HKGBC pledges support for government's green building development initiatives

In response to the 2016 Policy Address.

The Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC) noted that it welcomes the Government’s initiatives on climate change mitigation, new urban development, waste management and youth development as proposed in the 2016 Policy Address by the Government of the HKSAR.

According to a release from HKGBC, in response, it will actively cooperate with the Government to further foster green building development in several aspects. For instance, for climate change and energy, it said it welcomes the Government to proactively take forward mitigation measures in accordance with the discussion outcomes of the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference.

In response to turn the climate change problem around, the HKGBC has formulated green building targets for next five years to echo with the global pledges initiated by the World Green Building Council in COP21 Buildings Day last year. Besides, the HKGBC is committed to support the dialogue platform amongst various stakeholders on the Government’s recent release of “Energy Saving Plan for Hong Kong’s Built Environment 2015~2025+” and collectively explore solutions to achieve carbon reduction targets.

Here's more from HKGBC:

For green neighbourhoods, the HKGBC supports the Government to increase land and housing supply, and to take the model of low-carbon “Smart City” as reference for development. The HKGBC recommends the Government to include elements of green community at the planning stage of new development areas and to make reference to HKGBC’s “BEAM Plus Neighbourhood” rating tool which is aimed to be launched in 2016, in order to enhance liveability of newly developed community.
For waste management, the HKGBC welcomes the waste management solutions as proposed in the Policy Address. We will actively cooperate with the industry for further studies and develop effective solutions to increase the feasibility of recycling construction wastes.

For nurturing green building professionals, for the future development of Hong Kong on aspects such as housing supply and construction, the HKGBC will contribute relevant knowledge and experience in green building and sustainable development, and continue to foster the training of BEAM Professional and BEAM Affiliate as well as to motivate dialogues with overseas industry professionals. At the same time, we are committed to raise the awareness and interest on green building industry among younger generation and lure more talents to join green building professions after graduation.

The HKGBC has been committed to enhance public awareness on the importance of green building and to promote global sustainable development. Co-organising with the Construction Industry Council, the HKGBC will hold the “World Sustainable Built Environment Conference 2017 Hong Kong”, a vivid platform where over 1,800 green building experts gather to exchange knowledge and share experiences. We are looking forward to gaining continuous support from various stakeholders, and joining hand in hand with the Government, the industry and the community to transform Hong Kong into a liveable low-carbon city.