INNOVATION OF THE YEAR
CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY COUNCIL
Located in Kowloon Bay, ZCB is the first zero-carbon building developed by the Construction Industry Council in collaboration with the Hong Kong government to help combat greenhouse gas emissions and carbon intensity. The building showcases ecobuilding design and 80 different green technologies in the unique context of Hong Kong’s high temperature and high humidity environment. It also produces on-site renewable energy via photovoltaic panels and biodiesel, exporting surplus energy to the local grid to offset the embodied energy of the building materials and construction process. The technologies will be trialled and evaluated, and the findings shared with the building industry and with the public to promote sustainable construction and living.
HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY
In early 2012, the Housing Authority’s Quantity Surveying Section launched a research study entitled ‘5D BIM’ to discover how building information modelling (BIM) could be used for construction project cash-flow simulation and interim payment process. This involves integrating data from BIM models with the construction schedule and contract pricing – the fourth and fifth dimensions. The team are still working through various challenges, and will continue to develop BIM-based automated quantity takeoff to improve the accuracy of the software. It’s hoped that, in future, this innovative approach can be adapted for other QS functions.
HONG KONG HOUSING AUTHORITY
In 2005, the Hong Kong Housing Authority launched the Comprehensive Structural Investigation programme to systematically investigate the condition of aged buildings, and to develop sustainable solutions to prolong their life for at least 15 years. The innovative repair/improvement solutions underwent comprehensive research, testing, site trials, monitoring and consultations with residents. To date, 13 aged estates have been preserved, avoiding mass redevelopment and saving money, time and manpower. The Housing Authority also share their research within the industry.
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