Partnering with Taikoo Place and Rooftop Republic, DBS Bank is making a concerted effort to raise awareness on food sustainability by turning the rooftop of One Island East into an urban farm. As food waste accounts for 30% of Hong Kong’s municipal solid waste, this partnership will launch a revamped food waste collection process by the end of this year to convert the leftovers collected from the bank’s office into compost to nourish crops being grown at The Loop at One Island East, Hong Kong’s highest urban farm. This initiative will help contribute to DBS’ target of achieving net-zero operational carbon emissions across the bank by 2022.
Sitting at 300m above ground, the rooftop was originally for building maintenance only. Taikoo Place had gone through research and feasibility studies to review the site condition, sunlight consideration, and operation model before turning it into an urban farm. In addition, Rooftop Republic was able to provide their professional knowledge and services throughout the process.
The farm has 50 planters that grow more than 30 types of organic seasonal crops, such as sweet potato leaf, basil, corn, okra, and mixed herbs. At the first harvest in September, 24 kilograms of fresh greens were donated to local food bank Feeding Hong Kong. Turning food waste into compost to grow fresh produce in an urban farm not only helps to close the loop on food waste but also supports the underprivileged for the wider community.
Aside from managing carbon footprint, this initiative has also been a valuable team-building tool for the bank’s workforce. By participating in the urban farming project, DBS employees have been able to spend more time reconnecting with nature, learning more about sustainability and the footprint of food, ultimately bringing the team closer together through a positive joint venture.
Read the complete article at www.greenqueen.com.hk.