The construction industry in Hong Kong has thrived in recent years. However, to cope with the consistently huge amount of construction output and to address the shortage of skilled workers, we have to resort to innovation and technology to save manpower and enhance productivity. The Construction Industry Council (CIC), universities, professionals from the construction and engineering industries and contractors all attach great importance to this issue and contribute substantial resources, and over the past few years we have achieved some encouraging results. For example, we have developed Building Information Modelling (BIM) and cloud storage in engineering design and construction. To promote green building, we are using an increasing volume of low carbon materials and renewable energy equipment. We are also increasingly making use of mechanical operations and prefabricated components to enhance safety and efficiency during construction works.
The CIC and its Committee on Environment, Innovation and Technology, as well as the Committee on Productivity and Research, have conducted substantial research and promotional work in developing BIM, high modulus concrete for tall buildings and high-rise low carbon buildings. The CIC named last year as the Year of BIM to raise awareness of its application among the industries and also rolled out a road map for its development.
In parallel, the Government has made new moves in the delivery of public works. We have introduced innovation and creativity as one of our tender evaluation criteria in the procurement of some public works projects. We are studying new ways to encourage contractors to put forward alternative designs which can enhance work efficiency and reduce construction costs during the tender and construction stages. We hope to achieve a win-win situation between contractors and the Government.
Last year, I mentioned in my blog that the Government was considering measures to help the construction industry to set up a steel reinforcement bar prefabrication yard in Hong Kong, which would relieve the workforce shortage and increase productivity. Since then, the contract for the yard has been awarded and based on the current progress, it is expected that the yard will begin operation by the end of this year. I believe it will revolutionise work procedures, reduce necessary manpower on site and enhance efficiency.
A look at the various areas of the construction industry will reveal that there is still plenty of room and opportunity for innovative ideas, especially in works design and management in conjunction with information technology, mechanisation and automation, materials engineering, modular design and prefabricated components, green building designs, and more.
To spearhead the development of new concepts, enable continuous enhancement in the construction industry, and recognise the contributions and achievements of academia and the industry in innovation and technology, the CIC is organising the CIC Innovation Award, which is now open for applications. I invite members of the industry to show their boundless creativity by presenting to us the fascinating features of the construction industry in the 21st century.
3 May, 2015
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