Partially listed below is coverage of key projects and award programmes undertaken by BEC as well as core initiatives including: BEAM Society, Climate Change Business Forum, Harbour Business Forum and Hong Kong Green Building Council.


Give us independent harbor panel: Lobby
China Daily (HK Edition), H1 (1 December 2009)

The Harbour Business Forum (HBF) held a press conference in releasing its latest report said that an independent government-led committee, chaired by a private sector individual should be set up to approve and oversee the orderly development of Victoria Harbour. HBF is a BEC initiative.


Lack of harbour front planning affects the competitiveness of Hong Kong
Oriental Daily, A16 & Tai Kung Pao, A6 (1 December 2009)

The report issued by HBF pointed out that the lack of harbour front planning affect the competitiveness of Hong Kong as well as the chance for the general public to access to our cultural heritage. The study suggests setting up an independent body to focus on harbour front planning, development and management.


“Cut land premiums to revitalise harbour”
SCMP, A3 (1 December 2009)

The nine-month study report by HBF also put forward the idea of lowering land premiums for private waterfront sites to encourage activities that were less profitable but more interesting to the public. ”It is like what has been proposed by the government to revitalize industrial buildings,” said Margaret Brooke, chairwoman of the forum’s best practice committee. The business sector will meet Secretary for Development Carrie Lam next week to discuss the Bureau’s public-private partnership proposal.


HBF advocates the set up of an agency to manage our waterfront
Ming Pao Daily News, A2 (1 December 2009)

New body can save our “ailing” harbor
The Standard, P6 (1 December 2009)

HBF urges setting up a plan to manage our Victoria Harbour
Sing Tao, A22 (1 December 2009)

The HBF, formed by 121 companies or organizations with patron sponsors such as HSBC, Swire and Jardines etc. quoted the criticisms from their consultant report saying the current regulation in Hong Kong is inefficient since the public can only access 15% of our harbour front. It suggests setting up of a powerful body to manage harbour-related projects in four years.


New agency set to create a green built environment
China Daily (HK Edition), P4 (21 November 2009)

Financial Secretary John Tsang and Secretary for Development Carrie Lam participated as keynote speakers in the official launching ceremony of The Hong Kong Green Building Council ("HKGBC"). The Council will take lead in developing new industry standards, promoting best practices, conducting training and carrying out further research into green buildings.


Excluding green balcony from GFA concession can be taken into consideration
Sing Tao Daily News, A1 (21 November 2009)

Carrie Lam: Government will not avoid controlling the exploitation of bonus GFA
Sing Tao Daily News, A2 (21 November 2009)

Law mooted on initiative for green buildings
South China Morning Post, A2 (21 November 2009)

The Government is considering making installation of eco-friendly devices in new buildings mandatory
Ming Pao, P2 (21 November 2009)

John Tsang and Carrie Lam expressed that the government is concerned about the inflation of building size and emphasized that the option of using an aggressive approach in alleviating the situation will be considered. The practice whereby developers are awarded bonus GFA as incentive to add green features in new buildings may be put to an end. Lam said, “Even if they are given incentives, the facilities they provide must be of high quality.” Both said the public’s interest will be taken into serious account. Meanwhile, there are reports saying that the government may exclude green balcony from GFA bonus.


The real estate industry’s prediction on the development of property price
Hong Kong Economic Journal, P2 (21 November 2009)

Senior Executive from Savills (HK) shares his views towards the future development in property price in his speech during the launching ceremony of HKGBC. He thinks that the property value will continue to increase while perceive a decrease in land value if the installation of eco-friendly features becomes mandatory.


Hong Kong Green Building Council (“HKGBC”) will be founded this Friday
Ming Pao, A12 (16 November 2009)

New body to revamp green ratings for buildings
South China Morning Post, EDT3 (16 November 2009)

HKGBC promotes green building development
Sing Tao Daily News, A10 (16 November 2009)

HKGBC will be founded this Friday
Tai Kung Pao, A8 (16 November 2009)

Above are selected articles reported the setting up of HKGBC before the launching ceremony cum conference. Green building development in Hong Kong will turn into a new page after 20 November (Friday) with the launch of the Council. The four founding members of HKGBC include Construction Industry Council, Business Environment Council, BEAM Society and Professional Green Building Council.


