1
Getting started to go green
1.3
Quick Start Menu to go green
What you see or feel
What is the problem?
Is this green?
You see skylights or
windows which let in natural
light.
---
YES. Skylights and
windows are good green
features which can enhance
the use of natural light and
can reduce reliance on
artificial lighting.
You see plastic plants or
other artificial plants with
plastic parts inside the
shopping mall or shop
space.
Plastics are not considered as green materials.
They are not easily degradable and may also
contain chemicals that have harmful effects on
human health. During the production of plastic,
emission of toxic chemicals from the production
process can be harmful to the workers. (See
Section “Read more at” Item 1 for more details.)
Artificial plants can also collect dust which is
difficult to be removed properly. Use of blowers
to remove dust will only blow the dust into the air
which is even more problematic.
NO. Plastic plants are for
visual enhancement only.
You see natural plants inside
the shopping mall or shop
space.
---
YES. Natural plants can
help to improve indoor
environmental quality. (See
of
this Guide for more details.)
You see lots of artificial lights
inside the shopping mall or
shop space.
More artificial light means more energy
consumption.
NO.
Colour of the decoration in
the shopping mall or shop
space is very dark.
More artificial lights may be needed to achieve
acceptable lighting environment.
More artificial light means more energy
consumption.
NO.
The carpet on the floor has
very thick pile.
Carpet pile can trap dust and dirt. The longer the
pile, the more difficult it is to clean the carpet.
Cleaning of carpets may involve chemicals that
may be harmful to humans. (See Section “Read
more at” Item 2 for more details.) Carpet may off
gas which may affect human health. (See Section
“Read more at” Item 3 for more details.)
NO.
There are lots of stone
surfaces inside the shopping
mall or shop space.
Stone may emit
which is a colourless
radioactive gas. The emitted
may become
trapped and accumulate if the shopping mall is
not well ventilated. Long term exposure to
may increase the risk of lung cancer.
It is necessary to carry
out a
test to check
if a harmful level of
exists.
There are recycling bins/
facilities at convenient
locations within the shopping
mall or shop space.
---
YES.
There are lots of large
advertising screens which
are playing videos over and
over again all the time.
Each large LED screen is made up from many
small LED lights. The larger the screen, the larger
the number of LED lights required and the more
energy used to keep the screen illuminated.
LED screens may be a
functional preference to
meet advertising needs
for business operation.
However, a reduction in size
and in the hours of use can
help reduce energy use.
Read more at:
1. For more details on harmful effects of plastic on humans, please refer to the following:
• Environment and Human Health, Inc. (2008). Plastics that may be harmful to children and reproductive health.
Retrieved 26 November 2013, from
• National Network on Environments and Women’s Health. (2011). Chemical exposure and plastics production.
Retrieved 26 November 2013, from
2. For more details on toxic chemicals in carpet cleaners and less toxic alternatives, please refer to the following:
Environmental Association of Nova Scotia. (2004). Guide to Less Toxic Product. Retrieved 26 November 2013, from
3. For more details on carpet off gas, please refer to the following:
Carpet and Rug Institute. (n.d.). Frequently Asked Questions. Retrieved 26 November 2013, from
Hong Kong Green Building Council 47
