The Research & Development Forum 2016: Climate Ready@HK organised by the Drainage Services Department (DSD) was held today (November 8). The Forum was divided into a morning session and an afternoon session under the themes "Striving for Innovation in Sustainable Stormwater Drainage" and "Towards Sustainable Energy Utilisation in Sewage Treatment" respectively, attracting more than 500 local academics, professionals and industry representatives. The areas of discussion covered the sustainable drainage system, revitalising water bodies and energy reduction initiatives in sewage treatment.

     In his welcome speech at the Forum, the Director of Drainage Services, Mr Edwin Tong, said that technological and environmental innovations as well as reduction of energy consumption are fundamental to improving sustainable drainage and sewerage services, and the pursuit of solutions to mitigate the effects of climate change.

     A keynote speaker in the morning session, the Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Hon Chi-keung, said that the industry should target a sustainable stormwater drainage system through innovation for Hong Kong's long-term development. The Under Secretary for the Environment, Ms Christine Loh, delivered a keynote speech in the afternoon session, outlining the Government's efforts in combating climate change.

     In the morning session, Senior Scientific Officer of the Hong Kong Observatory Mr Lee Sai-ming; the Chair Professor of the Department of Biology and Chemistry of the City University of Hong Kong, Professor Nora Tam; the Chairman of the Firefly Conservation Foundation, Mr Mak Siu-fung; the Associate Dean of Engineering of the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Professor Yeung King-lun; and the Technical Director of AECOM Asia Company Limited, Mr Stanley Chan, shared their research findings on climate change, water bodies revitalisation and sustainable stormwater system management.

     In the afternoon session, Assistant Professor of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University Professor Henry Lee; Associate Professor of the School of Energy and Environment of the City University of Hong Kong Professor Teoh Wey-yang; Professor of the Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Hong Kong Professor Zhang Tong; the Senior Manager of CLP Holdings Limited, Mr Ngan Chi-cheung; and the Engineering Manager of Black and Veatch Hong Kong Limited, Mr David Jackson, shared their research findings on reduction of energy consumption and energy recovery in sewage treatment works.

     The DSD has been organising the Research & Development Forum annually since 2006. Aiming at creating a better and sustainable living environment for Hong Kong, the Forum invites leading industry practitioners and noted experts to deliver speeches, providing a platform for stakeholders to exchange views and learn about the latest technologies as well as to explore opportunities for collaboration.

Ends/Tuesday, November 8, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:18

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