New green certificate adds value to commercial buildings
Local green building accreditation will help create job opportunities in the next 10 years
Hong Kong Economic Times, A16 (16 November 2009)

The advantages of setting up a HKGBC were explained in this full-page story. Andrew Chan, the Chairman of the HKGBC said green buildings are good for the environment, and will enhance Hong Kong’s competitiveness and bring in more commercial opportunities. Buildings with high energy efficiency will also help increase rental income as well.
The HK BEAM Plus, to be introduced by HKGBC will be made unique for Hong Kong by catering for the sub-tropical climate conditions. The Council will provide training for the industry and more job opportunities are expected to be created in the coming 5‐10 years.


Reaching the legal limit of building energy efficiency will not add credits to BEAM Plus
Ming Pao, A12 (16 November 2009)

Mr Yau Man‐hung, Chairman of the Energy Committee of BEAM Society said after the Building (Energy Efficiency) Regulation is passed, the energy efficiency level of new buildings is expected to be increased by 20‐30%. However, only buildings achieving higher efficiency than the legal standard will be awarded extra credits under BEAM Plus, so as to encourage green buildings development.


Cliveden gain most space by inflating their GFA
Apple Daily, A8 (31 October 2009)

Cliveden disclosed information that shows its abuse on GFA bonus after the Public Consultation period on Built Environment. Concerned parties question the monitoring strength of the government and put the blame on the Development Bureau for weakening their “right to know” about the issue. BEC is the director of the public consultation project.


Government revealed 10 biggest abusers of GFA concession
Hong Kong Economic Times, A4 (31 October 2009)

Certain buildings have exploited the GFA concession and increase project size up to 112%
Tai Kung Pao, A2 (31 October 2009)

61 Developments used sustainability bonus floor area to inflate project sizes
South China Morning Post, A2 (31 October 2009)

Developers have been inflating the gross floor area of projects by as much as 112% in recent years and the public is growing unsatisfied about the practice of developers in exploiting bonus GFA. The government named 61 high-rise projects with substantial increased size than what were originally approved. The Council for Sustainable Development (“CSD”) released the initial findings from the Public Consultation on Sustainable Built Environment that showed support for a limit over GFA concession. BEC is the director of the project.


Bernard Chan: The public supports a GFA cap over private estates
Sing Tao, A1 (31 October 2009)

The public opinion leans toward setting a cap over GFA concession
The Sun, A14 (31 October 2009)

Council for Sustainable Development discuss on GFA concession, majority supports a cap
Hong Kong Daily News, A5 (31 October 2009)

The four regional forums on Sustainable Built Environment were completed and 240 written reply have been received. Bernard Chan, Chairman of CSD says the initial findings from the Public Consultant shows the public support for a cap over GFA bonus with mixed views over whether or not carpark should be excluded from the concession. The government recognizes the public’s concern over the height and bulkiness of buildings and thinks that the opinions collected from the consultant period will act as a foundation for further debates on strategies or policies to cope with the situation. BEC is the director of project.


There is pressure over restricting the current GFA concession
Hong Kong Economic Journal, P6 (31 October 2009)

The inflated project size resulted from abuse use of GFA bonus has became a public concern and people are asking for a cap over GFA concession. Bernard Chan, the Chairman of CSD says that he also learned about the developers are worrying that carpark will be the first facility being axed. He adds that the view surrounding the carpark is less united than the request for a GFA restriction.


Development Bureau discovers that 63% of the 97 buildings under investigation exceed the allowed GFA concession
Wen Wei Po, A14 (31 October 2009)

Buildings become taller and bulkier because carpark and other green facilities are granted for bonus GFA. Out of 97 buildings being investigated by the Development Bureau, 63% of them noted an inflated GFA ranging from 12% to 112% over their approved size.


Bernard Chan: Striking Balance between Development and Saving Cultural Heritage
Tai Kung Pao, A12 (30 October 2009)

In an interview regarding the Public Consultation on Sustainable Built Environment, Bernard Chan says that despite not included in the historical building list, the demolition plan of the Government Headquarter West Wing may be questioned if the Antiquities Advisory Board recommended it to be kept after deliberation.


