During this winter session of Lok Fu's green community engagement programme, participants expanded the Eco Terrace. Since last October, they have planted more than 5,000 trays of nearly 15,000 types of seasonal organic vegetables. Following months of careful cultivation, the harvest included a wide variety of cauliflower, beetroots, romaine lettuce, green brassica, broccoli and strawberries.
Dr Kitty Poon Kit, Acting Secretary for the Environment, officiated at the event. “The Eco Terrace is a good cause for putting green living into action as it encourages residents to adopt harmless agriculture technology and do more farming that helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” she said. “This programme allows the public to experience farming and rethink our mode of modern city living, while inspiring the commercial sector and NGOs to organise more activities that promote green living.”
Mr Andy Cheung, Chief Financial Officer of The Link Management Limited (The Link), said, “In support of reducing carbon emissions and energy saving by commercial buildings, The Link has spared no effort in implementing relevant measures. We will incorporate more environmental concepts in our daily operations as well as in our upcoming asset enhancement initiatives, including a green rooftop; installation of lighting systems with renewable energy or energy saving devices; changing air-cooled air-conditioning systems to water-cooled air-conditioning systems; and provision of more public open space.”
To encourage community participation, the winter session of Eco Terrace introduced the Community Farm. Neighbouring residents and the public were able to enjoy the fun of farming.
Among the guests at the event were Mr KS Wong, the Chairman of the Professional Green Building Council, green partners including Mr Humphrey Wong, registered architect, Ms Chu Pui Kwan, Chairman of the SEED Foundation and founder of the Organic Farm.
Chairman of the Professional Green Building Council Mr KS Wong said, “The Eco Terrace community programme advocates low-carbon green living and encourages the public to participate by changing their lifestyle to minimise their impact on climate change. The harvesting of vegetables is also shared among the community. Such a meaningful event definitely deserves our support.”
On the same occasion, the officiating guests led a group of students and young people from 18 districts in making a vow to live green in a sustainable manner. They also painted a picture of Hong Kong in green, symbolising a citywide action to reactivate farming and promote Hong Kong as an organic, low-carbon city.
Students and residents who participated in the Eco Terrace also shared their experiences and views with the guests.
The Link organised its first public Eco Terrace at a busy shopping centre in May last year for promoting seasonal vegetables in summer, autumn and winter. The programme won the Award of Excellence in the Environmental Excellence of the Asian CSR Awards.
Partners in The Link’s Eco Terrace series of organic environmental community activities include Mr Humphrey Wong, Registered Architect, SEED Foundation, Organic Farm, Mr Douglas Young, founder and Chief Executive Officer of G.O.D. Ltd., Dr Ting Sun Pao, Joseph, community history consultant, the Hong Kong Architecture Centre, Munsang College, HKICC Lee Shau Kee School of Creativity, YMCA Hong Kong, and UNY department store.
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