(Hong Kong, 24 November 2015) The Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (“HKCEC”) celebrated its 27th birthday by unwrapping three heavy-weighted presents. The HKCEC reached a significant milestone in its sustainability efforts by becoming the first organisation in Hong Kong to achieve the ISO 20121 Event Sustainability Management System recognition. Another great accomplishment was that, the newly renovated restaurant, Congress Plus, has just become the first restaurant in the city to receive LEED Gold Certification for Interior Design and Construction V2009 by the U.S. Green Building Council, and Silver rating of BEAM Plus Interiors V1.0 by the Hong Kong Green Building Council. The good news was announced during the HKCEC’s anniversary cocktail reception today to 400 valued customers, business partners and government officials.
ISO 20121 Event Sustainability Management System
ISO 20121, an international standard for event sustainability management system first launched in 2012, sets a framework for the events industry to continuously improve sustainability in three key aspects: economic, social and environmental. Being the first ISO 20121 certified venue in Hong Kong, the HKCEC clearly demonstrated its vision and leadership in the industry.
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (“HML”), the professional management company responsible for the HKCEC’s day-to-day operation, has established a clear event sustainability policy. Its event sustainability management system, operation procedures and guidelines ensure the concept of ‘sustainability’ is fully incorporated into the entire event management cycle from bookings, event planning, food & beverage services, procurement, waste management, staff training, on-site delivery and billing, as well as customer feedback handling. It also encompasses capital investments for reducing energy and water consumption, workplace health and safety as well as community service.
In the fiscal year ending June 2015, HML welcomed a record total of 6.4 million visitors to HKCEC’s restaurants and 1,113 events successfully held at the HKCEC. During this busy period, over 400,000kg of food and other waste materials were collected for recycling. 1,500 lights in fire escape stairways were replaced with motion sensing dimmable LED lighting in the recent year. Almost 3,000kg of unconsumed food was donated to charity and staff participated in a total of 62 community programmes to help the needy.
Mr Wilfred Chan, Operations Director of British Standards Institution (“BSI”) Hong Kong, the leading authority for the ISO 20121 certification in Hong Kong, offered his congratulations, “HML well deserves the ISO 20121 recognition. Our auditors are very impressed by HML’s dedication in sustainability and continuous improvements. The whole team on all levels demonstrated total commitment, from policy, planning to delivery.”
LEED and BEAM
Congress Plus, one of the seven restaurants in the HKCEC with a seating capacity of 300, has also earned international and local environmental accreditations, i.e. LEED and BEAM, making itself the first restaurant in Hong Kong to attain these recognitions.
Notable green features of Congress Plus include carpet made of 50% recycled materials, bamboo flooring, furniture and wall panels and false ceiling made of sustainable timber from FSC/PEFC certified forest and low VOC substances, all LED lighting with programmable dimmer system and day-light sensors, and decorative screens created with recycled wine bottles. Energy consumption is reduced through use of a zone control intelligent air-conditioning system and kitchen equipment with “US Energy Star Label” and environmental friendly refrigerant. Faucets in kitchen and restrooms carry water saving feature.
Since its opening in July 2014, Congress Plus actively participates in food donation and promotes healthy eating community projects. Menus offered include a wide range of sustainable seafood. Green paper napkins, paper towel and toilet paper, as well as biodegradable cleaning products are also used to reduce the impact to the environment.
Ms Monica Lee-Müller, Managing Director of HML, remarked, “At HML, we take pride in committing continuous efforts and resources in attaining these significant recognitions. We hope these benchmark achievements do not only motivate our staff members to continue to strive for improvements and support the company’s sustainability initiatives, but also influence our customers, event organisers, contractors, suppliers and stakeholders and other event industry players to join hands for a greener future for the industry.”
About the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
This award-winning 306,000 sqm building, first opened in 1988, offers 91,500 sqm of rentable space. An iconic Hong Kong landmark, the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (‘HKCEC’) is located on a prime waterfront site in the central business district of Hong Kong. It is owned by the Hong Kong SAR Government and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council.
About Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited
Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited (‘HML’) is a professional private management and operating company responsible for providing day to day management for the HKCEC, where it oversees administration, marketing, booking, scheduling, event co-ordination, maintenance and security. It also manages food and beverage operations at the HKCEC, including restaurants and catering services. HML provides world-class services for users, visitors and guests of the HKCEC, a venue which has been consistently awarded the title of ‘Best Convention and Exhibition Centre in Asia’ by leading industry professionals. Over 1,100 events are held at the HKCEC every year, including exhibitions, conferences, corporate meetings, entertainment events, seminars and banquets. These events contribute significant economic benefits to the city, and help raise the international image of Hong Kong.
Issued by Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (Management) Limited
For further information, please contact:
Miss Gloria Fong, Communications Manager
Tel: +852 2582 7918
E-mail: gloriafong@hkcec.com
Website: www.hkcec.com
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