Reply expeditiously to all sensible e-mails from electors concerning any issues raised by them;
Sustainability and the Environment
Scientists around the globe are converging with the conclusion that the effect of global warming is actually more serious than originally forecast. The likely effect could be that the significant areas of the polar ice caps and world’s glaciers could melt within 20 years, which will result in rising sea levels. There is the real threat that within most of our lifetime some parts of Hong Kong could be under water.
Buildings consume over 40% of the world’s energy use hence, each building user / owner can make a difference, however small it may seem.
While the task appears insurmountable, I believe there is much we can do as Architects, Surveyors and Planners.
Ø Legislation – It is well known that our legislation for the planning, design, building, building management and maintenance are grossly outdated. The time has come for major changes to bring it up to international level and beyond.
Ø Land and Planning – the Government should provide greater incentives for achieving sustainable development such as a mechanism that allows Developers to build more green features with a corresponding reduction in land premium. The property will be worth more and hence will generate a higher ratable value over the buildings lifecycle exceeding the reduction in land premium. Hong Kong citizens win by getting sustainable buildings with a corresponding smaller carbon footprint and the Government sees more revenue albeit spread over the lifecycle of the building instead of at a short term land auction.
Ø Design – the use of prescriptive method in design should be replaced with a more performance based building codes, which suitably address the needs and aspirations of today’s world. Our Ordinances, Code of Practices, formed generations ago does not fully meet the needs of the constantly changing world and technological advance of our time. There should be concessions for sustainable innovations with clear sets of environmental codes at least on par with international standards.
Ø Building labeling – The implementation of sustainability labeling to give consumers the choice. With labeling for energy and carbon usage clearly stated we could benchmark and decide for ourselves do we want to buy, rent, live or work in an environmental efficient building.
Ø Existing buildings - there is clearly a need to upgrade the energy efficiency for older buildings and the simplest way I think is by promotion and provision of no interest loans for refurbishing buildings incorporating sustainable features.
Ø Development – Clearly there is a misconception that all development and building is bad – Not true – we need Developers and Builders to build our homes and offices. Whilst they do so primarily for financial gain (and conversely undertake financial risk) we need policies and leadership so they build more sustainable buildings.
To encourage Developers to build more building with green features we could, for instance, provide more flexible incentives. It is worth pointing out that the success in adopting the currently available, albeit nominal, green features clearly indicate a demand. Consideration could be in the form of for tax breaks, partnership, loans, public and private partnership (PPP) etc could be a way forward.
The mistrust between our sector, Government and the public that has been allowed to filter into today’s society must be addressed by strengthening the ideal that Professionals and Government are in tune with the publics wishes and to reverse the blame game inherent in society. Lets get everyone on side to support the Green Ticket to begin to see environmentally friendlier and sustainable buildings in Hong Kong.
About myself, I don’t have a Campaign Manager nor will I be sending you glossy books or brochures to highlight my candidacy. It just plain illogical to base my candidacy on the message of protection of the environmental yet insist on sending reams of paper that will only to go in the bin within days.
The green voice is not currently being heard in our legislature and if you would like more of the same for the next few years then there are other candidates who would be able to deliver this for you. If you believe perhaps there could be a different way, a different future. We as citizens, individuals of Hong Kong, China and of this Earth, can truly make a difference by simply adopting sustainable development principles and challenging our Government take the lead to consider everything we do today on sustainable terms and how each of us can affect our world.
Look for the candidate that will work with you and map out the future and beyond. Not as a member of an elite group but truthly believing in supporting our future and to be your voice, a representative, that will speak on your behalf to our Government of your concerns and aspirations.
I urge you to spare a moment to look at the following websites.
http://www.climatecrisis.net/http://www.wecansolveit.org/I have also copy of the film
“An Inconvenient Truth” if anyone wishes to borrow it.
Maybe after watching, you can then decide how to cast your vote? Decide for yourself and ask the question could some parts of Hong Kong be under water within 15 to 20 years? Could this really happen? What will it do to our Economy?
Think of what kind of life it will be if we can no longer see across the harbour due to smog, that the morning and evening sky will be lit up in an eerie shade of yellow everyday. All this will happen within our lifetime if we don’t start making a stand.
Think of our children, as parents we spend time, effort and money getting them through school, making sure they are healthy, spending our best effort for their well being, to hopefully ensure they have a bright future. But have we missed anything?
My work takes me all across China and to date we have significantly reduced construction waste for over 200 projects that we do across Greater China,
As a father, I do the best for my family to make sure we have a secure and comfortable life and that they are well cared for. As a citizen, I pledge to do my bit, my small effort, for a greener society.
I sincerely hope that as Surveyors, Planners and Architects you share this concern for our environment, who ever you decide to vote for. The message for sustainable development is one, which will be heard, loudly in the new Legislative Council.
Best Regards
David Chan
陳贊輝 (Candidate No G4)
Architectural, Surveying and Planning Functional Constituency
http://davidchanlegco.blogspot.com/
Tel. (+852) 6198–4853
Email. dtfchan@gmail.com
