As Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050 begins to pick up steam, there is growing interest among Hong Kong’s industry leaders to strategize for a more climate resilient and Net Zero future. Businesses are undeniably searching for innovative solutions to reduce their carbon footprint. Considering that 71% of Hong Kong’s carbon emissions comes from the built environment, it is critical for us to better manage the whole lifecycle of buildings, with an emphasis on reducing embodied carbon and Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste.
To further engage with industry leaders and innovators, Arcadis joined this year’s ReThink Sustainable Business Forum and Solutions Expo hosted on October 5 and 6, 2022 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. Attended by over 4,700 cross-sector business and sustainability leaders, Arcadis was not only a key event sponsor, but I also presented the company's Sustainable Cities Index on the Change Makers Stage. We had the opportunity to engage with over a hundred visitors and speakers including representatives from leading organizations in the public and private sector.
My presentation on Arcadis Sustainable Cities Index 2022 provided critical research and findings that quantified sustainability performance across 100 selected global cities on three pillars of sustainability: Planet, People, and Profit. Together the three pillars signal overall prosperity and reflect the many intertwined services and outcomes that cities need to consider in pursuing their sustainability goals. At our booth, our knowledgeable directors and consultants showcased Arcadis’ expansive sustainability business advisory services that include but are not limited to Net Zero strategy development, carbon emissions reduction, and C&D waste management. We also presented past and ongoing projects and publications such as Lantau Tomorrow and the Hong Kong Smart Green Building Design Guidebook.
Investing in sustainable strategies and restructuring our businesses now will increase our agility and our community’s quality of living in the long term. As Francis Au, Arcadis Greater China Growth Director, emphasizes, “there is an urgency for policy makers, corporates and individuals in Hong Kong to rethink the path that the city of Hong Kong shall take towards its sustainability goals.”
We are honoured to have been a part of such a momentous event for Hong Kong’s future as we transition to a smarter and more sustainable city. It was empowering to witness the synergy across industries and engage with many professionals and businesses committed to placing sustainability at the forefront. It’s time for action.
