RICS presents 2022 Hong Kong Policy Address Recommendations paper

The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) released a new Policy Recommendation Paper setting out its green strategy for Hong Kong, which will assist HKSAR in achieving net zero carbon output by 2050.

The paper lists measures RICS believes the Hong Kong Government should take to meet these goals for the built environment, as the Chief Executive of HKSAR John Lee will present his first Policy Address on October 19, which focuses on highlighting the city's competitiveness and solidifying the city's position as a leading international city.

The paper calls for several fundamental changes to green policy for the HKSAR, including a groundbreaking call for green standards for all buildings and carbon footprint tracking for the life cycle of buildings. A mandatory carbon database providing an annual report on the embodied and operational carbon output of every building would support these aims.

The paper advocates strengthening energy efficiency standards for landlords and tenants, as well as promoting 'green lease' which anchors the related standards and responsibilities into land contracts. The paper also notes the fundamental role of the Smart City concept in achieving net zero by 2050 and promotes Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) as a crucial means towards the goal.

The strategy is firmly grounded in the future and promotes the digitalisation of the built environment industry and the use of big data to inform decision-making processes. Combined with proposals to increase surveyor apprenticeships and improve and promote early and adult education in Sustainable Development, the strategy expands upon a sustainable surveyor profession. It also establishes a knowledgeable public that will help Hong Kong achieve net zero by 2050.

RICS President Clement Lau FRICS, said:
"Hong Kong is committed to the pathway of sustainable place-making, but we must do more to achieve our Net-Zero goals by 2050. The Smart City concept is key to Hong Kong’s future resilience, and RICS professionals have a vital role to play in bringing it to life. Today we present a package of strategic, actionable measures that we will work with partners across the built environment and the government to implement, helping realise our shared vision of a resilient, sustainable future for Hong Kong.”

-ENDS-
Notes to Editors:

The policy recommendation paper is attached to this release.

About Clement Lau FRICS - RICS President

Clement Lau has served as RICS President since September 2021. Clement has actively promoted professionalism across the built environment throughout his career, most recently in his current role as Director and Head of Development and Valuations for Commercial Property at Hongkong Land Ltd.
Clement has also served as Chair of the RICS Hong Kong Board and the RICS Asia Regional Board. In addition, he sits on the Hong Kong Foundation Board of The University of New South Wales, Australia.

About RICS

We are RICS. Everything we do is designed to effect positive change in the built and natural environments. Through our respected global standards, leading professional progression and our trusted data and insight, we promote and enforce the highest professional standards in the development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure.

Our work with others provides a foundation for confident markets, pioneers better places to live and work and is a force for positive social impact.

Contact the RICS press office at press@rics.org