The EMSD Headquarters makes a strong case for sustainable development, according to Prof Bernard Lim, President of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects. Explaining why the building won the Merit Award in the Hong Kong Institute of Architects' 2004 Annual Awards, he says, "The Headquarters combines sustainable development, good architecture and aesthetics with a variety of environmental protection features as well as low construction cost, since the original building structure was retained. The result is a building with excellent value for money." He commends EMSD and the Architectural Services Department for setting a fine example to the public and private sectors.