Chinachem Group to hold Third Biennial Conference on Sustainable Development

HONG KONG, Aug. 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Chinachem Group's third Biennial Conference on Sustainable Development ("the Conference") will be held on 10 October 2014. Mr Sunny Yeung, CEO of Chinachem Group, revealed at a press conference that three prime commercial properties belonging to Chinachem Group will undergo green redevelopment with a total investment budget of over HK$ 2.8 billion, total Construction Floor Area (CFA) 640,000 ft².

The Conference, with the theme of "The Future of Sustainability: From Planning to Implementation", aims to address current environmental issues, outline feasible solutions, share a vision for the future with the built environment as a key focus, and then finally provide in-depth analysis and views into how professionals can stay ahead of the curve on a practical level.

The Conference will be split into 3 sessions. Industry experts will present their views, then come together to participate in a panel discussion at the end of the session where panel moderators will look to arrive at some meaningful conclusions to session's theme. Mr Wong Kam-sing, JP, Secretary for the Environment, HKSAR Government, is the Guest of Honour who will open the conference by discussing the future of sustainability and where Hong Kong stands. The first session, "Sustainability -- The real impact on humanity" looks to discuss how current issues impact people and what progress society has really made in long-discussed areas such as climate change, healthy living and limited resources. The second session "Transforming the Built Environment -- Plans for the future" brings professionals from urban planning, real estate, engineering, architecture and related industries together to share their thoughts on the future. Finally, the third session "Implementing our Visions -- How do we do it?" aims to discuss the "how" in sustainable development, and look to highlight practical, innovative ways to move forward.

Mr Sunny Yeung said: "We hope that through meaningful exchange from experts from academic, policy research, architecture, engineering, urban planning, retail and other related fields, the conference will serve as a platform to bring us further understanding in the area of sustainable development."

Currently, three of Chinachem Group's commercial properties -- Asian House, Chinachem Central I & II, have already received Pre-certification under the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification System developed by the U. S. Green Building Council (USGBC). With a total investment budget of HK$ 2.8035 billion, redevelopment of Asian House is expected to be completed by the end of 2017, and both Chinachem Central I & II will be completed by the end of 2016.

Mr Sunny Yeung said: "The three projects are based in prime locations and are core rental properties to Chinachem. Due to singular ownership over the projects, there is a higher level of energy efficiency.  All three projects are green buildings. We believe the focal point of each project is not the amount invested, but our priority is sustainable development practices. This is Chinachem Group's responsibility to society."

Mr Sunny Yeung also said: "Before the implementation of the Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance, Chinachem Group studied energy use of existing properties in 2010. We employed a consultant to conduct analysis on energy use and carbon emissions for L'Hotel Nina et Convention Centre to develop a long-term energy saving plan. The introduction of energy-efficient hotel operations and management reduced electricity consumption by 3% in the summer between 2012 and 2013. L'hotel Island South reduced electricity consumption by 4.5% between 2011 and 2013. Chinachem Group has also organized large-scale events that address environmental impact, such as the Chinachem Walkathon, which will be held on 9 November 2014 this year, in order to achieve carbon reduction and environmental protection goals".