Swire Properties has implemented a number of measures to balance business and environmental protection.
According to Dominic Purvis, general manager for marketing and communications, the company has reduced about 70 million kilowatt-hours of energy between 2001 and 2008 - equivalent to the annual power consumed by more than 15,000 households.
'This is equal to the quantity of carbon dioxide that would be absorbed by more than 2.1 million trees annually,' he says. The energy-saving strategy also saved the firm HK$77 million over the period. According to Swire Properties, it has cut carbon dioxide emissions by 49,000 tonnes.
'We recognise the importance of environmental and community sustainability for our business development in the long term,' Purvis says.
In the initial stages of designing new buildings, the developer ensures that energy will be managed efficiently in the long run. Things as simple as moving down the shade or using glass panels with a layer of reflective coating help reduce the need for air conditioning.
'The key is to start thinking about it early,' says Alanna Miles, sustainable business manager. A key area that Swire Properties looks at is sustainable property management.
For example, a computerised building management system is central to the operation of Taikoo Place in Quarry Bay. This includes the collection of data to improve energy efficiency in the nine buildings.