Call grows for green designers
With carbon footprint minimisation the prevailing trend in Hong Kong's construction sector, demand is set to rise for professionals accredited with international and locally recognised sustainable buildings standards qualifications.
The Hong Kong Government implemented its 'green buildings' policy in April 2011. This features a series of building practice notes covering sustainable building design guidelines, requirements and guidance for the granting of gross floor area (GFA) concessions for green and amenity features, and energy efficiency.
Compliance with the Building Environmental Assessment Method (BEAM Plus) standard is among the prerequisites for new buildings to obtain GFA concessions for certain green features in their developments, says Professor K. S. Wong , vice-chairman of the Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC). 'Hence, it has gradually become a basic requirement for professionals in the city's construction industry to attain the BEAM Pro qualification,' he adds.
BEAM Plus is the locally developed mechanism for comprehensive green building appraisal and certification. Around 1,400 professionals in Hong Kong have acquired the BEAM Pro qualification. Most are architects, electrical and mechanical engineers, and environmental engineers, Wong says.
Other sustainable building standard professional qualifications include the United States' Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design System Authorized Person (LEED AP) and the China Green Building Council's GBL Manager.
Ken Wai, Aedas' managing director in Greater China, says demand in Hong Kong is on an upward trend for professionals who have attained these green building standard qualifications. 'These standards have become an integral part of Aedas' green DNA, starting from the architectural design conceptualisation for any projects. They are ingrained into our approach to our daily operation and design,' Wai notes.
'As the world's largest architectural firm, Aedas aims to get the best talent, including those with green building design qualifications,' he adds.
Thirty architects at the Aedas Hong Kong office have earned the LEEP AP qualification, while 18 are BEAM Pro-certified and 25 have become GBL Managers, Wai says.
Green building design credentials are also increasingly vital for professionals aiming for a career in the construction sector on the mainland. 'China is a major market for Aedas. We support the China Green Building Label and need to involve more certified green-minded professionals in our projects in the country,' Wai says.
Wong, who is also the director of sustainable design at architectural firm Ronald Lu & Partners, says the company gives preference to job candidates who have acquired green building standard qualifications.
Kim Cheung, a consultant at construction-focused recruitment agency Redpath Partners, agrees.
'In general, there is increased demand for talents with these [green building standards] qualifications. Local companies are seeking qualified architects and project managers with 10-plus years of experience,' Cheung says. 'Requirements for LEED AP or BEAM Pro qualifications are complementary.'
In terms of working experience for seasoned architects and electrical and mechanical engineers, Cheung says experience in overseas projects counts for those with the LEED AP qualification. 'But project managers need solid working experience in local developments.'
Salary levels for professionals with green-building qualifications are likely to be stable, he adds.
