Experts Explored Ways to Promote Connectivity and Sustainable Urban Transportation in Hong Kong

Hong Kong, 2 December 2014 - Business Environment Council Limited 商界環保協會有限公司 (“BEC”) organised the EnviroSeries Conference on 21 November 2014 (Friday) at JW Marriott Hong Kong.  Entitled “Connectivity and Sustainable Urban Transportation: Strategies and Solutions”, the Conference attracted over 150 participants including policy makers, business leaders, industry experts and academics to participate in the discussion about connectivity for urban sustainable development, low carbon transportation and the development of renewable fuels.

18 local and overseas experts shared their insights on promoting sustainable urban planning, low carbon transportation and renewable fuels in Hong Kong.  In his opening remarks, Hon. Frankie Yick, BEC Board Director; Director, Wharf Limited; Member of the Legislative Council (Functional Constituency – Transport), noted that as a transport and logistics hub, Hong Kong is well-positioned to pilot and adopt innovative strategies and renewable fuels.

Mr. Joseph Lai, JP, Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport) of the Hong Kong SAR Government, delivered the keynote presentation and set the scene for the day’s robust discussion.  Mr. Lai introduced the Government’s policies and initiatives to improve connectivity, including new railway projects, bus-bus interchange schemes, cycle track facilities and pedestrian-friendly policies.

Industry experts and academics shared their views on ways to improve connectivity to achieve urban sustainable development.  Dr. L.K. Chan, Director, Hong Kong Architecture Centre, pointed out the opportunities that can be captured from good connectivity, including economic benefits, a closer community and environmental protection.  Ir. Albert Yuen, Planning Manager, MTR Corporation Limited, introduced proposals to enhance integration and connectivity of MTR stations, and highlighted the key considerations for improved pedestrian access. 

A luncheon talk with the topic Hong Kong Case – ‘Walkable’ Kowloon East” was presented by Ms. Brenda Au, Head of Energizing Kowloon East Office, Development Bureau, Hong Kong SAR Government.  “We aim to enrich the pedestrian experience by opening up more public spaces … and turning idle land into usable area has allowed for more opportunities for events and social connectivity,” remarked Ms. Au.

In the afternoon session, speakers and panelists shared their insights on the development of low carbon transportation and sustainable renewable fuels.  Mr. Hon Meng Wong, Assistant Director (Waste Reduction and Recycling), Environmental Protection Department, Hong Kong SAR Government, updated the audience on the Government’s measures to promote wider use of biodiesel in both the public and private sectors.  Mr. Alessandro Paolicchi, Head of Trade Section, European Union Office to Hong Kong and Macao, highlighted the European Union’s renewable energy policy that aims to stimulate the development of biofuels from non-food feedstock which emit substantially less greenhouse gases than fossil fuels.  Industry experts from Cathay Pacific Airways Limited and Shell also impressed the audience with their successful experience in sourcing and utilising biofuels with sustainability considerations in mind.

BEC organises the EnviroSeries Conference twice a year, with the aim of providing a cross-sector forum to discuss and address key issues related to Hong Kong’s environmental sustainability.

- END-

Photo Captions

(1) Hon. Frankie Yick, BEC Board Director; Director, Wharf Limited; Member of the Legislative Council (Functional Constituency – Transport) delivered the opening remarks at BEC EnviroSeries Conference.

(2) Mr Joseph Lai, JP, Permanent Secretary for Transport and Housing (Transport) of the Hong Kong SAR Government, talked about the Government’s policies to ensure connectivity and sustainability in his keynote presentation.

(3) BEC thanked the corporate sponsors for their generous support for the EnviroSeries Conference.

(4) BEC EnviroSeries Conference attracted over 150 participants including policy makers, business leaders, industry experts and academics.

Please click here for Chinese version of the press release (中文版).