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In July, °ÄÃÅÍõÖÐÍõ Hong Kong chapter jointly hosted Net Zero to Heroes Forum with the Department of Architecture - University of Hong Kong. This event was sponsored by °ÄÃÅÍõÖÐÍõ’s Local Initiative Fund (LIF).

This impressive in person forum brought together over 75 industry leaders representing different disciplines and academia to formulate strategies addressing eight key sectors in support to Hong Kong’s Net Zero 2050 agenda.

Panel discussions, talks, presentations, focus groups and a roundtable forum led the day to be a thriving hub of generating solutions for decarbonisation success.

Forum Chair: Dr. Ruffina Thilakaratne, °ÄÃÅÍõÖÐÍõ International Councillor for Asia & Australasia region.

Welcome address: Dr. Eunice Seng, Head, Department of Architecture, University of Hong Kong

Panellists representing the eight Net Zero categories were:

• Embodied Carbon Reduction Ar. Stefan Krummeck, Director, Farrells
• Operational Carbon Reduction Dr. Jason Tse, Associate Director, Buro Happold
• Policies and Good Practices KS Wong, GBS, JP, Former Secretary for the Environment of Hong Kong
• Innovative Technologies Ar. Donald Choi, Chairman, CITAC, Construction Industry Council (CIC)
• Mobility, Infrastructure and Smart Cities Ar. Peter Morley, Managing Principal, Hassell
• Education and Research Dr. Ivan Sham, Chief Commercial Officer, Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI)
• Priorities for New Developments Mr. Johnny YU, Head of Sustainability, Henderson Land Development Co. Ltd
• ESG Ir Tim Wong, Associate/Climate & Sustainability Service Portfolio Manager, EA, Arup

Moderators:

• Ir. CS Ho, General Manager, BEAM Society Ltd
• Prof. Ada Fung, Founding President, HKABAEIMA

The global population is predicted to reach ten billion by the mid-century and existing building stock is expected to double in size. This will significantly escalate embodied carbon related emissions, overtaking operational carbon emissions.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global temperatures have increased by 1.1 degrees Celsius. The construction industry accounts for 39% of energy related carbon emissions globally; 28% arising from operational carbon emissions and 11% from embodied carbon emissions

National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) predicts an average surface temperature increase between 2°C and 6°C by the end of the 21st century

Thus, urgent measures are essential across the industry in achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, and most importantly to save the planet and humanity from devastating climate change impacts.

The forum was a great example of a ‘bottom-up approach’, and a rare opportunity for a diverse group of professionals; architects, urban designers, infrastructure planners, engineers, academic, research organisations, ecologists, developers, professional institutes, government bureaus and policy makers to collaborate live.

Team spirit, knowledge sharing, and thought provoking ideas generated through in depth discussions, all of which resulted in invaluable insights towards decarbonisation.

Panel discussion commenced with a welcome address from Dr. Eunice Seng, Head of Department of Architecture - University of Hong Kong. Dr. Eunice shared relevant research and educational programmes while expressing interest for collaborations.

Dr. Ruffina Thilakaratne, Forum Chair and International Councillor for Asia & Australasia region at °ÄÃÅÍõÖÐÍõ, talked about °ÄÃÅÍõÖÐÍõ’s 2030 Climate Challenge initiative to promote Climate Action and our collective responsibility to mitigate climate change impacts.

Group leaders and invited panellists presented strategies at the panel discussion that was attended by almost 150 professionals.

Moderators Ir. CS Ho and Ar. Ada Fung led the panel discussion initiating an engaging discussion.

Impact categories for focus group discussions

Embodied carbon reduction

The construction industry globally is responsible for over 30% of the extraction of natural resources, and 25% of solid waste generated from the linear economic model ‘take, make, dispose.’

Operational carbon reduction

Around 80% of the buildings erected today will still exist in 2050, therefore the need for energy retrofitting will be crucial. Demand for net zero buildings is increasing, and so there must be an acceleration on our efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

Mobility, infrastructure, and smart cities

Private vehicles contribute to road congestion more than public transportation or other shared options. Authorities and consumers prefer efficient, green, and convenient transportation options. As technology advances, even more innovative mobility options could emerge.

