Mr. Henry Tang Ying Yen Attends the 'Planning for Low Carbon Cities' International Conference Co-organized by Hong Kong Institute of Planners & Urban Planning Society of China

HONG KONG, May 22 /PRNewswire-Asia/ -- The "Planning for Low Carbon Cities" International Conference jointly organized by the Hong Kong Institute of Planners ("HKIP") and the Urban Planning Society of China took place today at the Noah's Resort at Ma Wan. Mr. Tang Ying Yen, Henry, GBS, JP, Chief Secretary for Administration of HKSARG, Dr. Qiu Baoxing, Vice Minister of the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development, and Mr. Lau Si Io, Secretary for Transport and Public Works of Macao SARG, officiated the opening of the event. This conference is a highlight event for the 30th Anniversary of the Hong Kong Institute of Planners.

To strive for upfront planning practice for our societies is a continued planning process, it is particularly important in light of the urgent need to address climate change issues. Some responses to meet this challenge include building low carbon communities, minimizing threats to the environment and at the same time fulfilling public's aspiration for higher quality living space, thus, designing our cities to attain all time high environmental standards should be targeted to meet all these challenges. Whilst at a micro level, efforts had been made to advocate and build greener buildings, however isolated green buildings or local spaces would not be sufficient. Planning and building low carbon cities on a more comprehensive city-wide scale via co-operated efforts amongst Government, professionals, academics, business sectors and the public should be harnessed as a way to achieve high standards of sustainable living for all.

Mr. Tang indicated that although amidst the economic tsunami, enhancing a low carbon economy remains the government's commitment and policy. It will not only reduce cost of operations for some, it would also contribute to the creation of green jobs.

Mr. Tang said, "The Government is determined to adopt low carbon city strategies in the planning of new development areas including the Kai Tak and West Kowloon Cultural District developments." He also fancied the low carbon scenario when the one electrical vehicle now test-driving on Hong Kong roads become common fleets on our motorways in the future.

Dr. Qiu stressed the importance of adopting the low carbon road given the fast rate of city development in Mainland. He also indicated that whilst seeing city development as the "problem maker", it could similarly be the "solution to the problem".

Dr. Qiu commented, "Whilst there is no readily-available eco-town model, we cannot wait for such ideal model before we take action. It is more important for different countries to adopt a model which fits their own economic situation and culture."

Apart from Opening Addresses by Mr. Henry Tang and Dr. Qiu Baoxing, Mrs. Carrie Lam, Secretary for Development, and Mrs. Ava Ng, the Director of Planning, have also presented on the topics of sustainable development and the green city proposals at Kai Tak during the conference.

Professionals and academia from Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Shenzhen, Tainan, London, Birmingham, Los Angeles, Gold Coast of Australia, Germany and Denmark have made presentations to share their research findings, case studies and practical experience in the planning for low carbon cities.

Taking this opportunity, the HKIP and the Macao Urban Planning Institute have forged a cooperation agreement between the two planning institutes. This will mark a closer cooperation of planning professionals in Hong Kong and Macao for the planning and development of the Greater Pearl River Delta Region.

For more information about the Conference, please visit: http://www.hkip.org.hk/plcc .

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