CIC Global Construction Sustainability Forum and Exhibition 2023 spotlights the path to sustainable construction

The Construction Industry Council hosted the inaugural Global Construction Sustainability Forum and Exhibition, bringing together specialists, innovators and decision-makers to promote key strategies and cutting-edge technologies that can help the industry progress on the vital journey towards a greener future.

Facing the escalating threats of climate change, urgent global action is needed to cut down greenhouse gas emissions. As the HKSAR government works towards its ambitious carbon neutrality goal by 2050, the construction sector has a significant role to play in reducing emissions.

Co-organised by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) and the Development Bureau of the HKSAR government, the Global Construction Sustainability Forum and Exhibition (GCSFE 2023) comprised ESG-themed forums held at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, and a public exhibition at the Sky100 from November 20 to 22, attracting over 10,000 physical and online visits.

The GCSFE 2023 was graced by the attendance of over 40 locally and internationally prominent speakers from all over the world, covering HKSAR government officials, industry experts, academics and researchers, and chief executives of major developers and industrial enterprises. The grand opening was officiated by the Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn.

Technical tours to sites that successfully demonstrated sustainability in construction were arranged on 23 November.

At the forum, policymakers and industry leaders held in-depth discussions on eight crucial sustainability topics: high productivity and sustainable construction, construction digitalisation, green finance, carbon neutrality, corporate ESG (environmental, social, and governance), GBA (Greater Bay Area) construction, talent development and safety.

Meanwhile, the exhibition at Sky100 featured 40 exhibitors demonstrating their innovative construction technologies and sustainability solutions. Across seven themed areas, attendees gained insights into the latest advances in construction digitalisation, green construction, GBA construction, smart and safe construction, high productivity construction, talent development, and green finance.

Networking for a sustainable future

“Sustainability is a shared responsibility that concerns all of us,” said Albert Cheng, Executive Director of the CIC. “Through events like the GCSFE 2023, the CIC hopes not only to advance greener practices within the construction sector, but also to engage relevant stakeholders across industries. By promoting collaboration on sustainability, we aim to build a better living environment for all.”

Cheng stated that the CIC is committed to guiding the industry steadily towards more sustainable practices, “With listed companies now mandated to publish ESG reports, raising awareness and promoting sustainable best practices across the entire industry is more crucial than ever.”

Cheng noted that the CIC’s efforts go beyond environmental protection alone. “Digitalization, for instance, can significantly reduce labour costs while improving construction efficiency,” he explained. Education is also a key priority. “A strong education system will help nurture the talented workforce that is needed to drive the industry forward,” he added.

In light of this context, the CIC organised the GCSFE 2023 to serve as an expertise-sharing and information-exchange platform, bringing business opportunities to the local construction sector and facilitating collaborative relationships between industry players internationally.

Design and technology matter

Over the three-day forum, prominent speakers stressed the importance of stakeholders gaining more knowledge about sustainable development. With this foundation, developers and designers will be better equipped to consider sustainability in their initial choices of materials and site planning, Cheng said.

Experts also explored advanced technologies and their potential to boost sustainability. For instance, the CIC’s Carbon Assessment Tool can guide developers to refine proposals. Meanwhile, increased use of prefabricated components can reduce on-site waste, and property managers can utilize digital solutions to more efficiently maintain buildings and cut emissions.

The CIC has also established a Smart Facilities Management Control Centre to advance the digitalization, intelligence and decarbonization of the industry. Located on the ground floor of the Hong Kong Institute of Construction’s Kowloon Bay Campus, the centre aims to effectively monitor the sustainable development, ESG performance and carbon footprint of CIC’s premises to help achieve its goal of carbon neutrality.

Stand high, reach far

According to Cheng, the exhibition at Sky100 aimed to increase exposure to excellent technologies from local organizations. It also provided youth with a new view of construction – an industry that has made leads and bounds in adopting cutting-edge technologies, contrasting previous notions of it being outdated or traditional. The exhibition showcased how construction has modernized through innovative products.

Hosting the exhibition 393 meters high above the ground, the CIC hoped visitors would be inspired to make greater sustainability efforts to protect Hong Kong’s beautiful environment as seen before them. As sustainable development requires responsibility and resources from all, the elevated venue underscored this mission.

Cheng noted many visitors were impressed by technological advances in the industry as shown through innovative products. The Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), for example, concentrated on green technologies by highlighting the latest work of three ventures in the Science Park, helping showcase progress in sustainability.

Among other exhibition highlights is BSF Innovation, which transforms insect and food waste into construction materials. While HK Leadus Innovation develops energy-efficient vacuum glazing, Carnot Innovations offers an advanced artificial intelligence (AI) platform to optimize energy consumption.

Combined efforts yield results

Great strides have been made in promoting sustainability and ESG best practices within Hong Kong’s construction industry, as demonstrated by several notable initiatives. HKSTP launched a “Green in Prop+Con” program earlier, which links tech startups and key stakeholders in the entire building life cycle for broader innovation adoption and sustainable development.

The Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) Recognition Scheme launched by the Hong Kong Construction Association (HKCA) saw 101 construction sites and 53 contractors participate over one year, providing ESG data showing the industry’s remarkable progress in sustainability.

The scheme aims to establish an ESG database, subsidize innovative technology use on sites, and reward practitioners adopting ESG models. These goals have proven beneficial and well-received, establishing the value across the industry.

Furthermore, the ESG Build Fun app has recorded over 200,000 engagements, making HKCA a pioneer and the first in the local construction industry to extensively promote ESG practices.

Leading the transition

Going forward, HKCA will partner with Hong Kong Quality Assurance Agency (HKQAA) to analyze data and benchmark the performance of participating sites. Top sites will receive recognition for exemplary results. The overriding goal is to advance industry progress while synergizing efforts with the community to achieve carbon neutrality.

Two award ceremonies took place at the GCSFE 2023 to honour excellence in sustainable construction and digitalization: the CIC Sustainable Construction Award (SCA) and the Hong Kong Construction Common Data Environment Award.

To date, over 160 organizations have signed the Sustainable Construction Charter and the Construction Digitalisation Charter respectively. Through organizational carbon reduction and digitalization roadmaps, they demonstrate their commitment to supporting the HKSAR government’s goals of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050.

The CIC also signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with The ESG Consortium to foster long-term collaboration in developing ESG initiatives for construction. This will motivate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt safety and environmental practices through strategic collaboration and developing ESG potential.

It is initiatives like these that point the way towards a more sustainable and environmentally-responsible future for the construction industry in and beyond Hong Kong.