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The Chinachem Group Sustainability Conference 2024 (the "Conference") hosted by Chinachem Group and co-organised by Business Environment Council and Hong Kong Green Building Council, was held today at Nina Hotel Tsuen Wan West. With the theme "Integrating Sustainability Solutions towards a Resilient Future", the Conference attracted over 5,000 participants, reflecting an increase of more than 60% compared to last year. The Conference was conducted both online and offline and included sign language interpretation, enabling full participation by local and international audiences.

David Lam Chi-man, Under Secretary for Development, and Joseph Chan Ho-lim, Acting Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury attended the Conference and delivered speeches as officiating guests. Other speakers included Wong Chuen-fai, Commissioner for Climate Change, Environment and Ecology Bureau; Simon Ng, Chief Executive Officer of the Business Environment Council; and Cheung Tin-cheung, Chairman of the Hong Kong Green Building Council. Also present were Christine Loh Kung-wai, Chief Development Strategist of the Institute for the Environment and Division of Environment and Sustainability at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Tracy Wong Harris, Executive Vice President of Hong Kong Green Finance Association; and Lam Ching-choi, Chairman of the Council for Carbon Neutrality and Sustainable Development.

The Conference featured a dynamic mix of keynote speeches, group discussions, and interactive Q&A sessions, bringing together 27 expert speakers from different sectors including but not limited to government, business, academia, and research. Centred around the belief that effective sustainable financing provides the critical resources to address climate change and build an equitable and inclusive future, while impact investing ensures that these funds are used for projects that generate positive environmental and social benefits, the Conference focused on three major areas: climate change, sustainable financing, and impact investment. Prominent leaders from various sectors put their minds to some of today’s most critical climate questions in a collaborative effort to develop comprehensive solutions to create a healthier and more resilient tomorrow. Additionally, the Conference aimed to provide constructive recommendations for the interim review of Hong Kong's Climate Action Plan 2050 scheduled to take place next year.

Wong Hung-han, Executive Director and Chief Operating Officer of Chinachem Group, said, "Chinachem Group is committed to promoting sustainable development and creating a more liveable city. This Conference brings together various sectors, uniting them in a collective endeavour to explore innovative sustainable development strategies that tackle the urgent challenges of climate change while driving meaningful impact for long-term social and environmental well-being.

He added, “Chinachem has set a long-term goal to reduce the carbon emission intensity of our operations by 51.8% by 2030 compared to 2020. To achieve this, we are taking a multi-faceted approach, including upgrading the air conditioning system at NINA MALL, which is expected to reduce carbon emissions by 7,000 tonnes annually. Furthermore, we have employed "Modular Integrated Construction" (MiC) technology in the development of private residential projects, with the aim of minimising the environmental footprint and community impact of the construction process. To date, Chinachem has successfully achieved a 33% reduction in carbon emissions this year, putting us on track to meet our carbon reduction target by 2030 and to achieve net-zero by 2050."

Catalysing Systematic Change through Cross-sector Collaborations for a Resilient Future

Simon Ng, Chief Executive Officer of Business Environment Council, said, “BEC is pleased to co-organise the Chinachem Sustainability Conference 2024, which holds particular significance as we confront the pressing challenges of climate change. This year's theme, ‘Integrating Sustainability Solutions towards a Resilient Future’, highlights the urgent need for collaborative actions across sectors. As we witness the escalating impacts of climate change, it is essential that we align our efforts in climate resilience, sustainable financing, and impact investment. By working together, we can create innovative solutions that not only address environmental challenges but also promote social equity and community empowerment. This conference serves as a vital platform for fostering insightful discussions, driving collective actions, and inspiring actionable change in our built environment and beyond.”

Cheung Tin-cheung, Chairman of the Hong Kong Green Building Council, stated, “The conference exemplifies the power of cross-sector collaboration, bringing together diverse voices, including the younger generation. We are committed to expanding the scope of BEAM Plus, our Green Building Assessment Tools, to international levels, and introducing impactful initiatives like the HKGBC Climate Change Framework for Built Environment, highlighting our dedication to sustainability and facilitating green finance. With over 8,500 buildings registered under BEAM Plus and more than 70 Zero-Carbon-Ready Building Certificates issued, we are paving the way for a greener future. As a bridge between the government, industry, and the public, the Hong Kong Green Building Council strives to connect diverse sectors and calls on leaders in the green building industry, utility, construction and green finance to unite and energise the community. Let us continue to work together, inspiring change and integrating solutions towards a resilient future.”

Additionally, the Conference featured 10 exhibitors showcasing sustainable development projects in the exhibition area, including the CCG Hearts membership rewards programme, and Nina Park, Hong Kong's first and only wood fossil park. Several start-up companies also demonstrated innovative solutions to enhance climate resilience in response to global climate change.