S for Housing introduces potential and opportunities of Hong Kong's housing technology development in Paris (with photos)
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Ms Ho first visited the Innovation Hub of Schneider Electric to learn how the company applies the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence and robotics to promote building energy efficiency retrofits and achieve smart energy management and net-zero power generation. Ms Ho and the delegation of the Housing Department introduced to them the experience of applying innovative technologies in public housing development in Hong Kong and shared with them how the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) promotes and advances the development of innovative technologies at the planning and design, construction and inspection stages of works, and fosters optimisation and upgrading of the construction sector. Under the Housing•I&T initiative this year, the Housing Bureau is promoting new technologies in several areas, which can be categorised into three groups, namely smart housing design, construction and management; robotics applications; and smart estate management. Three self-developed projects by the HKHA, namely the HA-Project Information Management and Analytics Platform (HA-PIMAP), the Development and Construction Site Mobile System (DCSMS), and the BIM-enabled Systematic Approach to Foundation Design (BIM-SAFD), help enhance the effectiveness of the projects and enhance speed, quantity, quality, efficiency and safety, while at the same time lowering costs.
Ms Ho went to the headquarters of Saint-Gobain Group in the afternoon. She visited the Group's iconic Saint-Gobain Tower and its research centre in Paris to learn more about their research, development and production process of green building materials for lowering costs, saving energy and reducing carbon emissions while enhancing indoor comfort. The HKHA has also been promoting low-carbon construction and the use of environmentally friendly materials to help Hong Kong achieve the goal of carbon neutrality before 2050.
In the evening, Ms Ho had dinner with representatives of the Business Environment Council and the largest employers' association in France, Mouvement des Entreprises de France (MEDEF). They exchanged views on the application of construction technology by frontline staff and the development of smart cities, as well as sharing experiences on promoting occupational safety and sustainable development in the two places.
Ms Ho will continue the last day of her visit to Paris today (May 22, Paris time) before departing for Hong Kong.
Ends/Thursday, May 22, 2025
Issued at HKT 14:37
Issued at HKT 14:37
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