Strengthening the Repair and Reuse Economy with Businesses

Benjamin Steuer is an assistant professor at the Division of Environment and Sustainability at the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. He obtained his PhD at the University of Vienna with a thesis on China’s Circular Economy. Since his research assistance at the Institute of Waste Management (BOKU University, Vienna), he spent over 10 years conducting project based research on recycling (household waste, end of life ships, waste electrical and electronic equipment) and Circular Economy business models in mainland China and Hong Kong. Next to his academic employment, Benjamin is working as consultant for Hong Kong organisations and for the German GIZ. His interdisciplinary (waste management, institutional economics, circular economy business management) and mixed methods (qualitative and quantitative survey methods) works are published by Resources, Conservation and Recycling, Waste Management, Journal of Environmental Management, Waste Management & Research: The Journal for a Sustainable Circular Economy, Journal of Chinese Governance among others. His research outputs can be accessed here: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Benjamin-Steuer

An Chieh Chiang is the Managing Director of LOJEL, overseeing company operations as the third generation of his family-owned business since 2014. As CEO and Managing Director of LOJEL, Chiang has positioned the brand to place sustainability and innovation at the forefront of design. By implementing a “design for repair” methodology in crafting products and enforcing a 3 pillar system for sustainability Chiang repositioned the company culture to emphasize environmental, social, and governance programs.

During 2023, Chiang implemented significant environmental impact measures at LOJEL, diverting 85,000kg of waste from landfills, reducing their reliance on air freights by 95%, and offsetting their emissions by 37%. The company also provides its team with access to educational modules. This ensures that every member of the LOJEL team is familiar with sustainability topics such as Climate Change, Waste Management, and Circularity and how these impact LOJEL’s brand and culture.

Kayley graduated from the University of Hong Kong with a Master of Social Sciences in the field of Sustainability Leadership and Governance and from the Chinese University of Hong Kong with a Bachelor of Science degree in Natural Sciences (majoring in Environmental Studies), she is a Certified Environmental, Social and Governance Analyst (CESGA) and the Certified ESG Planner (CEP). She is the founder of Sustainable Lab HK, promoting sustainable style via consultation, environmental exhibitions, talks and workshops, and raising environmental awareness among the public. She is the Project Manager of the “Art and Nature” Dialogue Exhibition Series to promote sustainability concept and environmental pollution problems, previous themes include wood repairing, marine microplastics and deforestation, etc. She advocates promoting repair concepts and circular economy among corporates, NGOs, schools and public. She has been involved in various public lectures, environmental exhibitions, environmental education programs, event management, corporate fundraising, student training, public relations, and marketing management. She is also committed to youth leadership training and charity programs.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

1. Develop and implement circular economy projects with local businesses and communities, focusing on reducing waste and promoting recycling and upcycling practices.
2. Launch a Youth Sustainability Leadership Program, mentoring 50 young leaders through hands-on projects and workshops, preparing them to be future advocates for environmental stewardship.

Edward is an award-winning design and project professional in integrated planning, urban, architectural and interior design, with over 25 years of experience in realizing various development projects covering commercial, retail and hospitality industry in Hong Kong, Mainland China and Southeast Asia.   Edward was part of the regional senior management at AECOM ASIA.   He was Vice President in the company, as part of the leadership in the development of Design + Planning business in Greater China.

Edward joined Hang Lung Properties in 2022 and as the Deputy General Manager of the Asset Assurance and Improvement department, Edward’s focus lies in enriching the company’s physical assets through robust project and design management, balancing new technologies, sustainable measures and the corporate core value. His current responsibilities include the rejuvenation of the company’s Hong Kong Headquarters, new mall extensions for Plaza 66 in Shanghai, and the renovation of Parc 66 in Jinan.

My Sustainability Goals for 2024:

Further development on using sustainable and circularity measures in the building industry, including low-carbon steel and reclaimed timber.