Hong Kong is committed to building a sustainable future and to ensuring that our future generations can continue to thrive in a clean and green environment. But is it possible to incorporate the concept of sustainability into the building design and its management, hence reducing the environmental impacts to nature and improving our quality of life? The answer is a resounding Sure! This article talks about how to achieve sustainability in buildings, with case studies and examples.

Green buildings are not a complicated or technical concept. They are designed, built, renovated, operated, and reused in an ecological and resource-efficient manner to meet certain objectives such as protecting occupant health; improving employee productivity; using energy, water, and other resources more efficiently; and reducing the overall impact to the environment.

We can save energy through incorporating green building features and the use of energy efficiency technologies and products, thus achieving sustainability.

The use of natural ventilation and lighting can reduce energy consumption for air-conditioning, ventilation and lighting in buildings. Many of the renewable energy sources are free and inexhaustible, offering greener resources and economically viable options.

Since 1998, Electrical and Mechanical Services Department has implemented a voluntary Hong Kong Energy Efficiency Registration Scheme for Buildings to promote energy efficiency in buildings. In 2005, the Government issued a technical circular setting out the guidelines for all capital works projects and minor works projects on the adoption of energy efficient features and renewable energy technologies in Government Projects and Installations. The Government is working on legislation to make the implementation of building energy codes mandatory.

• More on energy efficiency in buildings
  http://www.emsd.gov.hk/emsd/eng/pee/eersb.shtml
• More on utilising sustainable resources
  http://gbtech.emsd.gov.hk/english/utilize/utilize.html
• More on being energy efficient
  http://gbtech.emsd.gov.hk/english/minimize/minimize.html

Installing waste separation facilities such as bins or racks in green buildings together with publicity and promotional activities directed to the occupants of the building can help to recover more materials for recycling and reduce waste requiring disposal.

• More on the programme on source separation of domestic waste
  https://www.wastereduction.gov.hk/en/household/source_intro.htm
• More on the programme on source separation of commercial and industrial waste
  https://www.wastereduction.gov.hk/en/workplace/cissp_what.htm

Green buildings save water with the following features:

• Installation of flow restrictors at water taps.
• Installation of optimized timing self-closing taps or sensor taps in public lavatories and washing rooms.
• Reduction of water pressure of the plumbing systems to the lowest practical level.
• Installation of dual flush cisterns (a choice between "full flush" and "half flush").
• Provision of reclaimed water systems for toilet flushing, cleaning and irrigation.

• More on tips of saving water
  http://www.gov.hk/en/residents/environment/public/green/tipsavewater.htm
• More on using reclaimed water
  http://www.gov.hk/en/residents/environment/water/usereclaimedwater.htm

The quality of indoor air should not be overlooked. It has a significant impact on building occupants since people spend more than 70% of their time indoors. Good indoor air quality (IAQ) safeguards the health of the building occupants and contributes to their comfort and well-being.  

Better IAQ can be achieved by two major approaches; providing adequate ventilation and controlling the source of indoor air pollutants such as using low emission furnishing products.

• More on achieving better IAQ
  http://www.iaq.gov.hk/index_eng.asp
• Pamphlets on improving the IAQ in your buildings (pdf file)
  http://www.iaq.gov.hk/pamphlets/booklet1_en.pdf

To promote green elements in the construction of buildings, the Government allows certain green features to be exempt from the calculation of gross floor area of the developments concerned if they fulfill the specified criteria for exemption. Examples of the green features include balconies, wider corridors and lift lobbies, communal sky gardens, communal podium gardens, acoustic fins, sunshades and reflectors, non-structural prefabricated external walls, utility platforms and mail delivery rooms with mailboxes.

The Considerate Contractor Site Award Scheme and the Green Contractor Award Scheme have been launched to encourage and give recognition to the private sector to practise sustainable design and construction.

To improve the indoor air quality and promote public awareness of the importance of IAQ, the Government has implemented an IAQ Management Programme. One of the core tasks of the Programme is to launch a voluntary IAQ Certification Scheme for Offices and Public Places. Premises have their IAQ meeting the two-level IAQ objectives (Good or Excellent) are awarded with "Good Class" or "Excellent Class" IAQ certificate. IAQ labels are also issued to these premises for posting at prominent locations to make known to the public of such achievement.

The Government is building up momentum in developing green buildings. The following are some examples.

Hong Kong Wetland Park 

The Hong Kong Wetland Park in Tin Shui Wai occupies 61 hectares of land. Special features are incorporated in the design of the buildings to integrate man-made structures with the natural environment in the park, including landscaped roof, sustainable timber cladding and multiple layers of shades, natural lighting and ventilation, high energy efficient installations, re-use of existing materials, etc. The project shows impressively how natural habitats with rich biodiversity can co-exist harmoniously with the surrounding environment in which people live.

In addition to the above, the Visitor Centre of Hong Kong Wetland Park has achieved "Good Class" IAQ for the better enjoyment of the tourists.

• More on Hong Kong Wetland Park
  http://www.archsd.gov.hk/english/reports/sustain_report_2006/e/our_sustainable.html

Stanley Municipal Services Building

Stanley Municipal Services Building is a multi-purpose centre which serves as the focal point of the Stanley community and facilitates the progressive development of cultural, recreational, learning and environmental aspects. The building includes a wealth of environmental features. Use of natural daylight and energy efficient building services installations are widely adopted. An internal courtyard at the heart of the building not only enhances the cooling by cross natural ventilation but screens off noises from the street and takes one to a quiet place.

• More on Stanley Municipal Services Building
  http://www.archsd.gov.hk/english/reports/sustain_report_2007/en/case_study.html

You can explore more on other green buildings through the following links:

• More on fire station at Penny's Bay
  http://www.archsd.gov.hk/english/reports/sustain_report_2006/e/our_sustainable3.html
• More on The Heritage Discovery Centre
  http://www.archsd.gov.hk/english/reports/sustain_report_2006/e/our_sustainable4.html