HONG KONG: In an acknowledgement of the contribution and significance of the role of the Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC) locally and globally, its chairman, Ir Conrad TC Wong, has been named a member of the board of directors of the World Green Building Council (WorldGBC) for a two-year term starting this month.
“Being appointed as one of the board of directors of WorldGBC is a great honour for me and a milestone for the HKGBC in recognition of our collective effort in fostering a sustainable built environment in Hong Kong, and driving the exchange of ideas and technologies internationally,” said Wong, who has more than 25 years of experience in the construction industry as developer, contractor and building material supplier.
“In my new role, I will be focusing on enhancing the connections and communication between GBCs in the Asia-Pacific region to improve energy efficiency, develop green materials and help accelerate the transformation of the building industry globally.”
The HKGBC became a full “Established Member” of the WorldGBC in November 2012. Since then, HKGBC has been boosting its efforts to create a more sustainable Hong Kong through industry events and public campaigns.
In December 2012, HKGBC launched the HK3030 campaign, which puts forth a roadmap to reduce the absolute electricity consumption of buildings in Hong Kong by 30 per cent of the 2005 level by the year 2030.
Earlier this year, HKGBC introduced the Hong Kong Green School Guide and the HK3030 Energy Saving Charter to the education sector, and will be launching the BEAM Plus Interiors and Building Operational Energy Benchmarking Tool and Certification Scheme for office tenants later this year.
Targeting regional and worldwide experts in the industry, HKGBC will also jointly host the Sustainable Building 2013 Hong Kong Regional Conference (SB13 HK) with the Construction Industry Council (CIC) in September 2013. With a theme focusing on “Urban Density & Sustainability”, SB13 HK aims at generating new insights into the balance between urban growth and sustainable development.
Apart from Wong, four other leaders from Colombia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and Singapore have been appointed to the WorldGBC board.
“Our new directors bring with them vast knowledge and expertise in their regions, and reflect the growth and diversity of our global movement,” said WorldGBC chairman Rick Fedrizzi.
“They will help us to amplify our simple message that green buildings offer an unrivalled opportunity to cut emissions and operational costs, boost economies, create jobs, and improve the health, productivity and living conditions of people around the world,” he added.
The WorldGBC was founded in 2002 with eight green building councils. There are now 97 GBCs globally.
