Prof. Irene LO’s Research Team and Sino Land Collaborated in Developing a Holistic Decarbonization Blueprint

HKUST and Sino Land join hands in publishing a Decarbonization Blueprint, with a view to achieving net-zero carbon by 2050 through a holistic roadmap. Pictured are Prof. Irene Lo (right), Chair Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering at HKUST, and Mr. David Ng (left), Group Associate Director of Sino Group. [Download Photo]

Prof. Irene LO, Chair Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, has collaborated with Sino Land Company Limited on a year-long research to set science-based targets for the company’s Decarbonization Blueprint. Announced by Sino Land in the run-up to World Environment Day, the Decarbonization Blueprint is a holistic roadmap to achieve net-zero carbon. The blueprint has also set interim targets for decarbonization, including provisions for climate risk assessment for projects, in a further effort to enhance risk management system.

Since Sino Land joined the global pledge of the Business Ambition for 1.5°C commissioned by the United Nations last year, it has been working alongside the HKUST research team led by Prof. Lo on research and data collection, devising specific decarbonization strategies focusing on three key areas: Development, Operations and Collaboration, and interim targets including – (1) a Science Based Target of reducing 53.1% Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions per square meter from the 2018 baseline and setting a new target to reduce Scope 3 GHG emissions in line with Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) methodology, (2) a reduction in electricity use intensity by 30% from the 2018 baseline, (3) the conducting of climate risk assessments at Sino Land’s wholly-owned new development projects, where applicable, and (4) obtaining BEAM Plus Gold or above certification at all of Sino Land’s wholly-owned new development projects, where applicable.

Prof. Lo said, “We are excited to see the launch of this pioneering decarbonization blueprint after a year of in-depth research with Sino, the first such blueprint to be publicly released by a property developer. The collaboration has provided us with a valuable opportunity to transform our research in decarbonization and carbon reduction into impactful solutions for the building industry and wider community. Together we are making important strides to drive sustainability and tackle the grand challenge of climate change.”

Mr. David NG, Group Associate Director of Sino Group, said, “On World Environment Day last year, Sino Land announced its commitment to achieving net-zero carbon by 2050. This year, we have furthered our commitment with our Decarbonization Blueprint, which outlines the Group’s long-term strategies and approaches to carbon reduction. I would like to express my gratitude for the stellar support and effort of HKUST academics and young professionals, as well as for the work of our colleagues and stakeholders in developing this net-zero carbon roadmap, and for working together to make progressive strides towards a low-carbon, climate resilient and sustainable future.”

Prof. Irene LO’s Research Team and Sino Land Collaborated in Developing a Holistic Decarbonization Blueprint

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