Innovation

Green Wall Design Co., Ltd, seeks to sustainably develop the city by striking a balance between people and ecology. While the business was originally aimed at transforming Macau to a greener city through vertical greening, implementation of green rooftops and promoting the use of solar panels, the company has started diversifying their business, coming up with ways to reduce water waste during the irrigation process. The business is actively pursuing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) number 7, Affordable and Clean Energy; number 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities; and number 10, Reducing Inequalities in hiring.

While some of the employees are government personnel, for a vast majority of their project, Liang is actively seeking to give employment opportunities to the underprivileged individuals in Macau. This was a challenging decision since some of the potential hires might not necessarily be highly qualified for the job. To keep the quality of the services, Liang was directly involved in the selection of employees. Upon hiring, to motivate them, Liang has adopted a reward management system, where bonuses are given based on employee performance.

Liang is different from other business leaders in Macao. Where many would largely focus on the bottom line, he understood the importance of doing business in a sustainable manner, and how through the achievement of the triple bottom line model, he could raise his business profile, while positively contributing to the environment and society as a whole.

Inspiration

Growing up in Macau prior to the booming of the hotel/casino industry, Liang witnessed the "dramatic changes to the landscape of the city." Macau had an unbalanced landscape between people and the environment. For two decades, its government has put a strong emphasis on its economic growth at the cost of the environment through deforestation, for example. As a result, he has taken it upon himself to improve the face of the city by actively promoting urban greening practices. As of now, the young business has already established several milestones by partnering with local resorts, government agencies, universities and residential areas.

Overall impact

While the core services of the business revolve around building green walls in residential areas and universities, the company has also helped the Macau airport switch the vast majority of their lightbulbs into LEDs, helping them reduce electricity usage.

Another project with great potential is the Earthworm Needle federal initiative. The project is based on a collaboration between Macau’s Municipal Affairs Bureau and the company to create smart gardens aimed at reducing water waste during irrigation. The basic function of the needles is to detect the soil’s humidity which will signal gardeners when to irrigate plants/crops. Although the project is not yet finalized, these needles are estimated to be capable at reducing irrigation water waste up to 40%, depending on location and plant types.

All these projects aim at transforming Macau to a greener city while addressing the lack of green spaces, and potential water and energy waste.

Business benefit

Besides being profitable, the business is also focused on having a positive social impact. The success of the earthworm needles federal initiative has improved the company’s profile and reputation, giving Liang the opportunity to expand their operations to other private sectors in and outside of Macau, which he did not foresee when he started the business.

Through the establishment of a good profile, sustainable work ethics and positive word of mouth, government agencies, local resorts, universities and residential agencies are becoming regular return customers for the company for not only maintenance of the product/service provided, but also for newer projects. As the company’s profile increased throughout the years, Liang did not forsake the quality of services the company provides. He is still directly involved in the hiring procedures to make sure those hired are passionate and motivated towards the company’s green practices.

Finally, Liang would like to establish his business in China, specifically in areas where water shortage poses an enormous dilemma. With the knowledge and expertise acquired through the earthworm needle initiate, he is aiming to assist and help better regulate water usage during irrigation processes.

Social and environmental benefit

Liang and his business, Green Wall Design, has benefited society in various ways through their commitments of the SDGs. The business is pursuing goal number 7, Affordable and Clean Energy; number 10, Reduce Inequalities; and number 11, Sustainable Cities and Communities. However, through their investment, the business has positively impacted other goals. By creating a greener, more balanced and healthier city, goal 3, Good Health and Well-Being,; goal 13, Climate Action,; and goal 15, Life on Land are also achieved.

This is evident since the company is focusing on the promotion of green practices such as the usage of solar panels, LED light bulbs, hiring the underprivileged class, and creating green walls and smart gardens.

Interview

Kenny Liang, Founder