2022 marks the 30th anniversary of Business Environment Council (BEC). BEC has been at the forefront of promoting environmental excellence by advocating the uptake of clean technologies and practices which reduce waste, conserve resources, prevent pollution and improve corporate environmental and social sustainability.
BEC Building, formally known as Jockey Club Environmental Building (“JCEB”), is a distinctive icon of BEC. The cylindrical building has been standing in the tranquil district since 1996, but little is known about the early days of this precious asset of BEC.
The planning stage of JCEB can be traced back to 1993. It is literally the first building of its kind in Hong Kong where environmental considerations were applied as principal factor in design, construction and operation. On 11 September 1996, JCEB was officially opened by then Chief Secretary of Hong Kong Mrs Anson Chan. In 1997, JCEB won the Certificate of Merit at the prestigious Hong Kong Institute of Architects Annual Awards, being one of the only two awardees that year.
BEC continuously upholds its vision and efforts to enhance its environmental performance. In 2014, BEC Building achieved the Platinum rating of Provisional Assessment under the BEAM Plus Existing Buildings (version 1.2) and became the first commercial building in Hong Kong meeting the highest level of recognition. The building subsequently attained the Platinum rating of Final Assessment in 2017. The roof-top solar panel installation in 2018 and extensive renovation of the Auditorium and Exhibition Hall in 2019 have further lifted BEC Building’s environmental performance. The “Green Lab” showcases how BEC applies and supports environmental solutions in life.
