Assessing the applicability of net zero energy buildings (NZEB) in low-density areas of Hong Kong : a comparative analysis of policies in California and Singapore

Abstract

Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) are buildings which generate as much energy as they had consumed over a course of one year. It has gained global attention, especially in Western countries which have set NZEB development as a goal. However, cities like Hong Kong encounter multiple layers of barriers that hinder the realisation of NZEBs, encompassing economic, legislative, technical-technological, social-cultural and geographical related aspects, thereby impeding local investment in the necessary technological advancements required for achieving NZEBs. As a result, NZEB development in Hong Kong has not gained significant traction compared to other regions. Foreign initiatives such as the Green Mark Certification Scheme in Singapore and California’s Green Building Standards (CALGreen) provide valuable examples of successful roadmaps with tangible goals, target achievements, and corresponding policies. Despite Singapore having a similar geographical nature as Hong Kong, the city-state has effectively implemented strategies to maximise the potentials within the sustainability sector, serving as an inspiration to the latter. These initiatives send a clear signal to boost the green economy and foster innovation towards sustainability, ultimately leading to achieving NZEB development. Moreover, they demonstrate the importance of effective collaboration with the private sector to expand sustainable practices, optimising a public-private partnership (PPP) approach to leverage the expertise, resources and innovation from both sectors to drive sustainability to a larger scale. Hence, presenting the reason why foreign countries have been able to achieve more than Hong Kong. Moreover, the study highlights the potential for optimizing public-private partnerships (PPP) by incorporating more stringent Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) aspects. By encouraging listed companies to place greater emphasis on ESG factors, efforts can be directed towards enhancing the development of Net Zero Energy Buildings (NZEB) and expanding their implementation. The feasibility of developing NZEB in Hong Kong can be affirmed on a small scale, given the advancements in technology and existing policies. However, the aforementioned barriers hinder the potential of NZEB development. Thus, by addressing the challenges and engaging stakeholders, the government can pave the way for wider adoption and expansion of NZEBs in low-rise complexes throughout the city. It should also be noted the Hong Kong government has demonstrated an increased commitment towards sustainability and enhancing energy efficiency in the building sector. Continued efforts and collaboration among all key stakeholders will be paramount to quicker progress towards the vision of a sustainable built environment in Hong Kong.