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June 20, 2019

International Green Building Symposium Hong Kong
Co-hosted by USGBC and AIA Hong Kong Chapter, the inaugural International Green Building Symposium 2019 Hong Kong was held on June 12.
     Mr Andy To, Managing Director, USGBC North Asia, pointed out that the achievement Hong Kong has attained in green building and sustainable development can be attributed to supportive government policies and initiatives, a market-driven approach, as well as joint commitment among 1000+ LEED professionals and industry leaders who have long been deeply involved in the process. Currently, 61% of office buildings that are less than five years old in Hong Kong has been green building certified. But compared with other metropolitans like Singapore, Shanghai and Beijing at 80% green buildings percentage, the city still has a long way to go on its green building journey. 
     Mr Joseph Chan, Under Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, The Government of HKSAR, addressed the government’s commitment to promoting the city’s sustainable development through green financial instrument. 
     Mrs Elizabeth Kok, Director and Senior Advisor, Swire Properties delivered the opening remarks for the first panel discussion titled “Sustainable Development and Investment – The Future of Real Estate”. The panelists made up of experts from Swire Properties, Colliers International, Hong Kong University and Hong Kong Green Finance Association agreed that a joint call for climate action, the green investments needed for the transition to a greener growth model, the pursuit of better life standards, and disruptive technologies will be key drivers in reshaping the future of Hong Kong’s real estate. 
     Titled “Future Green Building and City 2050”, the second panel discussion featuring guests from American Institute of Architects (AIA) Hong Kong Chapter and New Word Development focused on the vision for Hong Kong’s green and sustainable future. The panelists suggested that a green city means meeting the needs of the present without degrading the environment, enhancing the well-being of the people and communities involved while respecting the local culture. And sustainability should serve as main guiding principle in every decision made throughout the process. 
     The symposium concluded with Mr Andy To presenting awards to projects in Hong Kong that have achieved LEED Gold or Platinum certification since 2018 as well as the city’s first SITES project. Projects achieving the status include Hang Seng 113, 2 IFC, K11 Ateliers Office, Rosewood Hotel and Avenue of Stars etc.