Carbon Smart Construction Site Labelling Scheme 2026

Applications Open : 9 October 2026

Briefing Session

Date: 9 October 2026
Time: 3:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Venue: HKCA, 16/F (In-person) / Zoom (Online)

Register for Briefing

Promotion Video

About

The Hong Kong Construction Association (HKCA) first launched the Best Practice Guideline for Carbon Smart Construction Sites (hereinafter referred to as “the Guideline”) and the Carbon Smart Construction Site Labelling Scheme in 2025. The initiative successfully raised industry awareness of carbon reduction and saw more than 200 projects awarded the label, marking an important first step toward sustainable construction practices.

Building on this strong foundation and the valuable experience gained, HKCA continues to advance the scheme this year. Drawing on industry feedback and practical insights from the previous cycle, the Guideline has been updated and enhanced to better support contractors.

The Label recognizes the implementation of carbon-smart practices, with the aim of achieving broad adoption across construction sites. A tiered awarding system has been introduced, together with a performance-based token mechanism. Instead of a simple yes/no assessment, tokens are now awarded according to the level of performance achieved. This approach provides stronger incentives for contractors to pursue higher standards of carbon reduction and continuous improvement.

Eligibility

  • The scheme is applicable to any kind of construction projects.
  • Each application is limited to one construction site. (Both HKCA members and non-members are welcome to join the scheme.)
  • Sites awarded the label will receive recognition for one year, and reviews will be conducted annually to ensure ongoing compliance with carbon smart practice standards.

The Submission Process

Applications are submitted through a web-based online platform. Applicants are required to complete the relevant information and upload supporting evidence, such as photos and documents, directly onto the platform. The data submitted are used to estimate the carbon savings achieved, and applicants will be able to view the estimated tokens they can receive based on their performance.

Token System

  1. There are 41 items in total under the scheme, with a maximum of 113 tokens available. Each item can earn between 2 and 4 tokens, consisting of 1 basic requirement token and 1 to 3 performance tokens. The exact number of performance tokens that can be awarded depends on the decarbonisation impact of the item — items with higher impact are eligible for more performance tokens.
  2. Every eligible item earns 1 basic token once the basic requirement is completed. This creates a fair entry point, as the first reward is linked to verified completion rather than relative performance.
  3. Additional performance tokens are awarded based on the decarbonisation impact of the item and the project’s actual performance level. For example, low-impact items such as “Using integrated Digital Platform and Document Collaborative System” can receive a maximum of 1 performance token, while high-impact items such as “Adopt early electrification and temporary power substation” can receive up to 3 performance tokens. The actual number of performance tokens granted depends on the evidence submitted and the level of performance achieved.

Label and Awarding System

Applicants who accumulate 15 tokens or more will be awarded the Carbon Smart Label.

Projects that achieve higher performance will further compete for the tiered awards, Bronze, Silver, and Gold. The judging panel will select the applicants based on the total tokens earned as well as any innovative decarbonisation methods demonstrated by the projects.

Judging Panel

An independent judging panel made up of experts from HKCA, Development Bureau, Environmental Protection Department, independent third party and other guests invited by HKCA will decide who will receive the label. All decisions made by the judging panel and the organizer are final and binding in all matters relating to the labelling scheme such as the eligibility of applicants, the category that the applicant can enter and the result of labelling scheme. Participating companies that submit an entry are expected to abide by whatever decisions made by them.

Selection Process

  • All information submitted by entrants will be reviewed according to the entry requirements laid down for the labelling scheme.
  • Eligible applicants will be selected for a detailed assessment by the Judging Panel.

Award Ceremony

The awards will be presented to the winners at a ceremony scheduled tentatively in the Apr 2027.

Enquiry

For further enquiries, please contact Ms Christy Wong at 3978 8425 or at e-mail address christywong@hkca.com.hk.

Documents for downloading

The Guideline of 2026 Carbon Smart Construction Site Labelling Scheme

Best Practice Guideline for Carbon Smart Construction Site

Result of 2025