Arup and Saint-Gobain Launch Global Report on Adapting Buildings to Climate Change
HKGBC Presents the First Batch of BEAM Plus Interiors Certificates, Collaborating with Industry to Build Green and Cosy Homes
"Intelligence in the Built Environment: The AI-Driven Green Transition Seminar" Advances Sustainability through Expert Dialogue
Hong Kong Green Building Week 2026 Gives Public a New LOOK into Green Buildings and the City's Race to Carbon Neutrality
"My Green Space" Student Competition 2026-2027 Registration is Now Open
Arup and Saint-Gobain Launch Global Report on Adapting Buildings to Climate Change
At its core, the report charts a practical way forward. It sets out three complementary design principles, robustness, adaptiveness and flexibility, that keep buildings performing under uncertain future conditions while advancing decarbonisation. It also brings the challenge into sharp focus, showing how the urban heat island effect can drive city temperatures up to 8.5°C higher than surrounding rural areas, a pressing reality for a dense city like Hong Kong, where more than 7,000 major climate-related disasters worldwide between 2000 and 2019 underscore the urgency to act.
The discussion then moved from principle to practice. Across presentations and a lively panel, speakers and panellists explored how climate-responsive design, retrofitting and digital tools can extend asset life, strengthen resilience and unlock lasting value across the building lifecycle. The launch was graced by Mr Sammy YEUNG, JP, Commissioner for Climate Change, Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Government of the HKSAR; and Mr Benjamin HUBIN, Deputy Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau; and supported by HKGBC, BSL, BEC, HKIA, RIBA and AIA Hong Kong.
As Ir Dr Vincent CHENG, Arup Fellow and APAC Environment, Climate and Sustainability Services Leader, put it, "Climate adaptation is no longer a future consideration. It is a present-day imperative for our cities, communities and economies." With the Hong Kong launch, the industry took a meaningful step towards buildings ready for a changing climate, and the conversation is only beginning.
Learn more: https://www.arup.com/news/arup-and-saint-gobain-launch-global-report-on-adapting-buildings-to-climate-change-in-hong-kong/
Mr Sammy YEUNG (fourth from left), JP, Commissioner for Climate Change, Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Government of the HKSAR; and Mr Benjamin HUBIN (third from left), Deputy Consul General of France in Hong Kong and Macau; were joined by senior leaders from Arup and Saint-Gobain, including Ir Dr Vincent CHENG (second from right), Arup Fellow and APAC Environment, Climate and Sustainability Services Leader; Ir Dr Bruce CHONG (first from right), Arup Fellow and APAC Sustainability and ESG Leader; Mr Ludovic WEBER (second from left), CEO Asia, Saint-Gobain; and Ms Pascaline HAYOUN (first from left), CEO, Saint-Gobain Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, at the officiating ceremony marking the Asia launch (Hong Kong) of the global report Adapting Buildings to Climate Change.
Representatives from the supporting organisations joined speakers and panellists from Arup and Saint-Gobain to explore practical pathways to climate resilience, building transformation and AI-enabled design for a stronger, more adaptive built environment across Hong Kong and the wider Asia Pacific region.
Representatives from the supporting organisations joined speakers and panellists from Arup and Saint-Gobain to explore practical pathways to climate resilience, building transformation and AI-enabled design for a stronger, more adaptive built environment across Hong Kong and the wider Asia Pacific region.
HKGBC Presents the First Batch of BEAM Plus Interiors Certificates, Collaborating with Industry to Build Green and Cosy Homes
The Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC) held the BEAM Plus Interiors (Residential) Certificate Presentation Ceremony on 16 September. Five outstanding residential renovation projects received BEAM Plus Interiors Version 2.0 recognition, demonstrating their achievements in green interior design and sustainable living in residential spaces.
Launched in 2013 then upgraded to Version 2.0 in 2023, BEAM Plus Interiors certification has now had its assessment scope expanded to cover residential units for the first time, becoming Hong Kong's first green building assessment standard dedicated to residential interiors. With Hong Kong citizens spending nearly 90% of their time indoors, indoor environmental quality plays a crucial role in their health and well-being. The upgraded version introduces significant enhancements in the areas of Adaptability, Simplification, Certainty and Human-Centricity.
Dr CHEUNG Tin-cheung, Chairman of HKGBC, presented certificates to the five outstanding project teams, covering residential units located across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Their achievements mark a significant milestone in the development of green residential interiors in Hong Kong.
