The tour started from the ZCB. With detailed explanations from the staff, we were able to identify the serious consequences of climate change – a rise in temperature and extreme weather conditions becoming more common. As an international metropolis, Hong Kong has developed her own building strategies and green technologies to combat environmental problems.  Some of them were introduced in situ to reduce electricity and resources consumption of buildings: Smart-plug systems to monitor household and building electricity use, variable air volume system installed on the floor for cooling, and virtual reality softwares to replace conventional building design procedures. We also had a chance to test out several locally developed technologies.

Our next stop was the EMSD Headquarters building, which showcases various features of a green building. These include, apart from greening of the façade, solar panels, sunpipes and motion sensing lights that replace conventional lighting, double-layered glass windows for heat insulation, district cooling systems which use sea water as a coolant to replace traditional air conditioning, etc. The Headquarters, without a doubt, serve as an example and encouragement to transform Hong Kong into a low-carbon city.

Climate change is a pressing menace that simply cannot be neglected. Hong Kong, however, has yet to embrace environmental-friendly measures, and is thus to blame for contributing hugely to carbon emissions and aggravating global warming. As a response, the government has launched Hong Kong Climate Action Plan 2030+, which states that the ultimate goal is to reduce emission for 65% to 70% relative to 2005 levels by 2030. To achieve the target, the city will need efforts from the authorities to implement green energy policies and better town planning, efforts from various sectors to incorporate green concepts in building designs, most importantly, efforts from the public to keep up a more low-carbon, energy-efficient lifestyle.

To see highlights of the tour, please click: https://flic.kr/s/aHsm29wnti

ZCB is a 3-storey building which comprises of an exhibition areas, an eco-home show flat, an office area and a multi-function hall. There is also a landscape area with first native urban woodland which has around 40 kinds of native trees.

As the first zero carbon building in Hong Kong, ZCB consists of over 80 different eco-building technologies that help reduce in 45% of energy demand compare to other buildings in current standard design. Moreover, photovoltaic panels and biofuel are used in ZCB to provide electricity not only for their own needs but also for the local grid. These features highlight the ZCB a unique site of Hong Kong Green Buildings.

The EMSD Headquarters Buildings is originally the former Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminal 2 building. It was revitalized and adaptive reused in 2005.  The revitalization conception with less demolition and construction waste makes it an ideal example of green buildings.

No matter the ZCB or the EMSC Headquarters Buildings, they both play an important role in building a green Kowloon East. By the end of this “Monthly Green” activity, participants will have a better understanding in how different building design can help with alleviating the global warming. Nevertheless, the wiser use of energy saving design and products are also vital.

Event Details:

Date:05-08-2017 (Sat)

Time:10:00-13:00 (3 hours)

Assembly Time: 09:45

Assembly Point: ZCB, Kowloon Bay

Fee: HK$50

Route: ZCB>EMSD Headquarters Buildings

Enrollment: https://www.eventbrite.hk/e/8-tickets-35927128007

Please contact Ms. Ma at 8100 4877 for any enquiry.