Priorities for future developments

Hong Kong is expected to have the oldest population in the world by 2050 with an alarming 46.3% aged 65 and above. Whilst this elderly population is projected to grow by half a million over the next decade, it is important for Hong Kong to prioritise appropriate accommodation, healthcare, elderly friendly amenities and infrastructure.

Innovative construction technologies

The production and excessive use of materials such as cement, steel, and aluminium create a significant carbon footprint. Some businesses have made the public commitment to use 30% low emission concrete by 2025 and 50% by 2030.

Education, research, and development

Research and innovations are accelerating on the following fronts: emission reduction, clean energy generation, hydrogen energy, bio-fuels, Ocean-based Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR), future healthcare, data driven smart cities, AI (artificial intelligence), IoT (Internet of Things), and intelligent food production.

Policies and best practices

Hong Kong is setting ambitious targets to achieve net zero carbon emissions for new public buildings by 2030 and for all new buildings by 2050, which will require stricter energy efficiency standards, increased adoption of renewable energy sources and a focus on sustainable building materials.

Environmental, Social, and Governance

New climate related disclosure requirements under the Hong Kong Stock Exchange will come into effect in January 2025, requiring mandatory disclosure of Scope 1 and Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions.

Critical priorities derived from focus group discussions

Embodied carbon reduction - Ar. Stefan Krummeck, Director, Farrells

• prioritise adaptive re-use of existing structurally sound buildings
• Early Life Cycle Assessment to inform low carbon materials and structural systems selection
• increase implementation of modular and prefabrication technologies

Operational carbon reduction - Dr. Jason Tse, Associate Director, Buro Happold

• passive design optimisation
• use of high performance insulation
• energy retrofitting of existing buildings
• active design optimisation through electrification of systems, optimised HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning), onsite renewable energy production and storage, smart building management and building energy benchmarking

Mobility, infrastructure and smart cities - Ar. Peter Morley, Managing Principal, HASSELL

• pedestrianised, car free zones, and micro mobility
• improved public transport
• transit oriented developments
• decarbonise transportation sector

Priorities for future developments - Johnny Yu, Head of Sustainability, Henderson Land Development Company Ltd.

Achieving Net Zero is a critical goal for mitigating climate change and ensuring sustainable future developments. Future development must focus on:

• renewable energy sources, energy efficiency, and innovative technologies to minimise environmental impact
• collaborative efforts across industries, governments, and communities are essential for creating a resilient, low carbon economy and securing a healthier planet for future generations

Innovative construction technologies - Ar. Donald Choi, CEO Chinachem Group and Chairperson, Construction Innovation and Technology Application Centre (CITAC)

• circular & low embodied carbon materials and systems
• modular Integrated Construction (MiC)
• green hydrogen to reduce Co2 in use
• performance optimisation of existing buildings
• future proofing of construction
• supply chain traceability and transparency

Education, research and development - Dr. Ivan Sham, Chief Commercial Officer, Nano and Advanced Materials Institute (NAMI)

• establishing interdisciplinary task forces to develop plans, identify experts, and create collaborative learning environments
• motivating task forces, mobilising diverse disciplines, and integrating interdisciplinary courses
• setting up funding for sustainability and innovative technology research, involving diverse stakeholders, and celebrating success stories to sustain long term funding

Policies and best practices - Prof. Wong Kam Sing GBS JP, Former Secretary for the Environment of the Hong Kong SAR

The group identified five priority issues (The three 'R's and two 'P's in descending order below)

• Renewable Energy/Energy Saving - to publicise relevant existing buildings illustrating best practice and room for policy enhancement
• Retrofit of Existing Buildings - to extend the revitalisation policy for industrial buildings to incentivise extensive retrofitting
• Reuse/Recycling - to minimise construction and development waste by encouraging reuse and recycling through revising tenancy agreements
• Planning - taking the Northern Metropolis as an example, while carbon neutrality goal has been set, the relevant town planning metrics are needed
• Partnership - the forum is a good example of a 'bottom up' approach. While more similar forums are recommended, it is crucial to partner with the government to shape policies/best practice

Environmental, Social and Governance - Ir Tim Wong, Associate/Climate and Sustainability Services Portfolio Manager EA, ARUP

