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BEAM PLUS FOR NEW B UILDINGS S ITE ASPECTS (S A)
V ERSION 1.2 S A P1 MINIMUM L ANDSCAPING AREA
Copyright © 2012 BEAM Society Limited. All rights reserved.
Page 30
BACKGROUND In addition to mitigating any damage to site ecology, landscaping
strategies can:
 enhance a site’s microclimate (trees for shade, windbreaks, ponds,
fountains, acoustic barriers and podium with gardens, etc.);
 provide for efficient irrigation (efficient use of direct rainfall, plant
selection, water retention, materials in walkways allowing percolation
to sub-soil, using well water, drip irrigation systems, etc.); and
 control surface run-off (roof ponds, holding tanks, semi-permeable
surfaces on open areas, etc.)
Large expanses of greenery are difficult to secure in densely built city
centres. However, the provision of plants on the outside and on rooftops
contributes to making the city greener. For example, a building rooftop
covered with greenery can significantly reduce surface temperature in
summer, compared with bare asphalt or concrete rooftops. Roof
greenery also can reduce peak roof runoff and alleviate storm drainage
pressure. To protect and improve the built and natural environment the
Government in promoting the construction of green and innovative
buildings has identified communal sky gardens and communal podium
gardens [3,4].
Water pollution in Hong Kong remains a problem. Measures that mitigate
against pollution will help reduce the environmental loading. Criteria for
protection of the aquatic environment against water pollution include
consideration of all the aquatic components: water quality, hydrology,
bottom sediments, and ecology should be considered.
3 Buildings Department et al. Joint Practice Note No. 1. Green and Innovative Buildings. October 2004.
4 Buildings Department et al. Joint Practice Note No. 2. Second Package of Incentives to Promote Green and Innovative
Buildings. February 2006.