Follow Hong Kong Immigration and Hong Kong Finance: Since the 1990s, the pursuit of "environmental protection" and "sustainable development" has been a global trend, and "green building" has gradually become a new development direction in the global construction market. "Green building" refers to enhancing the efficiency of resources used in buildings throughout their lifecycle (including material production, architectural planning and design, construction, management during use, and demolition), while reducing the environmental impact of buildings and creating healthy and comfortable living spaces. It is understood that although the initial cost of constructing green buildings is 4% to 8% higher than that of non-green buildings, the buildings can save at least 20% of costs over their entire lifecycle.
The main assessments currently used for "green buildings" include BREEAM from the United Kingdom, BEAM Plus from Hong Kong, HQE from France, LEED from the United States, Green Star and NABERS from Australia, and CASBEE from Japan.
Higher Energy Efficiency Certification BEAM Plus
The development of "green buildings" in Hong Kong began in the 1990s. The initial research funding for the assessment method was provided by the Hong Kong Real Estate Developers Association, and the research process was supervised by a steering committee that included representatives from the government and private developers; the first version of the assessment method, HK-BEAM, was launched in 1996, initially applicable only to office buildings, and by 1999 it had been extended to residential buildings, becoming the world's first green building assessment tool specifically designed for high-rise residential buildings. By 2003, it had expanded to all types of buildings, and the assessment content shifted from an initial focus on environmental protection to include security, accessibility, and more.
Electricity consumption in buildings in Hong Kong accounts for about 90% of the total electricity consumption in the region, and power generation accounts for over 60% of Hong Kong's overall greenhouse gas emissions. Therefore, the Hong Kong government has actively promoted "green buildings" in recent years, mandating that new government buildings with a floor area exceeding 10,000 square meters must achieve certification from HK-BEAM. In 2011, the Hong Kong government introduced new measures, allowing commercial buildings that meet the higher energy efficiency specifications set by the Hong Kong Green Building Council, BEAM Plus, to receive a government exemption for an additional 10% in floor area.
After years of development, BEAM Plus has matured in both its assessment system and coverage. From 1996 to the present, BEAM and BEAM Plus have certified over 150 million square feet of "green buildings" in Hong Kong. As of the first half of 2014, over 350 properties in Hong Kong had received BEAM or BEAM Plus certification, including commercial buildings, residential properties, and public facilities such as the Bank of China Tower, Standard Chartered Bank Headquarters, Central Plaza, International Finance Centre, One WorldWay Centre, Tsuen Wan Plaza, Peak Galleria, and Kai Tak Cruise Terminal.
Incorporating Certification into Bidding to Promote Quality Development
Swire Properties recently purchased commercial land at the intersection of Hong Kong East Kowloon Wong Chuk Hang Road and Lam Lee Street, marking the first time that a land sale included conditions of sale, which is unprecedented. The government has imposed contractual restrictions on the land, prohibiting the subdivision of the site for sale; developers can only sell the completed building as a whole. Additionally, developers must obtain a provisional gold rating from the Hong Kong Green Building Council's BEAM environmental assessment program.
This is the first time the government has included "green building" rating requirements in bidding terms. It is believed that the reason is the government's goal to enhance the image and sustainable development of Kowloon East CBD 2. These terms will help introduce more energy-efficient and high-quality office developments to Kowloon East. By forming a cluster of quality office buildings, the overall image of CBD 2 can be enhanced, thereby attracting more multinational companies to establish their bases in the area. This also marks a new beginning for green building policies in Hong Kong and reflects developers' recognition and support for "green buildings."
