On 24 February 2025, the School of Energy and Environment (SEE) hosted an enlightening seminar, titled "Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality 2.0", as part of the SEE Colloquium series. Prof. Edwin Tso Chi-Yan from SEE invited the distinguished guest speaker Ir Prof. Steve S F Wong, Chairman of the Environment & Sustainability Committee at Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce (HKGCC) and Chairman of BillionGroup Technologies Limited, who warmly welcomed attendees and set the stage for an engaging and thought-provoking discussion.

Ir Prof. Wong presented a comprehensive framework for sustainability, anchored in the 5Ps: Planet, People, Partnerships, Peace, and Prosperity. He emphasized the critical role of governance through the 4Is—Instantaneous, Immersive, Interactive, and Inclusive, and underscored the importance of transparency with the 4Ts: Technology, Transparency, Traceability, and Trust.

Delving deeper into the carbon cycle, Ir Prof. Wong introduced the concept of the 4Bs—Energy/Carbon Balance, Material Balance, Environmental Balance, and Financial Balance. He explained the distinction between fast and slow carbon cycles and discussed various technical approaches to achieving carbon neutrality. These included CO2 capture, storage, and utilization; the conversion of organic materials to integrate carbon into the slow cycle or replace fossil fuels; and the broader substitution of fossil fuels. Additionally, he highlighted strategies for achieving energy and environmental balance, offering practical insights into addressing global sustainability challenges.

The seminar was both informative and inspiring, providing attendees with a deeper understanding of the challenges and solutions in the pursuit of sustainability and carbon neutrality. The attendees were particularly appreciative of the blend of theoretical frameworks and actionable solutions shared by Ir Prof. Wong.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ir Prof. Wong for sharing his invaluable expertise and visionary perspectives. His contributions have undoubtedly inspired and informed our community's efforts towards a more sustainable future.