Kai Tak housing project adopts low carbon construction initiatives

Low carbon construction initiatives have substantially reduced carbon emissions during the construction stage of a major public housing project by the Hong Kong Housing Authority  at Kai Tak.

The Director of Housing, Mr D W Pescod said, "The low carbon construction measures adopted by our Kai Tak Site 1A housing project could reduce carbon emissions by about 54 000 tons during construction, or the amount of carbon absorbed by over 2 000 000 trees a year.

 "We aim to push forward sustainable construction techniques in our industry through adopting these low carbon construction measures in our public housing developments," he added.

The Kai Tak Site 1A housing project has adopted a number of environment-friendly features such as a photo-voltaic system utilising renewable energy, energy-efficient light fittings, and a rainwater harvesting and plant irrigation system.

Recycled materials have been widely used for construction works. These innovative moves include the use of marine mud excavated from the site mixed with a small amount of cement for in-situ backfilling and for production of pavers. By so doing, there is no need to dispose of marine mud by dumping and land filling. Carbon dioxide emissions created by transportation for dumping can also be eliminated.

The green treatment of marine mud for in-situ backfilling initiated by the HA has been awarded the Champion Environmental Paper by the Hong Kong Institution of Engineers and the Civil Service Outstanding Service Award this year.

Other green initiatives include wider adoption of prefabricated components such as volumetric precasting of bathrooms and kitchens, in addition to precast facades and staircases. To further reduce air-pollution during construction, electric vehicles and bio-diesels are used on site.

The Kai Tak Site 1A public housing development covers 3.47 hectares and will provide about 5 200 flats scheduled for completion by early 2013. It will provide a green living environment for around 13 000 people with "homes in the park".