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The Secretary for the Environment, Mr Wong Kam-sing, concluded his week-long duty visit to the United States (US) in Seattle today (September 26, Seattle time).
Mr Wong first met with the Director of the Seattle Office of Sustainability & Environment (OSE), Ms Jill Simmons, in the morning to share ideas and strategies for achieving a sustainable urban environment. The meeting was joined by member of the Seattle City Council, Mr Mike O'Brien. The OSE collaborates with other city agencies, business groups, non-profit organisations and partners to protect and enhance Seattle's distinctive environmental quality and liveability.
Mr Wong then attended a luncheon organised by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in San Francisco and delivered a keynote speech, outlining the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government's policies and initiatives on fostering a low-carbon and liveable city.
In the afternoon, Mr Wong met with the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Bullitt Foundation, Mr Denis Hayes, to exchange views on urban sustainability. He also toured the Bullitt Center, a six-storey structure designed to be a showcase of the greenest commercial and office building in the world. It was officially opened on the Earth Day on April 22, 2013.
Afterwards, Mr Wong met the Chief of Staff of Seattle City Light, Mr Sephir Hamilton. Seattle City Light is a public utility providing electrical power and related services to the City of Seattle and eight adjacent jurisdictions. Mr Wong was pleased to know that both Seattle and Hong Kong share similar key objectives in energy policy, namely reliability, affordability and environmental sustainability. After the meeting, Mr Wong toured the Seattle Lighting Design Lab, operated by Seattle City Light, to see for himself the innovation of new technologies and energy-efficient lighting.
During the day, he also visited the Seattle Public Library and the Seattle City Hall. Both public places demonstrate energy efficiency, green building design and management.
In the evening, Mr Wong had dinner with board members of the Hong Kong (Greater China) Business Association of Washington to share views on environment and energy-related issues.
Mr Wong will depart for Hong Kong tomorrow (September 27, Seattle time).
Ends/Saturday, September 27, 2014
Issued at HKT 13:54
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