Buildings & Facilities Theatre

Driving Circularity in Hong Kong’s Construction Industry

11 Sep (Thur) Day 1 : 15:00 – 15:50

As Hong Kong races toward its carbon neutrality goals, the construction industry stands at a pivotal crossroads. With over 15 million tonnes of construction waste generated annually in 2023, the sector is not only a significant contributor to the city’s environmental challenges but also a powerful driver for change. This panel explores a game-changing approach – the integration of circular economy principles within construction – to re-define sustainability across the entire industry.

Imagine a future where every building is designed to be disassembled, where materials are reused instead of discarded, and where digital platforms track waste flow in real time to close the loop. This session will bring these bold ideas to life!

Through lively debate, real-world case studies, and visionary thinking, the panel will showcase how Hong Kong’s construction industry can transform from a resource-intensive sector into a global leader in circular innovation. Attendees will leave inspired by the possibilities and empowered with actionable strategies to help shape the city’s sustainable future.

Learnings

  • Think Circular: Understand how circularity shifts the narrative from waste generation to resource regeneration across the construction lifecycle.
  • Uncover the Blueprint for Circular Construction: Witness how cutting-edge innovations – modular design, smart materials, and digital waste tracking – can re-volutionise Hong Kong’s construction landscape.
  • Building a Collaborative Ecosystem: Discover the importance of collaboration between government bodies, private enterprises, and industry associations in advancing circularity.
  • Innovative Practices & Solutions: Explore cutting-edge technologies, policies, and initiatives that are paving the way for circular construction in Hong Kong.

 

Post-event Actions

  • Design for the Future: Apply circular thinking to new projects, prioritising modularity, durability, and material reuse.
  • Collaborate for Change: Build partnerships across the public and private sectors to co-create solutions for waste management and resource recovery.
  • Embrace Technology: Explore digital tools that streamline waste tracking, optimise resource use, and close material loops.
  • Lead by Example: Take actionable steps to align your projects with Hong Kong’s ambitious sustainability goals, setting a benchmark for the industry.

Speakers

Ar Tony Ip

CIC Zero Carbon Park

Chairperson of Materials Aspects / Director

Tony Ip is a community-centric, sustainable design architect and urban designer. He has 20 years of interior design, architectural, urban design and engineering experience. His passion and contributions to green architecture have been highly recognized by receiving Australia China Alumni Award for Arts and Creative Industries 2018, Ten Outstanding Young Persons Award 2016, EcoStar Award 2014 and HKIA Young Architect Award 2010.

My Sustainability Goals for 2022:

Green architecture is not optional but essential.

Ir Prof. Chi Sun Poon

Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

Director

Ir Prof. Chi Sun Poon is currently the Director of Research Centre for Resources Engineering towards Carbon Neutrality (RCRE), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU). He is also one of the Directors of PolyU-NAMI 3D Concrete Robotic Printing Research Centre (RCC3D), the Director of Research Centre for Design for Safety (RCDfS), and Distinguished Research Professor of Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, PolyU. He has been awarded the title of Changjiang Chair Professor by the Ministry of Education in 2017. Ir Prof. Poon specializes in the research and development of environmental-friendly construction materials, waste management, waste recycling technologies, concrete technologies and sustainable construction. He has been listed among the World’s Top 2% Scientists released by Stanford University and ranked the 4th globally in the field of Building and Construction. Ir Prof. Poon is an Editor of Construction and Building Materials since 2014. He is also an Editorial Board Member of Cement and Concrete Composites since 2017. He has published over 800 papers in international journals and conferences (including 650 international journal papers, 160 referred conference papers, and 7 book chapters). He has obtained more than 20 patents related to concrete and waste recycling technologies. He was awarded the State Technological Innovation Award 2017 (2nd Class).

My Sustainability Goals for 2025 

• Adopt the use of low carbon material
• Spend more real effort on addressing climate change
• Develop more climate friendly technology

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