Innovative Mindsets to Steer Changes

The construction industry not only builds the cities, but is also responsible for creating a sense of livability and happiness for the public. Speaking at the "Hong Kong Housing Society International Conference 2023" in mid-April, Ir Thomas Ho, Chairman of the Construction Industry Council, suggests that in addition to using "Modern Construction Methods" to improve efficiency, practitioners should also change their mindsets by putting the needs of the total asset lifescycles into considerations during the design stage, and to enhance site safety by adhering to the "Four Commitments" in order to achieve a sustainable development as well as a sustainable workforce.

Echoing the theme of "A Vision for the Future: Liveable Communities for Sustainable Living of Multi-Generations”, Ir Ho believes that there’s an urge for the industry to change its existing mindset in order to cater the needs of the public. “We cannot expect new results from old methods, so if the industry wants to meet the needs of the public, we must adopt different construction methods and embrace a different mindset."

MiC to Lessen On-site Manual Works

The essence for housing development is on " Enhancing Speed, Quantity, and Efficiency." Hong Kong on one hand will embark on numerous large-scale construction projects. However, the construction industry on the other hand is also facing labour challenges, the industry has to upgrade in order to keep up with times. The CIC has released the report on “Improving Time, Cost, and Quality Performance of the Hong Kong Construction Industry”, Ir Ho cites the report in stating that if the industry fully utilises Building Information Modeling (BIM), Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), and Multi-trade Integrated MEP(MiMEP), it could save tens of thousands of workers. He further cites the example of the Student Residence at Wong Chuk Hang Site for the University of Hong Kong, which used MiC to significantly reduce on-site construction processes. "The project only needed six workers to complete the building in four to five months. Otherwise, it would have required at least 50 workers to work on formworks, rebar, and concreting on-site. The figures speak for themselves, and this is the path we must take." Currently, there are about 100 projects in Hong Kong that have adopted MiC. Ir Ho believes that though Hong Kong is slightly behind the world in MiC development, we shall soon catch up with the trend once it is matured.

Design for Total Life Asset Lifecycle

Innovation without an innovative mindset is just a rehash. Ir Ho suggests that the industry needs to break away from the current practice of fragmented works, and to fully consider the needs of different parties of the total asset lifecycle. "I have visited many construction sites, such as The Henderson, Jat Min Chuen’s Elderly Home, and the How Ming Street Redevelopment project. The needs of property management, safety, productivity, and sustainability are all taken into account from the design stage.” The Tonkin Street Redevelopment Project was also mentioned for its consideration of worker safety by placing the air conditioning platform on the terrace, reducing the need for scaffolding during maintenance. He also cited "The Henderson" as an example, commending the project for employing IoT and other technologies to assist in management. With a tablet in hand, one can fully understand the building's electricity usage, facility operations, embodied carbon, etc. to improve management quality and efficiency.

Four Commitments to Improve Safety

Talent is the foundation of the construction industry, but the challenge of labour shortages has overshadowed the development of the industry. Ir Ho hopes that the industry can adhere to the ‘Four Commitments’: Design for Safety (DfS), defining stakeholder roles and responsibilities, formulating temporary construction management plans, and applying Smart Site Safety System (SSSS) to improve construction safety. Starting in April, the "Construction Innovation and Technology Fund"(CITF) has increased its funding for SSSS applications. With successful cases on hand, Ir Ho believes that SSSS is proven to improve safety, alongside with the support of the policies and financial incentives, he urges the industry to seize the opportunity to improve safety performance, attract new talent, and achieve a ‘sustainable workforce’. "I hope everyone can change their mindsets. As the leaders of the industry, you can definitely save lives if actions are taken!"