The effectiveness of building environmental assessment method (BEAM) plus new building on occupants’ satisfaction of green public rental housings in Hong Kong

Abstract

In Hong Kong, Building Environmental Assessment Method (BEAM) Plus has been widely adopted in rating the sustainable performance of different buildings. Along with a growing awareness of environmental issues, Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) has implemented various green initiatives in public housing development. Some public housing estates are rewarded in BEAM Plus New Buildings (BEAM Plus NB), however, the assessment does not cover the operation performance of those estates. With an aim of evaluating the actual performance of public housing certified in BEAM Plus NB in terms of health and well-being, a Post-Occupancy Evaluation (POE) is conducted and the performance of health and well-being of public housing certified in BEAM Plus NB is gauged by comparing IEQ satisfaction and perceived health of occupants between BEAM Plus certified public housing and non-BEAM Plus certified public housing. This research examines the effect of getting BEAM Plus NB certified in enhancing occupant satisfaction in public housing. Quantitative and qualitative approaches are adopted to collect opinions from different stakeholders. A self-developed questionnaire based on CBE and BUS surveys is distributed to collect quantitative data. The implication of the findings is examined with professional opinions collected via interviews. Recommendations on public housing development are made based on the opinions collected from the interviews and a case study analysis. Based on the findings, this research suggests that there is no significant difference in IEQ satisfaction and perceived health between BEAM Plus NB certified public housing and non- BEAM Plus NB certified public housing. To enhance the health and well-being of green public housing, it is suggested that the management team should continuously initiate green practices in the housing estate. The team should cooperate with occupants and other stakeholders in neighbourhood community to promote sustainable development in a joint effort.