Local Firms Join Climate Initiative
The Standard (24 September 2009)

18 Hong Kong Companies Jointly Signed the Communiqué to Support Carbon Reduction
Hong Kong Economic Journal (24 September 2009)

8 Large Hong Kong Corporations Signed the Communiqué to Appeal for Carbon Reduction
Headline Daily, P30 (24 September 2009)

Hong Kong Enterprises Support UN Carbon Reduction Initiative
Apple Daily (24 September 2009)

Copenhagen Communiqué on Climate Change - Hong Kong Signatories Press Conference
Interfax (Internet)

Copenhagen Communiqué on Climate Change - Hong Kong Signatories Press Conference
ifeng (Internet)

Copenhagen Communiqué on Climate Change - Hong Kong Signatories Press Conference
SynTao (Internet)

Above were news reports on the press conference held by the Climate Change Business Forum (an initiative of BEC) attended by Hong Kong companies who have joint the other 500 organizations worldwide by signing the Copenhagen Communiqué – a document that calls for policies to fight climate change.

The communiqué was started by the University of Cambridge Programme for Sustainability Leadership. A copy of the Copenhagen Communiqué was handed to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and distributed to more than 100 Heads of State and Governments. It calls upon leaders at the UN Climate Change Conference to set emission reduction target and create useful framework for developing countries to take on.

The 18 companies include: ARUP, The Bank of East Asia, Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd, CLP Holdings Ltd, CSR Asia, Eden Ventures, Energy Resources Management, ERM, Hang Lung Properties Ltd, Hang Seng Bank, HSBC, KPMG, Melco International Development Ltd, Pacific Risk Advisors Ltd, Savita, Sustain Asia Ltd, Standard Chartered and Swire Pacific Limited.


Green review needs handling with care
The Standard, P13 (31 August 2009)
Sing Tao Daily, E6 (31 August 2009)

Mr Siu Sai-wo, chief editor of Sing Tao Daily shares some of the practical ideas collected from architects during the public consultation on sustainable built environment. First, reduce the plot ratio of developments (the permissible total floor area) to lower building density. The decreased land premium revenue can be compensated by the added value of a better environment. Second, make regulatory changes take place, so that they will be applicable to the land reserve now in the hands on developers as well, which will maximize the effect of the policy.


Hong Kong lags behind on green building
Hong Kong Economic Journal, A16 (28 August 2009)

Hong Kongers mainly focused on the investment return while purchasing a building instead of caring about its environmental planning and design. “The phenomenon is ‘unhealthy’,” says Bernard Lim, a professor in the Department of Architecture from CUHK. He also encourages the public to provide feedback and opinions towards the public consultation document on sustainable built environment to help promote Energy Efficiency Label for building. BEC is the director of the consultation project.


Complaints on inaccurate property sales brochure
Hong Kong Daily News, A6 (18 August 2009)

One of the focuses of public consultation on sustainable built environment is on the debate of GFA concession, in which, The Hong Kong Consumer Council has received 8 related complaints during the past 1.5 years. Complainants think the information disclosed in the sales brochure is incomplete.


Hong Kong: Capital of creative construction
Hong Kong Economic Journal, P9 (6 August 2009)

30s Group worries about the different standards adopted by real estate developers in calculating floor area. They fears that the public consultation on sustainable built environment might not get into the core of bonus GFA – calculation of price per sq feet, which will continue the problem of citizens paying more than the floor area they get. BEC is the director of the project.


e-brand Award Presentation Ceremony
Hong Kong Economic Times, A13 (20 July 2009)

Justin Li, BEC's Head of Environmental Management was invited to the e-brand award presentation ceremony organized by e-zone and co-organised by Hong Kong Economic Times as a guest speaker and award presenter for the PC and Digi sector award.


