GREEN TIPS
7.1.1 Water efficient irrigation systems
Adopting water efficient irrigation systems can help reduce potable water consumption as well as the energy used in
plumbing systems. Where outdoor amenity greenery is located or replaced, the following measures are recommended:
• Maintain high-efficiency irrigation technologies such as micro-irrigation, moisture sensors, or weather-data based
controllers
• Install a pressure regulator that operates when water-supply pressure exceeds 80 psi or 552 kPa
• Use captured rainwater,
municipally reclaimed water or on-site treated wastewater for irrigation,
where available
• Use mulch and compost to maintain plant health; compost can be combined with a food-waste composting system
7.1.2 Water efficiency measures for water features
Water efficiency should be applied for fountains and water features in shopping malls and shop spaces, the following
measures are recommended:
• Design ground pools with splash troughs around the perimeter that drain back into the pool
• For all filtration processes, install pressure gauges to determine when to backwash or change cartridges,
then backwash based upon the pressure differential
• Monitor water use for abnormal increases in flow that may indicate leaks that should be identified and repaired
• Use water treatment only when necessary
• Reuse backwash water for irrigation
• Use shrubs or fences to shade the water features and block wind that increases evaporation
7.1.3 Water efficiency measures for shop owners and tenants
If shop owners and tenants are required to install or replace water closets and lavatory fixtures:
• Choose the most water-efficient plumbing items that are available on the market, including dual-flush toilets,
automatic water taps and water-free or ultra-low-flush urinals (Also refer to
7.1.4 Professional help
It is important to engage professionals for detailed consultation on the implementation of water-saving strategies in
shopping malls and shop spaces. The following is a list of references for obtaining professional help:
• Landscape architects – Appendix A (3)
• Registered professional engineers (RPE) in the building services discipline – Appendix A (4)
More landscaping resources available on the web
Hong Kong SAR Government has published a considerable amount of information on greenery for
practitioners’ reference.
Read more at:
1. Technical guidelines on landscape treatment for slopes
The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Civil Engineering and Development
Department. (2011). Technical guidelines on landscape treatment for slopes. Retrieved 27 May 2013,
from
2. Hong Kong herbarium
The Government of Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation
Department. (2003). Hong Kong herbarium. Retrieved 27 May 2013, from
/
7
Operation maintenance and management
7.1
Water-saving strategies
Hong Kong Green Building Council 159
