Following a groundbreaking ceremony conducted in mid-December of last year, the construction of Hong Kong Science Park Phase 3 was well and truly under way. The 62,400-square-meter site adjacent to Phase 2 will now be transformed into a hub and showcase for green technologies – a beacon signalling Hong Kong’s commitment to a sustainable future.

This important juncture in Science Park’s evolution followed an announcement by the Ministry of Science and Technology (MOST) that the Park had been designated a national high-tech industrialization base for green technology. With MOST’s declaration, Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTPC) thus earned an equal standing with its mainland brethren, while raising its stature internationally and allowing the corporation to be in a more advantageous position to aid partner companies, or conversely, attract new companies into the fold.

Though buoyed by the latest developments, it is clear that success brings more responsibilities and expectations. The development of Phase 3 will inevitably draw attention to the need for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Science Park to reflect the green doctrine similarly; consequently, retrofitting green technologies will be the next priority. One possible means of expediting such work and covering associated expenses will be by offering the two phases as large-scale showcases for solution providers, while remuneration would be commensurate with the energy cost savings realized from their work.

Aside from enhancing infrastructure, raising awareness of green technologies and clearing up misconceptions (such as green solutions being cost prohibitive) represent further challenges. Accordingly, Phase 3 will have a series of demonstration areas where new technologies will be introduced and explained, with an education center that welcomes people from all walks of life also under consideration. As the corporation begins to vet potential companies entering Phase 3, here too it will seek to attract and select those that share a like-minded commitment to sustainable development, in effect establishing a green partnership where both sides are able to reap the economic benefits of their actions.

Moving forward, Hong Kong Science Park, as one of the few technology parks in China that is underpinned by sustainable development and green technologies, will seek to leverage its expertise and experience by taking on the role of consultant, aiding its counterparts across the country. HKSTPC will also bolster its influence on the mainland by seeking representation in strategic metropolitan centers, while the stationing of senior staff members in sister parks presents a further option.

Back at home, the next big step will be to move beyond the boundaries of Science Park and bring the green movement to a city level, potentially partnering with the government, major property developers and organizations such as the Housing Authority and the Mass Transit Railway Corporation to tackle such pressing issues as the adoption of energy management solutions under brownfield and greenfield conditions. Only through the combined efforts of the government, industry and society can Hong Kong hope to have a clear path towards a carbon neutral tomorrow.

The author is chairman of Hong Kong Science & Technology Parks Corporation.