If Hong Kong is to realise its lofty sustainability goals, our homes must look, feel and function very differently to those that have gone before. Smarter, greener buildings are a core component of the city’s ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, and the substantial upside for occupants is enhanced liveability. There is growing evidence linking the green credentials of cities with improved individual health, happiness and overall well-being so there is every incentive to make this change in our approach.
Climate change has sharpened the focus. According to the Hong Kong Green Building Council, buildings in Hong Kong consume 90 per cent of the city’s electricity while generating more than 60 per cent of its carbon emissions, making decarbonisation of the construction industry a “critical” step. It’s not a new concept for Hong Kong, where a self-sustaining Eco Home was unveiled in 2012.
Part of the CIC-Zero Carbon Park in Kowloon Bay, the prototype’s passive design and climate responsiveness showed how comfortable indoor life can be without artificial intervention. Architecture practice Ronald Lu & Partners was involved in the project, with Bryant Lu, vice-chairman, tracing its origin to the outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (Sars) a decade earlier. That was when Hongkongers, long accustomed to air conditioning, began opening their windows to let in fresh air.
The seeds were sown for the now prevailing trend of biophilic design – creating spac.