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Officials from the Construction Industry Council, the Hong Kong Government and Gammon Construction at the groundbreaking of Hong Kong’s first zero
carbon building
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Located in Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong’s first zero carbon building will be a showcase of state-of-the-art eco-building design and technology and a role model for the region. Developed by the Construction Industry Council (CIC) in collaboration with the Hong Kong Government’s Development Bureau, the project was launched last month with completion expected in 2012.
The project covers all aspects of a low-carbon lifestyle, incorporating functioning eco-offices, a showcase eco-home, an eco-garden, and Hong Kong’s first urban woodland. A permanent display of zero carbon design ideas and technology will serve as a showcase for the construction industry globally, while an outdoor exhibition area will help to raise community awareness of sustainable living.
International Best Practice
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The eco-office and gallery
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Entrance hall of the zero
carbon showcase |
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CIC is hoping the building will qualify for BEAM Plus, the highest benchmark for green construction. “CIC’s Zero Carbon Building goes beyond internationally recognised definitions of zero carbon building,” said Yu Wai-wai, Zero Carbon Building Task Force Chairman. He said that the building will generate more renewable energy than its operational needs, adding that the surplus energy will be exported to make up for energy used during the construction process and for the production of major structural materials.
While demonstrating state-of-the-art eco-building design and technology, the eco-office will also serve as a model for a zero carbon workplace, said Mr Yu.
Similarly, he said the eco-home design will promote low-carbon living and demonstrate how it can be practised in Hong Kong. Features such as ventilated layout, green materials and furnishing, energy-efficient appliances and water-efficient fixtures, smart control and energy use display will be used in the eco-home display.
The project will be able to accommodate 150 visitors a day when it opens in mid-2012.
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Key Design Features of Hong Kong Zero Carbon Building Project:
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Carbon Neutral: It will be the first zero carbon building in Hong Kong
Energy Plus: It goes beyond internationally recognised definitions of zero carbon building. The building will generate more on-site renewable energy than its operation needs and exports surplus energy to make up for energy used during the construction process and the production of major structural materials
Climate Positive: It will improve the local micro-climate by reducing the heat island effect. Greenery coverage of the site will be more than 60 per cent
Waste to Energy: The project will use biodiesel derived from waste cooking oil
Urban Native Woodland: It will include the first urban native woodland in Hong Kong to promote bio-diversity and local plant species
Green Building Certification: It aims for the BEAM Plus Platinum rating, the highest rating for excellent building environmental performance
Educating: It will provide an education platform to showcase green building technology and low-carbon living to the industry and the public
Experimenting: It adopts state-of-the-art eco-building design and technology, some of which will be used for the first time in Hong Kong
Evaluating: There will be real-time control and monitoring through a comprehensive Building Management System with smart control
Evolving: The flexible design allows for the use of fast-evolving low-carbon and eco-building technology
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“CIC has always been committed to promoting sustainable buildings and good industry practices for environmental protection. We hope that with this project, our industry and the public will see what is possible with eco-building design and technology, particularly in a humid sub-tropical region like Hong Kong,” Mr Yu said.
Information Exchange
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An eco-garden and Hong Kong’s first urban woodland
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“One of the key reasons that we developed this project is to provide a platform for knowledge exchange and experience sharing for the industry. We hope this project will encourage more eco-building design and technology and good practices in sustainable building development in Hong Kong.“
The project also presents numerous business opportunities for overseas firms to bring in their expertise, with some having already taken part in the early planning stage.
“We have involved leading local and international experts in building design, engineering, energy, planning, surveying and landscaping. We are very proud to be able to bring together the best local and international experts on low carbon building design and technology” to work on the project.
“Once the building has opened, it will offer plenty of opportunities for local and international companies to display and showcase latest technology and expertise related to eco-building and sustainable living. The temporary exhibition zone of the building and the outdoor exhibition area of the landscaped area will provide great exhibition space for companies to display their products, designs and technology.”
Signature Project
Mr Yu predicted that the “signature project” will raise the profile of Hong Kong’s environmental efforts while educating the public. “Through visits and personal experience, Hong Kong people will understand what a zero carbon building is and understand how low-carbon living is practical and feasible through behavioural change.”
Related Link
Construction Industry Council (CIC)
