By Dr. Kevin Lau
When visiting Hong Kong, Victoria Peak is a must-visit attraction. During the day, standing at the top of the Peak Tower offers a panoramic view of the bustling city below. At night, the sparkling lights of the "Pearl of the Orient" are even more dazzling. Indeed, the countless high-rise buildings form a significant and captivating part of Hong Kong's allure.
Hong Kong not only has a large number of high-rise buildings but also boasts a high density of them. A few years ago, the country made a commitment at the United Nations General Assembly to achieve carbon neutrality by 2060. In line with the national emissions reduction targets, Hong Kong has revised its goal from an 80% reduction in emissions by 2050 to achieving net-zero emissions. Given the high density of buildings in the city, the energy consumption from indoor activities accounts for over 90% of the total electricity usage, with greenhouse gas emissions constituting 60% of the total emissions. In other words, effectively reducing the energy consumption of high-rise buildings plays a crucial role in achieving our environmental goals.
The degree of urbanization in Europe is very high, and we can learn from their practices in this regard. According to the European Union's climate commitments, local buildings need to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout their lifecycle. This includes emissions associated with the operation of buildings after construction, as well as emissions from renovation and demolition processes. As an internationally renowned metropolis in Asia, Hong Kong should not lag behind in promoting a low-carbon lifestyle. The government should promptly develop a roadmap for the construction industry, providing clear guidance to professionals, so that we can work together to achieve the net-zero emissions target by 2050.
In my opinion, to ensure the realization of the environmental goals by 2050, the government must promptly develop a comprehensive roadmap to reduce the lifecycle carbon emissions of buildings, and engage in public consultations during the process. This approach not only invites input from professionals to aid in roadmap development but also enhances public awareness of low-carbon buildings and their role in addressing climate change. After all, citizens are the users of these buildings, and if they actively participate, they can play a positive role in achieving the goals of low-carbon buildings.
In this matter, the government can play the role of "leader". By promoting low-carbon buildings in public projects, it will undoubtedly inspire the private sector to follow suit.
The author is a specialist in radiology with a Master of Public Health from the University of Hong Kong, and an adviser of Our Hong Kong Foundation.
The views do not necessarily reflect those of DotDotNews.
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