In a high-density, high-rise environment like Hong Kong, people often rely heavily on air conditioning to cope with the intense summer heat which drives significant energy consumption. Ir Colin CHUNG, an experienced energy engineer, has dedicated his career to promoting a low-carbon approach in urban development. He believes that energy-efficient building designs are crucial to combating climate change and advancing sustainable development.

A Turning Point in Green Building

For over thirty years, Ir Colin CHUNG has led the charge in energy-efficient building design, spurred by a pivotal moment in 2000 when he involved in the ground source heat pump system for the Hong Kong Wetland Park. “That project was a turning point—it showed me that green buildings aren’t just future goals; they’re urgent needs,” he says. Since then, he has led the movement for energy-saving designs, collaborating with developers and architects across Hong Kong to strike a balance between cost, aesthetics, and functionality in green buildings.

Setting Standards for a Sustainable Future

Building on his early successes in green energy, Colin expanded his work to Mainland China, where he led energy-efficient projects such as Beijing’s first gas-fired trigeneration project. His influence has grown through leadership roles in various engineering and energy organisations, including the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers’ Gas and Energy Division, Hong Kong Association of Energy Engineers and BEAM Society Limited (BSL). At BSL, he serves on the Technical Review Committee, overseeing green building assessments and contributing to the development of tools that drive sustainable standards.

Bridging the Gap in Energy Awareness

As part of his work with BEAM Plus, the leading environmental assessment tool for built environments, Colin evaluates projects to ensure they align with sustainability standards. By collaborating closely with committee members, he manages to reach consensus on each project’s technical merits. “Developers often focus on initial capital costs, but with buildings lasting up to 80 years, operational carbon emissions over time far exceed embodied carbon,” he explains.

Colin highlights a significant gap in public awareness of energy efficiency, particularly in commercial buildings where substantial energy is often wasted. He urges the government and industry leaders to actively promote energy-saving technologies. “When the returns on these measures improve, businesses get more involved,” he says.

BEAM Plus and the Path Forward

Colin believes that BEAM Plus has motivated developers to enhance energy efficiency and adopt innovative design. “BEAM Plus provides a recognised rating system that advances green technologies and encourages developers to set higher environmental standards,” he states. However, he sees opportunities for further advancement. “To keep pace with extreme weather events, we should consider incorporating more climate-resilient design elements.” Looking ahead, Colin hopes to see BEAM Plus embrace smart building technologies and climate adaptation to address the growing threats of global warming.

As one of the founding advocates for the Energy Discipline within the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers, Colin is pleased to witness the widespread acceptance of green building practices in Hong Kong. “Twenty years ago, my U.S. green building certification was a novelty. Today, it’s a standard practice,” he reflects. Driven by his motto, “Stay Hungry, Stay Curious,” Colin encourages young engineers to be part of Hong Kong’s green future, ensuring the knowledge and skills required to build a sustainable, resilient, and energy-efficient city are passed on to the next generation.