EnviroSeries Conference 2015 (21 May 2015)

Embracing Natural Capital in a Densely Built Metropolis: Challenges and Solutions for Achieving Environmental Sustainability

 

Hong Kong ranked 8th overall on a recent Sustainable Cities Index covering 50 cities globally, but it ranked only 19th in terms of environmental performance.  While Hong Kong has been enjoying economic prosperity as a world-class metropolis, what should the business sector and the Hong Kong Government do to preserve natural capital and ensure environmental sustainability of the city? 

 

Natural capital represents the stocks of natural assets encompassing air, water, geology and all living things that provide ecosystem services in making human life possible.  Clean air, clean water and other natural assets are becoming increasingly more important to policy makers and business leaders in their planning and decision making process.

 

According to the Chief Executive’s 2015 Policy Address, the Hong Kong Government is formulating the first Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (“BSAP”) for the city with a view to stepping up conservation efforts and supporting the sustainable development of Hong Kong.  The business sector is well-positioned to provide inputs to the Government on developing a successful BSAP that can facilitate Hong Kong’s development agenda.  What elements should be incorporated in the BSAP to enhance transparency and predictability of the development planning process, while avoiding duplication with the existing regulatory regime and potential increase in the cost of doing business?

 

Clean water, as an important natural asset, also requires careful long term planning and management. The Hong Kong Government has forecasted that fresh water demand will grow to 1,315 mcm by 2030 if no additional water demand management measures are introduced after 2015.  With a population of over 7 million and still growing, maintaining reliable water supply is a challenge for Hong Kong.  What are the possible measures and solutions that can facilitate our planning and better management of this natural asset?  

 

Hong Kong is a city bursting at the seams with dense population and is struggling to meet the needs of its citizens. However there is no simple formula for converting a congested metropolis into a green and low-carbon urban environment.  Strategic planning, innovative business solutions and cooperation among different sectors are needed to balance economic growth and protection of natural capital.  In this Conference, BEC will bring together industry experts, policy makers, business leaders and academics to discuss and explore innovative solutions and technologies that can preserve Hong Kong’s natural capital and bring benefits to businesses at the same time.  

Key Topics: (Download Programme)

• Policy Directions in Enhancing the Conservation of Hong Kong’s Natural Capital as an Important Pillar for Sustainable Development
• Overseas Case Study – Win-Win Scenario in Driving Growth and Conserving Biodiversity
• Balancing Infrastructure Development and Environmental Sustainability – Innovative Approach in Preserving Natural Capital in Infrastructure Projects
• Biodiversity in Urban Planning Process – Perspectives from Property Development
• Business Opportunities in Ecosystems Services – Challenges, Success Factors and Future Development
• Win-Win Scenario in Driving Growth and Conserving Biodiversity
• Panel Discussion – The Role of the Business Sector in Facilitating Biodiversity in Hong Kong and the Business Considerations
• Developing the First City Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan for Hong Kong
• Water Management in Hong Kong as a Water-Scarce City and Strategic Measures to Improve Water Security
• Embracing Water Efficiency – Business Case and Innovative Solutions
• Showcasing Water Footprint Reduction as a Successful Business Strategy
• Water Resource Management in a Service Economy - Overseas Experiences
• Panel Discussion – Water Resource Management for Different Industry Sectors including Risk Assessment and Mitigation

Speakers/ Panellists/ Moderators:

• OPENING REMARKS - Prof John CHAI, Chairman, Business Environment Council
• KEYNOTE - Mr K S WONG, JP, Secretary for the Environment, Hong Kong SAR Government 
  
• Dr Siu Fai LEUNG, JP, Acting Director of Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation, Hong Kong SAR Government 
• Ir Chung Leung WONG, Deputy Director of Water Supplies, Hong Kong SAR Government 
• Ir Shirlee ALGIRE, Executive Manager, Sustainability, The Hong Kong Jockey Club
• Ms Natalie CHAN, Director, Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability, Hongkong & Shanghai Hotels, Limited
• Ms Pat Gallardo DWYER, World Economic Forum Young Global Leader, Class of 2015
• Mr Gavin EDWARDS, Director of Conservation, WWF-Hong Kong
• Mr John HERBERT, Director, BEAM Society Limited
• Prof Kin Chung HO, BBS, JP, Dean of School of Science & Technology, The Open University of Hong Kong
• Mr Tony IP, Deputy Director of Sustainable Design, Ronald Lu & Partners
• Mr Mike KILBURN, Senior Manager, Environment, Airport Authority Hong Kong
• Mr Samuel KWONG, Group Sustainable Development Manager, John Swire & Sons (Hong Kong) Limited
• Mr Anderson LEE, Chairman, Sustainable Fashion Business Consortium
• Dr Michael LEVEN, Director, AEC Limited
• Mr Alistair MONUMENT, Asia Pacific Regional Director, Forest Stewardship Council
• Mr Ben RIDLEY, Sustainability Affairs - APAC Regional Head, Credit Suisse
• Prof Nora TAM, BBS, JP, Chair Professor of Department of Biology and Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong
• Dr Joyce TSOI, Environmental Program Responsible, H&M Hennes & Mauritz (Far East) Limited
• Mrs Rita HÄMMERLI-WESCHKE, Consul-General, Consulate General of Switzerland in Hong Kong
• Mr Mark HARPER, Senior Manager, ESG Advisory, Business Environment Council

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REGISTER NOW

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Bronze Sponsors:

• Henderson Land Group
• Hysan Development Company Limited
• Sun Hung Kai Properties
• Swire Properties Limited
• The Hong Kong Jockey Club

Student Support Sponsors:

• Agile Property Holdings Limited
• Airport Authority Hong Kong

Please register online by filing in the form below. For further information and assistance, you may contact Ms Jill Chow at (T. 2784-3942  E. jill@bec.org.hk).

 

Remarks
(1)    Registrations are subject to final confirmations from BEC
(2)    Registrations of non-BEC members are subject to seats availability, after allowing for members’ registrations
(3)   BEC reserves the right not to accept any registration, at its sole discretion and without the need to give explanations