Bernard Chan wants to improve the current building environment
Hong Kong Economic Journal, P.10 (13 July 2009)

Bernard Chan said that one of the key issues to be discussed during the public engagement session will be whether to limit the extra spaces allowed by the GFA concession or to cancel the concession. He understands that problems cannot be all solved by the engagement sessions, but looks forward to alleviating the bulkiness and wall-effect of buildings in Hong Kong. BEC is the director of this public engagement on green building design to foster a quality and sustainable built environment.


Debates on Clear Instruction on Building Design
Sing Tao Daily, A10 (11 July 2009)

Many said that the Council for Sustainable Development should give clear instruction on how sustainable building design can be achieved in the first regional engagement forum in Sheung Wan. Some see law enforcement as necessary. However, architects are concerned that their creativity may be restricted. The chairman of the council, Bernard Chan noted that the process in stimulating thoughts towards a sustainable Hong Kong through the engagement process is very important. BEC is the director of the public engagement project.


Building sector will share their views to foster a quality and sustainable built environment
Sing Tao Daily, C2 (8 July 2009)

Nine professional bodies including: Real Estate Development Association, Hong Kong Institute of Architects and Hong Kong Institute of Surveyor etc. will be expressing their opinion during the public engagement exercise focusing on walled buildings and GFA concession. BEC is the director of the public engagement project.


The Conglomerate, Climate Change Business Forum
Hong Kong Tatler, P.148 (June Issue, 2009)

The Climate Change Business Forum, an alliance with businesses in achieving carbon emission reduction released the Hong Kong Business Guide to Emission Reduction and invited representatives from like-minded leaders such as HSBC, Cathay Pacific and CLP Holdings to share initiatives and case studies. Government representatives such as Secretary for the Environment Edward Yau and patron chairman CY Leung also shared their vision in the launching ceremony.

Sustainable building design unattractive to property investors
Apple Daily, B14 (25 June 2009)

In Hong Kong, there are two types of buyers for buildings: investors and users. Undoubtedly, green features in future buildings will be attractive to users but it is perceivable that the investors may turn away if the property price increases due to GFA concession restrictions and green features. BEC is the director of the public engagement project.


Surveyor says GFA restriction not favours land auction
Hong Kong Economic Times, D1 (23 June 2009)

Some surveyors say that the increased building cost following after a GFA restriction may affect the bid of developers make in land auction and in turn, reduce the government income. BEC is the director of the public engagement project.


3 directions to discuss GFA concession
Wen Wei Po, A3 (21 June 2009)

The discussion areas of the public engagement sessions organized by the Council for Sustainable Development will include: sustainable building design, building energy efficiency and GFA concession.


Restriction on GFA concession may push up flats prices
Sing Tao Daily, A1 (21 June 2009)

The GFA concession consultation leads to the concern that the flat buyers’ burden will be increased if the existing concession was restricted or taken away.


Architect group suggests control building height with land ratio
Oriental Daily, A31 (19 June 2009)

Hong Kong Institute of Architects thinks that the Buildings Department’s plan to restrict GFA concession to control building height following the debates on Grand Promenade is questionable. They see controlling building height with land ratio as a better way out.


Advocacy on keeping green features in GFA concession
Hong Kong Economic Times, A34 (19 June 2009)

Hong Kong Institute of Architects thinks that certain GFA concession should be retained to encourage developers to build green features such as rooftop garden, green platform and other environmental protecting facilities. Yet, they agree that recreational facilities should not be part of concession.


Architects favour green incentives
SCMP, C4 (19 June 2009)

The practice of granting developers GFA concession as an incentive for installing green facilities in building should be retained, architects say, but a limit should be imposed on how many extra spaces are allowed.


GFA concession issue is a big head for government
Apple Daily, A19 (15 June 2009)

The public engagement consultation focusing on walled buildings and GFA concession organized by the Council for Sustainable Development will lead to heated debates between real estate developers, environmentalists, LEGCO members and the public.


Increasing flat buyers burden is a fault claim about GFA concession consultation
Ming Pao, A10 (15 June 2009)

The public engagement invitation response paper stated the possibility of an increased burden on flat buyers’ if the existing concession was restricted or taken away. Such claim is questionable, according to building environmental experts because, in average, the environmental protection facilities take up less 10% of the building cost now.


