Sustainable consumption (SC) plays a pivotal role in helping Hong Kong achieve its carbon neutrality target by 2050. The Consumer Council’s recently released report, “Environment and Conservation Fund Study on Tracking Sustainable Consumption to Achieve Carbon Neutrality Attitudes and Behaviours in Hong Kong”, emphasised that the collective efforts of the Government, the commercial sector and consumers are crucial for effectively driving society to adopt SC practices. To facilitate the exchange of ideas among stakeholders on various aspects of SC and encourage the younger generation to translate awareness into action, the Consumer Council and the Vocational Training Council (VTC) jointly organised the “Environment and Conservation Fund Study on Tracking Sustainable Consumption to Achieve Carbon Neutrality Attitudes and Behaviours in Hong Kong” Conference, with the aim of exploring how SC can propel Hong Kong towards a carbon-neutral and sustainable future. Over 1,000 VTC students participated in the Conference, either online or in person, where they were encouraged to further embrace sustainable lifestyles and contribute to building a greener future together. To allow more students to benefit from today’s discussions, a recording of the Conference will also be uploaded to the online platforms of the Business Discipline of the Hong Kong Institute of Vocational Education (IVE) for future learning and review.
The Conference was held today (2 November 2026) at the IVE Kwun Tong campus. The Guest of Honour, Mr Eddie Cheung Kwok-choi, the Permanent Secretary for the Environment and Ecology (Environment) of the Environment and Ecology Bureau, marked the commencement of the Conference with Mr Tony Pang Chor-fu, Vice-Chairman of the Consumer Council and Chairman of the Committee on Sustainability, Public Affairs and Education (SPA&E) of the Council, and Mr Donald Tong Chi-keung, Executive Director of VTC.
The Guest of Honour, Mr Eddie Cheung Kwok-choi, Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment), pointed out in his keynote speech, “With the joint efforts of society, the disposal rate of municipal solid waste in Hong Kong had declined for four consecutive years. The recycling rate has risen from 28 per cent in 2020 to 34 per cent in 2024. According to the latest reports from the United Nations and the World Bank showing that the global recycling rates are at approximately 20 per cent, Hong Kong's performance in recycling stands out on a global scale. Although limited living space can constrain public participation in recycling as mentioned by the Consumer Council, the enthusiasm of the public remains undiminished. Hong Kong people should be commended for their efforts. The Government will put people first by expanding the community recycling network and upgrading it into 24-hour self-service facilities to make recycling more convenient for the public. The Government is also actively promoting waste reduction at source in collaboration with enterprises. In 2025-26, enterprises have reduced the usage of packaging material by 13,000 tonnes, equivalent to the weight of 900 double-deck buses. The Government will continue to encourage green consumption through publicity and education, while joining hands with the public and the business sector to achieve carbon neutrality.”
Delivering the welcome speech, Mr Tony Pang Chor-fu, Vice-Chairman of the Council and Chairman of SPA&E of the Council, remarked, “Sustainable consumption encompasses energy use, resource efficiency, product design, the circular economy, waste management and even the well-being of future generations. It concerns not only the environment but also the economy; not only business innovation but also consumer choice. Therefore, advancing sustainable consumption cannot be achieved by any single party alone. It requires collaboration among the Government, the commercial sector, academia, civil organisations and consumers to build an enabling environment that supports sustainable choices.”
Mr Donald Tong Chi-keung, Executive Director of VTC, said in his welcome speech, “As industries embrace sustainable development and green transformation, the knowledge, skills and mindset required of talent are also evolving. In response to changing societal and industry needs, VTC has integrated sustainability into talent development, equipping students with professional knowledge and skills while empowering them to apply sustainable principles in their respective fields. In support of the Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan, VTC is also committed to advancing sustainability across its campus operations and reducing carbon emissions through measures such as energy conservation, waste reduction and green transportation.”
With discussions grounded in the findings of the “Environment and Conservation Fund Study on Tracking Sustainable Consumption to Achieve Carbon Neutrality Attitudes and Behaviours in Hong Kong”, the Conference introduced changes in consumers’ awareness, attitudes, behaviours and readiness for sustainable consumption compared with 2015 and 2020. It also shared 10 recommendations on how the Government, businesses and consumers can work together to promote SC practices. The Conference brought together speakers from different sectors, including Professor Lianne Lam, CEO and Founder of the Hongkong Sustainable Society, and Professor of Practice (Management), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Ms Lena Low, Senior Director – Customer Success and Experience of CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP Power); and Professor Simon Wong Ka-wo, President of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, and Chairman of the Chinese Culinary Institute Training Board of VTC. They shared their perspectives and experiences in promoting sustainable development and sustainable consumption with the Conference participants.
