Enabling Circular Economy
Management Approach
Minimizing waste and maximizing resource efficiency are central to Alliance's approach to enabling a circular economy. We promote the use of recycled materials in our production processes and design products for durability, reuse, and recyclability. Alliance implements waste management practices that prioritize recycling and recovery, reducing the environmental impact of our operations. To support these efforts, Alliance seeks innovative means to recycle the waste materials that may have from our operations and educates employees and customers on circular economy principles. The company tracks and reports on waste reduction and recycling rates, ensuring transparency and accountability in its sustainability initiatives.
Strengthening Rock Reserves
During the reporting period, we continued to strengthen our rock reserves. To ensure our raw materials come from responsible sources, we carefully selected business partners who prioritize sustainability. For instance, our partnered stone quarries in Mainland China are recognized as Green Quarries. They implement quarry rehabilitation plans and environmental practices such as tree planting to minimize bare land exposure, protecting natural stream courses, collecting and reusing surface runoff to reduce freshwater consumption, suppressing dust and noise, and implementing waste reduction measures. These green quarry practices help minimize the environmental impacts of rock extraction and aggregate production processes.
Another critical factor in ensuring a stable supply of aggregates to the Hong Kong market is efficient logistics. We have previously faced major interruptions from cross-boundary logistics. To mitigate this business continuity risk, the aggregates depots we established in Tuen Mun and our Tsing Yi Hub play a crucial role in connecting aggregate sources from Mainland China to customer sites, including our concrete batching plants. This logistics planning ensures the highest efficiency of aggregate supply while the environmental measures we implement at each stop minimize the environmental impacts of the process.
Green Solutions for Aggregates Barges
For example, the aggregates replenishment barges from Mainland China are equipped with fully enclosed conveyor belts and discharge chutes to prevent dust emissions during unloading. The aggregates barges stationed at the seafront of our concrete batching plants are fitted with mechanical covers and water sprinklers to prevent dust emissions from stockpiles and during loading and unloading processes. Additional measures, such as bunding the edge of the deck and regularly removing dusty materials from the deck surface, prevent dust emissions and any polluted water from leaking into the sea.
Recycling and Reuse Practices
Wastewater and solid waste are generated from the daily operations of our concrete batching plants. To uphold our environmental protection responsibilities, we have implemented wastewater recycling systems in all our plants. Surface runoff from the plant yard and wastewater from truck washing are directed to concrete reclaimers, which serve as the first stage of the recycling process. The reclaimers extract coarse materials from the wastewater. The grey water from this initial stage is then pumped to a filter-press machine, where suspended solids are separated by a filter membrane. The filtered water is recycled for use in plant yard and truck washing. The solid waste extracted from the reclaimers and the filter-press machine is reused for other engineering purposes, such as filling materials for civil works. Within the reporting period, 4,533 tons of solid waste had been recycled, prevented them from disposed of at the landfill sites.
Application of Recycled Materials in Concrete
Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in the development of our sustainable products, which are defined by two key criteria: low embodied carbon and the application of recycled materials.
Incorporating recycled materials into our concrete products is a critical aspect of our sustainability strategy. We utilize byproducts from other industries, such as Pulverized Fuel Ash (PFA) and Ground Granulated Blast-furnace Slag (GGBS), to produce high-quality concrete. These recycled materials not only enhance the performance of our concrete but also reduce the demand for virgin raw materials, thereby conserving natural resources.
Under the low carbon economy, the demand for GGBS concrete mixes is increasing. However, GGBS mixes come with quality risks and early strength development problems. To address these challenges, we collaborate closely with our suppliers to ensure stringent quality control of GGBS and the concrete production process. By implementing rigorous testing and monitoring procedures, we ensure that the GGBS used in our mixes meets the highest standards of quality. Additionally, we continuously optimize our concrete formulations to enhance early strength development and overall performance, thereby mitigating the risks associated with GGBS mixes.
Supporting Hong Kong's Development
Alliance is dedicated to providing sustainable construction materials that meet the needs of Hong Kong's development projects. The company develops high-performance, sustainable concrete and aggregate products, ensuring the availability and reliability of supply chains. Alliance engages with local communities and authorities to align its products and services with development goals. To support this aspect, Alliance invests in research and development for innovative materials, maintaining robust logistics and supply chain management systems. The company also participates in public consultations and infrastructure planning initiatives, contributing to the sustainable development of Hong Kong.
Strong Capacity and Strategically Located Production Facilities
Our strategically located facilities, with their large storage capacity for raw materials, are connected to our partnered stone quarries in Mainland China and cement supplies from Green Island Cement. This highly efficient logistics system ensures a robust resource base that meets the demand for aggregates and concrete, supporting Hong Kong's development.
Delivery to different areas of HK within 1 HOUR
Situated at the heart of Hong Kong, Tsing Yi Island is well-connected by highway networks, allowing us to supply concrete and aggregates to development projects within an hour. We have intentionally designed the Tsing Yi Concrete Production Hub with substantial storage capacity for both cement and aggregates. This capacity allows us to maintain production and supply for two days during severe logistics interruptions, such as approaching typhoons, without needing immediate replenishment.
Alliance operates a fleet of over 200 concrete mixer trucks, cement tankers, and tipper trucks. Our strong delivery capacity, managed by digitalized logistics systems, ensures the timely supply of aggregates and concrete to our customer sites.
Technical Supports to Customers
As a major concrete supplier in Hong Kong, our technical support to customers significantly contributes to the city's development. By advancing concrete technologies, we help our customers tackle construction challenges with innovative solutions that enhance durability, efficiency, and safety. Our expertise in low-carbon concrete technologies enables us to meet the growing demand for sustainable construction practices, reducing the carbon footprint of building projects. Additionally, our technical support helps customers cope with quality risks by providing expert guidance on material selection, mix design, and quality control processes. This ensures that the concrete used in construction projects meets the highest standards, minimizing the risk of defects and enhancing the overall reliability of structures. This commitment to innovation, sustainability, and quality not only supports our customers in achieving their project goals but also aligns with Hong Kong's broader environmental objectives, fostering a greener and more resilient urban landscape.
Diverse Development Projects
Within the reporting period we have supported diverse development projects with our total aggregates and concrete solutions.
Three Runway System
(Aggregates solutions)
Source: Airport Authority Hong Kong
Trunk Road T2
(Concrete solutions)
Source: Bouygues Travaux Publics
Tung Chung Line Extension
(Concrete solutions)
Source: MTRC
Tung Chung New Town Extension
(Aggregates solutions)
Source: CEDD
Kwu Tung North Area - Public Housing Development (Concrete solutions)
Source: Development Bureau
Central Kowloon Route β Central Tunnel (Concrete solutions)
Source: Highways Department
Resources Conservation
Conserving natural resources and promoting sustainable use are key objectives for Alliance. The company optimizes resource use in its production processes and implements water conservation measures. Alliance is committed to protecting and restoring natural habitats affected by its operations. We develop and implement good water management practices, ensuring the sustainable use of this vital resource. Additionally, our partnered quarries have established quarry restoration plans, contributing to the preservation of biodiversity and the environment.
In conclusion, Alliance's management approach in the Resources pillar of its Ambitions 2030 model reflects a comprehensive and proactive strategy towards sustainability. By focusing on transitioning to a low-carbon economy, enabling a circular economy, supporting Hong Kong's development with sustainable materials, and conserving resources, Alliance is leading the construction materials industry towards a more sustainable future. This approach not only meets current demands but also ensures a positive contribution to the environment and society.
