Developers of Hong Kong’s green building standards launch global certification to promote sustainable construction
- The Beam Plus global certification for existing buildings is targeted at landlords and developers across the world
- Emissions from the use of energy in building-related operations are responsible for about 30 per cent of global carbon emissions: Beam Plus report
Green building organisations in Hong Kong have launched a global certification standard to promote sustainability, as practitioners seek opportunities overseas and look to strengthen the city’s credentials.
The Building Environmental Assessment Method Plus (Beam Plus) for existing buildings, developed by the Hong Kong Green Building Council (HKGBC) and Beam Society, targets a wide swathe of regions, from the Greater Bay Area to Southeast Asia and Europe, to further sustainable development.
“We hope Beam Plus can be used in buildings outside Hong Kong, and at the same time promote the development of green construction in other regions,” said Cheung Tin-cheung, chairman of the non-profit HKGBC. “This will help strengthen the international recognition of Beam Plus.”
As many countries and regions do not have comprehensive green building certification standards, Hong Kong-based service providers can fill the gap and “propel sustainable development globally”, he added.
Emissions from building-related operations are responsible for about 30 per cent of global carbon emissions, according to a report accompanying the release of the Beam Plus certification.
“Encouraging building owners, especially in the private sector, to adopt green building management and upgrade the building services systems can play a significant role in sustainability and achieving carbon neutrality,” the report said.