Professor Lianne Lam, CEO and Founder of the Hongkong Sustainable Society, and Professor of Practice (Management), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, said, “Environmental education is key to promoting sustainable consumption and driving long-term behavioural change. By understanding the needs, lifestyle habits, and values of different target groups, and tailoring educational and engagement approaches accordingly, and using the circular economy as a practical tool, environmental awareness can be transformed into everyday behaviours. This enables change to be driven not merely by punishments or rewards, but by individuals’ intrinsic motivation and sense of identification with sustainable values, thereby building a more enduring foundation for the circular economy.”
Ms Lena Low, Senior Director – Customer Success and Experience of CLP Power, said, “To support Hong Kong's goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, CLP Power is committed to reducing carbon emissions at source through the use of cleaner fuels and the promotion of electrification. We also encourage the public to adjust their energy consumption habits and work together to drive sustainable development. Through smart meters and innovative technologies, we help customers better understand their electricity usage and take appropriate actions to reduce their carbon footprint, enabling smarter energy use. I firmly believe that every small change can contribute to Hong Kong's green transition and help build a more resilient and sustainable future for all.”
Professor Simon Wong Ka-wo, President of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, and Chairman of the Chinese Culinary Institute Training Board of VTC, remarked, “Service innovation turns waste streams into value streams for business, society and the planet. For instance, surplus food platforms connecting restaurants with surplus near-expiry food to consumers at discounted prices have to date rescued over 100,000kg of food, preventing more than 200,000kg of carbon emissions.”
The panel discussion session was moderated by Dr Alaina Shum, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council, who exchanged views with the panellists on how Hong Kong could encourage all sectors of society to translate SC awareness into concrete action, jointly accelerating progress towards carbon neutrality and building a sustainable green future for the next generation. She said, “We are delighted to see many students participating in person today, while others joined the Conference via livestreaming. The enthusiasm and commitment shown by young people towards sustainable consumption and carbon neutrality clearly reflects the growing importance that society places on sustainable development.”
About the Consumer Council’s “Environment and Conservation Fund Study on Tracking Sustainable Consumption to Achieve Carbon Neutrality Attitudes and Behaviours in Hong Kong” Report
Since 2016, the Council has published an SC report every 5 years as part of a tracking study series to monitor consumers’ attitudes and behaviour towards SC, examine the latest local and overseas developments, and formulate recommendations to foster collaboration for relevant stakeholders to jointly promote sustainable consumption. The Council’s latest SC study report, “Environment and Conservation Fund Study on Tracking Sustainable Consumption to Achieve Carbon Neutrality Attitudes and Behaviours in Hong Kong”, was released on 22 October 2026. The report reveals growing consumer awareness of SC. Despite facing physical constraints such as limited living space and hygiene considerations, the public has maintained high level of enthusiasm on recycling without abating. It also proposes 10 recommendations for different stakeholders to drive the adoption of SC.
For details, please visit the Council’s website:
https://www.consumer.org.hk/en/advocacy/study-report/ecf-sustainable-consumption-study
This 18-month project is funded by the Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF) with a grant of $1,101,400. The Conference forms part of the project.
Disclaimer: Any opinions, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material/event do not necessarily reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Environment and Conservation Fund.
Image Captions
- Guest of Honour, Mr Eddie Cheung Kwok-choi, Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment), delivers the keynote speech to the Conference participants.
- Mr Tony Pang Chor-fu, Vice-Chairman of the Consumer Council and Chairman of SPA&E of the Council, delivers a welcome speech.
- Mr Donald Tong Chi-keung, Executive Director of VTC, delivers a welcome speech.
- Mr Eddie Cheung Kwok-choi, Permanent Secretary for Environment and Ecology (Environment), marks the commencement of the Conference with Mr Tony Pang Chor-fu, Vice-Chairman of the Consumer Council and Chairman of SPA&E of the Council, Dr Alaina Shum, Chief Executive of the Council, Mr Donald Tong Chi-keung, Executive Director of VTC and Ms Florence Chan Ho-yan, Deputy Executive Director of VTC.
- Dr Alaina Shum, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council, moderates a panel discussion and exchanges views with panellists Mr Tony Pang Chor-fu, Vice-Chairman of the Consumer Council and Chairman of SPA&E of the Council; Professor Lianne Lam, CEO and Founder of the Hongkong Sustainable Society, and Professor of Practice (Management), The Hong Kong Polytechnic University; Ms Lena Low, Senior Director – Customer Success and Experience of CLP Power; and Professor Simon Wong Ka-wo, President of the Hong Kong Federation of Restaurants and Related Trades, and Chairman of the Chinese Culinary Institute Training Board of VTC.
- Dr Alaina Shum, Chief Executive of the Consumer Council, delivers the closing remarks.
- Group photo of all guests, speakers and participants.
