GOVERNMENT FUNDINGS AND SUPPORT
GOVERNMENT FUNDINGS AND SUPPORT
Hong Kong’s hospitality industry is at the forefront of a sustainability revolution, and government-backed funding initiatives play a pivotal role in driving this transformation. By leveraging financial support and strategic partnerships, hotels can adopt eco-conscious practices, reduce operational footprints, and contribute to broader community goals.
Key programmes listed below fosters sustainable sourcing and waste reduction in F&B operations; encourages resource-efficient repurposing of spaces to support youth and community engagement; and offers grants for projects in energy efficiency, biodiversity, and environmental education. These initiatives reflect the government’s commitment to aligning economic growth with environmental stewardship.
For hospitality professionals, accessing such funds not only lowers the barriers to green innovation but also strengthens their role as leaders in Hong Kong’s sustainable future. Explore how GREEN Hospitality’s roadmap simplifies navigating these opportunities, empowering your business to thrive responsibly.
GOVERNMENT FUNDINGS AND SUBSIDY SCHEMES
I
Restaurant Partnership Programme
About the programme: Implemented by the EPD since the end of 2000, the "Helping the Restaurant Trade Environmental Programme" emphasises voluntary compliance and pollution prevention. It aims to improve restaurants' environmental performance and working conditions, reduce costs and raise the trade's image.The programme involves technical support and development, environmental education, collaboration with related stakeholders, and trade specific projects
II
Subsidy Scheme for Using Hotels and Guesthouses as Youth Hostels
About the programme: To enable young people to accumulate savings for pursuing their aspirations in personal development, NGOs are required to set the rent at a level which does not exceed 60% of the market rent of flats of similar size in nearby areas. The first tenancy should be for at least two years, which can be renewed for an aggregate of no more than five years. Working youths who are Hong Kong permanent residents aged 18 to 30 are eligible to apply as tenants, and they shall be subject to income and asset tests at the time of application. They should not own any residential properties in Hong Kong.
III
Environment and Conservation Fund (ECF)
About the programme: Supports environmental projects, including energy efficiency initiatives, with a focus on community involvement and education. Continues to support environmental projects, including energy efficiency initiatives, with a focus on community involvement and education. While not specifically a single fund for energy efficiency, it supports a wide range of environmental projects
IV
Government Buildings Energy Efficiency Registration Scheme for Buildings
About the programme: Offers tax deductions for expenditures on energy-efficient building renovations and environmental protection installations
V
About the programme: The SME Environmental Protection Fund (administered by the Trade and Industry Department) supports SMEs in adopting eco-friendly practices
VI
Pilot Green and Sustainable Finance Capacity Building Support Scheme
About the programme: In recent years, green and sustainability issues have been gaining much attention in the international community. Hong Kong is also firmly committed to promoting green and sustainable finance (GSF) to address climate-related financial risks, and raise market awareness as well as participation. In order to strengthen Hong Kong market players’ capacity on GSF, there is a critical need to expand the talent pool and enhance the capacity building for practitioners as well as prospective practitioners. As announced by the Financial Secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (Hong Kong) in the 2022-23 Budget Speech, the Pilot Green and Sustainable Finance Capacity Building Support Scheme (Scheme) aims to support talent development in GSF by providing subsidies to market practitioners as well as prospective practitioners in taking up relevant training and acquiring relevant professional qualifications. The Scheme will run for a pilot period of three years and is administered by the Secretariat of the Centre for Green and Sustainable Finance (Secretariat). The Government of Hong Kong has earmarked HK$200 million for the Scheme. Eligible applicants may apply for reimbursement of relevant fees upon successful completion of Eligible Programmes, subject to a ceiling of HK$10,000 and other conditions.
VII
About the programme: The Continuing Education Fund (CEF) subsidises adults aged 18 or above to pursue continuing education and training. Eligible applicants may submit an unlimited number of claims for reimbursement of fees up to a maximum sum of HK$25,000 within one year upon successful completion of CEF reimbursable courses.
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GREEN Hospitality provides access to sustainability-related policies, laws, and regulations in Hong Kong for informational purposes only. While we strive to share valuable content, we do not guarantee the most updated versions of these materials. GREEN Hospitality assumes no responsibility for outcomes related to the use of these resources and disclaims all liability for
any reliance placed on them. Thank you for supporting sustainable practices!