Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited (SHKP) today announced the purchase of nine pieces of electric construction equipment to replace their diesel counterparts. This crucial move towards decarbonisation marks a key milestone in green construction and sets an example for the construction industry. To commemorate it, a ceremony was held today, with David Lam, Under Secretary for Development, and Thomas Ho, Chairman of the Construction Industry Council as officiating guests. 

Speaking at the ceremony, SHKP Executive Director Adam Kwok said: “SHKP has committed substantial resources to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development. Electrification on construction sites is an important component of the Group’s carbon-reduction strategy. Through the procurement of nine pieces of electric construction equipment, we strive to create a ‘triple-win’ scenario benefitting the environment, the industry, and our construction workers. Our collective efforts will contribute to making Hong Kong a greener, low-carbon city.” 

Kwok emphasized that while most construction equipment relies on diesel engines, the new equipment operates on cleaner electric power, and has superior energy conversion efficiency. The replacement is estimated to lead to an annual reduction of approximately 240 tonnes of carbon emissions, equivalent to planting over 10,000 trees. Alongside the Group’s green construction initiatives in five areas, the acquisition exemplifies SHKP’s active support of HKSAR Government’s Climate Action Plan 2050, which envisions a Zero-carbon Emissions‧Liveable City‧Sustainable Development.

He hoped the move would encourage other industry players to use more green building equipment. He also noted the use of electric equipment eliminates diesel combustion, effectively reducing emissions and noise levels on construction sites, and would provide frontline workers with a cleaner and healthier work environment.

The nine pieces of electric construction equipment are of three types: five truck cranes, two truck mixers and two trailer pumps. Some have already been put to use in SHKP projects, including the mega project at Sai Sha near Ma On Shan, the Hong Kong Business Aviation Centre in-situ expansion, and the projects in Kwu Tung and So Kwun Wat.

All the equipment is produced by SANY Group, a mainland construction machinery company. Liang Zaizhong, Rotating Chairman of SANY Group, said: “In response to the HKSAR Government's ‘Energy Saving and Green Building’ initiative, SHKP and SANY Group are working together to promote electrification and new energy equipment in more scenarios. Today’s ceremony signifies a new milestone in our collaboration, as we aim to further develop SANY’s new energy equipment in Hong Kong. Together, we are contributing to the HKSAR Government’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality outlined in the Climate Action Plan 2050.”

SHKP has spared no effort in promoting green building

One of the largest developers in Hong Kong, SHKP is committed to Building Homes with Heart and actively supports sustainable development through a multi-pronged approach. Green initiatives are being implemented across five major areas of construction:

1. Adopting Green Smart Technologies

SHKP’s projects adopt green smart technologies from design and construction to facility management. These technologies include Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), Multi-trade integrated Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing (MiMEP), Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA), Internet of Things (IoT), and Building Information Modelling (BIM). Notably, BIM enables the precise calculation of construction materials, thus reducing unnecessary building waste. 

Thanks to these advanced technologies and other measures, several of the Group’s commercial projects have achieved Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification. Prominent examples include the International Commerce Centre (ICC), Sun Hung Kai Centre, One IFC and Two IFC. As of June 2023, SHKP had received 122 green-building-related certificates for 105 Hong Kong projects. 

2. Developing Green Energy Infrastructure

SHKP is building one of Hong Kong’s largest solar energy networks. Nearly 15,000 solar panels had been installed by the end of last year across various locations, totalling an area of approximately 400,000 square feet. This extensive network is expected to result in an annual reduction of approximately 2,700 tonnes of carbon emissions, equivalent to planting more than 117,000 trees. In addition, the Group has installed battery energy storage systems on construction sites to power electric machinery.

3. Research and Innovation in Green Building Technologies

Through collaboration with enterprises, universities and research institutions, SHKP aims to enhance the efficiency and scale of emissions reduction. The Group has partnered with The Hong Kong Polytechnic University to conduct research in three areas: green applications, green building materials and green construction processes. The research on the injection of carbon dioxide into concrete is anticipated to yield results in 2025.

4. Supply of Green Building Materials

SHKP’s subsidiary, Glorious Concrete, is providing the industry with low-carbon, ready-mixed concrete with CIC Green Product Certification. This includes four types of Platinum-grade Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag (GGBS) concrete. 

5. Training Green Building Talent

SHKP has established Sanfield Construction Innovations Limited, a company comprised of experienced engineers and professionals specializing in information technology and digital transformation. It takes a leading role in advocating for the adoption of environmentally friendly and energy efficient technologies. Together with the four areas mentioned above, the Group actively promotes the transformation of the operation on its construction sites.

Looking ahead, SHKP will continue to invest in green construction and purchase more equipment that uses clean energy sources to help Hong Kong transform into a greener, low-carbon city.