Sustainability Report 2019/20

Case Study – Partnering with Our Contractors to Conserve the Giant Native Twin Trees The Group seeks to balance development activities and environmental considerations in our projects. For this reason, we practice tree preservation in our development projects and closely collaborate with our contractors to avoid and minimize falling and damage of trees in the course of development. Jointly with our contractor Gammon Construction Limited and with support from inhouse company specialists including arborists, landscaping and project environmental team members, as well as academics, in November 2019, we successfully transplanted the giant native twin trees, consisting of two Ficus microcarpa merged into one root system weighing more than 170 tonnes, by using cutting-edge technologies. This tree transplanting exercise not only protected biodiversity but also preserved the characteristics of the rural community in Shap Sze Heung, Hong Kong. Applying Various Technologies Throughout the Entire Transplanting Process Prior to the transplanting work, we installed sensors to monitor tree movements and tilts, and utilized a 3D reality platform that integrates the motion data for real-time health and stability monitoring, ensuring the health status of trees before and after the transplanting process. We also paid particular attention to the design and planning of the access route and respective transplanting methods. Given the huge trunk and irregular crown of the twin trees, 3D scanning technology was applied to precisely measure the weight of the tree and its centre of gravity, so as to facilitate the selection of appropriate plant and equipment for lifting and transportation. Various strengthening measures were also carried out through the formation of a temporary lifting platform and access route over the existing box culvert to ensure the whole lifting and transportation process was secure and risk-free. Deploying the First-ever Two Self-propelled Modular Transporter Apart from preserving the trees, we also explore ways to lower potential exposure to workers’ safety. In addition to a 600-tonnes crawler crane, we applied a Goldhofer integrated double self-propelled modular transporter, the first of its kind in Hong Kong, for the lifting operation. According to the size and weight of trees, the modules can be coupled together to suit different site conditions and transportation purposes, resulting in a significant reduction in labour and safety risks. For further details on the transplanting project, please watch the video here . • Conservation of the giant native twin trees in Sai Sha Road Widening Works Value Created for Supply Chain Sun Hung Kai Properties Limited • Sustainability Report 2019/20 32