Creating a Sustainable and Liveable Hong Kong

There is a saying that every square foot of Hong Kong land is worth an inch of gold. Thus, while every citizen wishes to live and work in peace, social and demographic forces are constantly changing their housing needs in terms of quality and quantity. In view of this, society is facing the challenge of providing affordable housing to the public. The Construction Industry Council (CIC) recently invited Mr. James CHAN, CEO and Executive Director of the Hong Kong Housing Society (HKHS), to speak at a See What I See event and share his organisation’s long-term vision of ‘Creating Homes for Sustainable Living’ as well as their efforts to alleviate Hong Kong’s housing problems.

Improving Lives by Providing Suitable Homes

CHAN noted that 2023 is the 75th anniversary of the HKHS, which was established in 1948, as the first non-governmental housing organisation.

The objective of the HKHS is to provide affordable housing to ordinary citizens. Its first housing project – Sheung Li Uk, located in Shamshuipo – was completed in 1952 and was the first public rental estate in Hong Kong.

CHAN explained that, as an independent NGO, the HKHS also serves as a ‘housing lab’. Based on the principles of sustainability, innovation and liveability, it has worked closely with the government to develop various housing models to address Changing needs for affordable housing, including “Urban Improvement Schemes”, the “Sandwich Class Housing Scheme” and Subsidised Sale Flats Projects.

Responding to Social Change with Intergenerational Inclusion

CHAN offered details on the latest development project: targeting middle-class senior citizens, the scheme which addresses both the tight land supply and Hong Kong’s ageing population with an integrated development model that supports intergenerational living.

For example, the Ming Wah Dai Ha Redevelopment Project will provide 3,900 housing units, including rental flats, subsidised sale flats and over 600 flats for the Senior Citizen Residences Scheme. The development also provides amenities such as fitness corners, children’s play areas and sky gardens to cater to the health and recreation needs of all generations. To be built in three phrases, the project is expected to be completed by 2035.

‘Intergenerational living’ will continue to feature in other upcoming development projects, CHAN said. Another example is the Kai Tak project, which will include the HKHS’s largest shopping centre and will allocate areas on all floors for organising intergenerational activities.

“Many elderly wants to stay at their original home as their place to age. To foster ageing in place for residents with different abilities, the HKHS is incorporating accessible design concepts and barrier-free access provisions in new projects. These allow residents to live in their same home despite their Changing needs, without having to move to another apartment,” said CHAN.

Last year, the HKHS spent HK$100 million to enhance the living environments and upgrade infrastructure for higher energy efficiency at its rental estates. “Housing demand is ever-increasing. To enhance quantity and efficiency of construction projects and the overall quality of life, we have committed to digitalisation of construction and management by applying smart construction solutions such as Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) and Building Information Modelling (BIM),” said CHAN.

“On the one hand, these shorten construction timelines, enhance site safety and reduce the environmental impact of construction. On the other hand, they also strengthen team cooperation, which further enhances the flexibility and efficiency of project management. The Hung Shui Kui Phase 1 project is a good example.”

The CIC has been promoting the application of BIM and MiC to the industry. Both technologies can improve construction efficiency and reduce wastage of materials. MiC can also improve site safety.

CHAN observed that 25 projects are currently being planned and built by the HKHS – the highest number in the organisation’s history. Looking forward, sustainability remains at the forefront of the HKHS’s activities. In view of this, it has established a Sustainability Working Group to systematically coordinate the performance indicators and progress of sustainable development in all departments.

The Group organises its initiatives into three pillars: Sustainable Homes to create an intergenerational and inclusive living environment; Low Carbon Transformation for developing carbon reduction goals and measures to contribute to Hong Kong’s 2050 carbon neutrality target; and future-fit capabilities to integrate innovation and talent management in development and operations. The HKSH has signed an agreement with the Cyberport to set up the first-ever PropTech co-working space at its new office in the Northern Metropolis, encouraging young IT talents to use their creativity to develop PropTech solutions.

Building a Better Future Together

As Ir Thomas HO, Chairman of CIC, said, “Construction is a people-centred industry. Green and liveable environments will bring a better quality of life to Hong Kong people from all walks of life. The construction industry will definitely cooperate with all sectors to promote sustainable strategies such as the adoption of circular economy principles in building and construction. It may achieve this by means of minimising resource usage, reusing waste and resources to extend product and building lifecycles, and most importantly, reduce carbon emissions.”

“In fact, the construction industry must continue to keep abreast of time and work with the government and other sectors to implement innovative proposals. Through concerted effort, we will meet citizens’ Changing housing and development needs, and work together to build Hong Kong into a more liveable, business-friendly smart city.”