regeneration via adaptively reusing historical buildings for the community will be demonstrated.
Advancing Net Zero in Countryside Conservation
Speaker: Prof. Stephen TANG, BBS
Head of Countryside Conservation Office
The Government of the HKSAR
In the Chief Executive’s 2017 Policy Address, the government determined to set up a Countryside Conservation Office (CCO) to coordinate conservation projects for promoting sustainable development of remote countryside. As a priority, the CCO has started a series of projects to enhance countryside revitalisation in Lai Chi Wo, as well as ecological conservation in Sha Lo Tung, and will keep under review the implementation of these initiatives and their effectiveness from time to time, with the aim of extending the initiatives progressively to other remote countryside areas.
The CCO has adopted a diversified and flexible approach in supporting and promoting the conservation of rural areas through harnessing the public, community and NPOs’ efforts. The CCO targets to incorporate carbon neutrality in the countryside conservation initiatives. The ECO-SMART toilet project in Lai Chi Wo will be presented as a case study to demonstrate how smart technology, eco and user-friendly design are integrated to achieve ANZ standards.
Can Cultural Buildings be Green?
Speaker: Dr Rocco YIM, BBS, JP
Principal
Rocco Design Architects Associates Limited
At first glance, design priorities for cultural and green buildings are incompatible. Instead of optimizing natural lighting and integration of landscape with the architecture, the priority for Museums has to be the safety and protection of exhibits, and their presentation to viewers under strict environmental conditions. Instead of pursuing energy efficiency and reducing waste, the priority for Performing Art Centres has to be provision of equipment and systems to ensure performances are presented to the audience with the best visual and audio effects. So how can cultural buildings contribute to the conversation on sustainability? A look at our two recent projects, the Hong Kong Palace Museum (HKPM) and the East Kowloon Cultural Centre (EKCC), might provide some answers.