The Building Environmental Assessment Method (BEAM) was launched in 1996 to measure, improve, certify and label the whole-life environmental sustainability of buildings. To date, BEAM has certified green building developments encompassing over 70 million square feet of space including 37,000 residential units. On per capita basis, BEAM is one of the most widely used voluntary green building labeling schemes of its kind in the world.

In 2008, over 20 BEAM assessments were commissioned. It is worth mentioning that several BEAM assessments were commissioned in China for the mainland properties such as Jiang Tai and World Financial Centre in Beijing; 130-2 West Tian Mu Road in Shanghai.

Aside from this, other major recent developments include:
BEAM has been recently endorsed by Construction Industry Council (CIC) as Hong Kong’s green building label subject to broader industry engagement in the governance of the BEAM Society, updating of BEAM standards in line with recent industry research, and introduction of a wider network of recognized BEAM assessors.

In response to CIC’s recognition, the BEAM Society has reached out to solicit further representation from key industry stakeholders on its Executive Committee that governs all aspects of BEAM. The BEAM ExCo now comprises of 15 elected members plus 10 leading industry associations and institutions to steer BEAM’s direction and achieve industry-wide BEAM engagement.

Apart from authoritative recognition, the BEAM Society trains and registers qualified professionals in parallel to undertaking a review of its assessment standards. The review will also seek to embrace important Hong Kong initiatives including Government’s research into a Comprehensive Environmental Performance Assessment Scheme, improved Urban Air Ventilation Assessment, and proposed Mandatory Implementation of Building Energy Codes, to name but few. A new set of BEAM standards to assess building interiors is to be piloted in 2009, to look at commercial and interior sustainability.

For more information about BEAM or your need of assessing your green building, please contact Mr David Brown, Head of Building & Energy Efficiency at (852) 2784 3958.