In the past, changing the self and changing world were often regarded a separate endeavour and viewed in either-or terms. In reality, however, they are mutually reinforcing and essential to one another in the journey of transition to sustainable living. 

At the core of our consciousness is a wellspring of caring and compassion; this aspect of ourselves – which we might think as our connected self – can be nurtured and developed. By strengthening our compassions, we give fuel to our courage and determination. By refreshing our sense of belonging in the world, we widen the web of relationships that nourishes us and protect us from burnout.  The change in our perception, thinking and deeply ingrained values are crucial to help the actions and new structures to set root deeply in our society and sustain them.

The Green Hub project

“The conservation of Old Tai Po Police Station is highly commendable for safeguarding not only the historical fabrics but also the thriving biodiversity within the compound. The transformation of the Old Tai Po Police Station from a deserted relic into a vibrant venue for learning about sustainable development. It is notable for revealing layers of cultural history embedded in its buildings while maintaining the site’s distinctive ecosystem. Instilling new life into the oldest colonial property in the New Territories, the centre provides an oasis in the midst of Hong Kong’s highly urbanised environment. The Green Hub project has successfully leased a new life to the once neglected Old Tai Po Police Station.”

Dr Duong Bich Hanh, Chair of Jury for the UNESCO Heritage Awards 2016 and Chief of UNESCO

The Old Tai Po Police Station is a Grade 1 historic building, built in 1899. Under Batch II of the "Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme", the Development Bureau of the Government of the HKSAR collaborates with KFBG to transform the heritage site into a "Green Hub for Sustainable Living”. In the Green Hub project, KFBG has adopted an integrated approach to extend the scope from conservation of the historic buildings to all the trees including old and valuable trees and an ecologically important egretry surrounding the heritage site. The holistic design of the Green Hub project gained recognition with the Grand Award (Existing Buildings Category: Completed Projects - Institutional Building) and Special Citation in Eco-service Infrastructure Network under the Green Building Award 2016 jointly organised by the Hong Kong Green Building Council and the Professional Green Building Council, the Merit Award of the Hong Kong Institute of Landscape Architects’ Design Award 2016, and enrolled to the finalist of the Structural Excellence Award 2016 – Hong Kong Project.

In daily operation, the Green Hub demonstrates how we can live sustainably while at the same time respecting nature and respecting each other in its public services.  Its Eat Well Canteen, guesthouse services, educational programmes and site management were well planned to create an ethos to inspire people the more sustainable ways of doing things.  Its’ Canteen was rated as Gold Class (the highest) in the Environmental Bureau’s Food Wise Eateries Scheme in 2015 and as the Diamond Class (the highest) of WasteNever Award organised by the HK Women Professionals and Entrepreneurs Association in 2016. The friendliness of Green Hub’s services and operation are also recognised by the Free Guider with a Barrier-Free Outstanding Award.

The Green Hub has been enhancing sustainable living not just at the local level, and is also playing a regional role in creating a new dimension and depth for sustainable development. Transformative courses have been held with overseas teachers to inspire people to explore sustainable living, which is affordable, less stressful, more fulfilling and brings greater happiness than the consumption-focused life. It is also a hub to cultivate collaborative projects among sustainable producers, consumers, artists, environmentalists, professionals, schools and institutions, as well as the entrepreneurs and the government officials.

The opening of the Green Hub in late 2015 coincided with the start of KFBG’s 60th Anniversary celebrations. It was an auspicious time and a beautiful way to renew our long-standing partnership with the Hong Kong government, for the benefit of Hong Kong people. The UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation marks the end of the first year of operation.

Visit Green Hub website and facebook to learn more about the project design and visitor programme.