Victor Li approves the content of the consultation paper
Hong Kong Economic Journal, A9 (11 June 2009)

The developers once worried that the consultation paper might omit the trade-offs involved in green building and provoke the demand for green building in the public opinion. Bernard Chan, the head of the Council for Sustainable Development reassured that the paper was reviewed by real estate developers such as Victor Li from Cheung Kong (Holdings) Limited before being published.


High cost of green designs no scare tactic
SCMP, C4 (11 June 2009)

Bernard Chan, the head of the Council for Sustainable Development said that the public consultation document with details in the trade-offs of providing more green building should not be regarded as a scare tactic in the press briefing on June 10.


Consultation on walled buildings and GFA concession
Sing Tao Daily, A12 & Apple Daily, A9 (11 June 2009)

The Council for Sustainable Development will launch a 4-month long public engagement period focusing on walled buildings and GFA concession.


REDA concerns government review on green building features
Sing Tao Daily, C1 (10 June 2009)

The Real Estate Developers Association will discuss further with the government after the later decided to review the existing environmental protection building policies. The government plans to tighten the GFA concession to encourage more effort in achieving a quality built environment through building setback, separation and greenery strategies instead of granting GFA for installation of certain environmental protection devices.


Large scale consultation on green building strives for win-win
Sing Tao Daily, A2 (8 June 2009)

The Development Bureau and the Council for Sustainable Development will launch a series of public engagement sessions on building environment that provides quality living in Hong Kong starting from July. Carrie Lam, the Secretary of Development emphasized that the discussion looks to bring a win-win situation for the industry and the public rather than focusing on eliminating the current GFA concessions.


Corporate green efforts recognized in the 3rd Prime Awards for Eco–business
Wen Wei Po, A24 (6 June 2009)

The 3rd Prime Awards for Eco-business presentation ceremony co-organized by Business Environment Council was held on June5. The theme this year was "the Earth needs you", and some environmental protection projects in China were also awarded. It is hoped that more enterprises will commit themselves in corporate sustainability efforts, and build a partnership with the government and green groups to protect our environment. The news was reported with a half page.


Hong Kong Green Building Council will be established this Autumn
Ming Pao, A14 (23 May 2009)

The Hong Kong Green Building Council co-founded by Business Environment Council, the HK-BEAM Society, Construction Industry Council and Professional Green Building Council will be established this Autumn to advise the government on environmental building policy was reported with a half page.


HKGCC launch guidebook on emission reduction
Hong Kong Economic Journal, P.12 (15 May 2009)

Business Environment Council released the first Hong Kong business guidebook on emission reduction and the business opportunities in it on May14 together with Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce. Mr. C.Y. Leung, chairman of the patron committee of the Climate Change Business Forum of BEC said that the market is now demanding for environmental friendly and high energy efficiency products. He urges businesses to take this opportunity.


It is now the time to cut carbon emission
SCMP, C3 (15 May 2009)

“Now is the time for business in Hong Kong to reduce their greenhouse gas emission and combat climate change”, said Mr. Leung Chun-ying, Executive Council Convener and the patron of the Climate Change Business Forum during the ceremony announcing the release of the carbon emission reduction guidebook.


Business launches guidebook on emission reduction
Ta Kung Pao, A6 (15 May 2009)

The carbon emission reduction guidebook explains the business opportunities and the investment return to corporations who commit themselves to cut carbon. On the launching ceremony, Leung Chun-ying, the chairman of the patron committee of CCBF made a keynote speech on how business can help save energy consumption. Mr. Edward Yau, the secretary for the Environment mentioned in his speech that 64% of greenhouse gases emission comes from electricity, and building account for 80% of that. The guidebook is available online.


Green standards laid down for major government buildings
South China Morning Post, A4 (7 May 2009)

“All new major government buildings will be certified by a recognized “green” certification scheme and BEAM is one of those,” said Carrie Lam, the Secretary for Development. BEAM’s assessment service is offered by the HK-BEAM Society. The scheme is currently under review on including the wall-effect into the assessment.