The Council will continue collaborating closely with the interior design and related sectors to encourage more residential design and renovation teams to participate in BEAM Plus certification. This will further enhance public awareness of green interior spaces as the Council works hand-in-hand with different sectors of society towards building a more liveable, low-carbon and sustainable city.
Launched in 2013 then upgraded to Version 2.0 in 2023, BEAM Plus Interiors certification has now had its assessment scope expanded to cover residential units for the first time, becoming Hong Kong's first green building assessment standard dedicated to residential interiors. With Hong Kong citizens spending nearly 90% of their time indoors, indoor environmental quality plays a crucial role in their health and well-being. The upgraded version introduces significant enhancements in the areas of Adaptability, Simplification, Certainty and Human-Centricity.
Dr CHEUNG Tin-cheung, Chairman of HKGBC, presented certificates to the five outstanding project teams, covering residential units located across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Their achievements mark a significant milestone in the development of green residential interiors in Hong Kong.
The Council will continue collaborating closely with the interior design and related sectors to encourage more residential design and renovation teams to participate in BEAM Plus certification. This will further enhance public awareness of green interior spaces as the Council works hand-in-hand with different sectors of society towards building a more liveable, low-carbon and sustainable city.
Dr CHEUNG Tin-cheung, Chairman of HKGBC, Ir Harry LAI, Executive Director of HKGBC and representatives of the five certified projects gather for a group photo.
Residential units at Ka Wing Building and Tung Fat Building have achieved a Green+ rating under BEAM Plus Interiors V2.0.
Residential units at Villa Esplanada, Mountain Retreat have achieved a Green rating under BEAM Plus Interiors V2.0, along with rehabilitation, interior design and fitting-out works at Ming Nga Court.
Group photo of guests and project teams at the presentation ceremony.
"Intelligence in the Built Environment: The AI-Driven Green Transition Seminar" Advances Sustainability through Expert Dialogue
Organised by the Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC), the "Intelligence in the Built Environment: The AI-Driven Green Transition Seminar" was held on 8 September at The Community Lab in Lee Garden Five. A partner event of Hong Kong Green Week, the seminar brought together some 70 professionals from Hong Kong and overseas to explore how the convergence of artificial intelligence (AI) and sustainability is helping the built environment sector address increasingly complex challenges and accelerate its green transition.
Ir Harry LAI, Executive Director of HKGBC (6th left); Ms Grace KWOK, Director of the World Green Building Council and HKGBC (5th right) join speakers, moderator and panellists for a group photo.
The seminar brought together leaders from government, industry, academia and technology to exploring the transformative potential of AI in the built environment.
AI as a Catalyst for Sustainable Transformation
The seminar featured presentations by government representatives on the latest developments in AI policies, construction innovation, environmental management and intelligent building operations. Discussions highlighted how AI is reshaping the built environment through enhanced decision-making, streamlined workflows, efficient environmental impact assessments, and smarter operation and maintenance of building systems. Speakers also emphasised the importance of embracing technological innovation to enhance sustainability performance, improve resource allocation, and support Hong Kong's long-term decarbonisation and green development objectives.
Industry Perspectives on AI Adoption
The panel discussion brought together leaders from academia, technology, engineering and property development to exchange insights on the opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption. Key topics included practical implementation strategies, data governance, talent development, industry readiness, and the role of cross-sector collaboration in unlocking the full potential of AI.
Accelerating the Green Transition
The seminar provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to examine emerging trends, share practical experiences, and foster meaningful dialogue on the future application of AI across the built environment. As AI continues to evolve, its potential to support climate action, optimise resource utilisation and enhance sustainability outcomes is becoming increasingly apparent. Through the exchange of knowledge and perspectives, the event reinforced the sector’s commitment to leveraging digital innovation to create a smarter, greener and more resilient built environment for the future.
The seminar featured presentations by government representatives on the latest developments in AI policies, construction innovation, environmental management and intelligent building operations. Discussions highlighted how AI is reshaping the built environment through enhanced decision-making, streamlined workflows, efficient environmental impact assessments, and smarter operation and maintenance of building systems. Speakers also emphasised the importance of embracing technological innovation to enhance sustainability performance, improve resource allocation, and support Hong Kong's long-term decarbonisation and green development objectives.
Industry Perspectives on AI Adoption
The panel discussion brought together leaders from academia, technology, engineering and property development to exchange insights on the opportunities and challenges associated with AI adoption. Key topics included practical implementation strategies, data governance, talent development, industry readiness, and the role of cross-sector collaboration in unlocking the full potential of AI.
