Under the Construction Industry Council’s (CIC) Three Zero strategy—comprising Zero Energy Waste, Zero Landfill Waste and Zero Accidents—adoption of technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM), Multi-trade Integrated Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MiMEP) and Design for Manufacture and Assembly (DfMA) is encouraged to enhance construction efficiency and reduce wastage.
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To illustrate how the private sector leverages innovative technologies to support development towards a liveable smart city, a recent discussion held by CIC presented sustainable projects from the perspective of Robert Chan Hong-ki, Executive Director of Sun Hung Kai Properties.
Read: The 40-year-old Sun Hung Kai Centre Awarded LEED Platinum
Topics covered the KTIL240 commercial development on How Ming Street, Kwun Tong (How Ming Street project); the Wetland Seasons Park, and the Wetland Seasons Bay (Tin Shui Wai Wetland project) residential development.
The How Ming Street project made use of BIM 3D building simulation software to consolidate information of the whole construction cycle, including design; structural engineering; and electrical and plumbing infrastructure, that increased construction activity, minimised mistakes and avoided double handling.
Applying BIM along with MiMEP and DfMA, structural support parts, bolts and nuts, and the staircase were prefabricated using the BIM 3D model before being shipped to the site for assembly during its basement excavation planning stage. The same process was extended to the air-handling unit room, water pipes and cable containment to streamline work progress.
Besides improving site safety, BIM helps provide detailed information for facility management and maintenance through a 3D drawing of pipes in the walls; and future operation and maintenance simulations.
Meanwhile, the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) to monitor and regulate air-conditioning, lifts, lighting and indoor air quality is able to reduce energy consumption by 60 per cent, water consumption by 40 per cent and increase ventilation by 30 per cent.
As for the Tin Shui Wai Wetland project, the sites near Wetland Park nature reserve employed a special barrier to minimise their noise impact. Pre-cast concrete paving slabs laid on the haulage road reduced traffic dust. Other features such as a stepped elevation design; Z-shaped layout; breezeways; earth-toned façade; and non-reflective glass help the buildings blend with the surrounding environment. —Construction+ Online
Source: Construction Industry Council