• by aligning our designs with robust ESG principles, we can create buildings that are not only energy efficient, but also socially responsible and economically viable
• ESG reporting, compliance prioritising and embodied carbon reduction targets through circular design; optimising operational energy use with passive design and renewable energy integration are pivotal
• besides decarbonisation, it is possible to enhance occupant well being through biophilic and inclusive design, focusing on social value and integrating nature based solutions

Pivotal decarbonisation routes are:

• to continue the focal momentum via industry professionals
• industry professions to adapt and roll out these strategies on any scale of potential opportunity, within their practices and organisations.
• recognising the importance of needing holistic, collective and constant approaches to achieve decarbonisation by 2050
  

Panel member, Ar. Yimei Chan, Immediate Past President AIA Hong Kong Chapter said 'The discussions were not only genuine but also incredibly fruitful. We look forward in working together and making a positive difference. I am excited about the potential for more cross-disciplined collaborations. Together we can steer the industry towards a more sustainable and impactful future.'

She further commented on implementing strategies by:

• Embracing Adaptive Reuse. Prioritising adaptive reuse over building new structures can significantly reduce our environmental footprint and preserve valuable resources
• Rapid Adoption of Innovation. Establishing expert panels can facilitate the swift adoption of innovative technologies, to stay at the forefront of sustainable practices and advancements in the industry
• Leading the way. For example the 'Walk the Talk' approach. It is crucial to ensure there is alignment between top - down directives and grassroots initiatives to drive meaningful change effectively

Panel member, Ar. Julia Lau, Vice-President, Hong Kong Institute of Architects says ‘Every little step matters and together we make a difference. Collaborate with the university committee jointly to drive carbon neutrality in academia and schools, urging them to to join the Carbon Neutral Charter and to educate future generations in making a difference.'

Moderator, CS Ho, General Manager, BEAM Society Ltd said:

'The ESG session was a resounding success, with renowned speakers providing insightful perspectives on promoting ESG practices in Hong Kong and the surrounding regions. As moderator, I was impressed by the speakers' depth of knowledge and the audience's enthusiastic response.

This forum highlighted the growing importance of ESG considerations in the community and the need for continued collaboration among parties, business, government or institutions, to drive meaningful progress.

I believe that all the audience - (as well as myself) left the event feeling energised in light of the potential for ESG to shape a more sustainable future in the region.'

Moderator, Ar Prof Ada Fung, BBS – Founding President, HKABAEIMA said:

'The ideas generated are rich in substance, diverse in coverage and convergent in macro views. Cognisant of the emergency of climate crisis, we need to act fast to enhance knowledge acquisition, sharing and dissemination to achieve sustainability and carbon neutrality. Think before we build and think before we demolish.'

Then quoted the famous quote by Ratan Tata, 'If you want to walk fast, walk alone; but if you want to walk far, walk together.' Before stating 'Let’s walk the talk, put ideas to practise, starting with universities as pioneers for decarbonisation'.

Acknowledgments

This event was supported by: the Hong Kong Green Building Council, BEAM Society, Construction Industry Council, Hong Kong Institute of Architects, American Institute of Architects Hong Kong Chapter, Australian Institute of Architects Hong Kong Committee, Hong Kong Institute of Engineers, Architectural Services Department, and the Professional Green Building Council.

Since the event, it has been encouraging to witness the continued discussions generated on social media and LinkedIn.

Special thanks to:

• Dr. Ruffina Thilakaratne, Louise Greer, Dianna Tang, Mandi Tong, Adrian Lo and Angeliki Koliomichou from °ÄÃÅÍõÖÐÍõ Hong Kong Chapter
• Karen Lee, Vickie Tse from Department of Architecture, Hong Kong University
• Volunteers - Roy Tam, Justin Lee, Sam Tang and Henry Au from Hong Kong Chu Hai College
• Emma England, Chloe Sadler, Preeti Matharu, and Yining Ma from °ÄÃÅÍõÖÐÍõ International for their continuous support

Abstract image: (c) Zero emissions, decarbonisation and renewable energy, Hong Kong - Adobe Firefly AI software

Find out more

To find out more about °ÄÃÅÍõÖÐÍõ Hong Kong Chapter's events and opportunities contact: HongKong.Chapter@riba.org or