Themed "Empowering Innovation | Sustaining Green | Generating Wellness" to Pave the Way for Sustainable Smart Buildings Worldwide

HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 16 November 2023 - The Quality Building Award 2024 (QBA 2024) is now officially open for nomination. The QBA, which was inaugurated in 2002 by nine of Hong Kong's leading professional institutions and organizations, is a prestigious biennial award that recognizes the excellent teamwork capabilities and highest standards of professionalism in designing and constructing quality buildings in Hong Kong, Mainland and Overseas. It has been recognized as the most prestigious Award for the building and construction sectors. QBA 2024 will mark the award's twelfth edition, with the theme being "Empowering Innovation | Sustaining Green | Generating Wellness" and newly introduced Building in GBA award category. Empowering Innovation | Sustaining Green | Generating Wellness In this year's policy address, the government further promotes Hong Kong to become an international innovation and technology center by introducing various new initiatives, including digital government and smart city programs. Additionally, it incorporates green elements into multiple sectors such as financial technology, public transportation, and shipping logistics. The theme of QBA 2024 revolves around creating a sustainable green smart city, encouraging industries to inject technology and green energy into architecture which aligns with the government's aims to jointly create a livable city. Introducing New Award Category to Embrace GBA Remarkable Building Projects In light of the commitment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government to promote the policy of "Housing: Enhance Quantity, Speed, Efficiency and Quality", this year's theme is "Empowering Innovation | Sustaining Green | Generating Wellness" striving to encourage innovations for new elements in the industry, accelerating its development. In this edition, new categories for Greater Bay Area architectural projects have been added to recognize outstanding projects from all around the world. Teams from various regions are welcome to participate and witness the birth of more high-quality buildings. Cr Daniel Shum, Chairman of QBA 2024 Organizing Committee, said: "To align with the development strategies of the Greater Bay Area, this year's Quality Architecture Awards have not only added a new category for Greater Bay Area projects but also specially invited two industry professionals from mainland to serve as members of the judging panel. We aim to gather authoritative figures from the architectural industry within the Greater Bay Area, recognize outstanding architectural projects that have achieved excellence in design, construction, and innovation, and encourage them to construct more iconic architectural projects that contribute to the urban development of both the country and Hong Kong, laying a solid foundation." Ms YU Po-mei, Clarice, JP, Chairlady of Jury Panel and Director of Buildings, Buildings Department of the Hong Kong SAR Government said when encouraging prospective teams during the award briefing session, "We are committed to developing Hong Kong into a vibrant and creative city, where buildings serve not only as living and working spaces but also as carriers of culture, art, and community interaction. I look forward to witnessing outstanding teams and architectural projects receiving recognition. Through the use of architectural technologies such as Building Information Modelling (BIM) and smart construction sites, we aim to enhance construction efficiency and quality. Furthermore, these technologies can ensure the safety of frontline workers, while jointly promoting sustainable development in the housing, construction, and urban development sectors." Key DatesCategories and Eligibility The eight award categories for QBA 2024 are as follows: