Hong Kong pioneers sustainable construction

Hong Kong city government plans to lead the way in green construction, by ensuring that new flagship infrastructure projects are built according to strict environmental standards.

Ten ‘mega projects’ are planned for the city state, to upgrade the city’s infrastructure.

Projects include new railway lines, cross-boundary infrastructure, new development areas, and a cultural district.

The projects will be used to showcase techniques for sustainable construction.

Secretary for Development, Carrie Lam, announced the projects in Australia at the World Sustainable Building Conference, after visiting sustainable building projects in the country.

Lam said the projects will enable Hong Kong to adapt to sustainable and environmental construction practices, and will involve partnership between the public and private sector to ensure that the projects are a success.

In the past, Hong Kong has been criticised for its heavy pollution and lack of concern for environmental issues.

Past initiatives – including lights out days and measures to reduce shipping industry emissions – have failed to have a lasting effect on the city’s image.