The HKIE Environmental Division Annual Forum 2024: Advancing Sustainable Engineering for Hong Kong’s Green Future
The HKIE Environmental Division Annual Forum 2024 was held on 15–16 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, gathering over 500 engineers, government officials, academics, and industry leaders. Co-organised with the Environment Bureau and HKUST, the forum focused on engineering-driven pathways for carbon neutrality, waste reduction, and ecological resilience.
Engineering for Carbon Neutrality
Speakers presented innovative technologies supporting Hong Kong’s 2050 carbon neutrality target. Highlights included HKUST’s modular geothermal systems for high-rises, AI-optimised building management systems achieving 25% energy savings, and a hands-on workshop where participants co-designed low-carbon recycled concrete materials.
Circular Economy & Waste Transformation
Sessions explored engineering solutions for waste system reform. The Environment Bureau shared progress on the Integrated Waste Management Facilities (IWMF) Phase 2, while AECOM demonstrated smart sorting technologies that improve recycling rates by 40%. Case studies, including Hong Kong Disneyland’s zero-waste initiative, showed how engineering design enables circular operations.
Ecological Resilience & Biodiversity
The forum also highlighted ecosystem protection projects such as floating wetlands under the Victoria Harbour Water Quality Enhancement Scheme and slope stabilisation technologies in country parks. Young engineers showcased student-led designs for urban vertical wetlands through the HKIE “Green Mentorship Program.”
Collaboration & Future Action
The HKIE President emphasized cross-sector cooperation as essential for impactful sustainable engineering. The event concluded with the launch of the HKIE Environmental Engineering Action Pledge, encouraging members to integrate ESG metrics into project work. Follow-up working groups and an innovation fund will continue supporting Hong Kong’s 2025 waste-reduction targets and scale up promising green engineering solutions.
