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Mr POON Kwok Ying, Raymond, JP
Director,
Electrical & Mechanical Services Department,
HKSARG

It is with great pleasure to extend my heartfelt congratulations on the success of the
Quality Building Award (QBA) 2024 for the impressive showcase of how the construction
industry is striving for excellence and pursuing ground-breaking innovations.

Over the last 22 years, the QBA has served as a testament to the construction industry's
unwavering commitment to upholding the good practice and achieving new heights of
success. Given that buildings are the major contributors of carbon emission in Hong
Kong, the industry is dedicated to leading the charge towards carbon neutrality through
continuous innovation and technological advancements.

Guided by the theme of "Empowering Innovation | Sustaining Green | Generating Wellness", the QBA 2024 has
successfully mobilised the industry to drive for the best possible solutions in overcoming the unprecedented
challenges posed by the global climate crisis. Not only does the QBA 2024 honour distinguished building projects,
it has also served as a learned platform for the practitioners of the industry to channel their collective ingenuity
and resources towards environmental sustainability within the built environment.

The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and the QBA 2024 share a common vision of
promoting green and sustainable practice and innovative technologies for achieving carbon neutrality. Beyond its
pioneering role in promoting energy efficiency and renewable energy, the EMSD has undertaken a series of
transformative initiatives, including installation of solar photovoltaic systems across 500 schools and
non-governmental organizations under the “Solar Harvest” programme to achieve an annual electricity savings of
6.4 million kWh. To further harness energy efficiency in the construction industry, EMSD has kickstarted the
legislative amendments to the Buildings Energy Efficiency Ordinance, thereby strengthen the energy efficiency of
buildings and promote decarbonisation in Hong Kong. These collective measures aim to galvanise the industry's
efforts in seizing every available energy-saving opportunity, thereby accelerating the collective journey towards a
more sustainable built environment.

As a member of the Jury Panel of the QBA 2024, I am very delighted to review the outstanding submissions which
powerfully demonstrate how the innovative ideas of building professionals unlock infinite possibilities. I am truly
honoured to extend my sincere congratulations to all the awardees for their brilliant and forward-thinking
projects that have enriched our city with a vision for a smarter and more sustainable future.

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