2.1.3 Water conservation
Water resources are being depleted world-wide. In Hong Kong we are lucky with our ample rainfall and back-up from the
Mainland for the supply of potable water. Nevertheless, using less water will mean less energy for cleaning, filtering and
pumping the water to the building. It will also mean less energy being used for waste water treatment before the water
can return to the sea and begin its new cycle through the atmosphere.
Toilet facilities, cleaning and irrigation for plants are the main forms of water consumption for the landlord’s area of the
shopping mall. Restaurants, hair salons and laundries on the other hand are shops that use the most water.
2.1.4 Material conservation
During construction, renovations and fitting out, building materials are used. Conservation can be achieved by the proper
selection of building materials, including choosing materials manufactured from recycled sources, or using components/
materials that can themselves be recycled and reused later after the building is demolished or renovated.
One of the benefits of material conservation is waste reduction. As in any other metropolis, Hong Kong faces the problem
of diminishing landfill sites for its rubbish.
For shopping malls, waste is mainly generated from:
2.1.5 Indoor environment and health
Legionnaires’ disease and allergens from building materials are two of the main health concerns in shopping malls.
Other concerns will be the management and maintenance of the building to ensure that the building systems are
functioning properly and that the interior space is kept clean and hygienic.
Comfort level is another very important aspect for any building. Temperature, humidity and air movement all affect
the human perception of comfort level. A building which uses very little energy but is too hot cannot be considered a
good building. On the other hand, a building that uses a lot of energy to keep the interior space comfortable is also not
acceptable. Green buildings, including green shopping malls, provide the same level of comfort by using less energy.
Comfort level is also affected by lighting (glare) and noise
and background noise level).
2.2
Scope of the guide
The discussion in this guide includes designing of new shopping malls as well as retrofitting of existing shopping malls.
It generally covers the landlord’s areas in a shopping mall but also includes some specific shop categories such as
restaurants, supermarkets and cinemas.
Waste from
out dated display
Waste from
publicity activities
including leaflets or
festive decorations
Kitchen waste
from restaurants
WASTES
Paper/plastic
waste from
commodities
packaging
2.2
Scope of the guide
2.1
What makes a building green?
2
The basics
Hong Kong Green Building Council 51
