On 14 Nov 2014, HKSS is honored to partner with the Urban Renewal Authority (URA) to host the Seminar on Urban Renewal Topics: Building Tomorrow Today at Urban Renewal Exploration Centre. The event attracted over 60 students, teachers and working professionals who are interested in the sustainability related issues. 

Before the seminar, participants toured around the Urban Renewal Exploration Centre (UREC) which provides comprehensive information on urban renewal, including the problem of urban decay, process of urban renewal as well as the mission and work of the URA. The centre also presents participants a real-life experience of the deprived livinig conditions in dilapidated housing, featuring mock-up flat built with real caged home, cubicles, cockloft and old furnishings. Through the UREC tour, participants gained a better understanding of the common problems found in old buildings and other urban renewal issues in HK.



Students expressed keen interest in the multimedia games and interactive activities areas.

Followed by the UREC tour was the Seminar on Urban Renewal Topics: Building Tomorrow Today. HKSS is very grateful to have Mr Ken Wong, Senior Manager (Works and Contracts) of Urban Renewal Authority and Dr Charles Lam, Managing Director (Real Estate) of Baring Private Equity Asia as our guest speakers. First of all, Mr Ken Wong explored why green buildings and sustainability become important in HK. He also shared URA’s environmental practices with regard to sustainable development, such as energy efficiency, water conservation, greening and facilities for collecting recyclable waste. He then concluded his speech with a combination of measure to create a livable and sustainable city.


HKSS is delighted to partner with URA to host the speaker event.

Our second speaker, Dr Charles Lam shared his insights on the relation between sustainable development and the real estate market. He stressed that real estate industry plays a key role in promoting sustainability in HK. Apart from the location factor, he emphasized that time, quality, functionality and financing are crucial factors which affect real estate investment. In regards to financing green buildings, investors should shift the focus beyond initial capital cost to the long term life-cycle benefits. Building green does not necessarily need to cost more if cost strategies, environmental practices and program management are well integrated into the development process.



Mr Ken Wong, Senior Manager (Works and Contracts) of Urban Renewal Authority and Dr Charles Lam, Managing Director (Real Estate) of Baring Private Equity Asia sharing their insights on sustainability issues.