BTRi Speaks on Embodied Carbon and Material Efficiency at ReThink HK 2026

On 10 September 2026, the Building Technology Research Institute (BTRi) participated in ReThink HK, a major regional sustainability forum gathering industry leaders and decision-makers to explore pathways for climate resilience and responsible growth across sectors. 

Ir LEE Tai-on, Section Head (Applied R&D) of BTRi, was invited to speak at the session “Built to Last: Maximising Efficiency and Minimising Embodied Carbon”. The session highlighted how material selection directly influences the carbon impact of construction, from embodied carbon considerations in procurement to the potential for adaptive reuse and regeneration projects rooted in the city’s cultural and architectural identity. It also examined how the industry can engineer buildings for maximum efficiency, which ensures the right materials are used in the right quantities with the right properties as well as the right advanced low-carbon technologies are adopted to minimise unnecessary carbon expenditure. 

Looking ahead, BTRi continues to drive construction innovation across three key fronts: accelerating low-carbon construction through green materials and carbon-conscious project delivery; advancing circular economy practices through MiC, MiMEP, reuse, and recycling to reduce construction waste; and harnessing smart technologies including AI, digital twins, and predictive maintenance to build climate-resilient infrastructure. Through applied R&D and industry collaboration, BTRi remains focused on enabling a high-performing industry and a sustainable built environment for Hong Kong and beyond.