The first phase of its holistic resource utilization scheme has diverted nearly 140,000 kg of municipal waste from landfill, avoiding more than 510 tons of carbon emissions and benefiting 14 NGOs
HONG KONG SAR 16 August 2023 – Hang Lung Properties (SEHK stock code: 00101) (the “Company” or “Hang Lung”) today announced its partnership with Hong Kong-based green startup Sustainable Office Solutions (SOS) and Crossroads Foundation, a local non-profit serving global needs, to implement a holistic resource utilization scheme for Hang Lung’s Hong Kong Office Rejuvenation Project. The first phase of the collaboration has seen over 3,200 office resources being reused, redistributed, or recycled, successfully diverting nearly 140,000 kg of municipal waste from landfill and avoiding more than 510 tons of carbon emissions—the equivalent of the carbon emissions generated by over 3,000 flights between Hong Kong and Singapore.
Since May 2023, Hang Lung has been undergoing a major rejuvenation project for its Hong Kong offices, which aims to create workplaces that promote wellness, engagement, and a collaborative culture. With sustainability being one of the core values of the Company, thorough reviews were conducted to identify ways in which to minimize the Project’s environmental impacts and promote employee and community wellbeing. Measures implemented as part of the scheme include:
1) Staff Take Home Program: Hang Lung’s Hong Kong employees were encouraged to take home well-maintained office furniture and electronic appliances, including task chairs, pedestals, computer monitors and ovens, for free. The first round of the program was well-received, with close to 90 staff members participating.
2) Donation to NGOs: 182 items of office resources were donated to 14 NGOs in the initial phase of the collaboration, including Crossroads Foundation, Oxfam Hong Kong and Hong Kong PHAB Association, spanning different NGO sectors in Hong Kong. These assets help support the planning and implementation of their community projects.
3) Reuse: Hang Lung is currently using numerous recycled office resources at its swing office, while others are being stored for reuse upon completion of the Project.
4) Upcycle: Resources that cannot be reused, such as wooden desktops, will be processed and transformed into items like office panels for secondary use.
5) Recycle: Other remaining non-reusable resources will be sent to local recyclers for treatment to maximize their circular economy benefits.
Ms. Janet Poon, Director – Human Resources & Administration of Hang Lung Properties, said, “Sustainability is one of our core values, and we are committed to embedding sustainable practices across all our operations and workplaces. We are delighted to see the positive impacts we have achieved in both the environmental and social spheres through our collaboration with SOS and Crossroads Foundation. We have not only optimized the utilization and management of our existing office resources but have also enhanced the wellbeing of our employees and the wider community. We hope this initiative will become a best practice for our industry and help accelerate the transition to a circular economy in Hong Kong.”
Ms. Pamela Hinton, General Manager of Sustainable Office Solutions, said, “We are delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with Hang Lung on providing a sustainable office resource inventory management solution. This collaboration effectively promotes resource recycling, drives a circular economy, and contributes to the betterment of the community. We look forward to this partnership serving as a catalyst for other businesses to adopt circular economy principles when managing various resources.”
Mr. Markus Oetiker, Global Distribution Operations Manager of Crossroads Foundation, said, “This partnership is a wonderful example of how different parties can come together to positively impact the community. We were so pleased to see the office furniture matched with local NGOs to help refurbish their service centers. It has been such a pleasure to play our part alongside Hang Lung and SOS in redirecting these resources into the hands of those in need.”