Accelerating the Green Transition
The seminar provided a valuable platform for stakeholders to examine emerging trends, share practical experiences, and foster meaningful dialogue on the future application of AI across the built environment. As AI continues to evolve, its potential to support climate action, optimise resource utilisation and enhance sustainability outcomes is becoming increasingly apparent. Through the exchange of knowledge and perspectives, the event reinforced the sector’s commitment to leveraging digital innovation to create a smarter, greener and more resilient built environment for the future.
HKGBC extends its sincere appreciation to Hysan Development for the generous support and provision of Community Lab at Lee Garden Five, which contributed to the successful delivery of the seminar.
Hong Kong Green Building Week 2026 Gives Public a New LOOK into Green Buildings and the City's Race to Carbon Neutrality
Co-organised by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC), Hong Kong Green Building Week 2026 (HKGBW 2026) celebrated its 14th Anniversary this year. Under the theme "LOOK! Green Building Trace: Everyone Engaged, Race to Carbon Neutrality", the latest edition of this annual flagship public education campaign featured a series of interactive experiences, green building career exploration activities and guided tours, encouraging the public to discover green building features throughout the city. Through the four green building powers – health and well-being, resource efficiency, environmental friendliness and innovative elements – the campaign demonstrated how green buildings could contribute to a better urban and living environment, while inspiring citizens to incorporate low-carbon practices into everyday life.
Hong Kong Green Building Week 2026 TV Ad
To get the citywide search for green building traces off to a star-studded start, a new HKGBW 2026 TV advertisement was premiered on 1 September. Singer James NG Yip-kwan and child star Traya are seen joining four green building experts to uncover carbon reduction clues at the CIC-Zero Carbon Park, where the advertisement was filmed. Through the team's missions, viewers are introduced to a range of green building professions, the innovative technologies applied in green buildings, and how green building concepts are integrated into our everyday lives.
The explorations of James and Traya extended beyond the screen to the campaign's Launch Ceremony and its public activities, bringing the concept to life and encouraging the public to discover low-carbon features across the city while gaining insights into the diverse professions behind green buildings.
Hong Kong Green Building Week 2026 Kick-off Ceremony
The Hong Kong Green Building Week 2026 Kick-off Ceremony was held on 18 September in New Town Plaza, Sha Tin, with the venue generously sponsored by Sun Hung Kai Properties. Mr Eddie CHEUNG, Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment) of the Government of the HKSAR, joined Ir Prof. Thomas HO, Chairman of the CIC, and Dr CHEUNG Tin-cheung, Chairman of the HKGBC, to officiate at the ceremony and launch a series of exciting activities.
TV ad stars James and Traya made a special appearance, while a "Captain Green Building in Space" animation was premiered using a live "space-to-earth dialogue" with the audience. The two celebrities then joined the guests in a carbon reduction mission. Together, they pressed the buttons of a "carbon reduction device" to eliminate carbon spheres collected at the venue, symbolising the collective efforts of the Government, business sector and community towards achieving carbon neutrality.
Mr Eddie CHEUNG, Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment) of the Government of the HKSAR; Ir Prof. Thomas HO, Chairman of the CIC; and Dr CHEUNG Tin-cheung, Chairman of the HKGBC, officiates at the kick-off ceremony and activated the “Carbon Reduction Device” to eliminate the carbon spheres collected at the venue, symbolising the collective efforts of the Government, industry and community towards carbon neutrality. They are joined by Council representatives, James and Traya for a group photo.
Representatives from different sectors gather at New Town Plaza to witness the official launch of the 14th edition of Hong Kong Green Building Week.
Representatives from different sectors gather at New Town Plaza to witness the official launch of the 14th edition of Hong Kong Green Building Week.
LOOK GREEN! Putting Low-Carbon Living into Practice at Work
As one of this year's key programmes, a LOOK GREEN! Biz-Green Dress Day was held on 2 September, encouraging office workers to wear light yet professional business attire while integrating environmental awareness and carbon reduction into their daily workplace routines. Captain Green Building and Hanson visited the green offices of Hysan Development and Leigh & Orange on the day to learn more about the two companies' sustainability cultures and environmental initiatives.
