Climate change is the defining challenge of our times! In 2021, the Government HKSAR announced Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050, which outlined four major decarbonisation strategies that would lead Hong Kong towards the goal of carbon neutrality before 2050. It also sets out a more vigorous interim decarbonisation target to reduce Hong Kong’s carbon emissions by 50% before 2035 as compared to the 2005 level.
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Famous around the world as a unique international financial and commercial centre, the daily lives of most people in the city take place in tall buildings and in skyscrapers. Buildings account for approximately 90% of Hong Kong’s total electricity consumption and over 60% of total carbon emissions is attributable to generating electricity for the city’s buildings.
Green building has been serving a critical role contributing to the alleviation of the climate impact. In response to the growing demand for green building talents, BEAM Society Limited (BSL) has launched an education programme to train up certified practitioners who are equipped with knowledge to support the green building assessment.
BEAM Affiliate is a person accredited by the Hong Kong Green Building Council Limited (HKGBC) as being competent to support green building design, construction and operations. The BEAM Affiliate Training and Examination organised by BSL, aims at equipping participants with knowledge in green building in the areas of design, construction, operation, maintenance, as well as the BEAM Plus rating tools.
The BEAM Affiliate Programme has accredited over 1,400 professionals since its launch in 2014. As the programme has stepped into its 10th anniversary, a new version of the syllabus has been proudly launched in June 2024.
What is New in BEAM Affiliate
Move with the Time
The new version of the training embraces the green building movement in both local and global context, (e.g. Environment, Social and Governance (ESG), Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) by the United Nations, Carbon Neutrality and Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050) as well as introducing relevant standards and guidelines for a better understanding of the respective BEAM Plus credits.
Focus of Training Syllabus
The syllabus will focus on illustrating the fundamental green building concepts and terminologies. Practical examples of calculations will also be demonstrated in BEAM Plus credits.
Incorporated with Newest Tools
The BEAM Affiliate training has advanced with changes over time. The materials have covered up-to-date BEAM Plus Assessment Tools, including BEAM Plus New Buildings, BEAM Plus Existing Buildings, knowledge in newly launched BEAM Plus Assessment Tools – BEAM Plus New Data Centres, BEAM Plus Existing Data Centres and BEAM Plus Existing Schools have been incorporated into the training materials.
Practice Makes Perfect
A comprehensive mock-up examination set will be available to candidates for a better impression of the question type and examination flow.
Trilingual Version of Materials
English, Cantonese (new) and Putonghua (new) have been introduced in the training and examination. In future the Examination will be available in different languages.
Benefits of Becoming a BEAM Affiliate
Recognition of Professional Competence
The BEAM Affiliate qualification recognises your expertise in green building design, construction, and operations. It demonstrates your commitment to sustainable practices and helps you stay up-to-date with the latest green building knowledge and developments.
Expanded Career Opportunities
As the demand for sustainable construction grows, BEAM Affiliates will be in high demand. The credential can open up new job opportunities and help you advance your career in the industry.
Collaborative Skillset
BEAM Affiliates work often involves collaboration with professionals from diverse backgrounds, such as architects, engineers, and facility managers. Developing strong communication and teamwork skills will be crucial for success.
Networking and Business Growth
Becoming a BEAM Affiliate can help you expand your professional network and explore new business opportunities, particularly in the Greater Bay Area and other global markets.
Entry Requirement
Green and veteran building practitioners who have fulfilled either one of the following minimum qualification requirements are welcomed to join the programme:
- A diploma or above, in a subject related to the built environment (fresh graduates are welcome to join the course).
- Any person who has worked in the construction or real estate industry (including planning, design, construction, testing, commissioning, operation, maintenance, facility management, product supplies or interior design, etc.) for at least 5 years (senior staff without a building-related diploma / degree are welcome to join the course).
BEAM Affiliates Share Their Experience
“The former company I worked at set up a job post of Green Building Consultant. After considering gaining a new credential and increasing my competitiveness, I enrolled in the course without much hesitation” said Ms Chan from the Sustainability Sector, who also registered for the credential training in her first job. “Acquiring fundamental and multi-faceted knowledge in green building, BEAM Affiliate enabled me to respond to the clients’ queries more efficiently and effectively.”
“The credential of BEAM Affiliate is well perceived in the industry. Project owners value working staff possessing the credential. My company and its management support staff to acquire this credential.” noted Mr Hui from the Construction Sector, who enriched the knowledge of energy saving and water resources throughout the training, which helped him with the project design.”
“I am capable to integrate the green building elements learnt from BEAM Society Limited to the building design and push the project to a more advanced level of sustainability,” said Mr Poon from Environmental Design Sector, who registered for the 1st BEAM Affiliate Training and Examination after working as a draftsman for several years. He is aiming to equip himself with new skills for exploring possibilities in his career path.”
“The interior design of our office has been awarded with the Platinum Rating under BEAM Plus Interiors Version 1.0. Equipped with fundamental knowledge of green building through training, I am capable of giving advice from the point of view as an end-user of the interiors space, rather than solely seek help from the professional interior designers”, said Mr Fung from Air Transport (Sustainability) Sector.”
Action Now
- Web: www.beamsociety.org.hk/en/education/beam-affiliate-training
- Email: [email protected]
- Tel: +852 3610-5700