Build a green Hong Kong together by reducing carbon emission
Hong Kong Economic Times, A16-23 (15 April 2009)

Business Environment Council is the co-organizer of the Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence and the prize presentation ceremony for 2008 and cum kick-off ceremony for 2009 was held at the Convention and Exhibition Centre on March 27. 23 private business enterprises and public organizations were awarded top prizes in the 7 sectoral categories. Another 50 bodies were honoured with certificates of merit.


Awards for Environment Excellence applause for best performing organizations
Ming Pao Daily News, E1 (15 April 2009)

The award that recognized the green achievement of businesses from different sectors was accredited and co-organized by BEC. 23 businesses were awarded top prizes in the seven sectoral categories at the Convention and Exhibition Centre. The ceremony was reported in a 16-page new story including a list of the winning companies and feature articles on successful green cases.


Government works will be environmentally assessed
Hong Kong Economic Times, A26 (6 April 2009)

As HKSAR government attempts to make Hong Kong a “city of green building”, all projects in future will be assessed by BEAM. BEAM will be adopted by Green Building Council (GBC) in the future. BEC and BEAM Society are part of the founding members of GBC, which is expected to launch by middle of this year.


A tailor-made promotion for social development with a “bottom-up” perspective
Sing Pao, A3 (3 April 2009)

Business Environment Council’s upcoming education project is among those that will be sponsored by the government’s Sustainable Development Fund. Justin Li, Head of Environmental Management of BEC hoped that BEC could continue to bridge the communications between academics and the business community. The education project also provides references and cases as teaching materials. Li said some BEC members have taken initiatives towards sustainability.


Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence
Hong Kong Economic Times, A27 (27 March 2009)

Business Environment Council is an organizer of the 2nd Hong Kong Awards for Environmental Excellence. The awards will be opened for application later, is divided into 3 categories: Sectoral Awards, Environmental Labels, and the Carbon “Less” Certificate scheme.


The new HQ of HKSAR Government looks to achieve the Gold class with BEAM
Sing Pao, A8 (19 March 2009)

“The construction project of Central Government Complex is committed to achieve the highest level BEAM Platinum label,” said Henry Tong, the Chief Secretary for Administration. He revealed that in order to reduce Green House Gas emission, the project will include carbon emission audits and abide carbon reduction regulations.


Climate Change Business Forum Celebrates First Anniversary; Hong Kong Steps up Commitment to Reduce Carbon Emissions
BusinessWireChina.com (17 March 2009)

The Hong Kong-based Climate Change Business Forum (CCBF) celebrated its first anniversary. Launched one year ago today, the forum, which harnesses the collective efforts being made by businesses in combating climate change become the leading platform for exchange of the best practice among like-minded leaders.


Responsible business practice of SMEs ensures their long term development – on HSBC Living Business Award
Hong Kong Economic Times, A16 (12 March 2009)

As the technical advisor and assessor of the HSBC Living Business Award, a message from Andrew Thomson, the CEO of Business Environment Council, was included in the supplement alongside with messages from HSBC and the Hong Kong Council for Social Service.


CCBF Launches promotion on carbon emission reduction
Economic Weekly (26 Feb 2009)

Sustainable features offer viable option
South China Morning Post (25 Feb 2009)

Fuji Xerox won an environmental award in Hong Kong
Sing Tao Daily News (25 Feb 2009)

HK lags in sustainability
South China Morning Post (18 Feb 2009) Capital: Entrepreneur, P.57 (December Issue 2009)

Fuji Xerox won an environmental award
Hong Kong Economic Journal (3 Feb 2009)

Fuji Xerox receives Hong Kong Award for Industries in Environmental Performance Award
Hong Kong Economic Journal, P33 (3 Feb 2009)

Leo Paper gained the grand award in Environmental Achievement
Hong Kong Economic Journal, P30 (31 Jan 2009)

2008 Hong Kong Awards for Industries
Sing Tao Supplement (22 Jan 2009)

2008 Hong Kong Awards for Industries
Hong Kong Economic Times, SA1-2 (22 Jan 2009)

2008 Hong Kong Awards for Industries
South China Morning Post, S2 (22 Jan 2009)

Revamp of labelling to give more accurate environmental rating
South China Morning Post, C1 (12 Jan 2009)