To further encourage the business community to embrace green office practices with creativity, a "LOOK GREEN! Biz-Green Outfits X Green Workplace Social Media Challenge" was launched. Outstanding companies and organisations were recognised with the Most Engaged Award, Most Popular Award, Biz-Green Style Award, and the newly-introduced The Greenest Creative Award for their enthusiastic participation and creative efforts in promoting environmental protection and carbon reduction.
LOOK HARBOUR! Discovering Green Building Traces along Victoria Harbour
For the first time, Hong Kong Green Building Week extended its green building tours from land to sea! A LOOK HARBOUR! Green Transport X Building Tour held on 5 September featured two 75-minute eco-friendly electric water taxi journeys, attracting over 280 participants to take a leisurely cruise past Tsim Sha Tsui, West Kowloon Cultural District, Central, Wan Chai and Eastern District. From the water, participants were able to identify various BEAM Plus-certified projects and cultural landmarks along both sides of Victoria Harbour while experiencing a distinctive form of low-carbon transportation.
Led by Green Building Young Leaders (GBYLs) and green building experts, the tours highlighted the design and operational features of selected green buildings along the route. The experts' commentary helped give participants a fresh perspective on the familiar Victoria Harbour skyline, gain a deeper understanding of BEAM Plus, discover green building features embedded in our city, and learn how green buildings contribute to sustainable urban development.
LOOK CLOSER! Exploring Green Building Professions through Interactive Experiences
A LOOK CLOSER! Green Building Fair was held from 18 to 20 September at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin, attracting nearly 6,500 participants over three days. A highlight of the event was four interactive career missions designed around the building whole-life cycle, inviting participants to step into the roles of green architects, green building engineers and facility managers. The use of innovative technologies including AI, Multi-trade integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MiMEP), and the Internet of Things (IoT), let participants learn through play while exploring the diverse career opportunities behind green buildings.
The Fair also featured a Green Building Expert Badge photo booth, Green Workshops and Expert Talks. Through interactive experiences, green handicrafts and experience-sharing by GBYLs and Members of GBYL Alumni, the public gained an easily-accessible introduction to key green building elements including innovative technologies, resource efficiency, environmental friendliness, and healthy and comfortable built environments.
"My Green Space" Student Competition 2026-2027 Registration is Now Open
To raise public awareness of green buildings, the Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC) has been organising the "My Green Space" Student Competition since 2011. The latest edition of the competition is now under way and is once again solely sponsored by the Chinachem Group. Through this collaboration, the Council seeks to inspire and empower the next generation to become pioneers in promoting green building and sustainable development.
Natural ecosystems and biodiversity are essential foundations of human well-being and sustainable development. Amid escalating climate challenges, transforming cities into more sustainable built environments is paramount to balancing human development with nature conservation.
Themed "The Ideal Nature-Positive Built Environment", this edition encourages students to envision a liveable, regenerative, zero-waste and circular built environment through design, planning, engineering, climate-resilient strategies and nature-based solutions, helping drive society towards a carbon-neutral and nature-positive future.
Online registration for the competition is open from now until 31 December 2026 (Thursday). During the competition period, the HKGBC will host a Green Building Tour and Training Workshop, enabling students to explore local green buildings and put their theories into practice. Participants who complete the workshop and designated questionnaires will receive bonus points.
Local primary and secondary school students, as well as tertiary students from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, are cordially invited to join the "My Green Space" Student Competition and harness their creativity to address environmental challenges, benefit society and envision a more nature-positive and sustainable built environment. Seize this opportunity and click HERE to register now!
Natural ecosystems and biodiversity are essential foundations of human well-being and sustainable development. Amid escalating climate challenges, transforming cities into more sustainable built environments is paramount to balancing human development with nature conservation.
Themed "The Ideal Nature-Positive Built Environment", this edition encourages students to envision a liveable, regenerative, zero-waste and circular built environment through design, planning, engineering, climate-resilient strategies and nature-based solutions, helping drive society towards a carbon-neutral and nature-positive future.
Online registration for the competition is open from now until 31 December 2026 (Thursday). During the competition period, the HKGBC will host a Green Building Tour and Training Workshop, enabling students to explore local green buildings and put their theories into practice. Participants who complete the workshop and designated questionnaires will receive bonus points.
Local primary and secondary school students, as well as tertiary students from Hong Kong and the Greater Bay Area, are cordially invited to join the "My Green Space" Student Competition and harness their creativity to address environmental challenges, benefit society and envision a more nature-positive and sustainable built environment. Seize this opportunity and click HERE to register now!
For more details, please visit the Competition website.
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