Advancing ESG Strategies for Greener Cities: Insights from SEE Colloquium
As ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles continue to reshape the built environment, the School of Energy and Environment (SEE) at City University of Hong Kong (CityUHK) hosted a thought-provoking colloquium titled “ESG Trends and Opportunities in Built Environment”. The event featured guest speaker Ir Tim Wong, Technical Director and ESG and Sustainability Hub Lead at AECOM, a global infrastructure consulting firm known for delivering sustainable design, engineering, and environmental solutions across major cities and regions. This session, moderated by Prof. Edwin Chi-Yan Tso, Associate Dean (Internationalisation and Outreach) at SEE, attracted a diverse audience of students, faculty, and industry professionals eager to explore the evolving ESG landscape.
Ir Wong shared practical insights on embedding ESG strategies into infrastructure planning and business decision-making. He emphasized the importance of aligning ESG efforts with global standards such as the PAS2080:2023 framework, which guides carbon management across the lifecycle of buildings and infrastructure.
Through case studies and real-world applications, Ir Wong demonstrated how ESG initiatives can lead to measurable improvements in environmental performance, social equity, and governance transparency, especially in the context of urban planning and climate resilience.
The colloquium underscored the growing role of ESG in driving innovation across the built environment. Discussions ranged from carbon audits and sustainability certifications to nature-based solutions and smart technologies. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of how ESG can be a catalyst for sustainable growth and community well-being. At the conclusion of the event, Prof. Benjamin Horton, Dean of SEE, presented a souvenir to Ir Wong in appreciation of his valuable insights and meaningful contribution to the colloquium.
Ir Tim Wong (right) received a souvenir from Prof. Benjamin Horton (left) at the conclusion of the colloquium.
SEE continues to champion interdisciplinary learning and industry engagement, empowering the next generation of leaders to shape a more resilient and inclusive future.