The case of Hong Kong : from conventional building to green building

Abstract

Resources like water and electricity are limited and the usage of these resources are increasing along with the city’s development. Information released by different environmental organizations suggests that the consumption of these limited resources by a conventional building is huge. Green building plays an important role in improving this situation.

This dissertation first finds out the energy usage of conventional buildings from different environmental organizations and different scholars/ professionals through literature reviews.

The goal of this research is to find out 1) the feasibility of turning a conventional building into a green building in Hong Kong; 2) owners’ knowledge of green building; 3) if financial factors affect owners’ decision to turn their conventional buildings into green buildings.

Through literature review, we found out the reasons why people prefer/do not prefer green buildings. We also found out how government policies affect consumers’ and enterprises’ behavior.

By conducting a survey, we know more about the owners’ understanding of green building, the important factors of green building among the interviewees, the attractive incentives/ benefits that trigger the owners’ decision to go green, the barriers that deters the owners from going green and the most attractive incentives/ benefits of green building proposed by the Management Company/ Incorporated Owners.

Through data analysis of the questionnaire conducted, we found that the understanding of green building among the interviewees is good. The interviewees could define most of the green building characteristics but not “Regular inspection, maintenance and repair of the building” and “Ensure satisfactory quality of drinking water”.

We also found that financial factors could trigger the owners to turn their buildings into green buildings. The most attractive financial factors are “Reduce bill in your own unit”, “Better selling price of your flat” and “Better rental price”. Likewise, when Management Company/ Incorporated Owners propose to turn the owners’ buildings into green buildings, “Financial aspect like saving energy cost” is the one advantage rated the most “Most attractive”. At the end of the dissertation, we discuss the implications of the study like the interviewees’ energy saving concerns, rising health awareness among the interviewees and the effects of financial incentives on owners’ behavior.