CIC Sustainability Forum in Hong Kong

CABE member Steve Coppin C.Build E FCABE was delighted to be asked to speak at the CIC Global Construction Sustainability Forum and Exhibition held in Hong Kong last month. This four-day event featured exhibitions, forum and technical visits exploring the theme of innovation, sustainability, and safety. 

Steve Coppin, Strategic Technical Director at SJU Risk Management Solutions Ltd delivered a presentation on Digital Engineering and designing for Safety explaining how you can improve safety performance by using ISO 19650.

One of the highlights of the conference were the discussions with HK CIC, Development Bureau Directors and officials which saw them debate how safety, sustainability methods and standards could prevent accidents and improve wellbeing. Further discussions explored how identifying and specifying sustainable materials, components, and products created greener buildings and reduced asset lifecycle costings.

A  host of experts from across the globe joined the speaker line-up including:

• Ms Bernadette Linn, Secretary for Development, Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Regions who delivered the opening remarks
• Ar. Donald Choi, Executive Director and Chief Executive Offer, Chinachem Group who investigated MiC and MiMEP and how it can be used to ensure sustainable construction
• Dr Goh Yang-miang, Associate Professor, College of Design and Engineering, National University of Singapore who discussed embracing construction safety in order to build a safer future; and
• Dr Serge Stinckwich, Head of Research, The United Nations University Institute, Macau who explore ChatGPT and its impact of the language model to achieving sustainability goals.
  

Overview of Steve’s Presentation

Two mega projects are current being planned in Hong Kong, the northern metropolis development and a number of artificial islands. These developments, along with other major projects, are creating a several billion dollar annual spend. 

The challenges of traditional vs digital methods of procurement, design & construction. replacement & removal of assets during the lifecycle and Modular Integrated Construction (MiC) are ongoing and can be addressed with digital technology.

To achieve sustainable procurement, you need to select the right people and training. Emphasis should be on the 4Ps – Procurement (setting the right standards), People (are they competent), Processes (systems) and Performance (measuring and sharing lessons learnt) – and the 9Cs Communication through to Culture.