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Advocates that the industry harnesses green finance to address climate and ecological challenges to build a sustainable environment. Future
HONG KONG, December 30, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC) organized the Zero carbon building certificate award ceremony on November 26, handing over 35 certificates, bringing the cumulative total to 100 certificates to date. This is an important step for Hong Kong’s building sector on the path to net zero emissions. At the same event, HKGBC officially launched the third edition of the “HKGBC Climate Change Framework for the Built Environment”which not only updates the original chapters but also presents a new chapter on “Biodiversity and nature-based solutions”further responding to the urgent global need to address climate change and ecological conservation, calling on the industry to leverage green finance to jointly address climate and ecological challenges.
The ceremony was presided over by the guest of honor, Mr. TSE Chin-wan, BBS, JP, Secretary for Environment and Ecology, HKSAR GovernmentAnd Dr CHEUNG Tin-cheung, SBS, President of the HKGBC. The event brought together around 200 industry leaders and experts to witness this important moment. In total, 35 “Zero Carbon Ready Building Certifications” were presented, covering 34 construction projects from government ministries, developers, property management companies and the banking sector. These include Electrical and Mechanical Services Department, Sino Group, Great Eagle Group, Shui On Group, Hong Yip Service Co. Ltd., JLL, China Construction Bank, Citigroup Inc., Hang Seng Bank. Of these, five projects received ‘Target Setting Certificates’ and one project received the first ever ‘Progress Certificate’, demonstrating their commitment to achieving carbon reduction targets ahead of schedule and highlighting the industry’s proactive action in driving a low-carbon transformation.
“Zero Carbon Building Certification Program” launched under the “HKGBC Climate Change Framework for the Built Environment”aimed at helping industry formulate net zero strategies and promote the reduction of carbon emissions in the built environment. Since its launch, the framework has recorded more than 45,000 downloads, covering more than 50 regions around the world, demonstrating Hong Kong’s leading position in green building.
The third edition of the framework was reviewed by the HKGBC through the Editorial Board and five expert groups comprising 46 industry experts. Major revisions include content updates and guidance on embodied carbon, operational carbon, carbon offsetting, climate risk assessment and disclosure, and the presentation of practical case studies on climate adaptation and resilience. The edition also includes a new chapter on “Biodiversity and nature-based solutions”, addressing the close interconnection between nature, biodiversity and climate change, and promoting Hong Kong as a resilient, low-carbon city.
Speaking at the event, Mr. TSE Chin-wan, BBS, JP, Secretary for Environment and Ecology of the HKSAR Governmentwelcomed the launch of the third edition of the HKGBC Climate Change Framework for the Built Environment. He said: “The new edition has incorporated the latest developments to address not only carbon emissions, but also carbon offsetting, biodiversity and nature-based solutions. With local case studies compiled to illustrate effective applications, the updated framework is a valuable reference for the construction sector in achieving net zero. The TSE Secretary also expressed his gratitude to the recipients of the “Zero Carbon Building Certificate” and thanked HKGBC for promoting “greener buildings”, adding that he looked forward to forging a more sustainable future together.
Dr CHEUNG Tin-cheung, SBS, President of the HKGBCAs financial institutions increasingly integrate nature into their investment decisions, companies that effectively manage nature-related risks will have greater access to green finance. The third edition of the Climate Change Framework for the Built Environment provides clear and definitive guidance for the industry, helping businesses balance development and conservation, while seizing green finance opportunities to jointly build a sustainable future for Hong Kong.
Ir Prof. PAN Shu-jie, Chairman of the HKGBC Sustainable Development Committeeremarked in his closing remarks: “The new chapter of the third edition of the framework encourages the construction industry to disclose nature-related impacts in accordance with established standards and assess associated risks, opportunities and dependencies, thereby identifying potential areas for improvement. We sincerely hope that this framework will continue to advance Hong Kong towards a greener and more sustainable built environment.
During the ceremony, Ir Harry LAI, BBS, Executive Director of the HKGBCin collaboration with the organizers of various chapters, including Professor Jack CHENG from the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology; Ir Dr Raymond YAU of Raymond Yau & Co.; Ms. Grace KWOK of Allied Sustainability and Environmental Consultants Group Limited; Ir Dr Bruce CHONG from Arup; And Mr. Alexander (Sandy) Main DUGGIE of URBIS Limitedintroduced the updates of the new edition and future development directions.
Furthermore, There is LAI moderated a panel discussion exploring issues related to climate change in the built environment. Panelists included Mr. Arthur LEE, JP, of the Office of Environment and Ecology; Mr. Ronald YOUNG of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority; Ms. Kitty CHEUNG of Hang Seng Bank; And Ir Joe CHOW from IFMA Hong Kong Chapter. The discussion covered policy aspects including the Hong Kong Climate Action Plan 2050 and the Hong Kong Taxonomy for Sustainable Finance, how Hong Kong’s built environment can respond to climate change and leverage green finance to build a sustainable future, and highlighted the urgent need for a framework to guide the industry towards achieving net zero emissions targets.
For further details on the “Zero Carbon Building Certification Program”, please refer to https://zcrbc.hkgbc.org.hk/
To download the third edition of the “HKGBC Climate Change Framework For Built Environment”, please refer to:
https://general.hkgbc.org.hk/guidebook/ClimateChangeFramework.html
About the Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC)
The Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC) is a member-driven, non-profit organization established in 2009 and became a public body under the Prevention of Corruption Ordinance since 2016. The HKGBC strives to promote the standard and development of green buildings in Hong Kong. The HKGBC also aims to raise public awareness of green buildings by involving government, industry and the public, and develop practical solutions for Hong Kong’s unique, subtropical built environment of high-rise and high-density urban areas, leading Hong Kong to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 and become a global example of green building development. The founding members of the HKGBC include the Construction Industry Council (CIC), the Business Environment Council (BEC), the BEAM Society Limited (BSL) and the Professional Green Building Council (PGBC).
To learn more about HKGBC, please visit www.hkgbc.org.hk.
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SOURCE Hong Kong Green Building Council
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